128 Be Prepared (2/2)
The last thing we had to discuss before we could get down to strategy was Fayne news which Aura had compiled from a few nights worth of scrying orbs. There were really only two things of note that were worth mentioning.
\”Since our unit has focused on rescuing the Chosen One, we're being outshone in the Westmarch by both the Millenium Hawks and the Moonlight Marauders. They've won several small skirmishes against the Dominion,\” Aura reported.
\”Should we care?\” Ashley asked.
\”The more achievements a unit racks up the more prestige they earn, translating into favor, spoils, and promotions,\” Aura answered.
\”Hopefully, this mission gets us enough credit to jump past them,\” I said. \”Anything else, Aura?\”
\”Actually, there's one interesting intel I got from Darah you might find interesting,\” she said, pausing for effect before her big reveal. \”Reports have indicated that the Lord of Stars has arrived in the central region…\”
My eyebrows were suddenly in danger of vanishing above my hairline.
\”The Lord of Stars…\” I repeated. \”He's one of this generation's Sense Knights, right?\”
Aura nodded. \”He's also the only human who wields absolute power in a fairy clan.\”
There was a whistle from Qwipps.
\”So… avoid at all costs,\” Luca commented.
\”Definitely,\” Ashley added.
\”Unless we're all suicidal… or you know, foolhardy,\” Varda finished, prompting everyone to look right at me.
And although most of them seemed to agree that there was no way in hell they were going to let me meet the Lord of Stars, both Edo and Azuma seemed to have a twinkle in their eyes.
Finally, with all business settled, it was time to talk about more important things. Namely, how we were going to rescue Ty from a place we cannot go to.
\”Kallista's smuggler's should be getting here tonight,\” Aura reported. \”The soldiers who are coming along are ready too.\”
\”You guys really want to go to enemy territory with just a hundred soldiers?\” Qwipps asked. \”Muddamit… sounds like suicide.\”
\”You realize that you're going too, right?\” Ashley reminded him.
\”Muddamit, Ash… I was trying not to think about that…\” Qwipps replied, shaking his head.
\”Without Garm's consent, the unit can't go past the blockade. We'll have to make do with smaller numbers, which is why we're bringing the best,\” I explained, buttering up my people as I did.
I looked over to the map on our table and pointed a finger at the mark I'd placed on it right after I'd had my vision.
\”The Undercroft, the oasis city beneath the sands,\” Luca read from the map's elvish script. \”Great… another ominous-sounding deathtrap.\”
\”Come on, little brother,\” I said, glancing toward him. \”It's an adventure.\”
Luca smirked. \”I knew you'd say that… geek.\”
\”Before these two can get into another round of brotherly brother banter,\” Azuma cut in before we could escalate. \”Are we all in agreement with the plan?\”
\”I don't like it,\” Edo growled.
\”We need you here leading the men, Edo,\” Aura insisted. \”Dean and I believe this is a role only you can fulfill.\”
\”My first role is to protect you, Aura,\” he countered.
Aura wrapped an arm on me and Luca sitting on opposite sides of her. \”These boys will protect me. They always have.\”
\”More like you'll protect them,\” Edo grumbled, but relented anyway.
\”So it'll be me, Edo, and Xanthor holding down the fort,\” Azuma repeated. \”While Dean, Luca, Aura, Ashley, Varda, Qwipps, and Thom will be heading out along with nineteen members from Hazy Moon, eight from Mage Hand, nineteen Talons, nineteen from Shield, nineteen from Ravagers, and ten kobolds.\”
\”A hundred-and-one members in all,\” I agreed. \”All specialists who excel in close quarters combat, agile maneuvers, and explosive escapes.\”
\”Ah… so that's why we're bringing Donar along,\” Varda noted. Then she turned to me and asked, \”Sure you want me with you? I'm worried about renovations, Commander.\”
\”Zarz can handle that for now, Varda. I need you on this one,\” I said.
Varda saluted me like usual. But afterward, she said something that a superstitious mind would have found creepy. \”Still, an operation on the week of Samhain feels rather ominous… don't you think?\”
The fairies around the table nodded in agreement, but I wasn't sure why the Night of Samhain, which to Mudgardians was Halloween, was such a big deal. Sadly, I wasn't able to ask as, at that moment, the doors to the great hall opened with Zarz appearing on the other side of it, jumping up and down like he'd heard some good news at last.
\”Your ride's here, Dean!\” he yelled.
And you know what? That was good news.