Page 99 of The Queen

“We don’t know how many people they’ve imprisoned. There might be others that would help,” I said, hope filling my voice.

“It’s true, but that’s a big gamble,” Ghost replied. “I have an idea.” His eyes sparked with mischief, making me wonder what he was up to.

Ghost flipped open his saddlebag and pulled out the little black communications box he’d been using earlier. His fingers moved so fast over the touchpad I lost track. The speaker clicked, but before anyone said anything, Ghost was already talking into it. “Maddox, where are you and what sort of troops do you have?”

“Well, hello to you, too, asshole. Now, why would I tell you any of that?” A smile rang through Maddox’s words.

“Out of the goodness of your heart? Because you’re such a nice guy?”

I cut Ghost’s playful banter off. “Because your queen requires the information.”

Maddox fell silent for a second. I may have imagined it, but it sounded like he swallowed a gulp. “Your Majesty.” His voice turned reverent. “I apologize for my rudeness. I didn’t realize I was on speaker comms. We’re stationed at the north watch tower with three squadrons of loyal soldiers.”

I wasn’t sure what that meant. Was three a lot? Was that nearby? I looked to Ghost for answers.

He saw me looking and flashed me a grin and a wink. “That’s pretty good, Maddox. You wanna storm the castle with us?”

“All due respect, my friend, but we can’t get in. Not with that large a force. The starfighters might be busy chasing phantoms through the woods right now, but I’m sure they’d happily detour to blow my men up,” Maddox said.

Ghost paused for a moment as if in thought before he went on. “What if I told you I know a way?”

“I’d say you were a liar.” Maddox’s voice was light, but there was an undertone of hesitant eagerness.

“Can he bring them through the tunnel?” I asked quietly, trying not to broadcast over the comms.

Shadow’s graveled growl ruffled my hair. “That passage is too small. He has at least seventy-five men.”

My lips formed an O of understanding, but wondered if not that, then what was Ghost thinking?

Ghost’s smile and self assured confidence radiated through our connection. His emotions set my mind at ease. Whatever it was, he was sure it’d work.

Ghost looked around, studying the landscape before going on. “Can you get to the old water tank?”

“That’s well inside the perimeter. There are patrols. Many patrols,” Maddox grumbled over the sound of flipping paper.

Ghost rushed in before Maddox had time to come up with more excuses. “Yes, probably, but they won’t have scouts in that area because there aren’t any entry bays. Only a forgotten service shaft that no one would ever use for anything.”

“Except you. I get where you’re going with this. Sure, we can make it there.” Maddox sounded exasperated, as if he was faking annoyance, but was secretly thrilled with the plan.

“It’s genius, I know. You don’t have to say it.” Ghost buffed his nails on his shoulder.

I held back a laugh. “You know he can’t see you, right?”

Ghost gasped theatrically. “Maddox, can you not see me?”

“No, idiot. I can’t see you.” Maddox sounded mildly bored but maybe the tiniest bit amused by Ghost’s shenanigans.

If nothing else, I was grinning.

“That’s probably for the best, if I’m being honest. It’s been rough out here. Meet me at the old water tank in three hours and try not to raise any alarms,” Ghost said.

“Will do.” Maddox’s side of the connection clicked and went silent.

“So, we’re going in through a service shaft?” I asked.

Ghost guided his horse closer. “No. You and Valyx should still go through the tunnel at the oak grove. It’s safer and you’ll be able to release Fenix’s team from there.”

“You want us to split the party even more? Sounds like a terrible idea,” I grumbled, not wanting to be parted from any more of my mates.

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