Page 56 of The War of Four Winters

The sudden mention of Elindir sent cold fear through my veins. I kept my expression neutral by sheer force of will. "By all means."

"Our sources indicate he was captured by Michail's forces," she said, watching my face for a reaction. "Apparently, diplomatic missions fare no better for you than rebellions."

I forced myself to breathe evenly, though my heart hammered against my ribs. "Your information is incomplete, then. Elindir is more resourceful than you imagine."

"We shall see," she replied, satisfaction in her tone. She had seen the flash of fear despite my control. "Guards, escort our guests to the western antechamber so they may... consult."

Four guards moved to surround us. As I turned to follow, I caught Katyr's eye. A slight nod. He had found what we sought.

Thewesternantechamberwasclearly designed as a holding pen rather than a true consultation room. One door, no windows, sparse furnishings that included a table and several chairs, all bolted to the floor. Four guards remained inside with us, positioned at each corner with hands on sword hilts, while four more stood outside the closed door. They watched our every movement with undisguised hostility.

"Do not touch the prisoners unless they resist," the captain had ordered, but his tone made it clear he hoped for resistance.

I moved as far from the guards as possible, gesturing for the others to join me. One guard immediately stepped forward, hand raised.

"Stay where we can see your hands," he barked.

I raised my palms in mock surrender. "We're consulting, as permitted by your matriarch. Unless diplomatic protocol no longer applies in Valdrenn?"

After a moment of tense silence, the guard stepped back, though his eyes never left us. We huddled together awkwardly, speaking in voices barely above a whisper, conscious of the guards straining to hear every word.

"Tell me you found it," I murmured.

Katyr nodded. "The bone comb in her hair. It pulses with necrotic energy. It's definitely the phylactery."

"Can you destroy it?" Aryn asked, his voice barely audible.

"Not easily, without my taps," Katyr replied. "But I still have the eighth." He discreetly touched his sleeve where the hidden tap remained concealed. "I managed to keep one. It won't be enough for a direct assault, but if I can get close enough..."

Daraith's expression remained carefully neutral as he spoke. "We need a distraction. Something significant enough to draw all attention away from Katyr."

"Something like a fight between the Primarch and his rebellious son?" I suggested.

Aryn's eyes narrowed. "What are you planning?"

"Exactly what Tarathiel expects," I replied. "I'll refuse their terms publicly, dramatically. Challenge his authority directly. He'll respond with force, creating the chaos we need."

"And what about you?" Katyr asked, though I could see in his eyes he already knew.

"Don’t worry about me. Just destroy the phylactery while I keep them occupied."

"He'll kill you,” Katyr insisted, desperation edging in his voice.

"Not immediately," Aryn said. "His pride demands a public execution, a spectacle to deter future rebellion. He’ll want to take Ruith back to D’thallanar.”

I nodded.

“Giving us time to mount a rescue,” Aryn said firmly, holding my gaze. “Because we are not letting you sacrifice yourself for this, Ruith.”

I held Aryn’s gaze. We both understood that the chances of a successful rescue were slim to none, but he would die trying, anyway. I couldn’t stop him.

“I don't like it," Katyr insisted. "There must be another way."

"There isn't," I said firmly. “Even if you’re successful, the place is too guarded for an easy exit. There are too many armed guards for you to fight your way out. We must give my father a choice between taking all of us and taking me. I’m clearly the prize he wants. He will let you go if he has me.”

Silence followed.

I put a hand on Katyr’s shoulder. “Brother, this is bigger than me. We banded together to bring an end to Taratheil’s tyranny. That cannot happen if we don’t defeat Vinolia first, and this is how we do it. With her removed, you can take leadership of the clan and Tarathiel’s biggest advantage is gone, clearing the path for victory.”

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