Page 45 of The War of Four Winters

"My king," he said, glancing briefly at the boys. "Our rider has returned from Valdrenn, half-frozen and in poor condition."

My hand tightened on my spoon before I forced myself to set down the utensil carefully. "Has the healer seen to him?" I asked, already rising from my seat.

"Yes. They had to amputate two fingers lost to frostbite," Katyr replied grimly. "Despite his condition, he insisted on delivering his message personally."

I nodded, understanding we needed privacy. "Leif, take Torsten to Master Gracin after breakfast. Tell him I've approved more forge time today."

Torsten brightened, but Leif's eyes shifted between Katyr and me, missing nothing. For a moment I thought he might argue, but he simply nodded and stood. "Come on, Torsten. Let's finish quickly."

When they'd gone, I faced Katyr directly. "What terms does she offer?"

"She doesn't offer peace," he replied, voice tight with anger. "She graciously invites you to Valdrenn to discuss the terms of your surrender."

I laughed bitterly. "Did she at least agree to meet?"

"Yes. Full diplomatic protocols. Three days of hospitality while 'terms are negotiated.' She permits a reasonable honor guard."

"Generous," I said, rising from the table. "Has the council been informed?"

"They were gathering when I left. Hawk and Victorin are already fighting about whether to accept."

I moved toward the door. "Is the rider able to describe Valdrenn's defenses? Her forces?"

Katyr nodded. "He's weak but clear-minded. He saw heavy troop movements in the fort. The battle mages looked exhausted."

"The storms tax their strength," I noted. "Good. Her arrogance makes our task easier. She expects a defeated king begging for mercy. Instead, she'll face destruction."

We reached the council chamber. Raised voices carried through the doors. News of Vinolia's response had spread quickly.

"Are you ready?" I asked before entering.

"As ready as I’ll ever be."

I straightened my shoulders. "Then let's inform the council."

"Absolutelynot!"Hawk'sfistcrashed on the table, his face red with anger. "It's an obvious trap. She's practically announcing her intention to capture you."

"Yet it's exactly the opportunity we need," I replied evenly. The council had erupted when I announced my intention to accept Vinolia's demands.

"She's overplayed her hand," Taelyn said. "This demand reveals desperation. The magical storms drain her resources faster than expected."

Lord Northfire scoffed. "Or she believes we're beaten and sees no need for pretense."

"Either way, our strategy remains," I said firmly. "I'll go to Valdrenn under truce. While in negotiations, Katyr and Daraith will find the phylactery."

"And once we find it?" Victorin asked, his expression grave.

"We find the phylactery first," Katyr answered, his voice resolute. "Then we destroy it. She’ll die quickly. If loyalists make a move to detail us, we’ll need to fight our way out. However, I suspect many will defect to our cause. I’ve been named her heir for years. There is no other who would challenge me."

Murmurs rippled through the council chamber.

"If this goes poorly," Hawk said bluntly, "none of you will leave Valdrenn alive."

"True," Katyr acknowledged, a cold determination in his eyes. "But if this works, we get Clan Runecleaver as an ally instead of an enemy."

"That still leaves the Wolfheart loyalists to deal with," I added. "We must be prepared to fight our way out. We can use the chaos to our advantage."

"It's still madness," Victorin insisted. "You’ll be outnumbered. It isn’t worth the risk!"

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