Page 79 of The War of Four Winters

Seagrave leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. "Eight thousand warriors at our disposal, between your approaching forces and the Yeutish. That shifts the balance considerably."

"And gives Lady Redrock additional incentive to reconsider her position," Niro observed.

"What news of Captain Yisra?" I asked. "Did she make it back to Calibarra after Homeshore?"

"She returned with most of her crew," Katyr confirmed. "They brought the news of Michail's invasion. She's since rallied ships from the Craiggybottom fleet and has been harassing Michail's supply lines along the coast. The human zealot finds his advance more challenging than anticipated."

Relief washed through me. I'd feared the worst for Captain Yisra and her crew since our escape from Homeshore's walls.

"And the boys?" I asked, unable to keep the question contained any longer. "Leif and Torsten?"

A genuine smile transformed Katyr's face, softening his features. "They're well. Frightened for you both, of course, but resilient. Torsten has appointed himself Master Gracin's official apprentice. The old blacksmith pretends to be annoyed, but anyone can see he's delighted by the boy's enthusiasm."

"And Leif?"

"Leif has become something of a leader among the children," Aryn said, respect evident in his tone. "When new refugees arrive, he's the first to welcome them, to show them where to sleep, how to navigate the fortress. He organizes the other children to help newcomers feel safe. Captain Hawk has started training him with a practice sword. Says he's never seen such focus in one so young."

Pride swelled in my chest, nearly overwhelming in its intensity. Those boys, who had endured so much, were thriving despite the uncertainty that surrounded them. They were becoming the people they were meant to be, free of the collars that had once defined their existence.

"What of Calibarra itself?" Niro asked. "You mentioned a token defensive force."

"Queen Taelyn commands. With Hawk as her military advisor and the Empress of Bones providing additional support from the Spine tribes. The fortress remains secure, though supplies dwindle under the magical winter."

"Have the storms relented since Vinolia's death?" I asked.

Aryn shook his head. "Some of her battle mages maintain them, though with less intensity. They recognize the strategic advantage her winter brings, even without her direct control."

"The Assembly vote tomorrow remains our most immediate concern," I said, forcing myself to focus. "Who will represent the Runecleavers now that you lead them?"

Katyr's eyes moved to Niro. "If he's willing, I would name General Niro as my clan's representative. There's no one I trust more to speak for our interests."

Niro bowed his head. “I would be honored to represent Clan Runecleaver’s interests in the Assembly.”

"We still need one more vote beyond those we can count on," I reminded them. "Redrock remains our best hope."

"Lady Redrock is pragmatic above all else," Seagrave offered. "She'll support whichever side appears stronger in the moment. Our challenge is to convince her that Ruith's faction holds the advantage, despite his current chains."

"She's also deeply traditional," Niro cautioned. "Her support for a king who would end slavery and elevate humans to equal status cannot be assumed."

A heavy silence fell. Katyr finally broke it, his voice thoughtful. "Perhaps we're approaching this incorrectly. Lady Redrock's traditionalism might actually work in our favor."

"How so?" I asked.

"The ancient laws," Daraith murmured, understanding dawning in his eyes. "The ritual of royal challenge."

Katyr nodded, excitement growing in his expression. "Exactly. Ruith completed the sacred hunt. He took the heart of Vargulf himself and survived the ritual king marking. By the oldest traditions, his claim to kingship stands on firmer ground than Tarathiel's."

"Tarathiel never completed the ritual hunt," Aryn confirmed. "He took power through political maneuvering and force, not sacred ceremony. It's why he styles himself 'Primarch' rather than 'King.' A distinction that matters greatly to traditionalists."

"And you believe Lady Redrock would find this argument compelling?" I asked, hope kindling in my chest.

"She worships the old ways," Seagrave confirmed. "Her clan maintains the most ancient rituals, some dating back to the First Dynasty. If anyone would be swayed by appeals to sacred tradition, it would be her."

"Then I must speak with her tonight. Before Tarathiel's agents can reach her."

"Not alone," Niro insisted, stepping toward me. "The Primarch's forces patrol the city. If you're discovered..."

"I'll go with him," Aryn offered. "My skills ensure we won't be detected." The former Shikami assassin's confidence wasn't misplaced. If anyone could navigate D'thallanar's streets unseen, it was him.

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