Page 5 of Brutal Fae King
I look up at them, challenging them with my gaze. They squirm, and one by one, each one of them hangs their head.
“Send all remaining forces to Cesscaim Island,” I answer. “In the meantime, let us charge a magical assault on theNorthern Naga-occupied territories to the North of Murbyn Bridge from here.”
“What about our force at the border, Sire?” an advisor asks.
“Send a messenger to tell them to leave—but the message can only arrive a few hours before our magical attack,” I answer. “We cannot tip off our enemy that we are planning something.”
“A few hours, Sire?” another person asks. “Is that enough time for all our soldiers to retreat to a safe distance from an aerial magical assault?”
It is a pointed question—that is to say, they know itisn’tenough time for all our soldiers to retreat to a safe distance.
“I don’t appreciate your tone,” I growl warningly. “They are soldiers. They are prepared to die.”
Again, cowardly, bird-like gazes passed between each other.
“Is that understood?” I snarl.
They all stand to attention.
“Yes, Sire.”
“Good. Make it happen. You’re all dismissed,” I grunt. “I have more important matters to attend to.”
They all bow their heads and begin the slow process of adjourning the meeting, gathering up the paraphernalia. I’m looking for Gargamint among the faces—I need to talk to him about the prophecydesperately.
Some whispering catches my attention:
“A magical attack on the Northern areas with only a few hours' notice to our soldiers?” one war counselor hisses toanother. “It’s insane! The entire squadron posted there will be killed instantly!”
“Donotlet King Vicmar hear you say his plan is insane,” the one he was talking to answers back. “He’ll have you executed.”
I would. He’s fortunate I have far more important matters to attend to. If I hadn’t just spotted Gargamint, then I would have ordered a whipping for the wretch.
I approach my war chieftain as he moves with purpose toward me.
“Gargamint,” I ask him in a low tone. “Any news on the latest raid?”
“Yes,” he answers in an equally quiet voice. “In fact, you may want to accompany me, Sire, when you have the time.”
“I have the time now,” I say. “Take me there.”
He bows his head and leads me out of the war room.
As we travel down the grand hallway, he briefs me quietly: “There is one woman we have picked up you may be particularly interested in, Sire. A human woman with magical powers.”
A chill runs through my blood for a moment before it heats into a torrid rage.
“Are you sure she’s human?” I snarl softly. “You have ensured she’s not a witch or hiding her race?”
“We have checked and checked again,” Gargamint replies. “She is definitely human.”
That definitely fits with the prophecy…
“Moreover,” my war chieftain adds, “her power was lightning.”
My feet stop moving. I glare at Gargamint as he walks a few steps before he stops and looks around.
“Lightning?!” I spit. “Are youquitesure?!”
