Page 51 of Upon Buried Embers
“It is.” We’re running out of time.
“Can we keep them safe?” Adora asks.
“We have so far.”
“I will die before they’re taken!” Calian responds, teeth bared.
“I know you will,” I say to him. “Let us pray we are enough. The plan is enough.”
“And if it isn’t? What if we fail?” Kaldor asks, and I look down at the map.
To the North, it shows half of the king’s army stationed there, fighting with the elves to gain access to the Elven lands. For what reason? It’s unknown, but I may finally be able to find out if all goes to plan.
There are red stones dotted in the Wilds, near our camp. These represent the mercenaries that were sent out to invade us, but we took care of them.
They’re not just from the king, but from another clan too.
One we haven’t been able to find out anything about.
The red stones are in three locations near the mountain behind us. They’re the ones who managed to enter in the few places they could. Their motive is unknown. To steal a dragon? To kill them? Either way, they were torn up, but now we watch the mountain diligently.
The only issue is that we don’t know the full extent of the caves and their exits.
Only the dragons do.
“I will send out a party to scout the surroundings. With the increase of Nighturn found, we can never be too careful,” Rhett says, and I nod.
“I just don’t understand why we cannot be left alone,” Asseya sighs, and I snort.
“That would mean admitting failure, and that is something he won’t do.”
Silence fills the room. We all know it’s true. He won’t stop until he’s the only threat left, and unfortunately, he’s a threat to us and the rest of the clans with the concoction he has in his possession.
“What in Morana is his end goal?” Dorkin shuffles through his papers. “The Games are soon, and there’s unrest in all the clans, not just ours. I felt it when we were trading.”
“The dragons are restless, which makes the Dragorie restless.” I look down at the map one last time, moving a black stone that represents our people. “The Games have been around for seven years, and the only thing we know happens, is death.”
“Death,” Kaldar spits, hands gripping the table so hard it creaks. “Too many of us die in The Games, and for what? Entertainment?”
“We can’t break the truce… not yet, anyway,” I run a hand down my face, exhausted. “Let us rest, it’s been a trying journey, and as you all have seen, about a week ago we picked up an elf.”
“And she will… what?” Rhett says.
“She will help us. Kaldar can fill you in over a hearty meal. Now rest up.”
They all nod and begin to leave, however…
“Asseya?” She halts, turning toward me. “Come to my cabin in the morning, there are some wounds needing to be tended to.”
“The girl?” I nod. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Rohan.”
“That is all I have left.”
“Will it be worth it? In the end, I mean?”
I look down at the map once more.
“It has to be.”
