Chapter 57: Cenric

Chapter

Fifty-Seven

CENRIC

Luc moves to sit next to Everly at the table. "The rebels are camped in the Whispering Pines, about half a day's ride northeast of here."

My jaw clenches. The Whispering Pines is a dense forest with natural defenses.

Everly adjusts the sleeves of her surcoat as she listens.

"Numbers?" I ask.

"I estimated that there are around two thousand," Luc says.

Two thousand. Far more than I'd anticipated.

"Composition?"

"A mix." Luc leans back in his chair and folds his arms as he adds, "Sympathizers, outsiders, and a significant number of Calcites. They've managed to rally a large force."

I run a hand through my hair, processing this information. The presence of more Calcites complicates things further .

"What of their defenses?" I ask as I stare down at the map of Karra again.

Luc's chair creaks as he leans forward and gestures to specific areas. "They've fortified the natural terrain well. Lookout posts in the tallest pines, barricades at key entry points."

"And their supplies?"

"They seem well-stocked," he says. "I spotted several supply caravans entering their camp. They're prepared for a prolonged engagement."

A frontal assault would be disastrous, but perhaps there's another way. My gaze drifts to the map, tracing the contours of the land surrounding the Whispering Pines, while Everly fiddles with the wooden fox she carries.

"What if we didn't attack at all?" I muse aloud.

Luc raises his brow. "You want to let them sit there and grow stronger?"

"No," I say, a plan forming in my mind. "We make them come to us."

"How?"

I stand as I explain. "We'll spread rumors that we're abandoning our camp, retreating back to Astarobane. Make it look like we're leaving Karra undefended."

Luc nods, catching on. "And when they move to take the city..."

"We'll be waiting," I finish.

I grab the map and haul it closer. "Luc, I need you to take a small force and set up camp here." With my index finger, I point to a spot on the map. "Make it look like we're preparing to leave. Light plenty of fires, be visible."

"All right," Luc says. "I can do that."

"Gabriel and Liam will lead the main force. They will hide in the forests here and here." I indicate a spot shadowing the pass. "When Alvina's forces move through, we'll trap them between us."

My heart races, knowing there's more to my plan, but I'm not ready to reveal it all. Some parts are too risky, too dependent on factors I can't control yet. For now, this will do.

"What about the Calcites and their air magic?" Luc asks.

I smile, thinking of the countermeasures I have in mind. "I have a plan for them, but we'll discuss that later. For now, focus on preparing your men for a stealth operation."

As Luc turns to leave, I add, "Keep this between us for now. The fewer who know, the better our chances of success."

"I will," Luc say says he leaves the tent.

The moment I'm all alone with Everly, I shift to meet her eyes.

She shoves her hair behind her ears. "What?"

"I want you to do something for me. Go to Morwen's tent. Say something about overhearing us talking about setting up camp somewhere else."

"Why?"

"Because I want you to."

A hint of uncertainty clouds her features, but she still nods at me.

If things go how I plan, I will be laying the perfect trap. Well, that is, if Everly can execute it the way I want.