Chapter 10

"The generals will be here in two days; do you have a plan to stop the magicians?" Ambrose asked during their nightly meeting.

"No comment." Valek relaxed on the couch. Even though he knew Alea probably wasn't a threat to the Commander, he still slept on it. Best to keep up appearances.

After a long pause, he asked, "Is there anything I can do?"

"Yes. The generals' retinues are to be housed in the barracks."

"Even the advisers?"

"Yes, everyone except family members."

"The generals will squawk."

"I don't care."

"You don't have to listen to them complain."

"Neither do you."

Ambrose grunted in amusement. "Anything else?"

"Yes. Only one adviser per general is allowed into the war room during your meetings. And no weapons allowed. I want everyone searched before they enter."

The Commander raised an eyebrow. "Except for me and you?"

"That goes without saying."

"All right. There won't be any meetings on the day the generals arrive. They'll need time to rest from their journeys."

The next morning, instead of following Alea, Valek put his plans into action. The door to the war room was normally locked when not in use, and then guarded when the Commander was in residence. Even though he was all about simplicity, functionality, and unpretentiousness, the Commander loved the tall and narrow stained-glass windows that striped three quarters of the round room, and would frequently work there. He also scheduled all meetings with the generals there.

Valek entered the war room and locked the door behind him. The early morning sunlight shone through the windows, spraying a prism of colors onto the walls. A large egg-shaped conference table occupied the center. Extra chairs with their backs up against the stone walls ringed the room.

Valek inspected the entire space, looking for places to hide weapons. He figured Alea's daggers would be hidden and secured underneath the table. At least, that was what he'd do. Then he studied the room, getting a sense of the colors and the shadows. The Commander always scheduled his meetings early in the morning. When he was confident he had the feel of the place, Valek spent the rest of the day collecting supplies.

It was trickier than he'd expected. How could he carry the items back to his suite without anyone noticing? Not wanting anyone to speculate on his actions, he ended up putting them into a pack and stashing it in a hidden corner outside the castle, where he could retrieve it under the cover of darkness.

After the Commander retired for the evening, Valek waited for him to fall asleep before he crossed over to his own suite. There, he changed into his sneak suit and went out onto the balcony. The cool night air bit through the thin, skin-tight material, but he needed flexibility rather than warmth.

High gray clouds skittered over the half-moon, blocking the light from time to time. Valek rolled his shoulders experimentally and stretched his arm muscles. Still tender, but at least they didn't ignite with pain. He climbed over the railing and, after finding the familiar hand and toe holds, descended the stone wall. Reaching the ground without trouble, Valek found the pack, slung it onto his back, and returned to his suite.

Pulling the heavy black curtains over his windows, Valek lit all the lanterns in the living room until the place blazed with light. His gaze immediately went to the left side of the couch, which Yelena had ‘claimed.' A small pile of books she'd been reading rested on the end table along with an empty teacup. He wondered if he'd smell lavender if he sat in her spot. How he loved that scent. Perhaps he should buy a bottle of perfume and?—

Valek huffed in annoyance. Focus. He cleared a space on the floor and then unloaded the pack, spreading the supplies out. Then he unrolled his scrim, which was made from gauze cloth. He'd used it a few years ago and it still looked good. Picking up a paint brush, he set to work. It took three hours, but he thought his efforts were adequate. He'd have to double check.

Leaving the scrim to dry, Valek searched for his box of wooden practice knives. He carried them to his carving room and spent the next couple hours altering them. Then he returned to Ambrose's suite in time to catch a few hours of sleep.

* * *

The Commander assigned Advisers Dema and Chelle to welcome the generals and get them and their retinues settled. According to Dema, Chelle turned into ‘quite the tyrant' when they had both taken charge after Brazell was arrested. It made her a good choice, because she wasn't going to tolerate any pushback from the generals regarding the Commander's orders. Normally, the Commander would greet them, but Valek had advised against it.

After breakfast, Valek stopped in the war room. He hoped tomorrow would be equally sunny and the warm season's annual rains would hold off another couple of days. As expected, Valek found the daggers that Alea had stolen. She must have put them in place the previous night. Their sheaths were secured to the underside of the conference table. Glue? Or something else? It didn't really matter, as he'd figure it out later. Just in case Alea checked them again that night, he'd wait until right before the meeting to replace them.

Valek hurried to his suite and changed into his sneak suit and grabbed his pack. Then he climbed up the castle. There was a flat section of roof that was in a shadow most of the day and had a great view of the courtyard. No matter which gates the generals and their entourages entered, they'd go to the courtyard on the south side of the castle to be formally greeted and welcomed.

While he waited, he unpacked his knapsack, which held his black cloak for warmth, a spyglass, a water skin, and travel rations. He figured he'd be up here most of the day. Valek yawned and squirmed into a more comfortable position.

He looked through his spyglass. A foot long when closed, it was made of crystal and bronze and had three sections that slid out, increasing the length to three feet. A gift from the Commander, it was one of Valek's most prized possessions.

Scanning the edges of the courtyard, the southeast barracks, and the training yard, Valek searched for Alea. He found her along the fence, watching the bouts. No doubt waiting for her cohort to arrive with the generals.

The first general to arrive was General Hazal from MD-6. The castle and Castletown were technically in MD-6, but he had no authority over them. Hazal brought two advisers and twenty soldiers. Rather modest overall, the general was the least demanding and the most pleasant.

Valek aimed his spyglass at the courtyard. Would Alea make eye contact or acknowledge her accomplice? Dema and Chelle approached the general and words were exchanged. It was easy to tell when the general learned of the change of accommodations for his advisers. Hazal straightened in surprise, and Alea's gaze darted to the left. A tall male adviser Valek didn't recognize was turned in her direction. They shared a look as she probably informed him about the trap. Gotcha.

Eventually, Dema led Hazal into the castle as Chelle escorted the rest to the barracks, where Major Granten would ensure everyone was settled. The top floor of the building had nice apartments for visiting officers. One apartment would house both of Hazal's advisers.

General Tesso of MD-4 arrived next. He brought four advisers and thirty soldiers. Anger blazed in his eyes when he learned of the Commander's orders. Three of his advisers glanced at each other in concern. The fourth, a woman, looked right at Alea.

The rest of the day played out mostly the same. Generals Kitvivan's, Dinno's, and Franis's initial reactions ranged from surprise to anger before they tried to intimidate or bully Chelle and Dema. When that didn't work, they tried to ignore them, which also failed. It was all very entertaining. Chenzo and Rasmussen accepted the new development with diplomacy and grace. In each case, Alea exposed her accomplice. All advisers. Not a surprise.

General Ute arrived last with only Adviser Kirwin accompanying her. A great choice. The older adviser had worked for Brazell before Mogkan arrived but had then been limited to balancing the budget. Kirwin had been helpful during the transition from Brazell to Ute. Ute had also brought ten soldiers, which was the smallest entourage. Kitvivan had the largest with fifty soldiers and five advisers.

In this case, Dema led both Ute and Kirwin to the castle. Kirwin could be trusted, and Valek suspected the Commander thought Ute would need his advice and companionship. While the Commander normally wouldn't show any favoritism, this exception was a warning to his generals.

Just the fact that none of the generals brought their spouses indicated they meant business and planned to team up to push for Ute's demotion. And for Valek's execution.

* * *

Valek had a busy night planned. As soon as Ambrose fell asleep, he went to his apartment, changed into his sneak suit, and climbed out of his window. A strong wind blew from the west, bringing the moist scent of rain. He climbed a series of walls, crossed roofs, and descended three stories to Ari and Janco's suite. He unlocked the shutters and pulled them wide before stepping inside the common room.

He waited, but neither man came out to investigate. Knowing better than to enter the room of a well-trained soldier in the middle of the night, Valek knocked into a chair, causing it to scrape the floor.

Two seconds later, Ari and Janco rushed from their bedrooms. Each held a knife. Once they spotted him, they charged. To them, he must resemble a man-shaped shadow.

"I'm in need of your assistance," he said before they could skewer him.

They both stopped but kept their weapons pointed at him.

"How do we know it's you?" Janco demanded.

"Ask me something no one knows but me."

"Ha! A magician can just read?—"

"No, they can't. He's immune, remember?" Ari said.

"No, I don't remember. It's—what time is it? Why couldn't you just send a message at a decent time, like noon?"

"Who gave Janco his scar?" Ari asked.

"A man named Anders," Valek said.

They both relaxed and lowered their weapons.

"What do you need us to do?" Ari asked.

"Get dressed and wait for me outside the west entrance of the southeast barracks."

"Covert?" Janco asked, gesturing to the open window.

"Go through the castle. Just stay out of sight. Once you get there, don't think about staying out of sight. You're close enough to the south gate, pretend in your mind that you're working security at the gate."

"You're basically giving me permission to nap," Janco said. "'Cause that's what I'd be doing if I worked the night shift at the gate."

"Ignore him. We'll be there," Ari said.

Valek climbed out the window and Ari closed the shutters behind him. He descended to the ground and kept to the shadows as he crept toward the barracks. It was quiet and dark, but not pitch black. Lanterns burned in the stairwells. The shift change wouldn't take place for another two hours, but it wasn't unusual for people to walk through at different times. After all, nature called at all hours of the night.

All the visiting soldiers and advisers were housed in the south wing. Valek had considered that all the magicians might be together in one apartment, but that wouldn't be smart. They could mentally communicate so why risk being spotted all together?

Valek started with General Hazal's advisers. With only two of them, it should be the easiest. The apartments all had two bedrooms with two beds, a large common room with a couch, a couple arm chairs, tables, and a desk. Once inside, Valek considered the bedroom doors. Which one? He chose the one on the left and, as soon as he approached it, sensed magic and halted.

There was an invisible magical barrier around the door.

Pierce the bubble and wake the magician.

Valek paused. If the magician alerted the others, all his carefully laid plans would be ruined. What type of protection did the barrier provide? Did it alert the magician that someone lurked outside, or did it only activate if someone touched the door? Was it just attached to the door or was it seeking intruders. If it was the latter, he could go inside without alerting the magician. He could feel the magic, but he never knew its intention—a source of considerable frustration.

It was too risky to use the door, so Valek climbed outside, hoping the man didn't place a similar barrier outside his window. Most people didn't worry about intruders coming through their window when they were on the fourth floor, including his quarry.

Easing open the shutters, he stepped into the room. The magician appeared to be asleep. Valek stood in the darkest corner of the room, loaded a dart into his blowpipe, aimed for his neck, and blew. The dart hit the target.

The man's eyes flew open. "What the…" He glanced at the open window in confusion and pushed up to his elbow. "Is someone there?"

Magic brushed over Valek. The man struggled to sit up, but then the sleeping potion worked its magic, and he slumped over. Valek opened the door to the common room and then the one to the corridor. He returned to the bedroom and pulled the sleeping man over his shoulder and carried him to the west entrance.

Ari and Janco materialized from the shadows.

"Here." Valek transferred the magician to Ari. "Take him to the holding cells in the castle and come back here."

"Yes, sir."

"What about me?" Janco asked.

"You wait here, and I'll bring you a present."

"Oh goody."

General Chenzo's three advisers had sorted themselves into two sleeping in one bedroom and the magician in the other. He had also erected a magical barrier, but Valek repeated his actions without altering anyone. He carried the man to Janco and reiterated his instructions.

"Yeah, yeah. Got it."

Rasmussen also brought three advisers and Valek carried the third man to Ari, who had returned. Tesso's advisers slept two to a room. The magician hadn't put a protection on the door, but she'd erected a bubble around her bed.

She woke when the dart encountered her magic. It stopped in mid-air and then dropped to the ground with a plink. Sitting up, she glanced at her roommate, who was still asleep. Her magic brushed over Valek but didn't pause.

"Light," she said. The lantern blazed to life.

Thank fate her gaze was on the dart on the floor. Having no choice, he rushed her and jammed a dart into her neck. She struggled and various objects pelted his back before the potion took over and she fell asleep. It was only then that her roommate roused. Valek blew out the lantern before the woman could open her eyes.

"Farren? That you?" her roommate asked sleepily.

"Yeah, sorry," Valek said in a falsetto.

"S'okay." The roommate rolled over.

Valek sagged in relief, but still waited fifteen minutes before moving. He replaced the brush, book, and boot that the magician had thrown at him. Then he carried Farren to the west entrance.

Ari and Janco both waited for him.

Janco took the woman. "She's a little thing. Weighs almost nothing."

"She's powerful, though, and the last one," Valek said. "It's too dangerous to capture the others. Let's go back to the castle."

"That leaves four," Ari said as they walked through the shadows. "Three advisers and Alea. Can you handle them? Especially when they wake up and realize their accomplices are gone?"

"Yeah, how are you going to explain that?" Janco asked.

"I'm going to inform Major Granten they visited the infirmary in the middle of the night with a stomach bug and are still there recovering." Valek tsked. "Bad luck to have been served spoiled meat. It happens."

"Don't I know it. One time, I had this rancid meat pie and?—"

"Janco," Ari interrupted. "Valek doesn't want to hear about your projectile vomiting."

Valek gave Ari a grateful smile.

They arrived at the castle's holding cells. Mostly used for temporary prisoners or for those waiting to be interrogated, as going through all the dungeon security was a lengthy process.

Each of the three magicians had their own cell. Janco laid the woman on the cot in the last one. Valek handed a bunch of darts to Ari and Janco.

"This is sleeping potion. I want you to prick our guests every six hours. Do not let them wake up. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Ari said.

Janco scratched his ear. "Why not kill them now? Why risk them waking up unexpectedly?"

"I don't know if their deaths will automatically alert the others. I want their colleagues to wonder and worry about where they are."

"You don't think they'll believe the stomach bug excuse?"

"No, that's mostly for the generals."

"But won't the other magicians be alerted when they don't show up in the morning?"

Valek smiled. "Yes. But that'll be in the morning."

"You're hoping they won't have time to alter their plans?" Ari asked.

"Right. And I want you both to remain here and guard them. They're to stay locked up until I return. Make sure it's me. Don't release them to anyone else."

"Yes, sir," they said.

Valek hurried to accomplish the next task on his list. He woke Medic Channa and asked her to write Major Granten about the poor health of the four advisers.

"They're in my infirmary?" she asked.

"Oh, yes. They're sleeping and are not to be disturbed," he said.

"Okay. Now?"

"First light."

"All right, but you owe me."

"Thanks." Valek returned to his suite via the northeastern cornice and a few slippery roofs. He grabbed the scrim, his climbing ropes, his pack, and the wooden knives.

The only way into the war room was through the door, so Valek had to get there early enough so no one would see him enter. Once inside, he searched for another intruder in case Alea had the same idea. No one. Swapping the real daggers for the altered practice knives, he put the weapons into his pack. Then he climbed about two stories up the wall and slipped onto the rafters.

He unrolled the scrim and attached it to the brackets on the walls, just below the rafters. Brackets he had installed a few years ago when he'd first needed to use the scrim. However, that had been in the evening and the shadows and colors had been different than in the morning. He hoped his limited artistic talents matched the morning light.

The beauty of the scrim was it allowed only the people on the dark side to see through it. Because the sunlight would be coming from the stained-glass windows below Valek and the scrim, if anyone looked up during the meeting, they'd see nothing but the empty rafters he'd painted onto it. He hoped.

Valek put on his climbing harness and tied the rope to the main rafter just in case he had to drop into the meeting. In the meantime, he wrapped his cloak around him and found a comfortable spot to watch.

* * *

"…highly unusual. What is the Commander trying to pull?" General Franis's strident voice woke Valek from a light doze. He glanced down. Franis and Tesso had entered the war room.

"He's obviously unstable," Tesso said. "At least your adviser didn't get sick. I've three others, but I rely on Farren the most. And that medic wouldn't let me see her. Pulled rank on me. A general! Said only the Commander has authority over her."

Valek smiled at Tesso's outraged tone. But then he sobered. He was going to owe Medic Channa big time.

Dinno and Kitvivan entered together.

Kitvivan rounded on Franis. "Did you know Colonel Ute is here? What the hell, Franis? I thought you took care of the situation."

"I tried. She snuck out with Valek," Franis said.

"Valek," Tesso spat his name. "Stole all my Criollo. And destroyed the boxes that had just been delivered to my garrison! Thank fate Farren had some extra. She promised there would be more."

Generals Hazal, Chenzo, and Rasmussen had entered during Tesso's rant.

"Valek?" Rasmussen asked. "He's been busy in MD-5, when would he have time to go around stealing Criollo? My supply also went missing. Strange."

Kitvivan laughed without humor. "Come on, Ras. You can't be that na?ve. He has his spies everywhere. They're working in the garrisons, in our manor houses. You can't trust anyone except your advisers. Bruse also said there'd be more Criollo."

"My Criollo disappeared as well, but I don't miss it," General Hazal said. "I don't know why, but I'm thinking clearer without it."

"Me, too," Chenzo said. "Nolten offered me more, but I stuck it in a drawer and forgot about it."

"Is Nolten sick?" Rasmussen asked Chenzo. "My adviser had to go to the infirmary last night."

"Yes, poor guy. The ones that got sick were all sitting at the same table in the soldiers' mess hall."

"You think Valek could have poisoned them?" Tesso asked.

"While that's something he would do, my adviser said there were seven of them at the table and only four got sick," Franis said.

Before anyone else could comment, Commander Ambrose and General Ute entered. All conversation ceased. The icy expression on the Commander's face didn't bode well for a pleasant meeting.

"Generals, please have a seat," the Commander said, taking his place at the end of the oval table while the others sat along the expanse—four on either side. Valek's seat next to the Commander remained empty. Dinno and Franis glanced at it with unease.

A light touch of magic brushed Valek's face.

"Where are our advisers?" Kitvivan asked, although it sounded more like a demand. "You said we could have one with us."

"They're waiting in the hall until I call for them," the Commander said.

"Why? Where's Valek? Is he busy searching our suites for Criollo?" Tesso asked.

"Valek wasn't invited. And neither are your advisers. Not yet. This is just between us. I'd like to introduce you to our newest general," the Commander said. "Please welcome General Ute."

The silence stretched. Ute tried to make eye contact with the others, but they stared at the Commander. She kept her expression neutral, but Valek noticed her death grip on the arms of her chair.

"Is something wrong?" the Commander asked.

"Yes," Tesso said. "We didn't discuss your selection. If you're going to promote a new general, you would naturally have consulted with us as we've been with you since the beginning. You've had a rough time of late, so aren't thinking clearly. Not giving us the courtesy to be a part of the process is one example. We all understand."

Everyone except Ute gave the Commander sympathetic and encouraging nods. Ute sat very still, as if caught in the jaws of a trap. Valek wondered if all the generals had voted to decide who would be the spokesman and Tesso was shafted or if he volunteered.

"And it can be easily fixed," Tesso continued with a generous tone. "There are plenty of talented candidates. I think we should nominate those we feel would be able to handle the job." He inclined his head toward Ute. "Colonel Ute can certainly be on the list. Once complied, we can discuss everyone's qualifications and vote."

The Commander leaned forward. The room held its breath. "When I promoted you to general, Tesso, did I consult with the other three generals at the time?"

Rasmussen, Franis, and Chenzo shook their heads.

"Did I consult with anyone when I promoted Dinno? Kitvivan?"

All nos.

"Then why would you expect me to consult you now?"

"You've been compromised and are not thinking clearly," Tesso said. "This is why you promoted us, Ambrose, to help you. Let us help."

The Commander paused for a long moment. "I agree, you've been most helpful in the past and I owe you an explanation of what happened in MD-5.

"Back in the middle of the hot season, Brazell sent me Criollo as a gift. I enjoyed the dessert and ate a piece at least three times a day. However, we later learned it's a Sitian drug that reduced my resistance to foreign thoughts and suggestions. Adviser Mogkan, a magician from Sitia, created a magical power ring so he could reach me from MD-5. He suggested I travel to MD-5, and as I drew closer, he was able to take complete control of me. Valek and his team rescued me and killed Mogkan. I woke from the compulsion, and I haven't eaten any Criollo since the middle of the cold season. I can assure you; I'm thinking clearly. Are you?"

Not sure how to react, they glanced at each other, looking for guidance. Magic pressed on Valek. Stronger this time.

"I can say that I am," Hazal said. "I haven't eaten any Criollo in two weeks, and it's made a difference."

"Oh, come on," Dinno said. "Mogkan's dead. There are no magicians trying to influence us. Without them, it's a harmless dessert."

"Is it?" Chenzo asked. "I'm feeling more like myself as well."

Magic filled the room as the door opened. Seven advisers entered, followed by Alea. She also wore an advisers' uniform. Ah, she sensed the generals might have had a change of heart. The advisers ringed the table. Then Valek's heart sank. The four magicians he'd captured last night had escaped. They stood with the others. Alea must have found and rescued them. He had betted she wouldn't have enough time and lost. Valek hoped Ari and Janco hadn't been harmed.

"I did not call for you," the Commander said mildly.

"It doesn't matter," Alea said. "You're no longer in charge."

"Is this a coup?" he asked in the same bland tone.

"Yes." She stared at him. "You will give control of Ixia to General Tesso."

"Now wait a moment," Kitvivan said. "Bruse, what is going on?"

"Shut up, old man," Bruse said. Kitvivan's mouth snapped shut and he clawed at his throat.

"You will give control of Ixia to General Tesso," Alea repeated.

"No," the Commander said.

"You will." Magic swelled and almost knocked Valek off the rafter.

The Commander stood. "No." Then he whipped out his knife and threw it at Alea in one swift motion. Surprised, she froze for half a second before she used her magic to push the knife off course, it whizzed by her ear, but a second knife pierced her shoulder from behind. Alea cried out and spun.

Everyone had forgotten about General Ute. None of the magicians controlled her, and they mistakenly thought she wasn't a threat. Valek celebrated.

"Kill the Commander," she ordered. "I want to see him bleed out like my brother, Kangom."

Ah, she was Mogkan's sister! That explained a number of things.

The magicians reached under the table and yanked out Valek's wooden knives. They were in the air, flying straight at the Commander before anyone realized there weren't any steel blades attached to the hilts. A few of the magicians were looking at their hands as blood beaded on their palms.

The Commander dodged a few of the knives, but the others pounded harmlessly on his chest. Well, he might have a few bruises.

"Farren, set him on fire," Alea ordered.

Flames erupted on the Commander's uniform.