In the end, we had a solid majority of the flock Chieftains on our side, but we needed to formulate a plan, make sure we were all on the same page. Sven decided to hold a meeting, inviting those close by to come in person and those farther away to call in. The Chieftains that had switched over from Emberich's side were all told to call in rather than show up in person.
"No reason to trust them more than we need to," Sven had explained. "I'm willing to use them, but I don't want to disclose our location or place them in any particularly crucial position."
"Prudent," Ashur observed. "I definitely wouldn't trust them at my back. Fair weather allies are not real allies."
Wasn't that the truth. Even if the Chieftains who had come over to our side were as sincere as they were saying, they'd shown their true colors. If the going got tough, they would also get going. Not the kind of people you could rely on.
"Speaking of disclosing our location...are you certain about having the meeting on the outskirts of your city?" Sven asked, frowning. "I believe everyone I am inviting here is loyal, but it is still a risk."
Ashur smiled. "This is the most expedient way to hold this meeting. A meeting that I believe will further all of dragon-kind's best interests as well." He leaned forward. "And I can protect you here."
"And I appreciate your support. But it still isn't safe for you or your skein," Sven said stubbornly.
Ashur cocked his head to the side. "If I made all my decisions based only on safety, I would not be a Dragon Lord."
And that was that.
Sven sent out the invitations. The Phoenix Chieftains started arriving only a few hours later. Sven and I dressed and left the roof for the first time since we arrived. We drove out of Ashur's city and through to the edge of the city ruins, some distance away from the heart of Ashur's city.
Ashur had agreed bringing that many phoenixes into the heart of his territory wasn't advisable. Even if they were all sincere and honest, his people likely wouldn't be comfortable with it and it might cause friction. None of us wanted that.
The edge of the ruins seemed like a safe bet though, far enough away from the normal day to day life of Ashur's skein that we could stay separated.
We'd taken care with the invites as well. Each Chieftain was allowed two guards to keep the possibility of a double cross to a minimum, though Sven and I had gone through the list of Chieftains with a fine-toothed comb to make sure we were only inviting those we thought we could trust. With everything that had happened, we were understandably gun-shy about whom we decided to place our trust in. But we couldn't accomplish anything if we suspected everyone. Nobody could live life like that. So we did our best and hoped for the best.
We stopped at the agreed upon location, the blocked road a clear indication we were in the right place. Ashur had his people set up a large table with chairs in the middle of the deserted street, refreshments set up in the shade of a building nearby.
"Here we are," Sven muttered, opening the door and stepping out.
I looked around at the area before I followed suit. Reelin and Amna were already out. It wasn't the most welcoming sight.
"I think this takes the cake for the creepiest meeting setting," I said to Sven as we walked over to the long, sturdy table. A few of our other guards were already in position, ready for the meeting to start.
Sven nodded at my comment. "It's the best compromise," he said, his eyes scanning the facades of the tall buildings, worn away by time and pollution.
That it was, but that didn't mean that I felt comfortable taking a seat at the table. The middle of my back itched, as if I was being watched by multiple eyes. And not our guards'. I was used to that attention. But whenever I looked up, it was to see empty broken windows and no sign of life anywhere. These ruins were clearly abandoned, with Ashur doing a thorough scan of the buildings regularly, but they never felt quite empty for some reason.
"I don't mind the creep factor," Ashur had said when I'd brought it up. "Adds another deterrent."
That was true. And you did forget about it when in the middle of the bustling city where Ashur's skein actually lived their lives. Shivering a little, I firmly pushed our surroundings out of my mind. It wasn't a threat, so it didn't matter. We had real work to focus on.
Aaden was the first to arrive, with Morgan in tow.
"Aaden!" I exclaimed, getting up to hug my childhood flock's Chieftain. "How is the flock? How is everyone?"
He smiled, his handsome face drawn and tired, though his salt-and-pepper hair was still perfectly in place.
"Hanging in there," he said. "Better now that Sven is free," he acknowledged, nodding at Sven.
"I could say the same," Sven said, moving forward to greet him as well.
I turned to Morgan, expecting her normal snarky attitude towards me. She wasn't my biggest fan. But she only murmured a subdued greeting, her face showing signs of worry and exhaustion as well. I knew things were bad when she didn't even bother being cool to me. This was bigger than any animosity we had between us. I found myself almost missing the sharp edge of her tongue, how it indicated things were normal, but I didn't have time to worry about it.
After Aaden, Chieftains began to arrive in the twos and threes. Everyone was early. We were all done with the current state of things. Ray was one of the last to arrive, with Ruth as one of his two guests.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help more when you came to our flock," she said as she hugged me, her tone filled with regret.
"You couldn't have done anything more," I reassured her, leaning back so I could take in her face. "Your look was enough of a warning for me."
She shook her head, sighing. "Things went downhill fast," she admitted. "At first, I thought it was just some normal political opposition. Things tend to swing back and forth in that area—I've seen it happen more than once in my lifetime." Ruth was a grandmother and I knew she'd seen a lot in her years. Her lips pressed into a thin line. "I didn't realize what was happening until..."
"Nobody did," I said. "Blindsided is understatement."
"Isn't that the truth," she agreed. "I hope this will be the end of it. Emberich is a stain on our history, one that needs to be burned out."
Arie, Blaise, and Mishal also managed to make the trip. It was pure coincidence that the three of them had not been at the capital at the time of the attack, or they would have been among the casualties. Arie had been on her way back when Emberich's broadcast had hit. Blaise had been at another flock, mediating a dispute. And Mishal had been home with his own flock enjoying a much-needed couple days off.
Joash had not been so lucky. News of Joash's death had hit everyone hard.
"It is good to see you," I greeted all three of them, meaning every word. I was even glad to see Blaise. We had our differences, but I was never so happy to see his sour face alive and well.
We didn't have time to chat as Sven called everyone to attention as he moved into place at the head of the table. Time to get the show on the road. I sat down on his right, looking down the table.
The mood was grim.
Everyone's face looked as worn as I felt. I'd noticed a couple people were walking with limps, Arie had a black eye, and there were a couple of casts and some burn marks. Holding Emberich off had not been easy, especially in the beginning when we were caught off guard.
I wondered how those who had decided to switch over were doing. Perhaps more concrete things had taken place that had them changing their minds about their allegiance. Maybe we'd find out later. For now, those that had not been invited in person listened in. Sven hadn't wanted to take a chance with video. They could deduce our location from the background easily enough I was sure.
"Thank you all for coming," Sven started, taking in the table. He remained standing to address everyone. "We've been through a lot in a very short amount of time. More than we should have after the tragedy of the last war among us."
Murmurs of agreement. One civil war was enough in anyone's lifetime. Two felt like a sick cosmic joke. Especial
ly when the cause of both had literally come back from the beyond to wreak havoc again.
Sven waited for the comments to die down before continuing.
"That does not mean we will give up," he continued, meeting each pair of eyes. "I know you agree, and that is why you joined us here today." Another pause as he looked around at the assembled group, taking in their rough but determined appearance. Here was a group who was ready to do battle. "We're going to take back the capital." He leaned forward, bracing his arms against the table top. "And kill Emberich for good."
A pin drop could have been heard in the silence after that stark announcement.
The energy rose, people straightening in their chairs as they listened to Sven talk, sketching out what he wanted to do.
The plan was simple. Nobody voiced an objection to it. We had enough people to make it a viable way to attack.
We were going to divide our forces and surround the capital, the outside edge of the circle facing our backs in case an ambush was attempted. Then we were going to move in, closing the circle, and crushing the opposition.
By the time we had all the details worked out, the mood was electric. I understood. Here was something we could all finally do, something that would end this once and for all. I could practically see everyone perk up. Sven ended the succinct meeting with a simple statement, because we were in a time of war. None of the Chieftains could be away for long.
"Have a safe journey back. Tomorrow, we fly."
"My King."
"Yes, my King."
"It shall be an honor, my King."
Everyone acknowledged Sven's title as they slowly left the edge of the city and flew back to their own flocks, even the Chieftains who had called in remotely.
"We know we have not given you much cause to trust us," Cates said once everyone who'd come in person was gone. It seemed like the others had appointed her as their talking piece for now. "But we will be in position and ready to fight. You may count on that." A pause. "My King."
"My King."
"Yes, my King."
A chorus of agreement followed her voice over the phone.
Sven's eyes met mine. I could see his reluctance to acknowledge the title from those who had betrayed him, but he put those emotions away. They weren't helpful in this situation.
"I accept your support. And I hope we all have ample time to right our wrongs," Sven replied diplomatically.
And then the meeting was over. All we'd done was talk, but I still felt exhausted as we got back in the car to drive back to Ashur's building.
Tomorrow, we were all going to leave for the capital. I was under no illusion that the fight was going to be clean, or that Emberich would surrender quietly. There was going to be death on both sides, of the ugliest kind. It was unavoidable. I really hated that Emberich was forcing more people to die because of his own sick thirst for power.
By mutual accord, Sven and I went straight to our suite after we arrived rather than to the roof where we had been spending most of our time. We didn't have many hours left before we'd have to leave. Sven closed the door, shutting us in the perfect quiet with Reelin and Amna standing guard just outside. Our eyes met, and we marveled that we were alone and in private, with both of us reasonably healthy for the first time in what felt like forever.
Sven drew me into his arms, and I went gladly, pushing my face against his chest as he settled his chin on top of my head. I wrapped my arms around his waist, breathing in his scent, taking comfort in his embrace. We stood there for long moments, just holding each other, enjoying the quiet and solitude.
Neither of us said anything as he finally took my hand and led me into the dim bedroom, undressed me, and then himself, and led us to the bed. He came down on top of me, his skin against mine a different kind of comfort, a different kind of armor against what we were going to face. We touched each other softly, kissed each other gently. We savored every touch, lingered over it.
We had superior forces if the count was right and we weren't double-crossed, but that didn't mean there wasn't risk. So much could go wrong. We could both be hurt. Or worse. I shied away from that thought, though it didn't leave the back of my mind, even as I tried to stay in the moment with Sven.
We laced our hands together as he finally pushed inside me, setting an easy rhythm, one meant to last, to draw out this short time we had together before we knowingly flew towards the danger instead of away from it.
We would never choose to run. Not when everyone was depending on us. At times like these, the crown was a heavy burden indeed. I was so proud of Sven for being who he was. For being the light that we needed, the strength that we could all depend on.
I watched as Sven's eyes clouded with pleasure. He watched as I had to shut my own, as I focused on my own escape. Even when we had both reached our pleasure, he stayed buried inside me, keeping me tucked close against his warmth, like he didn't ever want to let go.
We held each other for a long time before sleep finally claimed us.
Chapter Twenty-One
Dawn came too early.
I hadn't slept very well, my brain going in circles, thinking about all the possibilities, all the things that could go wrong. Thinking about what we might be flying into. When I woke, I slid my hand over Sven's chest, reassuring myself with the strong beat of his heart. His eyes opened, and he turned to look at me, sliding his hand up to cover mine.
"It's going to be okay, Adara," he said.
"I know," I lied, smiling. We both needed to believe it. I could tell he knew I wasn't being completely honest, but he let it slide.
Rather than calling me on it, he turned me over so he could spoon me from behind, tucking me securely into the shelter of his body. I sighed, letting myself relax again. I tried to memorize every second of that time, tried to absorb it to help me be brave. Death didn't scare me, even if it was permanent.
Losing Sven did.
Finally, Sven kissed my temple, his arm tightening around my waist.
"It's time to get up," he said, rubbing his face against the side of mine.
"I know," I sighed. So I put on my big girl pants, both figuratively and literally.
Before we left the room to face the day and everything it would be bring, Sven stopped me by the door.
"Come here," he said in a low voice, tugging me close, and kissing me softly. At least at first. The kiss quickly morphed into a passionate meeting of mouths, with an almost desperate edge to it as we both tried to put everything we felt into that touch, until we were both flushed, our breathing unsteady. We finally broke apart, still clinging to one another.
"There," Sven said with a small smile. "Now I feel like I can do anything."
I chuckled, dropping my head against his shoulder.
"Glad to be of service."
"Hey." He tilted my head back so he could see my face. "I love you."
I smiled. "I love you, too."
"So let's go kick some ass together," he said with a serious face.
I chuckled, shaking my head as he opened the door.
"Let's," I agreed, patting his butt.
He gave me a look over his shoulder.
"I'm going to be taking you up on that pass after this is all over," he warned, a twinkle in his eye, trying to fight the worry I knew he was feeling as well.
"I'm counting on it," I said, playing along.
A little bravado wouldn't hurt us.
I kept the brave face on as we joined Mia and Ashur for breakfast. We kept the conversation light, though it was difficult.
Then it was time to leave.
"Are you certain you—"
"This isn't your fight," Sven interrupted, placing a hand on Ashur's arm. "We appreciate all you've done for us, and we will never forget. But we need to clean our own house ourselves. And don't worry—we will be successful."
The glint in his eye was enough to make anyone back off.
"All right," Ashur agreed. "Be safe. We want you two to visit again soon. A
nd I don't want to have to tell Omari any bad news."
"We have no intention of being stupid about this," I reassured him. Which wasn't a promise to return safely, but it was the best we could do given the circumstances. Sometimes danger was unavoidable.
Mia hugged me tightly.
Omari was in school, so he wasn't here to see us off. Probably for the best. I didn't want him to see anything in my face that would just scare him.
"Go wipe the floor with Emberich," Mia ordered, pulling back with a smile that had a hint of worry in it. "And put in a few kicks for me and Omari if you can."
"I will," I agreed. "Nice hard ones. Maybe some kidney punches."
She laughed, but I was only half-kidding. I had a deep well of anger I could tap into.
With a last wave goodbye, Sven and I joined our guards. Aag and Morris were with them.
"Thank you for your help," Sven said, shaking both of their hands. "I wouldn't be standing here today without you. And Plum will be remembered."
They nodded, a flash of grief crossing both their faces.
"The rumors we've been hearing..." Morris looked over at Aag, his face troubled. "If we had stayed, who knows what would have happened to us. Perhaps we saved ourselves through rescuing you."
They could be right. I was a more than a little worried about what we might find once we reached our destination. I could see the same concern on their faces.
The rest of the guards changed form while we were speaking and were already in their phoenix forms, ready to go. We followed suit.
We launched into the air together, heading directly towards the capital. At the edge of Ashur's territory, Aaden and Ray waited with their forces. Ashur had men watching along the border. Nobody would be comfortable with an army waiting at the edge of their territory, so the watch was not surprising, but we needed the extra people with us. If Emberich got wind of the attack we planned, he would try to take us out first, so it only made sense to move in a larger group.
We kept the pace steady, not too fast or too slow. We didn't want to tire ourselves out before we reached the city. As we flew, I thought about the fact that we had the vast majority of the phoenixes on our side at this point, converging on the capital to take it back. We were united in a way we'd never been before. This was what it took. Being taken over by a madman. Even that wasn't enough for every phoenix to come together for one cause.
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