The King's Knights

Chapter Thirty-Four: Insanity

Red explained her plan to take the castle.

It was simple, with not too many moving parts. It seemed to be based on the idea that their opponents were idiots. But that wasn't impossible; they hadn't seen much sign that they were fools. The moon was coming out now, and it was getting darker, so they could do it in an hour. But that meant more climbing.

"What if they decide to kill the prisoners?" asked Felix.

And how did he stay unnoticed? Red was constantly having trouble keeping track of him. He struck her as something more than just human. Though she couldn't figure out what it was. William didn't seem to know or, alternatively, did not care.

William did not care about a lot of things.

Which was funny since he did a lot more than most people.

"We will have to move quickly to stop that," said Lura. "I remember the way to my cell."

"And how do you mean to help us, Lura?" asked Bastille, narrowing her eyes.

This wasn't going to become some kind of psychopathic rivalry, was it? The last thing Red needed was interparty fighting. It was always a disaster.

"Like this..." said Lura, drawing up a jug of water and bowel from her bag. Setting the bowl out, she poured clear water and let it settle. It reflected the moon far above as she cast some sort of spell. "Observe now the water. Do you see it?"

A hazy image appeared beneath them, and Red looked on in interest. It was the fortress; you could see it just over the trees. But it was from above, and it looked very impressive. Red wondered if she might turn this place into her stronghold.

What would be involved in that?

A lot of stonework and repairs. You'd need to fix the roads, and that would take working with the local villages. And you'd need permission from someone in authority.

"That's the courtyard," said Red.

"I have caught the light of the moon," said Lura. "In this water, you can perceive where they are by the reflection.

"I can lead you to my companions."

"We should have William in that group," said Jaina. "His sword will be more useful in close quarters, and your healing abilities might be needed, especially depending on how the hostages have been treated."

"That makes sense to me," said Red. "I guess Felix ought to go as well." Jaina had held herself together well in Blackfear. Should Red give her a position? No, doing that would solidify her status as a leader.

You wanted to keep your lieutenants on their toes.

"Fair enough," said Red. "Can the rest of you make the climb?"

"Do not concern yourself with us," said Tyrasa. "Though your plan is bold, we are not facing a worthy opponent. Our enemy is complacency; their weapon was the men before."

"Biting," said Casia.

"I hate resorting to violence," thought Jaina. "But-"

"Tyrasa is in charge of the second group," said Red.

"What?!" said Casia. "Why not us?!"

"You didn't ask," said Red. "You'll cover the approach."

"And what are we doing?" asked Fayn, who had been silent.

"I want you two out here on watch," said Red. "Stay as a rear guard and help if we need you. Just listen for the battle cries."

"Fair enough," said Fayn.