Of Whispers and Daggers ✓ [TLRQ #2]

Chapter 45.3 - Aster

When everyone is seated, Selenia begins the meeting and explains what news the High Ladies of Noirbré and Barriaen received today. The Table shows enthusiasm, of course, and against myself, I smile as well.

"The reinforcements ask for further instruction as they come closer to the city, and I intend to release a message their way by the end of the day. As such, I hope to gain new perspectives and multiple insights from my Table Arbitrate and Honorary Court members." She spreads her hands. "I open the matter for discussion."

"My Queen," I say. She looks at me. "If I may, I have information to impart."

She gestures. "By all means, Prince Astraeus."

I wince lightly at the name and hope to stars that no one at the Table is close enough to tell. I face the room. "I received a vision." In the tiered seats, people lean forward, but the Table is a little more composed. "Please understand that the visions always warn of some tragedy to come, that we may attempt to avoid it or prepare for its effects." Not that someone successfully stopping a vision has ever been written of.

People nod, tense, and I continue. "I saw our reinforcements charging the Kadranians from behind. But the blood of Jacqueline did not reveal to me what, exactly, would befall our people."

No one speaks, the mood immediately darkened by my comments.

After a moment, Irrianet says, "What, so the reinforcements are not allowed to attack the Kadranians? I think that defeats the point of reinforcements."

I shake my head. "The Kadranians were attacking the wall when the reinforcements fell upon them. Any other situation should allow us to circumvent the vision." With such a proclamation, I realize some hope myself. So long as the savages aren't already at battle when the others arrive, the vision won't come true, and whatever catastrophe is coming won't.

After a long moment, Selenia says, "Honorary Court—do we know when your forces will arrive?" I hold back a smile that she refused to pick one to address.

Riszev's aunt speaks up, accent thick and awkward. With all of Retra's harsh v's, s's, and throaty k's, she sounds like a lisping cat. "After engagement last night, I send bird to our army. They come when they get it."

Selenia nods. "Then the message should arrive by morning. After that, it will take roughly seventeen days for the army to travel from the border to the edge of the city."

Aselle leans forward. "Are you suggesting that we ask the reinforcements to wait until the Retran army is here?"

The Queen smiles at her, but the expression is disconcertingly cold. "I'm just gathering as much information for us as possible. Why, Lady Aselle?" Her head cocks. "Do you have a solution for us that isn't going to end like your last proposition?"

Aselle draws back as if struck. The air tightens, and no one moves, as if afraid that any motion might snap the atmosphere.

Selenia turns to the High Lady of Barriaen and asks for the numbers in her army—soldiers, wizards, weapons. The woman gives her answers, and then it's the High Lady Isaeda's turn. What with the Academy of Wizardry in Noirbré's capital and the dense blackwood forest by it, their army has more spells than swords. That means with the two armies combined, there are nearly as many wizards as soldiers, which has both good and bad points. Even good battle casters are better fit behind the beefy sword-and-shields. With that many magicians, though, some will inevitably be hand-to-hand with the Kadranians.