Maji Born

33 - The Plan Concocted

"We'll enter through this gate, there's a back stair that leads through the servant quarters and up to the throne room. That's how I got in," Devarak said. Carsire glanced down at the roughly sketched map and then up at Devarak. 

"If they're aware of the Queen's presence the castle heavily fortified. We need to expect plenty of soldiers," Carsire said.

"As long as we get to the throne room it shouldn't be a problem," Zehara said. She withdrew the pouch containing the stone and absentmindedly stroked the leather exterior of the bag. "The stone will grant me my seat if the people see that I can control the Ardaer stone."

"Are you certain they will submit to the tradition?" Erissa asked, "I am quite skeptical that King Radek will accept your claim."

"They people will acknowledge my claim," Zehara said. "I will give Radek an opportunity to rescind his claim."

Lavinia spoke up at this point.

"My brother will not bow."

Zehara stared down at the map, tracing her finger over the throne room.

"We need to move quickly. Can we proceed with the plan tonight?" Zehara asked, glancing up at Carsire and Erissa. They communicated silently and then Erissa spoke.

"I believe I can organize my people."

Zehara turned and went to the window. She pushed away the curtain and watched as the snow fell. The flakes were thick and fluffy, they fell lazily to the ground creating a deep layer of snow.

Dark grey clouds obscuring the sky making it tricky to determine the time of day. Her best guess was high noon.

"I suggest that everyone rests up," Zehara said. "We'll need our full strength for tonight. Ser Carsire, can we layout mats in this room?" She asked gesturing to the floor in front of the sofa.

"Please do. Make yourselves at home," Carsire said. He glanced toward the kitchen. "I'll make something filling to keep your energy up."

"I will gather our allies and place them throughout the city. If this is to work we will need to take control of the city guard and the castle as quickly as possible. The element of surprise is key," Erissa said.

Carsire nodded.

"I agreed. I suggest we stage our attack on the third bell toll."

The others agreed and Erissa took her leave with Luqi and Harris to alert the rebellion of the upcoming fight.

It didn't take them long to unroll their sleep mats and get comfortable in the main room. Carsire left them to their own devices, heading off to the kitchen to start a soup. Sleep came less easily however, the group was restless and the upcoming dangers kept all of them from getting to sleep. Each new that the others were awake yet no one spoke. Instead, they let the silence wash over them.

Eirian's thoughts were focused on her mother. She might die and what if she didn't? What would she do once Midais returned to normal? She rolled over, grasping lightly at the matt. Devarak lay across from her, as she turned they made eye contact. She held his gaze for a brief moment and then closed her eyes. She got the feeling that Devarak was analyzing her and she wasn't sure she liked it. Eirian pulled her blanket closer and tried not to think, she hadn't come this far only to die.