When Angels Fall

Chapter 35 - Reunion

Mikal

Mikal could not wait to meet Vilfred. He could not wait to get an explanation for his stupid and absurd decision to reinforce Grytia. He had a feeling it would just turn out to be a big misunderstanding after all. Perhaps there would be no need for battle, and then everything would just go according to their original agreement. Mikal thought over and over, as he marched with the Western forces to Grytia.

He sighed and closed his eye, trying not to overthink about it. He was nervous enough already that he was marching among thousands of warriors who wanted him dead in the first place. Even with Tristan's protection, he could not hide from the hateful stares and sneers that followed his every step. Traitor was a word he heard every second, not to mention the silent promise of murder he saw every time he met Cylia's eyes. Despite being a woman, she was the most terrifying of them all.

The summer heat had died and the leaves started to change color, announcing the start of fall. Another evening fell, and the army camped in a clearing a day or two away from Grytia. Mikal shared the same tent with Tristan and Jared, for security reasons. It was Tristan's responsibility after all to keep his eyes on Mikal at all times, as dictated by King William. And yet Mikal was most grateful for the arrangement. It was his favorite part about the whole march, when the nights fell and he stayed up late with Tristan, sharing endless conversations about the most ridiculous things in the world. No wonder Jared often grumbled and cursed as he lay in his bed in the furthest corner of the tent, his sleep interrupted by Mikal and Tristan's pointless chattering...

"They know we're here," Cylia said as the leaders gathered for council the next morning.

Mikal had not been allowed to attend any council meetings ever since he was let out of the Sky Tower back in Vausterland. But since the battle was mere days away and Tristan needed his help, he allowed Mikal to start attending some of their meetings. He was of course met by an outburst of protests as soon as he entered the operations tent. But nothing that Tristan couldn't handle.

"Our scouts spotted the enemy forces camped out near the woods," Cylia continued.

"So we attack soon?" Lord Aryan asked.

"No," Tristan said. "We are staying here for a couple of days."

"What's the point of the delay?" Mikal asked in confusion. "We have almost reached Grytia already."

A long moment of silence followed Mikal's words, where every single man in the tent turned to glare at him for having the audacity to speak. There was no need for them to voice their murderous intentions, since their eyes said it all.

"It is better to have some rest after marching for too long, before we get into battle." Only Tristan had the courtesy to explain, with a gentle smile. It was the most absurd explanation ever said, but Mikal was in no position to argue. Not when he was cornered in a den of blood thirsty Vausterians.

"I agree," one of the winged generals said, and next, the rest of the presence all voiced their agreement as well.

"And how do you plan to attack?" Edward asked.

"We'll use a little trick," Tristan said, before he turned with a knowing smile to Mikal. "The Kassarathi are known to be easy prey for tricks and traps, isn't that right?"

Mikal only smiled back in response, a bit hesitantly though.

"Our ground forces will start the attack," Tristan said. "We'll strengthen our left and right flanks. This will leave our middle weak, where the enemy would easily push through."

A few side whispers rose along with a few confused frowns. But only Mikal smiled knowingly as he started to see where Tristan was going.

"Let them in," Tristan continued. "Don't push them back, just keep them coming in, and keep strengthening and expanding our flanks, until we close around them."