“I have been to those cliffs many times before,” Rayan said, directing his attention to Thorda. “The only way to reach the sands is to swim from afar or descend the rope ladders. Those down upon the shore will have no direct contact with anyone higher up on the cliffs. If we hit hard, and fast, we might interrupt the ritual without anyone the wiser.”

“You will be vulnerable during the descent,” Mari argued. The distance from cliff to beach was significant, but Mari trusted her Lioness form to endure the fall. The same could hardly be said for Rayan in his heavy plate, nor the other three in their lighter gear. “Even if we can reach the cliffs unnoticed, I don’t see how we ambush them without plenty of warning during the climb down. The moon is bright, and they have many torches burning all about the sands.”

Rayan flashed a brilliant smile.

“There’s more to the rope ladders than you first surmised, I assure you. It will be a bit of a rush, but we can drop in a hurry. Assuming, of course, that our leader approves of the attack.”

All eyes turned to her father. So far he had not said a word since Mari’s return. Those unfamiliar with his ways might assume he was deep in thought, but she knew from experience that was not the case here. He was observing those around him. He was watching the way Cyrus stood in his corner, the way his fingers patted his sword hilts. Stasia and Arn, putting aside the bottle, eager grins on both their faces. Mari had a feeling her father already knew what he wanted to do. All that mattered to him was whether or not he believed them capable of succeeding. By their behaviors, their ticks and mutterings, he would judge their resolve.

“With Arn here, my desired team is finally assembled,” her father said, his decision made. “You are my elite, each individually capable of incredible feats. Together, I hold faith you are unstoppable. We will not allow the people of Thanet to see the empire as a source of anything other than pain. The Uplifted Church offers a gift, and so we deny it with blood and steel. Tonight, the Usurper King dies.”

The excitement building throughout the room exploded into smiles and preparation. Mari put a hand to her breast and closed her eyes as those around her gathered their weapons and armor for the last-minute attack. She breathed in slowly, attempting in vain to slow the thunderous beating of her heart.

“It seems you get your hunt, Lion god,” she whispered.

Deep in her bosom, the lingering presence of Endarius roared with eager approval.

CHAPTER 29

CYRUS

Masks on.”