Once it got going, the discussion went on for several hours, becoming heated from time to time. The warlike Demonai enjoyed showing off their expertise in strategy and tactics.

As experts on historical weaponry and ancient battles, Gryphon and deVilliers suggested weapons that the Demonai flashcrafters might produce. Fire Dancer had some creative ideas of how his marriage of wizardry and clan magic could be helpful.

Hammersmith brought in food and drink, looking faintly amazed that they hadn’t killed each other—yet.

Eventually, they drafted a plan, to be polished at a follow-up meeting on clan turf—at the temporary camp in the high country.

Han still had major misgivings. They would cross the open Vale and surprise the Ardenine Army using magical distraction, glamours, and subterfuge. But Karn had mages, too, and he’d be looking for this kind of attack. It could be a slaughter—with Han in charge.

“It would be better if we could coordinate with those inside,” Han said. “They could create a distraction to draw Ardenine eyes away from us.”

“I’ve managed to get in and out of the palace once,” Micah said. “I’ll go back and let them know what we’re planning.”

“The flatland mages are in place now, and you might be caught,” Shilo said. “Several of us should go, by different paths, and maybe one or two might get through.”

Han didn’t like that plan. We might end up with five dead instead of one, he thought. But he had no better idea. It was agreed that Micah, Han, Bird, Mordra, and Shilo would individually attempt to break through the lines and get into the palace a few hours prior to the attack.

At the end of it all, Han felt as wrung out as he might after a long siege of charmcasting. He remained in the room, pretending to look over his notes as the others departed, hoping to avoid any hallway conversations.

But when he finally left, Micah was waiting for him in the reception area. Hammersmith was nowhere to be seen, and the privacy charms along the walls said that Micah meant to have a heart-to-heart.

“So, Alister, you got what you wanted,” he said, fists clenched, shifting from one foot to the other. “Now I need some answers.”

Han just looked at him, trying not to let his gaze slide to the ring on his hand. I don’t have what I want, he thought. Just so you know.

“Where are my father and sister?” Micah took a step toward Han. “What happened? What did you do to them?”

They’re gone, Han wanted to say, but he couldn’t find the words. He knew what it was like to be on the receiving end of that kind of news.

“How did you get the crown back?” Micah gestured at the bag dangling from Han’s shoulder. “You murdered them, didn’t you? Didn’t you?”