But he would not let Stoon see this. “Today’s efforts were not made with the expectation of achieving victory,” he declared firmly, determined to put the best face possible on what had happened. “It would have been excellent if we could have seized the Keep in one day’s time, but contrary to what you might think I did not believe that was how things would go. I understood what we were up against. You notice, however, that the plan we arranged worked well enough?”

Stoon nodded. “They fired first, giving you cause to respond. Yes, I saw. But I think you believed your fire launchers and flash rips would be enough to overcome their magic.”

“I won’t argue that. I expected more from our weapons. But the Druids have had years to arm Paranor, and whatever magic protects it wasn’t conjured overnight.

“Anyway, we might have done some damage even if we didn’t get inside. You saw the walls.”

“I saw them. They didn’t look particularly damaged to me.”

Drust rubbed his forehead, further annoyed. “Do we have a way to get into the Keep yet?”

Stoon shook his head. “I’m waiting to hear.” He paused. “I think it will happen. I just don’t know when.”

“Soon would be good.” Drust gave him a look. “Very soon would be better. I need to end this quickly.” He paused. “I’ve put a lot of faith in this plan of yours.”

Stoon smiled. “You said yourself it’s worked so far. Paranor apparently attacked us first, so we were given cause to retaliate. Our key to opening the gates and sacking the place waits just inside. He’ll do what he’s supposed to do. I’ve used him before. He’s dependable. He likes this sort of thing. It makes him feel superior when he thinks he’s smarter than everyone else.”

“I’ll say it again—this has to happen quickly. Once word of our attack gets out, others will almost certainly attempt to intervene. I want us inside the Keep and in control of its walls before that happens. I want the Druids either disposed of or imprisoned. If your man is so smart, he should be able to do what is needed to make that happen.”

“Patience, Drust.”

“I don’t have any patience left. I don’t have any wish to be patient. I want this matter settled, Stoon.” He said it quietly, but with an edge to his voice that the other couldn’t miss. “If this turns into the debacle we both knew it might, I will be the one to face the consequences. I am fairly certain I can predict what those consequences will be. And what happens to me happens to you. Find a way to get us in!”