Total pages in book: 214
Estimated words: 195876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 979(@200wpm)___ 784(@250wpm)___ 653(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 195876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 979(@200wpm)___ 784(@250wpm)___ 653(@300wpm)
"Raith told me that one," I say, reaching for a piece of fruit from the plate Raith brought earlier.
"My favorite is the one about Nessa's flying fish," Beck says.
I feel Typhon perk up at the mention.
"They say he fish-slapped Voss and got you both thrown off the highest tower. When we heard that one, we had to make the code ‘fish slap’ in honor of the rumor yesterday."
We all share some much needed laughs at the increasingly ridiculous rumors. Eventually, though, the conversation turns to more deadly topics. Like our strategy for the Crucible.
Ambrose pulls out a folded parchment from his pocket, spreading it across the foot of the bed. It shows a detailed rendering of what must be the quarry Raith took me to see.
"Where did you get this?" Raith asks, moving closer to examine the map.
"Library archives," Ambrose says proudly. "Not the main one—the secondary archive in the west wing basement. You'd be surprised what they keep there if you know where to look."
Beck rolls his eyes. "He means he sweet-talked the library assistant. Apparently, she has a thing for guys who can quote tactical theory from memory."
Ambrose adjusts his glasses, a hint of pink touching his cheeks. "I can’t control if she finds my intellect stimulating."
“Hey, no need to defend yourself, Ambrose. I’m happy for you. I just didn’t know you had it in you. If you want my advice? You show up at her room. Tonight. Wear something sexy. Just walk right in like you own the place. It works every time.”
"Enough," Mireen cuts in. "We're here to talk strategy, not Beck's questionable romantic wisdom."
"It's not questionable when it works," Beck protests, but subsides when Mireen levels a glare at him.
"So," I say, leaning forward to examine the map, "what's the plan?"
For the next hour, we discuss possible scenarios for the Crucible. Ambrose has developed several strategies based on different starting positions, while Mireen and Beck contribute insights on our potential enemies and allies. Brunhild's tactical knowledge proves surprisingly extensive, her understanding of terrain advantages particularly valuable.
Raith remains mostly silent, though he occasionally offers a suggestion when our strategies have obvious flaws. I notice he's careful not to reveal too much about his own plans with the fires, maintaining a certain distance despite being physically present in the room.
Ultimately, there's only so much planning we can do. We won't know our true objective until the day of the Crucible. But knowing where the Crucible is likely to take place has its advantages, which is what we spend most of our time focusing on.
"Don't you all have classes?" I ask once I've realized just how long we've been talking.
"We'll get a slap on the wrist," Beck says. "No big deal. We're where we need to be."
"He's right." Mireen gives my shoulder a squeeze and I feel wisps of her cool water energy flow into my body. She shivers, but smiles. “Still think it’s incredible how you can draw power from people.”
"She is small, but strong," Brunhild observes with her muscular arms folded. "To draw power from enemies is a valuable skill. I will teach her grappling techniques for combat. Ways to get her small, child-like hands on her opponents."
I raise an eyebrow, then lift one of my hands and give it a look. They aren't that small. "Thanks, Brunhild."
Brunhild nods. Her platinum blonde hair is pulled back in a scalp-tight braid that seems as no-nonsense as the woman herself. "In my home village. Before I come to Empire. We have stories of unbound. Not like stories here. Stories of heroes, not monsters."
"Where was your village?"
"North islands," she says. "Beyond Empire, beyond Red Kingdom. Different... perspective." She taps her temple meaningfully. "But the elements wished us to leave. Waters rose. My home is now part of the sea."
"Well, we're glad you're on our team," Mireen says with a genuine smile.
Brunhild... tries to smile. The expression isn't natural on her severe face, though, and it looks more like she's baring her teeth. "Your team has power. Heart. Good heart makes for good power. We will survive Crucible together."
There's a simple wisdom in her words that catches me off guard. "I hope you're right."
"I am right," she says confidently. "I see truth in people. Is why I trust sexy bear." She nods toward Beck, who preens visibly.
"Nice as this is," Ambrose interjects, checking the time, "we should be going. We've got combat training in twenty minutes, and Instructor Vail hates tardiness even more than Sestra. I can handle remedial channeling classes, but Vail will literally make sure we bleed if we're late."
"It's okay. Go," I say.
They gather their things, Mireen hugging me tightly before she leaves. "Take care of yourself," she whispers. "And be careful with him." Her eyes flick meaningfully toward Raith, who is speaking quietly with Beck near the door.