escape that way, they use their magic to form stairs in the cliff side. There was a section of the cliff that was too unnaturally smooth, as if molded by magic. They neglected to replicate the craggy edges of the natural cliffside when they erased their stairs.”
One of the Escarlish generals tapped his chin. “It might be possible for a small party to scale that cliff. It would be difficult, but not impossible.”
“Exactly.” Edmund glanced to Essie. “If a small group of us sneak into Gror Grar during the night, the rest of the army could attack at dawn to provide a distraction. If Farrendel is in bad shape, we will sneak out the back way again, thus avoiding any trap the troll king will have planned for whoever attempts to rescue Farrendel. But if Farrendel thinks he can use enough of his magic to assist us, then we’ll go out the front, attacking the trolls from inside their own fortress.”
Lance patted the power cell with Farrendel’s magic. “And the rest of us will have blown the gates off the fortress by then.”
Essie raised her eyebrows at him. “That’s what all of you were discussing before we came in?”
“Oh, yes.” Lance patted the power cell again. “We managed to contain Farrendel’s magic, but it is still highly unstable. Pack enough gunpowder around it and light a fuse, and this will explode with enough force to take down half of Gror Grar’s walls, no matter what kind of magical reinforcement the trolls have put on them.”
A few of the Escarlish generals grinned. The elves didn’t deign to do something as undignified, but a few of them indulged in twitching smiles.
“Don’t use all the gunpowder. I couldn’t get a good look at it from the ground, but I think the trolls blocked off their escape tunnel with stone.” Edmund shrugged, as if a tunnel sealed with stone wasn’t a big deal. “It won’t be thick, since they will want to be able to open it again in a hurry if needed. It will be a simple drilling and blasting operation, though we’ll want to wait until the bombardment of the main gate starts before we blow the door.”
Essie eyed Edmund. Drilling and blasting? Simple? What had Edmund been doing on all those spy missions?
The elven and Escarlish generals gathered around Lance, discussing the best ways to construct the magic-and-gunpowder bomb and plant it at the base of the gates.
Weylind and Averett edged around the table until they had joined Edmund, Julien, and Essie.
Averett rested an arm on Essie’s shoulders. “I really wish you didn’t have to go with the rescue party. If something happens to you, I would never forgive myself. Neither would Farrendel.”
“I know.” Essie didn’t want to imagine what Farrendel would do if he lost her after suffering that torture. Farrendel had never lost control of his magic, but that might do it. Still, she couldn’t leave him there. “I’m our best hope for getting to him in time. You could end up wandering that fortress for days trying to find him, and King Charvod would kill him long before that.”
“I know.” Averett’s arm tightened around her shoulders before he released her.
“We’ll be with her.” Julien gestured between him and Edmund. “And I’m sure our small group will still have plenty of handpicked, elite soldiers along. Maybe even a few elf warriors?” He glanced at Weylind.
Weylind crossed his arms. “Of course. I will be going as well.”
Essie’s brothers shared a look before Averett faced Weylind, jaw set. “No, you won’t. You and I will be with those attacking the main gate.”
“Farrendel is my brother. I cannot...” Weylind’s voice cracked, and he cleared his throat as if to pretend that moment of emotion hadn’t just occurred. “I cannot leave him there.”
“I understand. But it’s what the troll king will expect. If he doesn’t see you attacking the main gate, he will know you are elsewhere trying to sneak into the castle. It would place Farrendel and those sneaking into Gror Grar in danger.” Averett met Weylind stare for stare. “But if the troll king sees you attacking the front gate, he will think that is the main attack. Instead, we are the diversion.”
Weylind’s shoulders slumped. “Very well.” After a moment, he straightened, his gaze hardening as he focused on first Julien, then Edmund. “I am once again trusting you with my brother’s life. Do not fail to protect him a second time.”
“We won’t.” Julien nodded sharply.
Jalissa stepped closer, her face drawn.