their admission into our society.”
Mark Nerrow’s face took on a look of consternation. “Ideals are a fine thing, son, so long as you don’t fully invest yourself in them. As a man of influence, you must learn to hold them at arm’s length lest they consume you.”
He shook his head. “As much as I despise our king, this is something I’ve learned from him, or in spite of him.” Will paused for a second, thinking, then continued, “No, I think it was from him. Lognion believes in very little, but his confidence in himself is absolute. He will do anything to maintain his power, and fortunately he has decided that for the most part, maintaining a safe and healthy kingdom accomplishes that goal.”
His father blanched at the mention of the king. “He’s evil, not to mention mad. You are not the former, though at times I begin to wonder about your sanity. Don’t make me doubt you further.”
Will’s jaw firmed. “If this is madness, I will embrace it, not for my own sake, but for the sake of those who have no power for themselves. I’m not sure I know the difference between evil and expedience anymore, but we’re going to help those people.”
Laina stepped into the room then. She’d returned several minutes ago and had been waiting outside, listening to their conversation. Will’s ears had warned him of her presence, but he hadn’t minded her listening. As she entered, he could see a determination in her eyes that matched his own. “If he’s mad, count me in with him, Father,” she announced. “This was one of my two main reasons for coming along for this war.”
The baron looked back and forth between his two rebellious children, then sighed. “Rather than argue over vague principles, tell me what you intend to do.”
“We’re going to feed them,” said Will.
Chapter 35
Will’s first orders went with three riders that night, one for First Division, one for the men stationed at the crossroads, and one for Commander Bradshaw back in Klendon. Laina would be leaving with Darla and a small escort of two squads the next morning, bound for Klendon as well. Will’s orders had been clear, but she had felt that making a personal appearance there to reinforce the seriousness of his commands would be helpful. Plus, she was personally connected with the senior leadership within the Mothers of Terabinia, who had lent the majority of their resources to Bradshaw’s logistical efforts.
It wouldn’t be easy to ignore her.
She had fretted over leaving him without protection, or rather without Darla’s protection, but her bodyguard steadfastly refused to let her travel alone. Will assured her he would take every precaution.
“You’d better,” Laina warned. “If you die then I’ll have broken my promise to Selene.”
He smirked. “I’d be a little upset about it as well. You should go get some rest. You’ve got a long road ahead of you in the morning.”
She nodded but didn’t move. “What are you going to do about the attack on First Division?”
“We don’t know how serious it is yet. I suspect it’s just a feint, or even worse, that Lustral may have tipped the Darrowans off to force me to abandon my attempt at taking Maldon. So, for now, I’m sticking to my plan. The Third has already moved up to reinforce them. With two full divisions, the Patriarch would have to throw everything he has at them, and he can’t afford the cost in soldiers.”
“That’s logical,” observed Laina, “but people don’t always do what’s logical. Isn’t your cousin in First Division? Aren’t you worried about him?”
There was a hard lump in his stomach, but Will kept his features relaxed. “His name is Eric, but I’m confident he’ll be safe. Even though I can’t let that knowledge affect my decisions, I still feel confident. The Darrowans will keep retreating toward Myrsta, they can’t afford not to, and if Lustral really is a traitor, they won’t want to engage him. Wherever Lustral is will be the safest place in this army.” It has to be, he added mentally.
“It’s a gamble then,” said Laina.
Will shook his head. He’d studied hard before the war. He’d stayed up to date on all the intelligence reports before they left, and he had the best advisor in the world in the ring on his hand. His plans might seem sudden or abrupt, but that was simply proof that they would also surprise the enemy. Everything had been carefully thought out. “It isn’t gambling.”
“You’re gambling that your