Disciple of War Disciple of War (Art of the Adept #4) - Michael G. Manning Page 0,164

peeked in on Selene. Though it was late, she wasn’t in bed. Instead, she sat in the front parlor, still dressed, as though she had been entertaining guests. She was alone, however, and Will was struck by the desire to put his arms around her. He knew she was suffering with the fear that she might never be able to use magic again in any meaningful way, and what made it worse was that he was off at war, the very time when she wished she could be of greatest use to him.

For his own part, Will felt useless that he wasn’t home with her instead. The war was enormously important, but it felt contrived. It needn’t have happened at all, if Lognion hadn’t insisted on invading.

It had been more than a week since he had used the heart-stone enchantment to contact her directly. He’d avoided using it because it tired her so quickly, but he decided tonight would be the exception. No telling what tomorrow will bring.

Returning to his body, he activated the enchantment and saw her face appear before him. The light in her eyes when she saw him in return was all the reward he could have wanted. “I love you,” he said quickly.

“And I you,” she replied. “Are you well? What’s happening?”

Will’s words rushed out in a tumble, since he didn’t want to waste time. “Klendon and Maldon are ours. I’m trying to coordinate everything to push on to Myrsta next.” It was technically true, but his explanation left out all the adrenaline-inducing details.

“You’re leaving out a lot,” she accused.

He smiled and nodded. “I am. I know how much this wears you out. I just wanted to give you the rough outline and let you know I’m well and thinking about you.” He could already see sweat beading up as her face lost its color. “Good night, love.”

“I love you!” she quickly blurted out before he cut the connection between them.

Will stared up at the ceiling of his tent for a short while. I’m going to be in a bit of trouble with her when she finds out all the details. Assuming I survive, he thought. He closed his eyes, doubting he would sleep easily, but two days of deprivation had a different opinion on the matter. The world vanished, and his breathing evened out as he fell into a dreamless slumber.

Chapter 45

Will woke in the small hours of the morning, and though he still had another hour before he’d asked to be awakened, he couldn’t fall back asleep, for an idea had come to him. He kept turning it over in his head, unsure if it would work. It was similar to things he’d done in the past, yet different enough that he felt a little uncertain of his ability.

And even if it works, will it be enough to buy us half a day or more? He couldn’t be sure. “And would it be better to start early or late?” he muttered to himself. Early would spoil the Darrowans’ rest, but it might also encourage them to move sooner, rather than later.

He forced himself to think it through. “What would I do if I was their commander in that situation?” I’d send out scouts in every direction and wait for reports before blundering into something foolish, he thought, answering himself.

“The next question,” he said aloud, “is what would I expect to see from this camp that would confirm my suspicion?” A slow grin spread across his face, before quickly fading into a frown. The enemy could misunderstand, or come to a different conclusion, or worse, they might decide an immediate attack was the best solution for the dilemma he presented them with.

If they did attack, they’d discover his threat to be nothing more than a paper tiger. He agonized over it for half an hour before deciding it was the only plan he had, so it was that or nothing. Then he activated the limnthal and spoke to his ring. “Are you awake?” he asked in a hushed and somber tone.

Arrogan replied in the same tone, “Are you stupid? I’m awake whenever you activate the limnthal and speak to me.”

Will fought to keep from smiling, though it hardly mattered, then he updated his mentor on the situation and explained his plan. “What do you think?”

“It’s as likely to work as it is to go tits up,” replied his grandfather. “You need another card to play when it starts falling apart.”

“I don’t have anything else.”

A malicious