The Ranger of Marzanna (The Goddess War #1) - Jon Skovron Page 0,137
I made a deal with them,” said Sonya. “I’d get them across the tundra during the winter when the empire wouldn’t be prepared, they’d help me drive out the empire from Izmoroz, and then I’d help them launch an invasion on Aureum.”
“I… see.” Galina’s large eyes were even bigger now.
“And that’s actually why I asked Mathilde to set up a meeting with you,” said Sonya. “Armies need to be fed. Granted, the majority of my army is dead, so—”
“I’m sorry, did you say dead?” asked Galina.
Sonya was really enjoying watching her composure crumble. “Yeah, that whole thing about the Uaine having an army of the dead? Turns out it’s not a myth.”
“I…” Galina blinked rapidly several times, probably because those big eyes dried out quickly. “Very well. Please continue.”
“We don’t have to worry about feeding the dead ones, but there are still about five hundred living Uaine who need to be fed, and they have big appetites. Since we’ve been consolidating our base in these more remote, rural villages and small towns, they don’t have the kind of food surplus we need.” She narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. “As I’m sure you know, the common folk have to give a percentage to the empire and a percentage to the nobility, which leaves very little for them.”
“Er… yes.”
Sonya leaned back and smiled. “So when Mathilde told us that her benefactor was a wealthy noble, we realized that might solve our supply problems.” Technically it had been Jorge and Angelo who realized it and had then convinced Sonya it was a good idea.
“I do not personally have access to the amount of funds that would require,” said Galina. “I would need to convince my father to join us.”
“Old Lord So-and-So of Roskosh Manor?” Sonya made a sour face. “Never met the guy, but I can’t imagine someone like that risking not only his money but his neck, too.”
Galina straightened, and her eyes narrowed. “I will forgive that comment because you do not know my father. Believe me when I tell you, there is no man who loves Izmoroz more than him. He has dedicated his life to preserving our history and culture.”
Sonya did not care for Galina’s tone of voice, and her amber fox eyes narrowed nearly to slits. But as she leaned forward, Jorge gently touched her shoulder. She glared at him, and he resolutely smiled back. They’d been friends long enough now that she knew what that meant. She took a deep breath and leaned back.
Jorge then turned his smile on the noble. “If I may ask, Galina Odoyevtseva, are you saying you feel confident you can persuade your father to our cause?”
“Yes, Se?or Elhuyar, on the condition of our family’s continued anonymity, I believe he will be overjoyed to take a more direct hand in saving our people.”
“That is good news, Galina Odoyevtseva,” said Angelo. “According to Mathilde there is already a large network of insurgents in and around Gogoleth. When we finally march on the garrison, can we count on their support as well?”
“I suspect they will find allying themselves with an army of the dead to be troubling,” admitted Galina. She glanced at Blaine and Mordha. “No offense.” Then she looked at Masha and Mathilde, neither of whom had spoken yet. “Would the presence of a Ranger of Marzanna offset their unease?”
“Begging your pardon, miss,” said Masha. “I think it might be the only thing that would, and then only if it was clear that she is the one in charge.”
Galina nodded.
“Well, I can’t command the Uaine,” said Sonya. “They like me, but not that much. What if Mordha and I were in joint command? Would that be enough, Masha?”
“I…” She glanced at Mathilde, who seemed similarly unsure. “I think we’ll have to ask others.”
Sonya nodded. “Fair enough. We won’t be marching on Gogoleth for a couple of weeks yet, so there’s time. But we can count on the supplies at least, right, Galina?” Even Sonya knew she shouldn’t speak so informally to her. Omitting her maternal name without permission was just plain rude, no matter what the social class. But she just couldn’t help herself. She liked to watch Galina struggle to contain her reactions.
“Yes, Sonya,” she said after a moment. “I will speak to my father as soon as I return to Roskosh Manor, and I have no doubt that I will be able to appeal to his deep sense of patriotism.”