Page 99 of Queen’s Gambit

Chapter 28

Reynard

We were too late. Despite pushing the men, we found Tangrian ships filling the bay. I’d warned Ormond about the dragon ballistae, but my stubborn brother went to scout them himself. Now Vahin was nursing a ruptured membrane in his wing, and I had to deal with Ormond’s temper.

The injury itself was nothing he couldn’t heal, but having the most experienced war dragon grounded was a blow to our plans.

The core of my army camped in a small valley below the river plateau housing Tivalaran’s castle. The floodplains had already dried after the early-spring showers, and fresh green grass, dotted with flowers, stretched into the distance. The setting had an idyllic beauty that would make any court lady swoon. To me, it was a pasture for the horses, a fresh-water supply, and a defensible position.

The dragons claimed the cliffs to our right, and from there, I had a clear view of the enemy’s camp. My hands balled into fists at the sight of a sea of orange tabards gathered in a makeshift camp outside the city walls. The place was well situated, especially with galleons docking nearby, their ballistae covering not just the camp and city but the entire battlefield. And what they couldn’t cover was guarded by Scorpios, the most powerful dragon-slaying ballistae, located on the castle turrets.

Without my mages, our chances of victory looked slimmer than ever.

I hoped the Care’etavos could keep the Lumivitae occupied. We were still outnumbered, but I hadn’t seen a single Light Fae unit among the Tangrians.

‘How the fuck did they pass the Wind Master in such numbers?’ I muttered. If Larena hadn’t died to get us here, I would have suspected the storm fae had betrayed us, too.

‘What’s your plan?’ Orm asked, joining me, looking like an oversized boulder on the regular military horse.

‘I don’t know yet,’ I admitted. I had to keep up a front for my officers and allies. With my brother, I could be honest. ‘How’s Vahin?’

‘Healing. Pissed like an angry striga and promising vengeance in one breath and begging me to never tell Annika what happened in another,’ Orm answered, a blush darkening his already tanned complexion.

‘Don’t blame yourself. He’ll heal,’ I said, and he sighed.

‘Oh, I’m not. I blame those bastards for shooting my dragon. Why don’t they advance? It’s been two days, and all they’ve done is mill around the camp.’

That bothered me, too. I’d sent several reconnaissance units, just small hit-and-run squads to test their forces. The army defended itself but never retaliated.

‘They’re waiting for the gods to give them a sign,’ Gniev chimed in from behind me, and I turned to face him.

‘What sort of sign? A storm, a sunny day, something we can predict?’ I asked, frowning at his disturbed expression.

‘The priests will tell them when the gods have given their sign, and you’ll know when they attack. The screams of the burning and the stench of their roasted flesh will tell you.’ He peeled back his lower lip, baring his fangs in a snarl at my questioning gaze. ‘They won’t attack until they set up the pyres. The Tangra believe the screams of the sacrificed avert death’s eyes from their troops. Sick fucks.’

Acid churned in my stomach and rose in my throat.

‘They burn people for good luck?’ I needed confirmation I understood what he was implying. That it was true.

‘How do you know?’ Orm clenched his fists. He rocked forward onto the balls of his feet, but I knew better than to question those frequently raided by Tangrian marauders.

‘We’ve fought them before, and captured one of their priests. He screamed like a pig when my shaman tested him. We learned all his secrets.’ Gniev smirked. ‘And I mean all.’

I can give them flames; if they wish to burn. Cinared’s vicious thoughts made me wince. Ever since our arrival at Tivala’s castle, he’d been muttering obsessively about destroying those who hurt his Sanika. Cin wanted vengeance so much he was blind to the massive Scorpios ballistae and their augurec arrows.

I was running out of reasons to stop him.

‘Have the dragons fly high enough the bolts can’t reach them. Report any movement suggesting Tangra is building pyres. Gniev, have your men continue the skirmishes. I need the Tangrians restless, so ensure they don’t get any sleep.’

Gods, how I missed my battle mages. They could drown the Tangrians in more fire and death than they’d ever need. Then I could take my time dismantling the castle.

You don’t need mages for this, Rey. Just say the word. Cin purred in my mind. Please.

‘Oh, will you stop it?’ I snapped, and Gniev looked at me, confused.

‘Stop what?’

‘My brother is talking to his dragon,’ Orm said before turning towards me. ‘So, tomorrow then? We’re cut off from supplies. I don’t think we can wait much longer.’