Devil's Due (Destroyermen #12)(110)
“But, Lord Regent Champion! Such a thing has never been attempted! The transports are scattered far and wide! To organize something so complex, so . . . independent, without proper leadership for the hundreds of detachments you describe . . .” The Chooser was struck speechless.
“It will be even more complex than you yet know,” Esshk said. “The detachments detailed to transports across the river must bring them here under cover of darkness. And some of those are hidden quite far away. Yet those troops might have the easiest task, able to use the water to reach here—as long as they’re not seen by day. Others detailed to fetch transports from this side of the river will have to carry them.”
The Chooser finally found his voice. “Carry . . . But why? And to what point?”
“You’ve seen the transports. Their full complement is perfectly able to carry them if they must. Slowly, I admit, and the terrain might pose difficulties, but for whatever reason, the enemy is clearly reluctant to attack Old Sofesshk. We will use that to our advantage in three ways. First, we will stage our transports here, on land, with their crews and troops ready to rush them to the water and move with the fleet at a moment’s notice. The enemy will know we gather our battle fleet, but will not know what to make of our intentions. When it sails, probably at night, it will do so in company with the transports, quickly launched all at once, and the enemy cannot know they’re coming until dawn reveals our entire force already in the strait. We may lose many transports then,” he said, “to air attacks, most likely. But they will remain dispersed, difficult targets. More than enough will get through, and the enemy fleet will have to fight. Second, it is time to fully involve our ‘loyal’ Hij in the war effort. They and their servant Uul will help hide the transports in the city, covering them from view from the air, and helping feed and quarter the troops who must also not be seen. Those who object . . . will wish they had not.”
The Chooser’s crest was fixed in place but his tail plumage flared in admiration. “And so the third thing you accomplish is total control, far more quickly that we ever planned! And with the Swarm—your devoted army—around you, pleased to be out from under the bombing, glad to be doing something, and enraptured by the comforts of Old Sofesshk that you granted them, no one can possibly oppose us.” He picked at something between his teeth with a painted claw. “But again, what you envision will take even more time.”
“True, but not as much as you believe. My army is quite different, you know, and I have every confidence the detachments will accomplish their tasks. In the meantime, the enemy will continue bombing across the river, thinking they accomplish much, when all they really do is feed our army!” He snorted again in satisfaction. “It is unfortunate, in a way,” he reflected, “that when all is done, most of the wondrous army we have made will have to be destroyed if we mean to remake the world, as we must.”
“Indeed,” the Chooser agreed. “But I’ve little doubt that battle will accomplish that end. Some survivors may join us in ruling the new empire as regents, I suppose. We will need new ones, you know. But those we do not need will end with the satisfaction of what they helped achieve.”
Esshk’s eye caught movement near the entryway to the palace and he was surprised to see the new Celestial Mother herself venturing out to view the fire across the river. Her relatively small entourage consisted of the few remaining sisters Esshk rescued that she hadn’t been forced to fight to the death. None could ever take her place now; only hatchlings of her body could do that. But her sisters would always have status at court, and only breed with the finest Hij. And as long as the Celestial Mother lived, they’d stay in the luxury of the palace. For that reason, she couldn’t have better bodyguards, and that was what they were training for. Their training, like hers, was far from complete, however, and though no one could actually say no if the Celestial Mother chose to take a stroll, Esshk was stunned that she’d exercised the will to override the strong objections she must’ve faced. He paced quickly toward the group of females.
“Giver of Life,” he greeted her humbly. “You should not be out here. Danger lurks from the sky and . . .” He glanced around. “Other directions.” She turned to him and regarded him, her large eyes and coppery plumage also reflecting the distant flames. She was already larger than she’d been at the time of her elevation, practically obese even compared to her sisters. Ripe for breeding, Esshk thought. He couldn’t help himself. The faintest scent surrounded her, signaling she’d soon be ready. But Esshk could control himself. He could wait. That smell would be enough to drive any Uul mad, however, and he glanced around again.
“My Lord Regent Champion,” she said. “Please explain. Why does fire fall from the sky?”
“You have no reason to concern yourself with such things.”
“I want to know. Is that not reason enough?”
Esshk was taken aback. Already so sharp, so innately imposing! Her mother’s blood runs thick in her. “Of course,” he finally replied.
“Is it a natural thing? My tutors say that fire can spout from the ground beneath us. Can it also fall from the sky?” She closed her eyes. “I seem to recall another time, before I came to this place, when there was much fire. Much fear. But the memory is elusive.”
Esshk was surprised again. Few females elevated at her age could remember anything before the rites and their education began. “You know the purpose, the principles underlying the Great Hunt?” he asked.