Sacrifice (The Snow Queen #2)(38)

“Crow doesn’t know it?” Phile stood on her tiptoes and waved to the mercenary when she spotted him.

“I’m sorry to say I’m as ignorant as a fledgling,” Crow said. “Tenebris barely tolerated us foot soldiers, but I don’t think even his colonels know what he pays to use his magic.”

“What are your suspicions?” Steinar asked.

General Halvor bowed to the king. “The unusually long amount of time he spent in the south seems odd, given the strong push he made when he entered Verglas. After the Battle of Gaula, he did not use his powers so extensively again.”

“It does seem strange,” Oskar admitted. “Has the resistance heard anything?” he asked, addressing the three representatives.

Hròarr shook his head and ran his hand through his scrubby hair. “We’re fair ignorant of the way magic works, sir. Though it’s possible someone from the far south noticed. There are a few older women renowned for their…arts, and one of them belonged to one of the first conquered cities. It’s still locked up tight as a hazelnut, though.”

“It sounds like Grandmother Hilda’s contact,” Oskar said.

“We will present her with a request to inquire further with her contacts,” General Halvor said.

“I understand that knowing his price or limit would aid us,” Rakel said, “But I still believe that if we wish to use the resistance forces to their greatest capacity, I need to build ice structures to protect them.”

“It’s not possible, Princess,” General Halvor said.

“What if we were to recruit Farrin Graydim?” Rakel asked.

The room exploded in whispers and yelps.

“What?”

“Colonel Graydim?”

“We nearly killed ourselves keeping him occupied in Glowma, and Ostfold was barely any better,” Frodi said.

“Exactly.” Rakel ignored the nay-sayers. “If Farrin could be brought to our side, it would be a terrible loss for the Chosen. They depend on him to keep a large number of our magic users occupied, and none of our soldiers can face him due to his speed magic.”

“Perhaps, but it cannot be done,” General Halvor said. “He is loyal to his cause.”

“Not so loyal.” Oskar’s expression turned thoughtful as he studied Rakel. “If he were, he would not feed the princess so much information.”

Rakel offered her attendant a smile, thankful for his support.

“I think it’s a smashing idea!” Phile said.

General Halvor glared at her.

Rakel pressed her case. “You know he will be dispatched to attack me. You have it worked into the plan to have a small squad of magic users intercept and engage him. Let him come to me, and I will ask him.”

General Halvor placed a hand on the hilt of his sword. “While I must admit Oskar is correct, and Farrin Graydim doesn’t seem to see you as an enemy, I do not think it is likely he will accept your offer. Moreover, it is not wise to hinge an entire battle plan on a mere possibility.”

“Do it,” Steinar spoke, shocking everyone into silence. He didn’t seemed to notice the room’s scrutiny as he stared at General Halvor. “Change the plan so Rakel can speak to Farrin.”

The silence was thick and suffocating until Hròarr worked up the courage to ask, “You think he’ll listen to her, King Steinar?”

“He will.” Steinar’s confidence and firmness were as solid as a frozen waterfall.

General Halvor hesitated. He looked back and forth between the royal siblings and then bowed. “As you wish—though I request that we have a number of back-up plans in place.”

“Of course,” Rakel murmured.

Steinar nodded his acceptance.

“Very well. The resistance fighters will be in four separate groups,” General Halvor said, returning his attention to the model.

The meeting went late into the night, and by the time they had concluded, all but the soldiers on the night watch had retired for the evening.

“Steinar,” Rakel said when she slipped outside after her brother.

“Yes, Rakel?”

“Could you walk with me—for just a moment?” She asked. She glanced over her shoulder, checking to make sure the resistance representatives could see them.

“Certainly.” Steinar offered his arm, which Rakel took. She smiled at him when he didn’t flinch at her touch. “You wish to show the resistance that we are a united front?” he guessed as they meandered away.

“Partially, but I had a question for you.”

“Yes?”

Rakel hesitated, trying to find the right words. “Why do you believe Farrin will listen to me?”

Steinar nodded and dropped his gaze to his feet. “I interacted with Farrin on several occasions, the first of which was when he took Ostfold. The most recent interaction was when he and his forces retreated to Ostfold from Glowma. Therefore, I have seen him before he met you, as well as after.” Steinar met Rakel’s piercing blue eyes with his own. “He knows a great deal about you.”

“I am the enemy. It would be natural for him to keep information on me,” she said.

“No.” Steinar stopped when they reached the center of Tana. His gaze lingered on the ice block that held Farrin’s sword. “The knowledge he demonstrated is well beyond that of spying. He knows your heart—at least, I think he does.”