“The zombies could add to their army with the Lord’s men and turn onusafterward,” Orin said.
No one spoke as they all digested this possibility.
“What about the sirens, lycan, and light fae?”Cole asked. “Were you able to connect with them?”
“Aerie was destroyed when we got there,” Brokk said. “Nothing of it remained, but there weren’t any dead.”
“They must have vacated before the Lord arrived. I can locate them,” Cole said.
“My pack and a few others are ready to fight when it’s time,” Maverick said.
“Good.”
“We also spoke with the light fae,” Brokk said and flicked a glance at Varo, who stared at the wall. “Lumus remained untouched as of yesterday, but the light fae have moved to a realm where they feel safer. Elfie has also recruited some who have agreed to help. They refuse to fight and say they won’t pick up a weapon, but they’ll help tend the injured.”
“They may be cowards, but they’re excellent healers,” Niall said.
“They’re not cowards,” Lexi said. “They have their ways and their beliefs. It’s not up to us to change that when we should be accepting them and whatever help they can provide.”
“Picking up a weapon would be a bigger help,” Niall said. “But I’m amazed they agreed to help, so I’ll give them credit for it.”
“I’ll send crows out with messages for the dark fae. They’ll be able to locate at least some of them,” Cole said. “I don’t know how many will fight or how many we can trust, but at least some of them will be on our side.”
“I know some vampires who will help, too,” Del said. “Because of the sun, they’ll mostly have to fight inside the palace.”
“We’ll take them,” Cole said. “I’ll also send a crow to Talon. He was on the coalition and against the Lord; he should still help and might have some warlocks he would trust to join us.”
“The warlocks will be tough, considering the Lord is one of them,” Brokk said.
“Yes, but I’m sure Talon knows of some who don’t agree with what he’s done.”
“What about the humans? Are we going to try to recruit some of them?” Niall asked.
“No. It would take too long to train them. We don’t have the time. Besides, they’d probably just get slaughtered.” Cole said,
“Let’s not do that then,” Lexi muttered.
“We might have enough to bring the Lord down if we can figure out something to do about the dragons. A way to distract them or something,” Sahira said.
“I have a plan that might help there,” Del said. “I think the zombies would be beneficial for it, but not necessary.”
Cole smiled; he should have known Del would come up with something for this. The man was a military genius. “What’s this plan?” Cole inquired.
CHAPTERFIFTY-SEVEN
Del reachedinside the outercoat he wore and removed a rolled-up scroll. Kneeling on the ground, he unrolled it. They all bent to take a closer look as Del revealed his strategy.
When he finished outlining his plan, Orin gave a low whistle and slapped him on the shoulder. “I’m really glad you’re on my side this time, old friend.”
Del shrugged off his hand. “We’llneverbe friends.”
“But we’ll be great acquaintances,” Orin told him with a wink.
When Del’s hands fisted, Cole stepped between them. “I think you’re right,” he said. “The zombies could prove beneficial in this.”
“And if they can’t be kept under control?” Skog asked.
“If we win, Lexi can take control of the dragons; they’ll keep the zombies in line,” Cole said. “Or kill them.”
