Page 215 of Of Masks and Fury

Grayson nodded, making notes. “What of the northwestern front? We’re spread thin there.”

“Pull back to defensible positions. I’m sure they have their own spies. Let them think we’re retreating.” Trew’s finger tapped a narrow mountain pass on the map. “When they arrive, hit them here, where they’ll have to thin their advance to get through the narrow opening. We can pick them off easier.”

I studied the maps, seeing my father’s strategy laid bare. He wasn’t just attacking Syllavar, he was trying to crush it completely. The scale of the mobilization suggested he may have been planning this for months, long before the body I took for my sister was deposited on the ballroom floor.

“This is actually the perfect time for a rescue mission,” Coralee said, her gaze finding mine. “When we steal those they intend to kill, it’ll leave disarray.” Her slick smile rose, though only briefly before she resumed her usual neutral mask. “Cyril will be furious.”

“Which means we need to be careful.” Trew’s jaw set. “We’ll get in and out and flee, leaving him to pick up the pieces.”

Grayson’s eye twitched again. “The timing makes this extra dangerous.”

“I see it more as fortuitous because Cyril’s army will be split. Their focus will be on their planned invasion.” Trew’s voice carried through the room. “They won’t expect us to attack them. We’ll be back at Syllavar with the freed prisoners before Cyril’s forces can rally.”

The math was tight. Too tight. But we had no choice.

Trew settled into the chair beside mine. “As for my team, I’m taking Naveah.”

“For the rescue mission itself,” Coralee said, “I suggest Malcolm Reid.” She handed Trew the list she’d made. “His tactical mind will be invaluable.”

“Agreed.” Trew studied the list. “I see your name on here.”

“I’d like to go if that’s permissible,” she said. “However, I understand if you don’t dare risk another of your advisors with Kira missing.”

“You’re an admirable fighter and you’re smart,” Trew said. “I want you on the team.”

A touch of color rose into her cheeks, and she dipped her head his way.

We spent the next hour selecting team members, discussing approach routes, and establishing fallback positions. Pherin dozed on my shoulder while Gavelle perched on the windowsill, watching everyone in the room.

We finished and his advisors left to continue the preparations for an early afternoon departure. We’d fly until dawn, when we’d land in a secluded location Grayson had identified on the map. There, we’d rest and finish our journey after dark, arriving close to Caldrith not long after midnight. That would give us two days to rescue the prisoners.

We’d barely left the meeting room when Maddox called out behind us in the corridor. His companion, Treane, padded at his side as he joined us, the wolf-cat’s eyes tracking our every movement.

“Your Majesty.” Maddox bowed, his gaze finding mine. “Isi.”

We’d bled together during the Rite and fought Skathes side by side. Whatever lay between us was too complicated for true friendship, though his behavior at Silverstream during the Skathe attack had softened the edges of my rage.

“I heard you’re planning something important,” he said. “I want to help.”

The old Maddox would’ve demanded inclusion. He would’ve postured and insisted on his right to participate. This version stood with his hands loose at his sides, his body posture showing nothing but honesty.

“Why?” I asked.

His jaw worked. “Because I owe both of you.” His gaze shifted to Trew before landing on me. “I tried to kill you in Mistvale. I poisoned your wine because I blamed you for Jaxon’s death.” Pain flickered across his face. “But Jaxon died because he took a risk in the Rite. Not because of you. It took me time to see that, and I know I can’t make up for what I’ve done. I can only try to do my best to show you I’m not that person any longer.”

Treane pressed against Maddox’s leg, offering support. The wolf-cat’s gaze found mine, and I found judgment there, though Isuspected it wasn’t for me but his bonded. Maddox had been weighed and found wanting, but his companion hadn’t abandoned him.

“I’ve spent the time since Silverstream trying to be better,” Maddox said. “Training harder, thinking more carefully, learning to follow instead of just fight. Malcolm says I’ve improved. Others say I’m ready for real responsibility.” He swallowed hard. “Let me prove myself. I want to help with this mission.”

Trew grunted. “Give us a moment.”

We stepped away, leaving Maddox waiting in the corridor. Pherin stirred on my shoulder, leaning close to my neck.

Stinks like old anger,she said into my mind.But also new purpose. Confusing.

“Coralee’s reports support his claim,” Trew said once we’d found an empty room, stepped inside, and he’d warded it. “He’s changed. Become more disciplined, more thoughtful.”

I remembered how Maddox had volunteered to fight beside us at Silverstream. He’d put his body between villagers and beasts who’d drain them until nothing remained. That wasn’t the action of a man still nursing murderous grudges.