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“Come over here,” Davian said to her.
She joined them at the table. “Morgan.”
“Hello, Jade. My apologies for the early hour.”
“It’s fine. Can I listen to what you’ve learned?”
The general deferred to Davian, who said, “Of course.” He clasped her hand and pulled her into his lap, so she had a good view of the map they still studied.
Morgan continued. “The marauding demons took all the supplies from the villages they attacked. They had horses and wagons, and yet…they’ve disappeared.”
“Into the mountains?” Davian asked.
“That was the first assumption. But navigating that range with wagons… It’d be slow-going if it was even possible at all. The patrols would have caught up to them. Instead, they’ve lost the tracks and it seems as though the demons simply vanished.”
“That’s not feasible if they’re not all wraiths. The ghosts have the ability to become invisible, along with their clothes and swords. Their steeds, even. But none of the other demons in the army would be capable of this.”
“If they shared horses, it would be conceivable. But they can’t stay in that state for long with the other demons in tow.”
“You said they were in Arkansas?” Jade asked in a unobtrusive voice.
Davian felt the anxiety snake through her, likely over the prospect of more villages being destroyed and more lives lost.
Morgan nodded.
She said, “The Ozarks have underground caverns. Some of them are enormous, with rivers running through them or lakes. Centuries ago, Indian tribes and even refugees from the Civil War would temporarily reside in the caves, making it difficult for anyone to find them.”
Davian and Morgan exchanged a look.
“That would certainly explain why the tracks abruptly end,” Morgan suggested.
“There were large outlets so wagons could make their way inside,” Jade explained. “I’ve read about them in Lisette’s geography books.”
“But the openings must be problematic to spot,” Morgan mused.
“They could be covered with brush and foliage,” Davian surmised.
“You’d have to closely inspect the right location to know it’s camouflage,” the general said.
“Send a patrol from our region to join the others. Three hundred, Morgan. I want them found before they strike again.”
“That might not be possible, considering the current distance between us and them.”
“Then ride hard.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Davian’s mind whirled as Morgan stood and collected his map. As his general strode toward the door, Davian said, “Wait.”
He gently patted Jade on the behind and she stood.
He told Morgan, “I’m going with you.”
Jade opened her mouth as though to protest.
“Of course,” the other man said. “I’ll make the necessary preparations. Goodbye, Jade.”
“Morgan.” Her voice was a wispy breath.
