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"Good." I replied. The sooner my son was safe within the stronghold, the better. Kal would be overjoyed to see him again, and that thought brought a smile to my lips, even in these dark times. "Tell me your plan," I turned to Gunnar, leaning closer to examine the pictures of Trelleborg Castle spread across the table before us. It looked impenetrable, but I knew better than to underestimate the Spectral Raiders.
Gunnar took a deep breath, his eyes flickering between Váli and me. "Our spies have infiltrated the castle, and they've discovered that Skadi is being held in the dungeons. They also brought back some good news – King Falka himself is inside."
"King Falka?" I echoed, my eyes narrowing in surprise.
“It makes sense.” Váli said, taking a seat and leaning back. “This Trelleborg Castle is the closest stronghold to Hrungnir. Perhaps he’s planning to attack us any day now.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that.” Gunnar replied with a grin. “Our spies reported other good news besides that. The Castle is operating off of a skeleton troop. Undvik is in total disarray. The people didn’t support his invasion plans and want him brought to trial, and more than half of his military force has abandoned him.”
“You’re kidding?” I asked in total disbelief.
“I do not know what that means.” Gunnar replied confused.
“It’s fine.” I said laughing.
“So Falka is truly a King without a country.” Váli chuckled. “This news is better than we could have ever anticipated.”
“True.” Gunnar nodded. “However, he still has enough soldiers in that castle to make a full-on assault by the Spectral Raiders impossible. Which is why I’m so damned happy to see you.”
This news changed everything, Falka had been abandoned by his people, he had nothing to return home to, it should be easy to root him out and kill him, but this was also a double-edged sword. He was a man with nothing to lose. “If we could capture or kill Falka, we might be able to end the war once and for all.”
"Indeed," Gunnar confirmed, his voice grim. "Originally, we planned to focus solely on rescuing Skadi, then mount an attack later on to go after Falka once we found Radorgirn. But now that you're here, Your Majesty, and with the possibility of a larger army at your command, we believe we can do both."
"What’s the plan you have in mind,"
"An infiltration team will enter Trelleborg Castle through a hidden entrance our spies discovered," Gunnar began, pointing to a small tunnel marked on a map of the castle grounds. "It leads directly into the dungeons where Skadi is held. We'll use the cover of night to our advantage."
"I see," Váli interjected, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, "and we'll launch a frontal assault on the castle itself."
"Exactly," Gunnar replied. "The infiltration team will rescue Skadi and your boy while you engage Falka's forces. With his attention diverted, we stand a better chance of reaching him."
I studied the detailed plans laid out before me, my mind calculating the risks and rewards. "Very well," I agreed. "We'll move forward with this plan. I'll need to send word for my army to march here, but it must be done to not draw so muchattention to us. If his army is small, they stand a better chance of escaping the castle before we get there."
"Not much you can do to hide a sizeable army. Our best chance may just be to strike fast! Don't give the bastard time to run away."
I nodded. "Váli. Send word to Hrungnir."
"May the gods grant us victory," Váli murmured.
"Prepare your infiltration team, you'll have all the supplies you request," I ordered Gunnar.
"Of course, Your Majesty," he replied brimming with pride. "We won't let you down."
I turned to Váli, "Make sure they get everything they need to succeed."
"Consider it done," he said with a nod.
"Good. We don't have much time."
KAL
I lay in bed, restless as hell. Through Huginn and Muninn's eyes, I saw them spot one of the transport vehicles arriving back at Hrungnir Keep. My heart leaped, knowing that it was Thor that was escorted back to me, safely. My ravens had been watching over the sunken ruins where Thorsten had met up with those strange soldiers who turned out to be Skadi's mercenaries. Through their eyes, I saw Thor alive and well, but there was no sign of Loki, which was driving me crazy.
I overheard the conversations between Thor and Thorsten, along with Gunnar, the man who seemed to be Skadi's second in command. Loki was most likely at Trelleborg Castle by now, being held hostage by King Falka himself. The thought made my blood boil, but I knew Thorsten was doing everything in his power to bring our son home.
Just as the ravens flew into the window, I shot awake, adrenaline coursing through me. I couldn't wait another second; I needed to see Thor. I rushed out of the royal chambers and to the front hall, but the guards wouldn't permit me to go outside to the vehicle Thor was arriving in. My chest tightened with frustration.
"Get the hell outta my way!" I snapped, "No one is going to keep me from my baby."
