Giahem's Talons by Katharine Wibell

Author:Katharine Wibell [Wibell, Katharine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Phaesporia Press
Published: 2019-09-17T06:00:00+00:00

GIAHEM’S TALONS

PART II

Chapter 23

The Water Source

Yena and the other Incarn met with Lluava in the Judgment Hall. After dismissing the Guardians to ensure privacy, the high priestess took her seat upon the throne and waited.

“Crocotta has been trying to tell you something through the images you have seen,” Lluava began. “She wants us to save the one called Alcove—the prisoner shown in your visions.”

Instead of questioning why they should save an Ocean Man, Yena remained silent as she listened to Lluava’s explanation.

Lluava continued. “When the first boatload of Raiders arrived in Elysia, they were led by Ambassador Alcove. We assumed that he was their military commander, but we were mistaken. During the autumn, Alcove led an attack in the North, but he was recalled by someone else, someone with higher authority over the Raiders’ armies.

“I suspect the seated figure in your vision is the actual leader. The red-bearded Berserker is Sweyn; I believe he is the second-in-command. Together, they must have stripped Alcove of his status.

“I think that Crocotta has shown you this particular scene because she wants us to rescue Alcove and use him to our advantage. He could provide us with their plans. He knows their chain of command, and with that information, we would know the most beneficial targets to kill or capture. His knowledge could turn the outcome of this war in our favor.”

“What then?” Yena questioned. “Why should we believe any of the information this human offers? If the war is won, then what of the prisoner? Do we keep him at our mercy? Allow this ambassador to lead his men back across the great water with no further conflict? What you are advising me is to trust the lesser of two evils. How can I know that we can trust such a man?”

Lluava expected no less from the priestess. She pointed out, “The Raiders’ military commanders have not only revoked Alcove’s authority but also undermined and abused him. I am sure bad blood has been building between Alcove and those other two men. Moreover, the ambassador has helped me several times in the past. During the winter, I infiltrated their camp to release captives. I believe he tried to warn me to flee before I was captured.”

“What reason does that man have to save a Theriomorph?”

“I have no idea. But I believe that if there is any chance to defeat the Raiders, it is with Alcove on our side. Be it willingly or by force.”

Yena leaned back against the throne. “As I see it, your suggested strategy has three objectives. First, capture the ambassador. Second, slay their militant leaders. Third, force this ambassador to order the remainder of his army back to their homeland or have them submit to us in defeat. Am I correct so far?”

“More or less, yes.”

“What if we go straight to the second objective and eradicate their leaders? All three of them.”

Lluava ran her tongue over her incisors as she considered this proposition. “If we killed all three, what would happen to the army left on our shores? They might flee on their own, but that is doubtful.

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