Killian nodded, and the circle made way for the two men to rejoin the group. “The Alturan high lord and I have put together a strategy, a way that the two of us might be able to make a difference. Whether we succeed or fail, your task is the same. You must try to break the siege, and we will do our best to ensure you have support from the inside.”
Miro scanned the onlookers; he saw nods and heard murmurs of assent.
“But,” Killian said, “I won’t be here to lead you.”
Every set of eyes was on the emperor.
“Someone must get into the city to speak to the defenders and time the attack. I am the only one who can do so, and I have my own duty to fulfill in order to protect the Empire from our foe.” Killian turned as he spoke, looking at each face in turn. “One among you must make the overall decisions if you are to have any chance of success. Miro and I will have our own tasks to accomplish.”
Killian paused to take a breath.
“Is there one you trust with this duty?” Killian asked.
Miro’s eyes widened. He’d expected Killian to nominate Tiesto.
Outside the circle, Miro saw Amber’s eyes on him. She knew nothing of his mad plan.
High Lord Grigori Orlov of Vezna stepped forward. “I will follow Tiesto Telmarran, high lord of Halaran,” he called.
“I will follow the high lord of Halaran,” Lord Marshal Scola said.
“He has my vote, for what it’s worth,” said Dain Barden of the Akari.
“And mine,” Touana spoke up.
Killian fixed his gaze on his Tingaran marshals.
“If it is your wish, Emperor,” said one of the big men with the shaved heads.
“It is,” Killian said. “High Lord Tiesto Telmarran, you’re in charge. By my decree, the army is yours to command, the orders yours to give.”
Tiesto scanned the crowd. “I thank you for your support. We will need to form up, but the city needs us, and the longer we wait here, the greater the chance we’ll be spotted by the enemy. We will attack when we hear your clarion.”
Killian nodded. “I’ll coordinate those in the city and tell them help is on the way.” He spoke with fierce determination. “We can still win.”
Miro nodded at Bartolo. “Bartolo, can I speak with you? I will need your help, more than at any other time.”
Bartolo came forward. “Of course.”
Miro tried not to see Amber’s worried expression.
His plan was insane. But it was worth the risk.
His zenblade was the key.
52
Killian took his thoughts away from the army and instead focused on what he needed to do. Miro’s plan was mad—mad! —and could lead to terrible destruction for Seranthia, even as it held the hope of victory. Killian would have to use every bit of skill from the training he’d received at Evrin’s hands. Miro’s part would be more dangerous still.
“Well done,” Miro said.
“With what?” Killian was puzzled.
“With Tiesto’s nomination. They thought it was their idea.”
Killian shrugged. “Something my mother taught me. She says that if you know in advance how someone will decide, and it’s what you want to happen, then tell them the decision rests with them. They’ll appreciate the trust you place in them, even though it costs you nothing.”
Miro shook his head and grinned. “Remind me never to sit at the bargaining table with your mother.”
“Are you two done?” Bartolo said. “Come on. We’ve got a war to win.”
Killian, Miro, and Bartolo left the army behind them and ran toward the city, keeping clear of the tall hills and instead skirting along the gullies and far sides, their path always taking them closer to the crashes and thuds of the battlefield.
It was mid-morning, moving toward midday, and the three men finally took cover in a copse of trees as they regarded the gray stone of the Wall in front of them and prepared to make their approach.
Miro and Bartolo both looked fit and lean in their green armorsilk. Killian’s eyes kept involuntarily flickering to Miro’s zenblade before looking at the man himself.
“When you cut a tree, which way does it fall?” Miro said, evidently noticing Killian’s attention.
Bartolo grimaced. He’d been brought in on the plan, but his expression said enough. Even so, he’d promised to do his part. Bartolo was needed to protect his friend. Killian could tell at a glance that Miro trusted Bartolo with his life.
“In the direction of the cut,” Bartolo said. “Most of the time.”
Miro grinned. “That’s why sometimes you need to give the tree a push.”
Killian glanced from one man to the other. “Are you ready?”
“We’re ready,” Miro nodded.
“Good luck,” Killian said. “When you hear the city’s clarion, you’ll know it’s time. I don’t know how much of a difference I can make, but I promise you I’ll try.”
“That’s all any of us can do,” Miro said.
“Find Shani,” Bartolo said. “Trust me, she can help.”