Reflection of the night
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For a moment, the fire in Raven's eyes seemed to go out. He silently handed the paper to Arthur and looked at Anna, who was already packing.
– August, we have to go, – she smiled.
The boy came over and took her hand. As Anna passed the cage, she stopped in front of Robin. Time suddenly froze.
– If only I'd had the strength to stand up to the clans and get you out of their clutches. It would have been different then. And now we're all going to have a hard time. Forgive.
She touched his fingers, which were gripping a metal rod. Raven immediately grabbed her hand and raised it to his lips.
– Don't go away. Stay with me forever.
Anna gave him a long look and slowly withdrew her hand, which the young man did not want to let go.
– It'll be all right, – This time she looked at all three of them as if she wanted to remember every detail of them.
The cold valley of the borderlands was almost completely covered with snow, and the thawing was only visible here and there. In the royal tent, Edward, Robin, and Arthur were arguing over a map.
– I can only see the way out in retreat, – Duke Kern was saying. – Yes, if we put the main force out now, we might win, but at what cost? One battle won will result in the complete ruin of the country for us.
– It's also unavoidable in a retreat, – Robin said.
– Yes, but at least we'll have a chance, – Edward insisted.
– I don't think so, – the king said again, looking grimly ahead.
– I agree with the Duke of Lanberg. It is better to strike a decisive blow now, and then arrange a guerrilla war for the remnants of their troops.
– Wake up, Robin, after such a meat grinder, there will be no one to go to the partisans.
The young king sighed heavily.
– Then so be it. In the battle of the mages, they will try to destroy us at any cost.
– You won't take part in it. It's too much of a risk. If they kill you, there will be no Adenia, – Duke Ereman shook his head.
– There are still worthy pretenders to the throne in Adenia, and I will not hide behind my own subjects. This will not inspire anyone, the soldiers are already discouraged. The forces are unequal.
– We'll fight, and come what may, – said Arthur grimly.
The tent flap opened and a soldier from the King's guard entered.
– Your Majesty, Lord Murd has an important message for you.
– Let him in, – Raven said curtly.
A hunched, shifty-eyed man entered and made a deep bow.
– Greetings, Your Majesty, and to you, Your Excellency.
– Likewise, my lord, without further ado. Get straight to the point, – Robin said.
The tent flap opened the Minister of War entered the tent and he heard the conversation.
– Your Majesty, – Lord Murd continued, casting a surly glance at the newcomer. – I have every reason to believe that the alliance of the three provinces has betrayed the crown and is on the side of our enemies.
– That's a blatant lie! – The Duke of Lanber shouted.
– Your Grace, control yourself, – Raven said softly. – I hope your words are confirmed by the facts?
– Here, – The lord handed the papers to the king. – This is evidence that the army of the County of the Rhine has been put on alert and is about to march under the command of the Duke of Rathmir of Oden. Intelligence has reported that the Countess of the Rhine plans to put her nephew on the throne of Adenia. Now is the right moment. She is about to form a marriage alliance with the king of Arenia.
– Then why does she put her hopes in her nephew? If she becomes queen? Will Adenia be divided between the two powers? – Robin asked even more quietly.
– Not all of Adenia. Our army, though weak, can still fight back even against two states. Both monarchs understand this. Therefore, they claim only a part of the northern lands, wanting to expand their borders. The rest will go to Ratmir of Oden.
– It seems so, – whispered the pale Falcon.
– And this is a new map of the three future states, Your Majesty, – Lord Murd continued. – I have a suggestion on how to stop the traitors.
The young king's face took on an earthy hue.
– Tell me.
– This area needs to be hit with a magic strike. They don't have a shield-maker, so they won't be able to deflect it. The desert will be a desert again, as it should be. Ratmir of Oden will have nothing to offer the allies, they will refuse him and we will have one less enemy.
– Your Majesty, you promised to give me your word, – the Minister of War's voice rang with tension.
– Yes, – The king looked dead tired.
– All these statements of Mr. Murd are not supported by a single fact. These are just words, and the words are false!
– Your statements are also just words, – Raven's voice was still on the same note.
The Duke of Lanberg suddenly clutched at his heart. The Falcon quickly ran up to him, laying him down on the floor of the tent and giving him magical energy. The healer made sure that the life of the still unconscious man was not in danger, nodded to the soldiers, and they carried him away. Murd, still half-bowing, waited for an answer.
Robin stood up, looked at the map again for some reason, and said:
– Adenia will not strike at its own provinces. You are dismissed, my lord.
– You're making a mistake, Your Majesty, – Murd said, barely able to contain his anger. – Let me tell you that you are still too young and do not realize the situation…
– Get out.
Murd tried to say something else, but he met the gaze of the Bear Clan chief, the evil gleam in his eyes didn't bode well. So he had to quickly retreat.