XXV
Locating the mines would have caused most some difficulty. Most would not have braved their depths, and those that did would use brute force or guile. Releasing two baby wyverns down the shaft was the height of madness some might say. Coran's idea, from a 'debate' with Xan. Sendai consented to this only because they belonged to an agent of the Iron Throne, because the ensuing havoc allowed them to simply walk in.
Illasera was disgusted. Coran's wide grin made it worse. Xan's brow, damp from concentration, finally released the spell. First, he had steered the scalekin into the palisade yard, flapping over the walls like two beleaguered chickens, and then their handler ran after them, shouting at the guards not to shoot. It was almost comical, Aerie decided, trying to hide a small smile, were it not for the serious eyes of her companions as they prepared for battle. The wyverns charged straight for the mine shaft, and panicked cries ensued. Their keeper bellowed that their blood would summon the mother, unaware or uncaring that the elder wyvern had already been slain. Perhaps there were others. It was not a thought she cared to dwell on.
And then they were moving. No magic, no arrows in the throats of the sentries; no tracks, nor passage of their passing. They slipped soundlessly into the lake, Valaris, Illasera and Coran. Xan followed. Kivan kept watch, his eyes scanning the battlements. Viconia waited, amused, Sendai standing beside her. They had all stripped, plastering themselves with a brownish dye, blue streaking across them. Their possessions, stowed in bags, were sealed, water-tight, and safe. Not for the first time, Aerie had doubts about this.
…And then the plan changed.
—
"We've found something," Coran informed them with a grin.
Valaris and Illasera shared silence. Sendai waited, her look inviting him to elaborate.
"You're not going to believe this…"
Aerie certainly didn't. How had they found it? Xan dropping a ring? She didn't believe that, no matter what Coran claimed.
"It changes nothing."
Sendai looked thoughtful, contrary to her sister's short declaration.
Sultrily, Viconia spoke, as if each sensuous word should be punctuated by a swish of her hips, or the swell of her bust, a lusty breath… Aerie ignored it. "Stone is not a barrier," the Drow was saying, "my people…"
Kivan predictably grated his teeth, his silence louder than shouting.
"T-there's a lake there, i-if you hadn't n-noticed," She put her foot down, "it'd f-flood everything."
"That," Viconia breathed between uttering her dark tongue, "is my point."
Aerie did not like being looked at as if she held no more significant than a gnat. "Th-there are slaves down there!"
The drow shrugged with effortless grace.
"I agree." Valaris joined her side abruptly; she smiled up at him gratefully.
"Rivvil…"
"P-perhaps a crack?" Bolstered by the kensai's support, Aerie ventured an alternate plan, "t-to distract them?"
She did not care to translate Viconia's mutter, mutely appealing to Sendai instead. The more reasonable drow considered.
"W-we could d-do both. S-slip over the wall and…"
"Split our numbers?" Illasera asked harshly, then glanced at Kivan, who offered the slightest nod, "Well, sister?"
"X-Xan?"
"I… could contain it." Viconia allowed grudgingly.
"We are not here to free them," Xan sighed, "Oh, what is the point?"
"Finally, one of you jaluk shows–"
"Enough," Kivan grated.
Still Sendai looked thoughtful, then glanced at Illasera. The green eyed elf stared back, waiting. "Vai will want the iron." The Drow shared her mind, "The region is desperate. They bring supplies in via magic."
Illasera's eyes narrowed, then she snorted to herself.
"W-what are you thinking?"
Valaris growled, "One of us remains behind."
Sendai inclined her head.