25
Maggie arranged a secret meeting with the crawlers for Gregor. He made sure he did not tell anyone of his plan for fear they may get into as much trouble as he was already in. When Hippolyta dropped Gregor off in the meeting place, he told her to take Maggie back, and get him in an hour.
"I wish you would tell me your plan, Gregor," Hippolyta said.
"I don't even know if I have a plan yet," Gregor admitted. Maggie looked concerned, but Hippolyta flew away before she could say anything. Gregor searched the tunnel with his echolocation. He was alone.
He stood there for several minutes, feeling exposed and worried. What if the crawlers did not show? Then he heard then approach; quick little steps as they crawled along the tunnel floor. There were only three.
"Greetings, Overlander. Princess gone, she is?"
"Uh, yeah. She'll be back later."
"Help you, she told us."
"Well I don't want you to help me because you were told to. I want you to understand what I'm asking."
"Kik will try, Kik will."
"Oh, good to see you again, Kik." Well not really see. Gregor was talking to the crawlers in complete darkness. Kot was also there, and they did not bother to introduce the third crawler. Gregor explained how he wanted the crawlers help to outnumber the Isolists, so he could surprise attack their army. He explained his plan, then made clear all the dangers involved. In fact, it sounded more like he wished to scare them away than get their help. The crawlers patiently listened, then asked to discuss the plan with the whole group.
"Your whole group?" Gregor asked.
"Yes," Kot said. "Help decide, more crawlers will help." Suddenly Gregor heard crawling all around him. The walls of the tunnel appeared to move, and he worried that it may collapse on him. The he realized that what he thought were rocks in the walls were actually crawlers. They had been so quiet and still (perhaps not even breathing), that Gregor's echolocation picked them up as merely rocks. He knew they could go undetected.
The crawlers formed a large cluster, and Gregor listened to the strange noises of their language. He wondered how they could be successfully discussing his plan, but the crawlers did always surprise him. It took some time, but they finally returned to their spots around the tunnel, and Kik, Kot, and the other crawler stood in front of Gregor again.
"Crawlers decide to help Overlander." It was blunt, and Gregor could not believe it.
"Are you sure? You realize that technically you aren't in this war? You could die. You don't have to agree just because my sister told you to help me."
"Want war over, Crawlers want Underland in peace. Protect Princess. Crawlers end war, they will. Make everyone safe." Gregor felt a deep respect for the crawlers. They were not even involved in the war officially, yet they were still willing to help protect not only Gregor's sister, but the whole Underland.
"Thank you. You don't know how important this is."
"Much important," Kot said.
"Ok, so you do know." Their confidence made Gregor more confident in his own plan. Hopefully it would work, and he could end this war.
Gregor quickly explained his plan, and was relieved that the crawlers caught on so quickly. They seemed to suck up all the information with no problem. When Hippolyta returned, Gregor made arrangements to meet them again closer to Regalia.
"Just remember, don't let the Regalian scouts spot you."
"Never do, unless crawlers want it." Gregor smiled, and hoped it was true. He would be relying on their stealth. He climbed on Hippolyta, and flew back to the city. She landed in an empty part of the city near the river.
"I know you plan something. You must tell me now while no one is near," she said.
"No. I'm doing this on my own, I can't drag anyone else into it." Gregor did not want Hippolyta involved. She could be accused of treason, and Gregor would not allow her to be put on trial.
"I know you wish to attack the Isolists with the crawlers," she persisted. "You just came from a meeting with them. If you are planning an attack, I wish to be involved."
"I'm not planning anything, and you can't be involved in it."
"This does not make sense." She was right. Gregor was just terrible at lying. "I do not appreciate you trying to protect me. I agree that waiting to attack is not wise, and I wish to be involved with any attack that can happen before the queen's plans. Now tell me your plan."
Gregor looked at her. He fully trusted her, and he wanted her by his side. He really had not thought of a flier like this since Ares. But Ares died in battle. Could Gregor really put Hippolyta's life at risk, and chance losing her like he lost Ares? Then again, he would never have thought twice about including Ares in his plans. He would need a flier, and a confident.
"Ok," Gregor finally said. "Just know that we can be arrested afterward, and that's if we survive."
"I am aware of this. I am also aware we are doing this to protect those we love." Gregor nodded. It was also pushing him away from those he loved. He push the thought from his mind, and told Hippolyta his plan.