Page 18 of The King has Fallen
“Those can be arranged,” Melek said.
My stomach sank.
7. The Route
~ MELEK ~
I picked up the chair with her still on it and turned it to face the end of my bed since I didn’t have a table big enough to spread out multiple maps. Jann grabbed the rolled parchments from the trunk in the corner and began spreading them out on the end of the bed.
The Fetch tilted her head, frowning slightly as each was unrolled and pressed flat.
When Jann had finished, he stepped back to stand shoulder to shoulder with me. We both folded our arms and watched her examine the maps together.
Unsurprisingly, her scrutiny didn’t last long then she turned to look expectantly at me.
“Perhaps you’d like to share with me where your troops are positioned?” she asked dryly.
Before Jann could answer, I put a sharp elbow into his ribs. “Tell her nothing that is not already public knowledge. Don’t tell her what you know, or don’t know. We need everything confirmed without her interference if we’re to know if she’s telling the truth.”
She turned her head to glare at me from her seat. “If I don’t know your position, how am I supposed to advise you on myguessfor the best route through the swamplands?”
“Tell us your best choice—or choices. We’ll determine which would best suit our position,” I growled.
She stared at me flatly for a moment before she opened that mouth. “I have revised my assessment. Youareas stupid as your King—”
Jannus spluttered in an attempt not to laugh. I shot him a glare.
“—first you want me tospeculateon bringing troops through the most dangerous wetlands on the continent, then I’m supposed to knowall the ways?Without numbers or positions? Did the Fallen intentionally exchange brains for brawn, or was that a curse of God for your ancestor’s rebellion?”
“Melekisvery strong,” Jann said quietly.
I shot him a withering look.
Her eyes warmed when she looked at Jann and went cold when she gazed at me.
“I don’t understand… Have you truly just…overwhelmedeveryone to this point? I cannot believe the Tuskarrians aren’t putting up a fight if your strategy is simple brute strength. Then again, if this is the mental sword you wield, no wonder you aren’t getting anywhere. The Zaryndar are going to flay your skins from your bones the moment they have your—”
I kicked her chair so it hopped and pivoted so she was almost facing me, then leaned down over her, gripping each of the arms and making myself as big as possible to loom over her, seething.
“You were not asked for your opinion on our intelligence, orthe King’s. You were asked to suggest a path through the swamps. My advice, which I have no doubt you will not listen to, would be to set that clever,obnoxious mind of yours to highlighting the risks of any plan you propose. If I loseoneNephilim to an ambush on the back of your advice, not only will I kill you slowly, but I will raze yourland, making certain every one of your people hears thatyouwere the one who brought my vengeance down on them.”
She paled, but her eyes never left mine, and she did not shake. “You set me up for failure, then threaten to punish me whenyouare not adequately prepared.”
“Then make sure you do not fail. I’m certain with yoursuperior intellect, you’ll figure something out.”
“We’ve taken Noctharrow Haven, but haven’t entered the swamps yet,” Jannus said quietly from behind me.
I hissed and whirled on him. “I told you not to—”
“Please, Melek. I would likesomesleep tonight. And if she’s as knowledgeable as you think, she could save us weeksif we approach it correctly. Besides, we’ll check the routes. She won’t fool myscouts… even if they are simpletons,” he added quickly, winking at her over my shoulder.
She gave a little huff of husky laughter, and I rolled my eyes.
“You may be surrounded by idiots, but I am surrounded by children,” I sighed to her.
“Well, since your King is a toddler, it’s hardly surprising,” she said with a shrug, as if I’d been serious. I ground my teeth, but Jann pulled me back a pace and stepped up to her chair.
“Look… uh… what was your name?” he asked carefully.
