Page 276 of Spring Guardians & Songbirds

“The times call for it to be used, Rora. I will use it.”

Our sister looked over her shoulder at him, blinking slowly, but did not say anything, only turned toward the open balcony, looking down at the tall fall—unafraid.

“We have unblessed metal,” Oryn said from the far corner of the room. “We would only need a smith and the heart of a sphinx.”

Kilian ran a hand through his eyes. “Silas has a heart. Our best chance at finding one big enough to supply an army is in an underground market. But I still highly doubt one would sell it. No coin is worth the power one has.”

“We could steal his,” Nia said and winced. “I’ve hid and studied that castle for three moons. I know every corner of it.”

“Too dangerous,” both Kilian and I said at once.

“Besides,” Eren said, “father would be an idiot to keep it anywhere near castle grounds. He probably stashed everything far from Tenebrose. And considering he does not trust any lord in his court, I’d say none are in Isjord at all.”

“You're right,” Kilian said. “He would be keeping it where his smiths are.”

Elias nodded. “Possibly in one of the war camps since the metal was being delivered there.”

I asked, “Which war camp?”

“Seraphim.”

“Makes sense,” Kilian agreed.

“If we can’t attack it, what if we sneak a spy inside the camps?” Cai asked.

Elias shook his head. “Impossible for even a captain to get closer than three miles. Patrols are like hound dogs everywhere. Veils surround each and every tent. And you wouldn’t be able to get a proper verification to go inside it.”

“Renick,” I said, “he’ll get it for us. Select a soldier, Elias, instruct him and I will get the proper verification.”

“What do we do about Eldmoor?” Nia asked. “If Urinthia is working with Silas, this is a lost war.”

Visha stood to her feet. “My mother would never aid Silas. And I say that with conviction.”

“She is certainly doing something for Silas, V,” Elias said. “Would Red Coven allow so many of your sisters and brothers to help him create the very same monsters that your god punished you once for?”

“No,” the Crafter admitted, eyes lowering on the map. “They’d be banished from Eldmoor for generations.” Her fingers fumbled with her beaded bracelets. “What if we send someone to make contact with her? Not spy her. Offer her a bargain. My mother would never say no to one without considering first. It is in our primal instincts to hear the terms before refusing it.”

Nia nodded. “I will go. I’ve spent the past three months in Asra, studying Red Coven and the veil around it. I know the people, the streets, the way around the veil and where I’ve planted the blue gyre to weaken it—it should have taken some effect by now.”

“Too dangerous,” Kilian and I said at the same time and my friend frowned at us.

Cai shook his head. “Even if you make it in, the chances that the witches will entertain what you have to say before turning you into a caged bird are very slim.”

“Then I will go with her,” Mal said. “Urinthia knows me and so does most of Red Coven. And I know Eldmoor.”

“Then what?” Cai asked, leaning his hip on the table. “We convince the Grand Maiden not to work with Silas? As if that is something someone can do.”

“Urinthia and I have worked with one another for years,” Kilian said. “My father helped her take the position fourteen years ago. She will have enough reason to listen to what we have to say.”

My friend raised a brow at all of us. “And what deal do we offer her?”

My attention went to Visha who had gathered herself tight on the top chair and remained quiet. “You can use me,” she said quietly. “Bargain me for her attention. Make a deal for my return for her support against Silas.”

“No,” I said. “That is not up for discussion.”

“How about,” Penelope started, standing from where she’d been sitting quietly for the past three hours. “You bargain a secret. My father’s secret. Me.”

“No,” all of us said in unison and the little carrot jerked a step back from surprise.