Page 26 of A Courage of the Chosen

The subtle threat is clear, and Hume looks to the rest of the council, seeking their support.

The balance has tipped to more equal footing, and finally, Hector and I won’t be the only ones insisting that this is our new reality.

The presence carried by Brodie and Callahan must be enough to shut the rest of them up, because not a single soul speaks out on Hume’s behalf.

Chapter 8

Elsie

With Hume gone, it’s the first time my body relaxes in the confines of this room. Lord Garside focuses on Callahan, and demands that he tell the council all that he’s learnt in the years he and Brodie have spent fighting the Dorche.

The next few hours pass as they share their stories, and the council grows quieter as they begin to comprehend how serious the threat is, especially now that the Craobh is in the possession of the enemy.

Callahan doesn’t shy away from the truth that these Seelie have been sheltered from, the harsh realities of what’s happened under their noses for so long. He speaks with an eloquence I didn’t know he had. It’s as though he’s been preparing for this moment for a long time, and knew exactly what he wanted to say with each carefully chosen word.

Callahan has always had presence. He demands it. It’s why the rebellion has followed him for so long. Right now? He’s truly captivating. Even as he gives life to the horrors he’s witnessed over and over again, with the same stoic mask that he maintains around those who don’t know him.

My magic is drawn to him, swirling restlessly in my chest, wanting to lay claim to something it’s desperate for, which makes it hard to keep him out fully. Callahan’s consciousness waits for me on the other side of the walls I’ve kept up.

We had a single night together where we both shed our armor and gave in to whatever this is between us. And despite the fact I’m trying to keep him away from what I’m feeling right now, it’s clear to me that one night with him wasn’t nearly enough.

His knee presses into mine harder in warning, like he knows exactly what is going through my mind despite the fact our connection is very much one-sided at the moment.

“Their true numbers are unknown, but I’m certain it’s sizable, and the full force of it will be unleashed soon. The training your armies undertake, General,” Callahan looks at Hector, “is impressive, but it’s predictable to them. Your forces need to train to fight opponents that are stronger, faster, and have a complete disregard for their own lives. They serve only one purpose. Death.”

His final sentence clangs through the room.

Hector holds Callahan’s stare. “Our forces will need to begin preparing right away.”

Callahan hesitates.

The spark starts small, barely an ember in his chest. It races along the delicate threads of our connection, filling me with a surge of warmth as it spreads, and slowly lights him from the inside.

Hope.

He isn’t on the other side of this war anymore, and for the first time in his life, the odds aren’t so stacked against him or the people he cares for. I can feel the way he tries to quash it. Hope is dangerous for someone who fights the darkness at every turn, and he doesn’t want to hold onto it, but it grows anyway.

He swallows before replying. “The men and women who travelled with us can integrate into your units, and begin working with your commanders to share our methods.”

Hector agrees. “Your commanders will be given equal ranking in our army, in recognition of their brave service to the realm of Elfayne.”

The rest of the room is silent, not that they could object. What happens in the armies is Hector’s decision.

“The collective forces should be arriving today. New regimes will be introduced from tomorrow,” Hector states.

Callahan and Brodie share a look. “As soon as they arrive, I will ensure those who came from Morven know their new orders,” Brodie says.

“What of Brodie and Callahan?” I ask. We have allocated roles to everyone in their ranks, but them.

“Their positions will remain as they are.”

The confusion must be plastered on my face since Hector smiles warmly at me, and Brodie’s face mirrors mine.

“Forgive me, Hector,” Lord Fettis begins, eyes tightening at the corners. “It sounds as though you are suggesting that they be given the ranks of colonel and general?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying, Fettis,” Hector replies without missing a beat.

“We’ve never had more than one general,” Lord Haddow supplies. It doesn’t surprise me that he speaks on the matter, given his role on the council. While he’s not been openly hostile toward me in the same way Lord Fettis has, it’s clear he doubts me in the way he’s tried to find holes in what I’ve told him with cleverly worded interrogations, and that this suggestion makes him nervous. “There’s a reason we only have one. Someone needs to lead our armies, and make decisions on how we wage this war.”