Chapter 82: New Star & Truth
The war council convened in a sprawling tent pitched at the heart of the Darkan encampment, a few thousand meters from the edge of the Trench Valley.
The strategic position allowed for a discreet split toward the Forest of Beasts, a maneuver the enemy would likely not anticipate.
Inside, a large oak table dominated the space, its surface carved with a detailed map of the region, marked with colored pins to denote troop movements.
Surrounding the table stood key Darkan members, executives, commanders, and Tasha, while Baines and the Darkan head anchored the discussion, their voices steady amid the rustle of canvas and the distant clamor of the army preparing for battle.
"So, we should split our forces into two battlefields: one through the Forest of Beasts, and the other through the valley," the Darkan head reiterated, his reptilian eyes glinting with newfound draconic intensity as he traced the routes on the map.
His crimson hair shimmered with a metallic sheen, a visible mark of the family’s recent transformation.
Baines nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable. The plan was clear: a diversionary force would act as bait through the valley, the only direct route, and engage the Silver Family head-on, while the main army flanked through the Forest of Beasts would lead the beasts and strike from behind to decimate the enemy in a pincer attack.
"I say that because the Vodal Kingdom has to go," Baines added, his voice low but laced with a dangerous edge.
The room’s occupants turned to him, surprise flickering across their faces. It was now evident that his vendetta against the Vodal Kingdom ran deep.
"But if we lure the beasts there, won’t they rampage through innocents and citizens?" Tasha interjected, her brow furrowed with concern.
The plan, as outlined, risked the collateral damage of potentially slaughtering the citizens who had no idea those they might one day rule. "They can’t be our potential citizens if they’re dead, can they?"