“It’s time.” Incedis let his gaze play over everyone before he took in a deep breath before continuing. “The rebellion’s plan has always been to use our flexibility and unorthodox methods to chip away at the forces the empire can field against us until we can win a major victory. Our forward forces have been doing just that for the last month while the empire gathered more and more forces at Brightgate, where they’re staging all their forces.

  “The rest of us have been gathering our strength, which has been increasing much faster than expected because of the efforts of the people in this room. We also have six of these hidden bases set up within striking distance of Brightgate to give us safe places to attack from and retreat to.”

  When he paused again, no one made a sound. Even the smaller companions who’d joined them and piled up against the side of the tent stopped their usual antics to pay attention.

  “For some time, we’ve known what the empire’s plan would be once they gathered a strong enough force in Brightgate. They plan to send an overwhelming force to crush one of our cities, expecting the rest of us to roll over in defeat and concede.”

  Mutters of anger met those words. Though they stayed quiet, as it was obvious Incedis had more to share.

  “Our spies verified Quarrybrook is their target, both to erase the stain of their earlier failure and to destroy the first successful emblem of the rebellion’s strength.” He pursed his lips and gave a quick shake of his head. “The thing our spies didn’t uncover soon enough was how soon they were deploying and with what forces.”

  Pax wasn’t the only one to suck in a worried breath.

  “Someone at the top of the new leadership in Brightgate executed a very successful misinformation campaign. They were to begin their campaign a few days ago, which would have them reaching Quarrybrook in a few days from now. General Inadi is in charge there and has been planning the evacuation just ahead of the empire’s arrival, so they wouldn’t realize we knew their plans. Instead, they’re the ones who fooled us.”

  Next to him, Pax felt Titus stiffen at something Incedis said while Amil turned to him and mouthed the word, Evacuation?

  “How could the movements of that many empire troops surprise us? We have to have better scouts than them, especially with all the new air-based companions.” Langley’s questions were concise and condensed the main issues into as few words as possible.

  “That’s the problem. It wasn’t the bulk of their troops. Those deployed as scheduled.” Incedis gave Langley a hard look. “It was the Steelshade crews that departed two days earlier, piecemeal and outfitted with the best stealth gear the empire had, according to what we can piece together.”

  Langley blanched. “And if Quarrybrook’s general is aiming to cut the evacuation close to maintain surprise, those advance troops will—” He didn’t finish.

  Next to him, Mage Lyndara finished for him, her tone grim and pragmatic. “They’ll infiltrate the city right in the middle of the evacuation process and rampage through the rebel’s people like beasts through a city without walls.” She aimed a judgmental look at Langley that made Pax think she might be second guessing their change of sides.

  “Thankfully, our new scout force has abilities the empire didn’t know about and got word to Quarrybrook hours before the advance crews reached them. Not in time to move up the evacuation by much, but soon enough to prevent a slaughter.” He swallowed hard and gave the listeners a bleak look. “Well, a complete one, anyway.”

  Pax couldn’t speak, his throat almost closed up as he imagined the damage the trained Vanguard fighters could do to a city full of vulnerable rebels trying to evacuate, the majority with barely a handful of levels and minimal fighting experience.

  “Once again, our companions made the difference. They got a warning to General Inadi in time, not to mention those fighting side by side with us helped fight off and even ambush some of the empire’s elite crews. I doubt any of them were expecting what our companions can do on the battlefield.” Incedis tipped his head toward Pax and his crew, acknowledging the critical impact the practice of Taming beasts had for the rebellion. “Too bad we couldn’t have gotten word to them even sooner.”

  When Incedis fell silent, his shoulders slumping as if from a heavy weight, the listeners stirred, looking ready to do something, anything.

  “Now what?” Pax stood, voicing what he figured everyone else was wondering. “Do we get back toward Quarrybrook? Save as many rebels as possible? Or do we hit Brightgate as hard as we can while they’ve left it vulnerable and short staffed?”

  “I’d hardly call the thousands of support troops they left behind short staffed,” Incedis said. “They may have left minimal fighting troops behind, but in addition to the support troops, many of whom are mages and warriors themselves, they still have the entire population of Brightgate to bolster their numbers.”

  “And let’s not forget their walls.” Slate, the spear-wielding warrior in Titus’s crew, muttered.

  When others turned to him with questioning looks, he clarified, his voice louder. “Those walls have stood unbroken against nightly beast waves for more than three generations. My grandmother’s family comes from Brightgate.”

  “Which brings me to the decision I’m bringing to you tonight.” Incedis held up his hands to stop the conversations that had sprung up again. When everyone quieted down, he continued. “The rebellion is responding immediately. As we speak, forces from all our camps are mobilizing as soon as the scouts get the word to them.”

  “To defend our people trying to evacuate from Quarrybrook?” Titus asked, voice now impatient and agitated. “Or to attack Brightgate?”

  “Both.” Incedis’ curt answer quieted them. “And the leadership has left it up to Council member Vipersworn to decide which group his platoon will be joining.”

  Next to him, Rin sucked in a breath as every eye in the tent turned to him. “It’s about time,” she muttered quietly enough that only he could hear.

  A swirling of emotions stormed through Pax all at once. Pride and elation mixed with uncertainty and worry about making the right choice. Either would decide the fate of other lives, the evacuees from Quarrybrook, the empire troops or the civilians in Brightgate, and definitely those of his friends and family in their platoon.

  Was it amazing that the rebellion’s leadership had finally recognized his competence and right to decide the best path for his powers? Yes, it was. But now the heavy mantle of responsibility that came along with making that decision made him want to sink into his chair and let someone else decide.

  As his mind waffled between the pros and cons of both choices like a frenetic bouncing ball, he felt both his breathing and pulse quicken. Then Rin reached over and squeezed his hand, giving him a look that told him she knew he’d make the right choice.

  It was exactly what he needed to break free from his runaway thoughts and worries. He flicked on his Haste spell and engaged his Strategist skill. Everything he’d learned about fighting strategies over the last year had been leading up to this point. He and his platoon were a crucial piece in the coming war and had to be played perfectly to give them any chance of taking down the behemoth of power the empire represented.

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  Suddenly, he knew immediately what his next step was.

  He pushed his chair back and stood. He didn’t even need to wave for attention as everyone’s gazes watched him just like they’d focused on Incedis earlier. “I’m honored to be standing as an equal with all of you. Many of you have decades of more experience in both fighting and magic than me.

  “And yet, you’re willing to turn this decision over to me and follow where I lead. It’s a testament to how horribly the empire has managed its people lately that they’ve rejected a new type of magic, along with innovative ways to use it that could save all of us. It’s our responsibility to cut out their corruption and give the people ways to save themselves before it’s too late.”

  Nods, some thoughtful and others vigorous, greeted his words.

  “So, I’m going to show that I’m not as idiotic as the empire and instead of dictating what we do next, we’re going to figure it out together.” Pax grinned and waved at Rin. “Rin will take notes. Now everyone, give us your best ideas.”

  A heated debate followed, filling the tent with overlapping voices. Tension rose like a boiling cauldron. Pax stood at the center, letting the ideas and arguments swirl around him, his Strategist skill processing every word like pieces of a puzzle.

  “We can’t leave Quarrybrook undefended!” Titus argued, his voice rough with emotion as he slammed a hand on the table. “Those people can barely fight back. If we don’t protect them, we’ll lose everything we’ve built there—and we’ll lose her.”

  “Her?” Langley asked, his tone skeptical.

  “General Inadi,” Titus said sharply, glaring at him. “She’s the one holding that city together. Do you think the evacuation is running itself? She’s out there now, risking everything to save those people.” His voice grew even fiercer, his words laced with a more personal note. “I’ve fought beside her. I’ve seen what she can do, how she’s turned chaos into a fighting chance. I owe her. We all do.”

  Pax blinked in surprise. He hadn’t realized Titus even knew the general, but the raw emotion in his voice was unmistakable.

  “When the beasts broke through and Northvale collapsed, she was the one who kept us organized and sane during our escape across the Wilds to Edgefort,” Titus said. “We pulled out of that nightmare together, and she turned around and built something incredible. She turned Edgefort into a stronghold for the rebellion right under the empire’s nose.” He jabbed a finger toward Langley. “So, don’t you dare act like Quarrybrook is just another place to defend and its people are expendable. We can’t abandon them.”

  Langley sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I get it, Titus, I do. But this is bigger than any one person. Brightgate is the empire’s linchpin in this war. They’ve invested everything there. We cripple it, and it could collapse their strength so much they never recover. And it’s sitting at its weakest right now while the bulk of their troops are out targeting Quarrybrook. If we don’t strike now, we might not get another chance.”

  The others in the room chimed in, some backing Titus, others siding with Langley, and a few proposing entirely different strategies. The cacophony built, the tent echoing with raised voices and clashing opinions.

  Pax held up his hands, signaling for silence. Slowly, the noise died down, though the air remained charged with energy.

  “You’re both right,” Pax said, his voice calm but firm. “Quarrybrook’s people need protection, and Brightgate is vulnerable. We can’t afford to choose one over the other.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “So, we won’t.”

  Langley raised an eyebrow, his skepticism plain. “You’re suggesting we split our platoon? That’s risky.”

  “It’s necessary,” Pax replied, his confidence growing. “The bulk of the empire forces are still on the move, but their supply lines are their weakness. If we disrupt those supplies, we weaken their offensive. Meanwhile, a smaller team can infiltrate Brightgate itself. Without their supplies, the troops they’ve left behind will be isolated and easier to pick off when the rest of the rebellion makes their move.”

  Titus folded his arms, his expression conflicted. “And what about Quarrybrook? What about Inadi?”

  “We send the rest of our platoon to join the rebels heading to help them.” Pax met Titus’ intense gaze. “Your team is perfect for holding the line and protecting the evacuees. With your new mounts, strength and connection to General Inadi, you can give Quarrybrook’s people a fighting chance.”

  Titus hesitated, his jaw tightening as his eyes locked on Pax. “And what about you?” he asked, his voice lower now, tinged with worry. “You’ve survived fine until now, but this is war and you’ll be taking on the full might of the empire, not fighting a handful of beasts in a nest or on a wall. If you head into Brightgate, who’s going to protect you? You’re not just the magical linchpin for this rebellion. You’re my brother. And I just got you back.”

  Pax met his gaze steadily, feeling similar emotions to the ones he saw in Titus’ eyes. Still, he could feel this was the right decision. “We won’t be separated for long. And I was hoping you’d be able to check on the caravan coming from the base once you do what you can for the Quarrybrook people.”

  Titus’ eyes widened with realization. “Mama.”

  Pax gave him a grim nod. “With all those empire troops scouring the Wilds for the people fleeing Quarrybrook, what if some run across the caravan? I’d go myself, but—”

  “You and your crew are better suited to ambushing empire supplies than mine. And Langley will have an easier time sneaking kids into Brightgate than a bunch of old fighters like us.” Titus looked resigned as he motioned to the rest of his crew who’d fallen silent, listening to their leaders hash out plans.

  “Don’t worry, Titus. Langley will watch out for me, and I’m not a kid anymore. This plan gives us the best chance to strike at the empire while they’re vulnerable. If we don’t take it, we might not get another.”

  Titus shook his head, his hand clenching into a fist, before he looked back up at Pax with a demanding expression. “Then you promise me you’ll stay alive. Got it? If a situation goes sideways, you promise me you’ll run, live to fight another day?”

  Pax hesitated. Titus narrowed his gaze, scowling at him.

  Pax quickly nodded. “Yes. I promise.”

  Titus immediately rounded on Langley. “And you do the same, understand? Don’t let my brother get killed for this war that the dunders in charge started.”

  Langley didn’t flinch at all, meeting Titus’ gaze with his own steely one. “I’ll die first before I let him.”

  The soft murmurs of voices stilled at the startling but firm declaration. Titus gazed at Langley for a long moment, scrutinizing him as if he could read his mind.

  “Good,” he finally said. “I’m holding you to that.” He turned to the two senior mages who’d taken a back seat during the discussion. “And both of you are going with Pax, too. That’s not up for discussion. He and Langley will need your experience, Incedis, and your cunning Eldan, to come out of this alive.”

  Incedis didn’t flinch from the demand, giving Titus a nod instead. “And you’ll take any of Turgan’s Team Tribal troops we can spare who have their own mounts. I expect you to help as many evacuees Tame new companions as possible. You’ll boost their odds of survival and, if they can Tame mounts, they’ll be able to outrun their pursuers. Double your numbers on your way back to us, and you might make it back in time for the final push to topple Brightgate after we’ve crippled it.”

  “Count on it.” Titus turned back to Pax. “And if you get into trouble, you get to safety and send word to me. I’ll bring the whole rebellion down on them if I have to.”

  Pax gave him a wry grin. “Only if you do the same.”

  Titus let out a surprised laugh and shook his head. “Fine. Shake on it.”

  Pax reached out and shook his brother’s hand, letting his guard down for a moment to cement the memory in his mind. His mind shied away from the idea that this might be the last time they saw each other, but pragmatism dictated he consider it.

  Titus’s grip was firm, calloused from years of wielding weapons, but it carried an unspoken warmth that reminded Pax of the countless times that same hand had pulled him up when they were children.

  Running his gaze over his older brother, Pax noticed the hints of gray in Titus’ hair catching the light. Those definitely hadn’t been there when they were younger. And there, at the edge of Titus’s hardened expression, was the faintest quirk of a smile, the one in all of Pax’s earliest memories of his older brother.

  Pax committed it all to memory, holding on to the moment for longer than he should have. He refused to lose his brother to the empire.

  They let go, the bond between them unspoken but unbreakable. Whatever came next, Pax knew one thing for certain, he and Titus would fight with everything they had to protect their family and turn their empire into a place where they could build a future.

  Langley clapped his hands together, breaking the moment. “Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s move. Time’s not on our side. We need to bring our people home and hit Brightgate where it hurts until it’s weak enough for us to break.”

  “Good,” Pax said, glancing around the room. “Then it’s settled. We move out as soon as we’re ready. Prepare your teams and stock up your inventories with supplies for all contingencies. This is our chance to save our people and finally take the fight to the empire. Let’s show them we’re more than some rabble they can crush. We’re the empire’s future.”

  The room erupted into activity as everyone sprang into action, the weight of the planning choices giving way to determination. Pax stood still for a moment, feeling the responsibility settle over him. The rebellion was counting on him now—not just to fight, but to lead.

  As Rin stepped beside him, she whispered, “You made the right call.”

  “I hope so,” Pax replied, though his tone carried more steel than doubt. “Because if we fail, there won’t be a second chance.”