Chapter 189

Chapter 189
David

David was decked out in his training suit as he stood before a large map in the command tent. This was the last place in the world he wanted to be. David had no pension for war, he believed in peace and unity. He understood he had to defend his people, but he wasn’t okay with what was about to happen.

Beside him, Dean, Drew and Damian stood strong as they had all been named commanders of the Dragon king’s army. Although technically the army belonged to David as the Golden dragon king, it was a general understanding that all of the Kindred were equally responsible for their troops and for defending their mate. David was grateful for the strength and courage that they lent to him. He knew with his friends by his side, the campaign would be successful.

Stormy began to place markers on the map showing the Golden army’s strengths. She held more pieces, that would denote the enemy in her hand, as she waited for the advanced scouts to explain the situation in the valley.

“Sire, it’s meant to be an ambush. They have about fifteen hundred warriors, the largest majority are ground forces. The shadow warriors have a few archers but most are fighting with swords. They have almost twenty Frost dragons and around one hundred rogues from the remaining magical races.” One of the wolf spies explained. David recognized him as the rogue, Jack, that had joined Dean’s pack.

“I was able to infiltrate the camp. I counted at least three magic users in addition to Mara. They are in the center of the camp. At least one has fire magic and her sister might have lightning.” A nightwalker explained. It took David a moment to place him. He didn’t remember the vampire’s name but he was Luscious’s mate. David felt blessed to call these two men his friends.

“How powerful are they?” Damian asked his friend.

“I think we should take them out as soon as possible. They are heavy hitters.” Luscious’s mate said with a scrunched-up expression. “I can try to sneak back in with a small squad.” He offered.

“I’ll go with him. My sister, Sara and her warrior mate might also be helpful. We still have the faint smell of rogue on us, so we might slip in unnoticed.” Jack offered.

Dean nodded. “Thank you, that’s a good plan. Be careful and don’t do anything reckless. If possible, attack when we do, so they don’t realize we are coming.” Dean ordered.

Luscious’s mate cleared his throat and pointed to the map. “The real danger is the hidden dragon bows. They have dug pits and installed huge crossbows. Each weapon has a crew of five. They are expecting us to do aerial attacks.”

David nooded his head in agreement as the scouts marked out the places where the weapons were. They also placed markers where the enemy soldiers were.

“Gentleman, I can’t thank you enough. Your information has already saved a lot of lives.” David said as he shook the hands of each of the wolves hands and dismissed them so they could prepare to sneak back into the camp. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the vampire remain.

The Kindred stood huddled together looking over the map. The dragon bows were not a complete surprise, but it did limit the ability for David and Drew to cut the army ranks up using their fire attacks.

I could try to flood the valley. Stormy signed. But it would pretty much drain me of magic. Anyone on higher ground and the fliers would likely escape. Also, I’m not sure if shadow warriors can swim?

David shook his head. “That’s too risky. We need to conserve your magic for battling Mara. We know she's a flyer, so the flood wouldn't affect her.” David frowned. “I think we focus on taking out the dragon bows and then rain fire from above.”

“I could use my archers to soften them up.” Drew offered. He moved his marker in the map to a different location. Everyone nodded in agreement.

David and I can go for the crossbows Stormy gestured. Damian, you take the secret weapon. Dean can command the ground troops. I say we bring them in through this passageway. And through this dry river bed. Stormy signed as she moved the markers into place. As soon as the bows are broken, we can bring in the dragons.

“That area isn’t dry.” Dean said with a frown. He pointed to the river in the map.

Stormy smiled and motioned for them to follow her from the tent. David already knew she intended to stop the water somehow. She took their hands and the group teleported to the river, a fair peice from the enemy encampment. Without releasing David’s hand, Stormy waved her free hand and the rocks of the riverbed began to stack in the middle of the river. As they floated through the air and piled higher and higher, they formed a dam. The water flow dropped to a trickle.

Once Stormy satisfied with her work, she took her mates by the hand and teleported them back to the command tent. She smiled brightly as she motioned for them to continue with their planning.

“I say we go ahead and attack,” Damian said. “I don't want to give them any more time to dig in. Right now, they think they have the advantage because of the numbers.” Stormy looked up and gave Dean a wink while Damian smirked.

“We need to end this, But I'm not keen on putting our people in harm's way.” David said as he let out a frustrated sigh.

“Sir, there's one more thing you should know. Your brother, Daniel, has betrayed us.” Luscious’s mate said sheepishly. He stepped out of the corner where he had made himself inconspicuous. David looked up at him in alarm.

“I’m sorry, Sire, but I saw your brother with the Frost queen. He is wearing the crown of the Ice Throne and of his father’s people. I believe he has claimed the title Frost king.” The Vampire mate informed him.

David balled up his fists and his body filled with rage. He roared loudly and the ground around them shook. “So be it!” He hissed.