Chapter 61 – We attack at dawn

  “We should attack at dawn,” Savgar said. “That gives us the night to rest and prepare.”

  They were standing around a holographic image of the Wenduags’ camp that Reynard was kind enough to create for them. He was adamant that he couldn’t participate in the fight, but he could help them with planning.

  “Are we sure that is the best decision?” Elaine asked. “I still think we’d have better chance if we wait until the middle of the night.”

  “The choice is between dealing with the Wenduags or the spiders at their best,” Daniel said. “If we attack at night, we are certain to surprise most of the Wenduags. But the spiders are more likely to be unaffected by the night. However, in the morning light, especially due to the angle of the sun…”

  “The bright morning’s light blinds the little beasties,” Savgar summed up.

  “There are a lot more of the spiders,” Reuf acknowledged. “And their venom is dangerous.”

  “Yeah, not a fan,” Jack said as he rubbed his shoulder. He still remembered what it felt like when that one bit him.

  “I always get itchy whenever we start talking about spiders,” Victor said rubbing his arms.

  “How are we going to play this then?” Teresa asked. “Something similar to what we did with the goblins? That work pretty well.”

  “Not exactly,” Savgar said. “Goblins have no real structure or discipline until their King takes control. This will not be as easy.”

  “The goal is also not to take on the whole camp this time,” Elaine said. “It’s a rescue mission first.”

  “Right you are,” Savgar grunted. “We’re going to have to divide up our team for this. Team one will be responsible for the rescue of the elves. This group will need to have high mobility and stealth. We agree that the girl, boy, and lizard are the best choices for this.”

  “I think he means us,” Jack said to Elaine and Zajowle.

  “You three will come in only after we make our distraction here,” Savgar said pointing to a section of the camp. Reynard made a small icon appear indicating their group. “This is the furthest area away from where they are holding the elves and the entrance to Kharzast. It should draw their attention away, giving our infiltration team...”

  “Rescue team,” Zajowle corrected.

  “Our rescue team,” Savgar continued, “time to get the elves out.”

  Jack nodded, acknowledging his role in the battle.

  “That is only the first step,” Savgar said. “Now listen close to this next part. I want to pull their attention away from our actual location.” Savgar continued to go over the plan in excruciating detail as everyone affirmed their role or offered suggestions on the plan.

  “You all have your roles,” Savgar said once they were done. “Just be ready when things fall apart.”

  “You mean if,” Elizabeth said.

  “No, I mean when,” Savgar repeated.

  “We got this,” Bryant said. “But how am I going to make it back to the camp? Those illusions are still an issue for me.”

  “I can meet you at the border to my land,” Reynard offered. “Nothing stops me from inviting people in.”

  “I’m fine with the plan so far,” Zajowle said. ““But do we need all three of us?”

  “Possibly not,” Savgar said. “But I rather have the extra muscle in a worst-case scenario. I’ll leave it to you to decide if you should break apart and come help us, but not before you make sure the elves are safe and get them to the extraction point. That is the priority. If you feel that everything is good and you don’t need everyone, then, by all means, make the call. Just be sure.”

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  We nodded at that as Savgar continued. “So, three teams. The assault team led by me, Teresa, and the tall boy. The rescue team, and the distraction team containing everyone else. One last thing. We will also need something big as an opener. Something that will send the whole camp into chaos.”

  “I think I have just the thing for that,” Daniel said.

  “I hoped you would,” Savgar grinned. “Once the wizard initiates the fight, that will be everyone’s cue to start the attack. Keep them scattered and target anyone that might be able to rally the beasts. That’s all I have. Just remember time is important here. Make it count.”

  “Reasonable,” Reuf said. “Just remember I’ll be among the distraction team as well, helping with any healing that I can. I won’t be able to reach the rescue or assault team if any issues happen.”

  “We’ll manage,” Savgar said. “Does anyone have anything to add? No? Then that is our plan. Any questions?”

  “Yeah one,” Jack said. “Why do you call her Teresa and the rest of us, boy, girl, or something else generic?”

  “The reason should be obvious boy,” Savgar said simply.

  “What do we do when Clayton joins the fight,” Reuf asked.

  “That will be part of the responsibility of the assault team,” Savgar said. “Zephyr will also be flying around the battle. If anyone sees him before we do, get her to pass along the message. If we can kill him great, but if it takes too long, we leave. We can try again when we don’t have a hostage situation to deal with. Hit and run. Emphasis on those three words.”

  “Once the prisoners are gone, we will need some kind of signal to let the others know,” Victor said.

  “I can cause an explosion,” Elaine offered.

  “Might not be enough with all the other explosions we are planning on doing,” Teresa said.

  “Fine,” Ciao said. “I will help. Anything to finish this so you can focus on making me a proper home. I’m expecting Uncommon quality at least for my trouble, and you better make sure I’m kept safe.”

  “What will you do?” Jack asked.

  “A light signal for all to see,” Ciao said. “It will be obvious.”

  “Then once we see the signal, we leave,” Savgar said. “That means everyone. For the distraction team I’ll put one more condition on that. This is not going to be a save your strength for the marathon fight. This is going to be quick and dirty. So, use everything you have. Hold nothing back. And once you run out of Mana or arrows, you leave. You get injured, even a little bit, you leave. The battle takes a turn, you leave. Everyone getting out of this situation alive is the most important thing. Rendezvous back at the camp but be careful not to be followed. Is that understood!”

  “You can’t ask us to…” Sylvian started.

  “I can and I am,” Savgar growled. “Worst case, we can try again another day.”

  “Only if you adhere to the same condition,” Victor added.

  “Fine,” Savgar harrumphed. “Like to see what they can do to me when I’m ready for them.”

  “Is there anything else we need to prepare?” Elaine asked. “I can make more potions.”

  “All the health potions we can get,” Rayne said. “Take some of the pressure off Reuf.”

  “I wouldn’t say no to some Mana potions as well,” Reuf said.

  “Same,” Daniel said. “I’ll be burning through my Mana for this, and I’ll still need some to help me get away.”

  “If we can outfit the elves with some equipment, they might have a better chance as well,” Jack suggested.

  “Do what you can,” Zajowle said. “But rest will be the most important way for us to prepare.”

  “Then it is settled,” Savgar said. “We attack at dawn!”

  *~*

  Jack sat at the edge of the cliff staring out at the Wenduags’ camp in the distance. Night had fallen, basking the jungle sky in inky blackness punctuated only by the soft glow of the starlight that was quite calming right now. He needed to feel calm right now.

  “Can’t sleep?” Elaine asked, coming to sit next to him.

  Jack shook his head. “Too anxious.”

  “We been in this situation before,” Elaine said.

  “Yeah, but we mostly reacted last time,” Jack said. “Maybe it’s all this waiting.”

  “I know what you mean,” Elaine said. “But morning will be upon us soon.”

  “Yeah,” Jack sighed. “What do you think will happen to them? The Wenduags and spiders? If we do manage to put a stop to Clayton, will they just become like any of the other beasts in the jungle.”

  “Don’t know,” Elaine said. “I imagine the spiders will return to the northern area to do what they were doing before. The Wenduags are anyone’s guess.”

  “Feel bad for them,” Jack said. “I’ll still fight them, but it’s not the same as fighting other things. The Beasts don’t have a choice in this fight.”

  “Yes, but Clayton is unlikely to give us the option,” Elaine said. “He’ll use them as his living shields until he can’t anymore.”

  Jack gave a small nod in agreement, but didn’t say anything more on the subject. They continued to stare out into the night sky enjoying the peacefulness of it for several minutes, until Elaine stood up.

  “Come,” Elaine said, offering Jack her hand. “Join me?”

  Jack took Elaine’s hand, letting her lead him back to the tree beds.