It had been seventeen months since Utgar had last seen his daughter in this room. Seventeen months since she had stood before him, rigidly at attention. She had been young then: unknown to the war, unblemished by its pain. That had been long ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The room was as dark as ever, the only source of light the same two braziers by the door. Utgar observed his daughter silently. \u201cYou have changed, Runa,\u201d he murmured. \u201cIt seems but a week ago that you were small enough to crawl upon my knee. And now you stand before me, a warrior, hardened by battle, respected by those about you. You have indeed changed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have changed for the better, my father,\u201d Runa said, her voice measured, powerful. \u201cThe alliance has come to fear me as a tool of your will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA tool,\u201d Utgar mused, half to himself. \u201cBut a precious tool.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Runa knelt on one knee. \u201cWhat do you wish, my father?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Utgar regarded his daughter\u2019s bowed head solemnly. \u201cThere are those in the alliance who have made names for themselves, even as you have. They are beacons of hope for the common soldier. If they are removed, morale falls, and our victories increase. There is little Jandar can do to win now, and I believe he knows it; but he will not surrender. He is far too determined for that. If these heroes are removed however\u2026 the end may come swiftly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have received word that the alliance means to strike me at Stechavan. Doubtless, they even think to kill me there.\u201d Utgar paused, staring into the flames by the door. \u201cThey will be foiled. Kee-Mo-Shi means to ambush them on their way. She has acquired an amulet, a powerful relic with which she believes she will be able to take control of Raelin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRaelin, my father?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Utgar smiled. \u201cRaelin is opposed to the war. Her spear, the Spear of Gerda, can protect her allies about her. Her presence can often sway a battle against us. However, she herself remains unprotected. If Kee-Mo-Shi were to succeed, and she were to join our ranks\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou will accompany Kee-Mo-Shi. While she takes Raelin, you shall wreak havoc amongst the rest of the force.\u201d Utgar leaned forward. \u201cRuna, use caution. Drake is on this mission as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDrake?\u201d said Runa, raising her head. \u201cHe is but an ant compared to my power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not underestimate him, Runa. You could kill him, but if you fail, he would destroy you. Kill him if you can, but if you cannot, leave. I have no wish for you to fall in battle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFather, I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have told you what I wish.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Runa stared at Utgar for a brief moment, and then dropped her head. \u201cAs you command.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It had been seventeen months since Utgar had last seen his daughter in this room. Seventeen months since she had stood before him, rigidly at attention. She had been young then: unknown to the war, unblemished by its pain. That had been long ago. The room was as dark as ever, the only source of … Continue reading Chapter Seven – Dark Plots<\/span>