To Sleb Harbour (3)

Erik nodded. "That's the idea," he said. "With Hin under our control, we'll be able to, at least in theory, pull back the troops on Frant and cut off the blackguards' supply lines and halt their advance in our country. Etrium should in theory do the same since the pressure on them will increase, and if we take control of the other countries simultaneously, they will pull off willingly. Of course, I think we will be in Etrium's government too at the end of these two months, so they will leave regardless."

"What after that?"

"When everything is under control, we will attack the blackguards. I still need to think about the how, and I need more information to make the right plan. But that's the idea."

"We're with you," Mira said, her eyes blazing with fire. Amber and Emily nodded in agreement.

As they rode on, the sun started to set, turning the sky orange and red. The forest came to life with nighttime sounds—insets chirping and creatures hooting.