132 Preparing for Battle

Arran felt a moment of apprehension when Snowcloud asked him what to do. He was anything but a strategic genius or a seasoned commander, and he felt a moment of doubt at his ability.

Yet after the series of disasters Stoneheart's group had suffered, it was clear that they could not be trusted to lead — perhaps they had learned from their defeats, but Arran wasn't willing to take that risk. Not when his life was at stake.

Snowcloud, meanwhile, knew even less of tactics than Arran did. For all her power, she lacked experience in real battles. And, seemingly aware of her limitations, she had now put the burden on Arran.

Arran clenched his teeth, suppressing his anxiety. Of all of them, he was probably the best choice to come up with a strategy — something that did not bode well for their chances.

"The clearing," he said, turning to Stoneheart. "Does it have any exits other than the valley?"