A Final Deception

"I assume the Iron Mountain has spies within the camp," Arran said. "Which means they will learn of Snowcloud's arrival soon. And once they do, they will stop us from reaching the Valley no matter what." He shook his head. "We cannot let that happen. To have a chance of reaching the Sixth Valley, we need them to believe that she is in the Waning Moon camp."

"A reasonable suggestion," Elder Naran said, his expression neutral, "but how do you propose we achieve that?"

Arran looked the giant Elder in the eyes. "I assume you have spies within both enemy camps?"

"Of course," the man replied. "But even if my agents spread word that she's in the Waning Moon camp, the deception will not last long."

"It doesn't have to," Arran said.

He took out a void bag, then handed it to the Elder. "This bag contains the Lifesense amulets of two Iron Mountain Masters, both sent to capture Snowcloud. If the amulets are taken out in the Waning Moon camp, the Iron Mountain traitors will know about it."