Page 81 of Blood of Dragons
He stood with his hands behind his back. “Some are the orcs we’ve spotted in the mountains, but most of them are a different type of orc, seven feet tall and nearly three hundred pounds. They call themselves Behemoths…”
I’d traveled over the swamps of the north, and I’d spotted monsters and creatures down below. But I’d never witnessed such a thing. “How many?”
“At least ten thousand.”
Now I understood General Titan’s ambitions. It was never to flee. It was to build an army big enough to oppose me. “And now they’re returning to the passage through the mountains.” To march upon my gates and kill my army.
“No. They march west—toward the forest.”
My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Why?”
“The scouts can’t determine what the general is pursuing, but it’s very clear he’s marching to war. They all brandish armor and swords. General Titan must have offered them something in return for their service. It takes so long to receive these missives that they’ve probably already reached the forest by now.”
I stared at the commander’s face for a long time, picturing General Titan in cahoots with monsters, staying on the north side of the White Mountains and marching west. The only person he wanted more than me was Calista, and she?—
“Your Highness?”
I felt the blood drain from my face when the realization hit me. “You’re dismissed, Commander Navarrese.”
He gave a slight nod then departed my chambers.
I feel your stress. What’s happened?
I abandoned the map and left my study.I’ve finally figured out what General Titan is up to.
Ten thousand seven-foot-tall Behemoths march across the northern plain to the forest?
“Yes.” I stood on the ramparts with Khazmuda, the wind whipping through my cape as the gust rose up the hills and the castle walls.
How do you know that’s their destination?
“Because that’s the exact direction they’re headed…and the only thing General Titan has ever cared for is Calista.”
No…
“I see no other explanation. He knows where she is and knows she’s not alone.”
But dragons can’t possibly live in a forest.
“I agree. They must be elsewhere.”
Then that proves Calista doesn’t know where the dragons are.
“It proves nothing.” I started to pace, the wind blowing through my hair and making my eyes squint from the sting.
We must leave immediately. We’re probably already too late.
I looked across the world, the sunshine already disappearing over the horizon.
Grab your sword and your armor.
I didn’t move, holding my position close to the edge of the castle.
Talon?His eyes burned into my back.
“I said, she’s dead to me.”
The shock that ran through Khazmuda’s body was so profound, it was like lightning struck the earth.General Titan marches for her, and you choose to leave her to her fate?