Come at them all at once from a dozen directions and be gone
again before they can determine what has happened. Leave
them with the impression that they are besieged on all sides.
They won’t proceed so quickly after that. Even after they re-
pair the damage, they will be working harder at looking for us
and that will slow them down.”
Erring Rift laughed. “Spoken like a true Rover girl!” he ex-
claimed enthusiastically, then added, rather quickly, “My lady.”
“And what is to be my part in this? ” Desidio asked quietly.
“And that of the vanguard? ”
Wren might have been mistaken, but she thought she caught
a hint of anticipation in the other’s voice, as if perhaps he was
actually hoping she had something in mind. She did not wish
to disappoint him.
“Supplies and siege machines will be kept to the army’s
rear. The Wing Riders and Home Guard will come from that
direction. If you can see your way clear. Commander, a strike
by your archers and cavalry along the front and flank would
provide no small amount of additional confusion.”
Desidio considered. “They may be more awake than you
think. They may be better prepared.”
“Within the borders of their own protectorate? Without hav-
ing seen a single Elf during the entire course of their march
north? ” She shook her head. “By now, they are wondering if
there is anyone at all to find.”
“There may be Shadowen,” Triss said quietly.
Wren nodded. “But the Shadowen will be disguised as men
and will not wish to reveal themselves to the army. Remember,
Triss—they manipulate by staying hidden. If they show them-
selves, they lose their anonymity and panic their army. I don’t
think they will risk it. I don’t think they will have time even
to think about it if we catch them off guard.”
“We will only be able to do that once.”
She smiled faintly. “So we had better make the most of it,
hadn’t we? ” She looked at Desidio. “Can you help us? ”
He gave her a rueful look. “What you mean is, can I go
against my orders from General Oridio? ” He sighed. “They are
explicit, but then there is a certain amount of independent think-
ing permitted a commander in the field. Besides, you are correct
in your assessment of how matters stand if we do nothing.”
198 The Talismans of Shannara
He looked to the others. “You are all committed to this? ”
They nodded, each of them. He looked back again at Wren.
“Then I must do what I can to save you from yourselves, even
if it means taking the field. The general will not approve, but
he will accept the logic, I hope. He knows I have no authority
over the Wing Riders or the Home Guard and certainly none
over you, my lady.” He paused, then added ruefully, “I confess
I am surprised at how easily I am persuaded by you.”
“You are persuaded by reason. Commander,” she corrected.
“There is a difference.”
There was an exchange of looks. “Is the matter settled? ” Ti-
ger Ty asked gruffly.
“Except for strategy,” Wren replied. “I leave that to you.
But understand that I will be going with you. No, Tiger Ty, no
arguments. Look to Triss—he doesn’t even bother trying any-
more.”
The Wing Rider gave her a black look and bit back what-
ever objection he had been about to make.
“When do we do it, my lady? ” Erring Rift asked. His black
eyes sparkled.
Wren came to her feet. ‘Tonight, of course. As soon as they
are sleeping.” She stepped around them and began walking
away. “I’m going to wash up and have something to eat. Let
me know when your plan is in place.”
She smiled in satisfaction at the silence that followed after
her and did not look back.
The day closed with the western horizon colored red and pur-
ple and the clouds forming and reforming in a slowly changing
panorama. The heat lingered on as the sun disappeared and the
colors faded, a fetid dampness in the windless air that caused
clothes to stick and skin to itch. The Elves ate early and tried