‘Yes. We will do as you advise. But I stay with the men in the centre.’
‘As you wish, Rayvan. I shall be at the mouth of the valley.’
‘Is that wise?’ she asked. ‘Is that not very dangerous for our general?’
‘Ananais will take the centre, Decado the right flank. I shall come back to cover the left. If I fall, Galand shall cover for me. Now I must seek Ananais, for I want his men working through the night.’
*
The leaders of The Thirty met together in a sheltered hollow on the eastern slopes of the Demon’s Smile. Below in the bright moonlight four hundred men were toiling, stripping turf and digging channels into the soft black earth beneath.
The five priests sat in a tight circle, saying nothing as Acuas travelled, receiving reports from the ten warriors watching over the preparations. Acuas soared high into the night sky, revelling in the freedom of the air; there was no gravity here, no necessity for breath, no chains of muscle and bone. Here, above the world, his eyes could see for ever and his ears hear the sweet song of the solar winds. It was intoxicating and his soul swelled with the extravagance of the beauty of the universe.
It was an effort to return to his duties, but Acuas was a man of discipline. He thought-flew to the outer scouts holding the shield against the Templars, and felt the malice beyond the barrier.
‘How goes it, Oward?’ he pulsed.
‘It is hard, Acuas. They are growing in strength all the time. We will not be able to hold them for much longer.’
‘It is imperative the Templars do not see the preparations.’
‘We are almost at our limits, Acuas. Much more and they will be through. Then the deaths will begin.’
‘I know. Hold them!’
Acuas sped down and on past the mouth of the valley to where the Legion were camped. Hovering there was the warrior Astin.
‘Greetings, Acuas!’
‘Greetings. Any change?’
‘I don’t believe so, Acuas, but the Templars have now closed us off and I can no longer intercept the leader’s thoughts. But he is confident. He does not expect serious opposition.’
‘Have the Templars tried to get through to you?’
‘Not as yet. The shield holds. How fare Oward and the others?’
‘They are being pushed to the limit. Do not wait too long, Astin. I do not want to see you cut off.’
‘Acuas,’ pulsed Astin as the other made to leave.
‘Yes?’
‘The men we escorted from the city . . .’
‘Yes?’
‘They have all been slain by the Legion. It was ghastly.’
‘I feared it would be so.’
‘Are we responsible for their deaths?’
‘I don’t know, my friend; I fear so. Be careful.’
Acuas returned to his body and opened his eyes. He outlined the situation to the others and waited for Decado to speak.
‘There is no more we can do,’ said Decado, ‘it is set. It will be dawn in less than three hours and the Legion will strike. As you know, Tenaka requires five of us to join his forces. The choice of men I will leave to you, Acuas. The rest of us will stand with Ananais at the centre. The woman, Rayvan, will be with us – Ananais wishes her protected at all costs.’
‘No easy task,’ said Balan.
‘I didn’t say it was easy,’ answered Decado. ‘Merely to try. Psychologically she is vital, for the Skoda men fight for her as well as for the land.’
‘I understand that, Decado,’ said Balan smoothly. ‘But we can guarantee nothing. We will be on open ground with no horses and nowhere to run.’
‘Do you imply criticism of Tenaka’s plan?’ asked Abaddon.
‘No,’ said Balan. ‘We are all students of war here, and tactically his battle strategy is sound – technically brilliant, in fact. However, at best it has a thirty-per-cent chance of success.’
‘Sixty,’ said Decado.
Balan lifted an eyebrow. ‘Really? Explain.’
‘I accept you have skills beyond ordinary men. I accept also that your understanding of strategy is exceptional. But beware of pride, Balan.’
‘In what way?’ asked Balan, the hint of a sneer on his face.