Finally, Minx understood. “So... without this amulet, Torrent's forces may not obey him?”
“That's right,” said Alla. “I can't say for sure what'll happen if the amulet disappears, and I know that the hunter won't let it go without a fight, but if you can take it from him then you and your people will be in a much better position. It would be a massive disruption to Torrent's operation, I imagine.”
This seemed like the best lead yet; a direct way to interfere with Torrent's leadership and foil his plans. Still, meeting that hunter in battle again wasn't high on Minx's list of priorities, and there was no telling whether she'd be successful in claiming the artifact. Perhaps she, like Alla, would not be able to touch the thing—perhaps she'd even fall under its control. There remained, too, niggling doubts about the source of this information. Could Alla really be trusted? Was it possible that this was merely a ruse?
“OK, so how do we get ahold of this thing?” asked Minx, unconvinced. “Suppose I believe you and choose to go through with this... What's the simplest way forward?”
Alla spared a sheepish grin. “Hey, I never promised there was a simple way forward. Don't put words in my mouth.” She sheathed her sword, continuing, “The way I see it, it would be simplest if you let us take you hostage.”
The Fae huntress arched a brow, nostrils flaring. “Excuse me?”
“Just temporarily,” insisted Alla. “I could pretend to bring you in, slap the cuffs on you. I'll make sure the grunts don't mistreat you, and once you've seized the amulet, I'll set you free. I wish there were some other way, but this would be the easiest. It'll bring you right into the enemy encampments, directly to the hunter. What do you think?”
Minx rolled her eyes. “I think it sounds like a terrible plan. There's no telling whether it'll pay off. And what if I can't take the amulet once we get there?” Her gaze hardened a bit as she studied the half-Fae's features. “Or what if you double-cross me? You haven't exactly been the most reliable ally.”
“Minx, if you want to leave now, you can do so. But if you want my help... if you want me to help you from the inside and put a damper on Torrent's plans, then this is the best way forward.”
The Fae huntress weighed her options. It was true; playing the role of hostage seemed to be a good way to wind up precisely where she needed to be, within striking range of this hunter and his precious amulet. On the other hand, there was considerable risk involved in this course of action. To follow through with this hastily-drawn plan would be to deliver herself to her enemies on a silver platter. She looked to Kaleb and Mau, still struggling against waves of dark warriors. Time was short; she needed to make a decision.
“Minx, I'm telling you, this is the best way. You can trust me,” insisted Alla. “I understand your feelings, and I don't blame you for not trusting me. But I want to help. I'm not working for Torrent because I want to.”
This appeal of the half-Fae's, sincere enough on its surface, finally swayed her. “All right,” muttered Minx. “Let's do it.” Stepping out into the field, she caught Kaleb's eye and motioned to him.
The dragon shifter noticed her and started toward her. “You all right?”
“I'm going with Alla,” said Minx, keeping her voice low. “You and Mau need to get out of here.”
“Huh?” Kaleb struck a nearby Krah, sending him to his knees. “What are you saying?”
“It's complicated.” The Fae huntress offered a weak smile. “But it'll be worth it... I hope.” To Mau, who bounded toward her from across the battlefield, she quietly added, “Mau, I'm going to go with Alla. She's going to pretend to take me prisoner so that I'll be led to the enemy camp. There, I hope to find something that'll make our job much easier. Please stay safe—and stay close to Kaleb, will you?”
The Faelyr stopped in her tracks, cocking her head to the side. For some reason, she still couldn't communicate telepathically. Thankfully, years of companionship informed Minx's read of Mau's expression without need of their mental link. Mau was troubled—understandably doubtful of this choice. A sharp whine rose up her throat and she lowered her ears in a show of worry.
“I know how it sounds, but trust me on this. If it works out, we may just win this war early.” Minx set down her bow and met Alla near the treeline. The half-Fae was readying a pair of steel manacles. “Take care, Mau.”
Baffled and not sure how to dissuade her, Kaleb took a few steps back, watching as Alla tugged on Minx's new chain and ushered her toward the throng of Wuffs still dwelling in the woods. “Caught one!” announced the half-Fae to triumphant howls.
Kaleb peered at the Faelyr, panting for the pace of battle. “Is this... is this really what you want, Minx? Are you sure?” he uttered under his breath.
Minx nodded solemnly.
“If you say so...” Kaleb looked to Mau and, together, they dashed away from the treeline. The two of them outran a few potshots and slipped out of range within moments, tailed by the taunts of bloodthirsty Krah. Some of the Wuffs threatened to give chase, but recalling how poorly they'd fared against the dragon shifter, ultimately contented themselves with Alla's unexpected quarry. With the battle complete, the dark warriors began ambling out of the woods. They gathered up the injured and picked over the belongings of the fallen.
Minx watched as her companions disappeared into the distance. Though unable to communicate with one another, before fleeing Kaleb and Mau had both seemed to transmit the same sentiment through their eyes. I hope this works, they'd told each other.
I hope so, too, thought Minx as she was led away in chains.
Chapter 10
Minx was led through the
