Nightchild

number of reasons. It's dry and warm for those we're protecting and from every entrance in, we

have a clear field of vision. The only direct way to the outside from here was fortunately blocked when the west wing collapsed and the ventilation windows' – he pointed up to a line of six horizontal hinged half-lights along the wall opposite the door to the ballroom – 'are therefore our only truly weak point. Erienne is going to set a ward along the width of the windows before turning in tonight and it should have enough play to last the battle. Am I right?'

'Yes,' said Erienne, lifting her head from Denser's shoulder and brushing hair from her face. 'It's an explosive trap, focused outwards to reduce the chance of harming anyone in here. The noise will also act as an alarm.'

Tshould mention that we're going to black out these windows to stop any passing flying mage looking in,' said Darrick.

'You can see them happening by on their way somewhere else, can't you?' said Ilkar, his eyes full of humour.

'Of course,' said Denser, picking it up. 'Many's the time I've been out for a flight and come across a desperate last stand by pure chance.'

Darrick rapped the table for attention. 'But returning to more mundane matters like living through tomorrow, here's how the rest of it will work. I've established three defensive areas based on where I feel the Dordovans will attack. Firstly, the main entrance, the three side wings and the orchard. This is the widest and outwardly the most difficult to defend. However, access to the house itself is limited and fighting will be focused.

'Should we be breached, the first fallback position is the ballroom with its doorways from the corridors bounding the wings and orchard. The last is the dining room and kitchen area but I anticipate holding them at the ballroom at the very least. Everyone understand so far?'

There were a series of nods around the table.

'The orchard presents a way to cut us off at the main entrance,' said Aeb.

'It does indeed but there can't be a large incursion into it unless the main entrance or wing areas are breached,' said Darrick. He pointed at the west wing. 'Because of the collapse of the west wing and the barricades we've added to ensure it is sealed, the only undefended way into the orchard is from above. That means mages

only, unless they are carrying soldiers. Whatever, it reduces the possible numbers and makes them vulnerable. Ren has agreed to station herself out there with the three Guild elves able to use bows most effectively. And we have Jevin to thank for providing us with such.'

Hirad had leaned in and Ilkar watched his growing enthusiasm as, at last, he saw the logic behind Darrick's plan and could see it working.

'So who goes where, then?' asked Hirad.

'Five Protectors will stay in the kitchen at all times,' said Darrick. 'The Raven plus Aeb plus six other Protectors will take the front entrance. We can expect spell and sword attack there. It is the widest front and needs the best shielding. Two more Protectors will provide rolling guard in the dining room and ballroom. I don't anticipate attack through the ballroom roof but I refuse to be surprised by one. A single clever mage is all they would need through there. Similarly, the dining room. We've effectively blocked the way in from the small anteroom with heavy cabinets, bramble and rock. Again, the dining room windows and doors are both WardLocked and blocked by a great deal of furniture. Also, as you've seen, access to that part of the rear of the house has been made very difficult by one of Lyanna's tantrums.' He smiled at Erienne and Denser.

'We've brought our child up well,' said Denser. 'Even her tantrums are properly directed.'

'Finally, I and the remaining ten Protectors will guard the wing doors, act as a reserve and keep watching brief over the orchard,' said Darrick. 'Any questions?'

There was silence while they all digested the plan.

'Communication will be vital, which is why I've split the Protectors. I know they're better in one group but this time I think we have to use their other main advantage.'

'We agree,' said Aeb. 'We will be victorious.'

'We are one,' whispered The Unknown.

Ilkar chose to ignore the remark though it sent a shiver through him. All this time and The Unknown still felt compelled to react as a Protector.

'All this goes into effect after the Dordovans' inevitable spell barrage?' he asked.,

'It was the first thing I considered in the defence but it doesn't affect our defensive areas unless our shield is breached in a critical area,' said Darrick. 'The Al-Drechar think they can raise a strong enough shield but it will have limited coverage. No bombardment will be too long because they have finite resources but you can expect it to be fierce and focused. I've asked them to cover kitchen, dining room, ballroom, corridors and front entrance if they can. There will be some protection for the wings but the area I've described is big enough to keep them guessing and make them cautious.'

'Any other questions?' asked The Unknown. Heads shook. 'Right. Erienne, get that ward up then get away with Denser. Ilkar, bed now. Likewise you, Hirad and Ren. Darrick and I are taking first watch, the Protectors will rotate themselves. I don't need to tell you to be vigilant and if the Al-Drechar call, then jump. Right, let's get to it.'

But The Raven didn't leave immediately. In an unspoken act, they'd all remained seated while the others withdrew, a deep silence covering the kitchen. For some time, they sat with heads bowed, contemplating what was to come and what it meant to them all, but more particularly, to Denser and Erienne.

'It's difficult, isn't it?' said Erienne. They all looked up at her, still with her head on Denser's shoulder. 'We've spent time coming to terms with it over the past few days but for you it's very different and we've neglected you. I'm sorry.'

'Come off it, Erienne,' said Ilkar. 'You have nothing to be sorry about. What you're about to do is something for which mere words of thanks are totally inadequate. It's a sacrifice so few will ever know of but everyone will benefit from. And I can do nothing but express my admiration on behalf of the whole of Balaia. You're dying to tiy and save countless numbers. It's extraordinary. Just extraordinary.'

He stopped, voice catching. Denser smiled.

'Thank you,' he said.

'But there's more and we all feel it,' said The Unknown. 'Erienne, you're our friend. You're Raven. And ultimately, we can't save you. That hurts more than anything.' Hirad and Ilkar were both

nodding. 'We've been through so much, all of us. And though we've lost people before, this is harder than them all.'

Hirad felt their eyes on him. He shrugged and stood up and walked round to her. 'I don't have any words. All I know is that we should say goodbye now because there might not be time in the morning.'

He held his arms wide and Erienne launched herself into them, clasping him close, he crushing her as he returned the embrace. Her tears were flowing now and Ilkar could see Hirad fighting against his own. They stayed that way a long time before he released her. She rubbed a hand against his stubble.

'Great lump,' she said. 'You don't need words.'

'C'mon,' said Denser. 'It's time for bed.'

Erienne turned to The Unknown and Ilkar in turn, hanging in their embraces and sharing whispered goodbyes with the Big Man. When she stepped away from Ilkar, she looked deep into his eyes.

'I know you don't agree with the One,' she said softly. 'But look after my litde girl, won't you?'

'Her and Denser, both,' said Ilkar. T promise.'

They watched Denser and Erienne leave the kitchen arm in arm before Ilkar spoke again.

'Come with me you two. There's something I want you to see.'

They followed him to the store room where Thraun was sleeping, his body shuddering sporadically beneath the warm covers. They gathered over him, seeing the face of the man they thought they'd lost emerging from his wolven side. It was a slow process.

'What's wrong?' asked Hirad.

'Nothing,' said Ilkar. 'I just wanted to remind you both of something. Although we can't save Erienne, we can save Thraun. He's Raven too.'

'Gods but I've never stopped to think about it,' said The Unknown. 'Ever since I woke up, we've been so