Andora cursed, spun, and took off at a run. Jamison headed for the Euriday troops. Prince Palkin looked at Lt. Tanrun as though he hoped for some answer from him.
"I've told the scouts to look toward the sea and the bay whenever they reach high ground," Lt. Tanrun admitted. "They've seen nothing so far, and I can't say that I trust it."
Palkin nodded and ran his hand through his hair. "Kerric would have thought of it, but I am the true son of a land-locked country. I didn't consider an enemy fleet. You did well, Tanrun."
"Thank you, Prince Palkin," the man said and even smiled. Then he looked past them and sighed. "I think our rest is over."
The Euriday and Sciwhen troops were already starting to gather up their things. The Sundry did the same without being ordered. Andora was the one who came to them with the news.
"Unanik and Junal had thought it would be best to rest before we head into town in the morning. They changed their minds in light of your wise question, Tanrun. There is no reason the Atrian fleet should be anywhere near here. Therefore, it most likely is hiding close by, probably behind the islands a few miles offshore."
"It's that kind of wisdom --" Zorian began.
"Paranoia," Andora corrected.
"-- that is going to keep us alive," Zorian finished. "And I fully believe in the wisdom of paranoia. I am sorry Temple Master Pyrida took himself off in such a hurry --"
"But he didn't take me along," Rory added with a sudden feeling of shock. "And I find that odd. Pyrida doesn't believe we should make direct interference in the problems of countries. I think he must have realized this has gone far beyond Temple politics and petty problems."
"Meaning we are in serious trouble," Andora interpreted.
"That would be my guess," Rory admitted. He shook his head. "Honestly, I don't know if my mind is processing anything properly. I might be more paranoid than I need --"
Andora shoved him to the ground. People began shouting, and he heard weapons drawn. Andora didn't try to hold him down. By then, he had listened to a few arrows pass far too close. The two of them crawled quickly to cover.
"Atrians?" he asked. "Or has some army from half a world away decided to join us? Maybe Tassanians? Avanti? Maybe some troops from Jainta? And thank you, by the way."
"Atrians," she said. "At least as far as I can tell. I think they're trying to drive us back from the bay --"
"Which means they're not ready," Rory finished. "So we have to go now."
Andora agreed with a grim nod. She looked all around as though looking for a safe path out. Rory had a different idea, though.
"I'm getting behind the archers," Rory said as he settled on his heels, looking around and preparing to sprint.
"I don't think --"
"Magic," Rory reminded her. "Warn the others."
"Don't try to kill any of them," she hissed in a warning. "I don't think your friends could get you away fast enough this time!"
Rory nodded in agreement. Even too many minor wounds would tell on him. However, broken bow strings didn't hurt. He put his knife in hand -- and moved.
He barely heard Andora hiss in surprise as he used his power to move so fast he wasn't seen as more than a flicker to shadow. Rory saw her move away toward their people to warn them that he was not where they thought.
He thought he heard Zorian curse.
By then, he passed through the brush and made more noise than he liked. Several of the Atrians looked his way with worry, but by then, he was in a slightly cleared area where they stood.
They were ready to fire. That made it even easier for Rory. He sped across the front of the line, cutting ten bow strings in one quick movement. Then he moved out of the area and dropped, winded, into a slight depression.
His heart labored, and he couldn't hear much at first except for a dull roar -- But that turned out to be the yells of the frightened Atrians. They were moving away in haste, but he didn't think they would go far. Unanik and Junal were already taking advantage of the moment of panic and their own soldiers were on the move.
Rory got out of the way and stumbled back behind the lines. Someone was going to be carrying him again soon.
Andora had been waiting and snagged his arm. "Well done," she said and dragged him along. Rory's feet were having trouble finding the right pace again. "Most of us are heading straight down, through the village, and onto the ships. Some have gone ahead to give the signal so they can prepare for us, but with as much stealth as possible. Can you make it?"
"I will," Rory said, but he hoped Zorian was close in case he didn't go very far. The dark night seemed darker sometimes, but Andora never let go of him.
They did rest with some of the others. Rory knew Jamison and Keltrina were close by. Maybe Zorian as well, though he didn't hear his older friend. He hoped nothing had happened to the Admiral ... but he didn't look around or ask. Not right now.
The village was well-lit but didn't look busy. Troops were moving through with no apparent trouble. The town stretched out near the small harbor where three ships were ready for them, and two more holding off and prepared to move in, oarsmen already in place.
The sight revived Rory. The village was long but narrow where they would go through and a straight path to the ships.
What could go wrong?
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