The Promised Ones; Guardian War 1 by Axl Briar
Chapter 24
Javin, Sauros, Sohorkon, and Siri sat around a table in the private chambers of the Palace. Preegha stood behind Javin like an honor guard. It made him nervous. The rest of the Elders were with the young warriors in another part of the Palace. There had been no fighting between the people of the city and the Pontu’ Gi, but there was no sense taking chances since the people were still furious over the assassination of their king.
Dahken’ Zho stood behind Siri. He’d finally been found after the trouble was over. He’d chased after the man who’d fired the arrow when Javin shouted.
They’d fought and Dahken had been wounded pretty badly and left lying in the main avenue as the man made his escape. But he’d learned what they needed to know. It was one of Tranthra’ Joh’s men.
From Preegha they’d also learned that half the young warriors had been taken by the false Mulda’ fi to another city. They all knew which city that was.
The funeral for his father had been postponed over the protests of the people. Mouhra’ Lah was still a captive of Tranthra’ Joh. And with Nemesis surely in possession of Putra’ Fi Sorro, they couldn’t wait.
Sauros was almost beside himself with grief and worry. As soon as the city had been brought under control, they’d sat down to plan. It was hard for Sauros to stay seated. He was ready to move out now!
Dahken would take over the provisional reigns of government. Sauros had already signed the necessary orders and met with the nobles to get their agreement. He’d also explained he needed to be gone from the city to bring his father’s murderer to justice. It would have been better Javin thought, to say nothing, but as he thought it through, Javin realized Nemesis would know they were coming anyway. The assassin had seen them and escaped. No surprise this time.
The plan called for them to split into two, then three groups.
First, Preegha and two of the Pontu’ Gi Elders would accompany Javin, Sauros and Siri. They would start off now, arrive at Putra’ Fi Sorro, and slip inside through one of the secret ways.
Then Preegha and the two Elders would split off and contact their warriors inside the city, and open the gates for Sohorkon.
Sohorkon was to come with Muustha, the Pontu’ Gi warriors’ former trainer, along with the Pontu’ Gi and an army from Sunzah’ Nu Geeza. They’d travel separately and wait out in the jungle for the gates to open. Then they’d come in, creating a diversion such that Tranthra’ Joh and Nemesis hopefully wouldn’t notice Javin, Sauros and Siri sneaking around inside the palace rescuing the Princess.
Everything was set. The sooner they left, the less time their enemies would have to prepare.
“Are we ready, then?” Javin asked.
“More than ready,” Sauros said. Javin felt his friend’s determination. Sauros was going to rescue Mouhra’ Lah even if he had to tear the city apart with his bare hands.