The Princess's Revenge Chapter 40

Logan’s POV

Both twins' expressions darkened. They had trained at Ironwatch Border before, so they understood the implications immediately.

"If they break through there..." Clarence started.

"They can bypass our main forces and march straight for King's Fang," I finished. "Or worse, they can surround our troops at Ironwatch Border from behind."

Elias ran his hands through his hair. "What do you need us to do?"

"I need you to secretly gather a few healthy warriors that you trust completely," I said. "Men who won't ask questions and won't spread rumors. We're leaving immediately."

"How many?" Clarence asked.

"Eight or ten should be enough for reconnaissance," I replied. "Any more and we'll be too obvious."

Elias stood up quickly. "They should still be in the great hall finishing breakfast. I'll go get them."

"Good. Elias, when you go down there, bring me back some wine. I need something to settle my stomach before we ride."

"Of course, Alpha," Elias said, heading toward the door.

After he left, Clarence leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Alpha, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"Is there any possibility this could be a trap?" he asked carefully.

His words hit me like a physical blow. I felt my blood run cold as I realized he was right. Why hadn't I considered that possibility?

"The Thornridge Pass," Clarence continued, his voice growing more urgent. "It's the perfect place for an ambush. The road is narrow, surrounded by cliffs and heavy forest. If someone wanted to trap us..."

I paused in my pacing, considering his words carefully. What he said could be true, but what if the intelligence was real? If Aldermere really was planning to cross at Eagle's Beak in three days, and I did nothing, the consequences would be catastrophic.

My gut told me to trust my instincts. "No," I said firmly. "This rogue attack was just a distraction. The real target is the border crossing. The female rogue's intelligence was genuine."

Clarence's eyebrows rose slightly. "You're certain?"

"Yes," I replied without hesitation. "What do you think we should do?"

Clarence straightened up. "Bring enough warriors with us. If we encounter an ambush, we'll have the strength to fight our way out."

I shook my head grimly. "We just suffered a major attack. Most of our warriors are wounded. We don't have the manpower."

And I need to keep this mission as quiet as possible, I thought. Can't let Dorian catch wind of our plans.

"Then we seek reinforcements from other packs," Clarence suggested.

"The nearest would be Elton's pack and Luna Kestrel's pack," I replied. "Elton is obviously out of the question. Luna Kestrel just lost her son - she needs her forces to protect herself. Soren's pack is too far away."

Clarence frowned, his expression growing thoughtful. He nodded slowly, clearly unable to argue with my assessment.

"We split up," I said aloud. "You're coming with me to Eagle's Beak. We'll scout the area and see if there's any sign of enemy forces. If the intelligence is accurate, we'll set up defensive positions."

Clarence's frown softened slightly.

"Trust me," I continued, my voice carrying the full weight of my authority. "I'm the strongest warrior in this kingdom. No matter how many enemies we face, I can get us out alive."

"What about Elias?"

"He's going to Ironwatch Border to gather reinforcements," I said. "If we're walking into a trap, we'll need backup. If the threat at Eagle's Beak is real, we'll need every warrior we can get."

Clarence stood up, his face set with determination. "I understand. When do we leave?"

"As soon as Elias returns with the men."

The door opened and Elias entered, followed by eight warriors I recognized. They were all young but experienced fighters. Behind them came a servant carrying a goatskin.

"Alpha," the servant said, offering me the skin bag with a respectful bow.

I took the wine and drained it in one long swallow. The alcohol burned going down, but it helped steady my nerves. "Thank you. You can go."

The servant bowed again and left, closing the door behind him. I looked at the assembled warriors - their faces showed confusion and curiosity, but they waited silently for my explanation.

"Men," I began, my voice carrying the authority of command. "I'm about to give you information that could determine the fate of our kingdom. You will repeat none of this to anyone."

They nodded immediately, their expressions growing more serious.

"Aldermere is planning a major assault," I continued. "Five hundred elite troops are preparing to cross into Valdoria. Our mission is to stop them."

One of the warriors, a young man named Garrick, raised his hand slightly. "Alpha, where will they cross?"

"Eagle's Beak," I replied. "We're going there now to assess the situation and prepare our defenses."

Another warrior, Marcus, spoke up. "What about the main force at Ironwatch Border?"

"Elias will be going there to gather reinforcements," I explained. "The rest of us are heading directly to Eagle's Beak."

I could see the fear in their eyes. These men understood the gravity of the situation.

"This will be dangerous," I continued. "We may be walking into a trap. We may be facing overwhelming odds. Any man who wants to stay behind can do so without shame."

None of them moved. None of them spoke. They just stared at me with the same loyalty.

"Good," I said, feeling a surge of pride in these young warriors. "Then let's go protect our kingdom."

We left the room and made our way through the castle corridors. The servants and pack members we passed looked at us with curiosity.

The stables were busy with morning activity. Landon were feeding horses and cleaning stalls. The smell of hay and leather filled the air.

"Saddle ten horses," I commanded. "The fastest ones we have."

"Yes, Alpha," Landon replied immediately.

Within minutes, our horses were ready. I mounted my white warhorse. The other warriors mounted their horses with practiced efficiency.

I turned to address the group one final time. "Men, we ride for the defense of Valdoria. Today we prove that Cliffwatch Pack stands as the shield of our kingdom."

The warriors straightened in their saddles, their faces set with determination.

"For Valdoria!" Garrick shouted.

"For Valdoria!" the others echoed.

I spurred my horse forward, Clarence riding beside me as we left the courtyard. Elias headed north toward Ironwatch Border while we turned west toward Eagle's Beak.

My thoughts kept drifting back to Valencia. Her purple eyes filled with worry as I had left her. Was she safe in my chambers? Was she sleeping, or lying awake worrying about me? The urge to go to her was almost overwhelming.

I rode faster, driven by the thought that the sooner I reached her, the sooner my anxiety would fade.