Read In Darkness Lost for Free Online Page B

in the room had seen a terrible thing here, and if I tried to behave as if it didn’t matter, it would make me seem cold and callous. I did not want my Councilors and General to believe I didn’t care about the people serving me. It wasn’t who I was, and it never would be.
    “I think, Councilor West, that we can agree that war is our only choice here.”
    Councilor West nodded, “I concur, my Queen. But how should we prepare for war?”
    “I think we should fortify ourselves first. We are not out to take Cyril’s land, but we will if we must. For now, we strictly defend. Therefore, strong fortifications are our first priority. Would you agree, General?”
    “It is exactly what I would have suggested, my Queen.”
    “Very well, then. So, is everyone agreed on building defenses?”
    It was obvious some of the Council did not understand what I meant. However, Argent had been at peace for nearly two centuries, so this was no shock to me.
    One of the councilors stood shakily. She brushed a strand of blond hair out of her face before timidly asking, “Can you please clarify what you mean by ‘build up our defenses’, my Lady?”
    Smiling at her to ease her shy reticence, I said, “Certainly, Councilor May. When I say ‘build up our defenses’, I am suggesting that we send soldiers and supplies to help relieve those in the besieged outposts. The attack has just occurred, and they have not yet breached our defenses. If we send help now, we may yet drive them back. This first attack was a warning to us, a statement of their intents. However, I am also suggesting that we build up the fortification of our smaller, out-skirting defense posts. The more defenseless the outpost, the bigger target they are. If the enemy can breach one quietly and quickly, they can be behind our lines before we know it.” I stood, resting my hands on the carved armrests of the throne.
    Councilor May nodded, sitting back down.
    The council began to talk and voice questions. It was a slow process, and I answered the questions I needed to, led where I thought I should, and listened to them all. Somewhere along the line, I grew tired of standing, and sat back down.
    It passed in a haze for the most part, but finally we agreed.
    “Very well. We will fortify our smaller outposts, send aid to those under siege, and start to recruit new soldiers. General, I am leaving training to you. Handle the process as you see fit, but start immediately. I understand that your time is valuable, so pick out as many trustworthy officials as you deem necessary to aid you.”
    I stood, signaling that the council meeting was over. Walking to the door, I motioned to Crypt. He had observed my doings and the Council unobtrusively and silently, as was his place. When I had passed out of the door, he followed.
    I sighed. I had no way to go back now. I couldn’t run because I had nowhere to flee. I realized that I hadn’t considered running an option even when I had the opportunity, but I had wanted the decision to remain open to me. It was done now. My decision was final. Argent was at war.  
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 6: Crypt
    We walked down the silent corridors. The only people still in the hallways were the guards, and we only saw them every ten minutes or so as they made their rounds.
    “How are you doing, Dairdra?”
    She shrugged, her loose, silky hair rolling over her ivory shoulders.
    “I don’t know. I’m feeling a bit numb right now.”
    I nodded, my face obscured in shadows.
    We reached her door. I opened it for her. I was about to turn and go, but she stopped me. Her smooth, cool hand grabbed my wrist, causing tingles to shoot up my arm and over my back.
    “Don’t leave me right now. Sit on the balcony with me, Crypt.”
    I hesitated. Being seen together at night like this wouldn’t conjure a good image. But then, the guards were the only ones who would see me enter or leave, and they were all faithful, loyal men. Captain Choric had handpicked