There was a lot more to talk about, so they returned to the courtyard and Immersed themselves in a detailed discussion of the upcoming war. Now that both knew what hidden cards they held, they could work out how to deal with a great number of possible events effectively. At the same time, more issues were uncovered as they discussed tactical solutions.
For example, Cassie possessed a much deeper knowledge of what Aspects, Abilities, and Memories the main combatants of both Domains possessed. She could share all that knowledge with Sunny, which would help him deal with these people on the battlefield, should the need arise.
He had collected a lot of information in the last year, but she knew more. So, he felt a subtle sense of excitement as many of the gaps in his understanding of the playing field, the players, and the figures they would move were covered one by one.
Still, it was a strange conversation. Neither of them had the ability to predict how the war would turn out, exactly. So, they were simply preparing themselves to face the unknown as best they could. The rulers of the Great Clans were having similar meetings, without a doubt. Granted, theirs were much more crowded and ostentatious.
Sunny also knew that, although he was facing Cassie, Nephis was passively participating in the conversation as well. The blind seer had the ability to communicate with her telepathically, after all. So, she was both talking to him and relaying the necessary information to Nephis at the same time, asking for her Input when it was needed.
After a while, it seemed like they had finally exhausted the deep well of things that needed to be discussed urgently. Finally, silence enveloped the Nameless Temple once more.
Cassie poured herself more tea and picked up the cup, turning to the lonesome tree.
After a while, she spoke evenly:
"The situation is developing rapidly in the waking world. Clan Valor has already leveled accusations against Master Dar and Silent Stalker. They are not pointing directly at Clan Song, yet, but when the Queen inevitably refuses to support the investigation, it would be all too easy to make it seem as if she is implicated."
She let out a deep sigh.
"Both Domains are boiling with indignation. The citizens of the Sword Domain are in outrage over the attempt on Neph's life, while those in the Song Domain are appalled at being accused of it. Passions are burning hot, and all the seeds of discord that had been planted earlier are blooming. The situation is highly volatile. If this continues..."
The young woman hesitated for a few moments,
"I'm afraid that peace won't outlive winter, Come spring, one of the Sovereigns will declare war”
Spring was roughly a month away. Sunny knew these facts himself, but he still couldn't quite believe that the calamity was so near.
Had the ancient people felt the same way in the days before the Doom War?
A month was not a lot of time at all.
He closed his eyes for a moment.
'I won't be able to forge the sword for Nephis in time.’
Nor would he be able to solve the mirror maze below the true Bastion in time. Not to mention that he had not even gotten close to infiltrating the Jade Palace yet.
It seemed that he would only be able to gain more fragments of Weaver's lineage after the rulers of the two Great Citadels were gone. Unless he wanted to leave his main body and one of the six shadows on the sidelines, leaving himself in a weakened state for the carnage in Godgrave.
What was he going to do with the humble shopkeeper once the war started?
Nephis would leave Bastion. Cassie, too...
Was he really going to stay?
Sunny sighed, then looked at his blind companion. freewebnσvel.cѳm
"I don't think that our private deal can continue."
Cassie had agreed to hide his presence in the true Bastion in exchange for reading his memories. Sunny could only sneak there when the moon was full. And if the war was going to start in a month...
She remained silent for a moment.
"There is still a full moon left before the war.”
Sunny shook his head dejectedly.
"I don't think that I'll be able to conquer that maze in a single night. Still... there is one more memory I want to show you."
A pale smile appeared on his lips.
"So, how about we do it right now?"
Cassie was a little startled.
"Now? Here?"
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