Silveroak
Chapter 2: Risks 

Obsidian had gathered her comrades, Estiald, Karzin, and Harvut to her chambers. She licked her lips, staring down at the tray. She began eating as they all stared at her in silence. Obsidian caught the brief glance between Karzin and Harvut. She sighed, setting down the tray.

"So you all captured 2 of the Atlasters' members?" She interrogated for confirmation.

Harvut stuttered, "Y-yes m-ma'am." Obsidian nodded her head, then looked at the group.

"Good," Obsidian shook her head. "I've gotten information. Fortunately, from capturing these prisoners I was able to see our next move and the information they'd spill. However, I plan to use them as my sacrifices to be able to see even further in to the future." Everyone around her bit their lips. They hated when she used people to extend her vision. 

"What is that information, may I ask?" Estiald questioned. Obsidian took another bite of her delicious meat. After swallowing, she gave them all a sharp glare.

"West side of Silveroak. They have cannons and a wall of mages. They also have booby traps set all across the riverbank. If you can dodge all of them on the first riverbank, get across the river, and survive a barrage of traps, mages, cannons, and arrows, then we're golden." Obsidian sighed. They'd have to come up with a strategic way of going upon this. Everyone remained silent. 

"When do you suppose they'll fire?" Karzin had lifted his gaze from the cold stone floor.

"Exactly 2 days from now. If they go undetected, then yes. But if not, they'll send their army over Silveroak." Obsidian answered. She only looked back down at her floor. She twiddled her thumbs. They couldn't know the rest. If they did, it'd tear the Intrepids apart by the seams. 

"Should we..." Estiald began, "Consult Jeito?" Obsidian shut her eyes tightly. She thought. Visions full with color and a familiar place filled her mind. She couldn't tell the outcome of speaking with Jeito, for she did not have enough energy, but she did see them having to do so.

"I think that may be our only option," Obsidian stopped for a minute. "Harvut, you'll guide us through the Silveroak forest. He lives in the heart of the forest. Regardless, the amount of danger gets greater as we approach. Something will always be lurking, and especially, it'll be watching and waiting." She explained. Everyone tensed. Obsidian herself was not comfortable with the idea of speaking with Jeito. Long ago, he had been on neutral grounds. He'd tell the Atlasters their plan, and the Intrepids the Atlaster's plans. It was risky, however, that was the only thing they could do at this point. Despite their strength, they simply all could not take out their army. 

"Harvut, ready the horses please."

"Okay!" Harvut jumped up nervously, stumbling as he exited the chamber clumsily. He turned from the doorway and disappeared from sight.

"We have 2 days, correct?" Karzin wondered.

"Yeah. So we better act fast." Obsidian replied briskly. They sat in silence for a while.

"Well," Estiald sighed. "Let's head to the stables. It doesn't take long for Harvut to get the horses up and running."

Obsidian agreed. She rose from her spot and took off in to the dimly lit corridor. She felt Karzin and Estiald on her heels.

Slowly, they pushed past a stone door to the stables.