I glanced over and looked at Daphne, she looked thoughtful, and her eyes met mine.

  I smiled and nodded in assurance, though she hardly needed it. If she was nervous, I couldn’t sense it. She was dressed in an elaborate green dress, and had her beautiful straight and shiny honey blonde hair up. She also looked calm and in control. Sixteen or not, the girl had more presence and poise than anyone I’d ever met before. She’d be doing part of the presentation of our plan, mostly the details on the new government setup, which made sense. I’d be presenting the campaign portion.

  Along with Daphne, Sharon, and Lia, both Marie and Jenna were here as well.

  The only one invited who didn’t show, was Melinda. Sharon’s mother and I had been butting heads lately. I thought she saw me as nothing but a tool to be used to further her career, and while I respected her accomplishments, ranks, and position, I took a dim view to being manipulated and used.

  Especially since it wasn’t at all necessary, I’d volunteered after all.

  Anyway, she’d politely declined, and said that she was too busy to attend. Another message no doubt, to put me in my place. I had the feeling that when she found out the truth of today’s meeting, that she’d regret her decision to skip it.

  The door opened and I looked up. Matthew took in the people in the room, and I saw a slight frown. He obviously hadn’t expected this many people. His voice was pleasant enough when he spoke however.

  “Come on in, and tell us what you have in mind.”

  I stood up, took a deep breath, and walked into the council chamber with the five ladies. There was a reason I’d brought along Jenna and Marie, along with my wives and of course, the princess. It wasn’t just because they were friends.

  We waited for Matthew to seat himself on their slightly raised dais. It brought their heads slightly above a standing supplicant, even when they were sitting.

  Caroline looked suspicious already, Bernard looked interested, but also had a look on his face that proclaimed this better not be a waste of time.

  Matthew said, “So, what’s your idea for a mission?”

  I paused, but just for a short moment.

  “I believe we can end the suppression for good. It will take time, perhaps eight years? But I believe if we move slowly, but inexorably, we can not only restore the rights of the sorceresses, but build a kingdom we could be proud of.

  “In short, I’m suggesting we liberate one island at a time, each one should take about two months, until nothing is left but a new kingdom built on the old, with Daphne as our queen. I realize that sounds difficult, and it will be, but together we could make it happen.”

  I paused for a moment, and they were all silent with disbelief, and Caroline actually looked a little scared. I kind of understood why she would be, it had been a hell of an ambitious statement. Politicians feared ambition in its citizens. Still, I went on since I hadn’t been interrupted yet.

  “The outline of the plan, is to move in, and take the island by force. With me as a diviner that should take very little in the amount of resources and troops, but it will take some. We figured we would start with one of the smaller islands. After that, we arrest those guards that are still alive, along with the governor of the island, and then hold them until a real trial can be arranged.”

  I frowned, I’d expected a question, or more likely an objection by now.

  “Point being, we’d reach a point where sorceresses were no longer threatened at all, and we could all focus on more normal pursuits. No king to fear, no more despot, no more sorceresses to save.”

  Bernard shook his head, “We don’t have the resources to conquer fifty islands. Even you say we’d have to go after a small one first. It’s a nice dream, but it is naïve, and will get a lot of people killed.”

  I nodded slowly, I supposed the time had come to tell them all what I knew. I’d already told Sharon, Lia, and Daphne this morning, so they wouldn’t be shocked in here.

  “That would be true, except every time we take an island our army will increase. We’ll need people from here to train magic, how to run a ship, and for local guards. You see, as a diviner I’ve discovered a rather large lie that the kingdom perpetuates. It is in fact, impossible to strip a person’s magic.”

  I waited a moment for that to sink in.

  “What they are really doing is simply a permanent suppression, which any diviner can reverse. As you can imagine, that will mean that we’ll have a great number of powerful women that are pissed off and want revenge, and who would be more than happy to pitch in on the effort. They’d just need magical training, to learn how to sail a ship, and those that wanted to can become the new guards for their island. I also believe they’d be more than happy to back our new queen.

  “Some will choose not to of course, but I believe most will eagerly join. My plan isn’t lacking in details, we’ll put in a whole new infrastructure to replace what’s there now, before we leave and take the next island.”

  Matthew frowned and looked at Daphne, “Our queen?”

  Figures he’d latched on that small part of things.

  This is why I’d invited so many along, politics. The council ran a small town, but they were king here. Big fishes in a little pond. I feared they might not want to give up any of that power, either in truth or even in perception. Yet, given the stakes was to free and restore magic to every sorceress in the kingdom, they might hesitate to say no because it would make them look selfish.

  The more the witnesses, the greater the hesitation.

  I had no doubt if that happened, Jenna, Marie, and my mates would spread the word quickly. The council led a group that was dedicated to freeing sorceresses, it was their life’s purpose. The council couldn’t afford to appear to put their own needs above that purpose.

  I really hated politics, and it was actually Lia’s idea, not mine. I wouldn’t have thought of it.

  I nodded, “How would it look, if the trainers and supporters behind a campaign to rebuild the kingdom under Queen Daphne refused to join it? That said, nothing would really change that much I don’t think, I’ll let the princess explain what she has in mind for a new government.”

  They all looked to her. I tried to read them, but they were all hiding their emotions rather well.

  Daphne smiled slightly, and explained, “The current model is rife with corruption and abuses. I’d do away with the governor system completely. The separate islands would be run by a five-person council. One sorcerer, one sorceress, a healer, all appointed by me. The last two council positions, would go to two people elected by the population.

  “Their duties would be to protect the island, and deal with the populace as per the law.”

  She paused for a moment, “On Pheles, we would have a grand council. They would be comprised of one councilor from all the different islands, appointed by the councils of said islands. Their purpose would be to represent their island to me, and keep me apprised of any problems. They would also have input into new laws, but the final decision would still rest with me.

  “My job as queen would be to enforce the laws between islands, and run the kingdom fleet. I’d also be the balance against corruption on the islands, if the laws are not enforced locally, or if power abuses take place, changes would be required.”

  She smiled a little wider, “I got the idea for some of that by your example, and of course I have no wish to interfere with what works so well here.”

  Daphne stepped back and we waited for their response, or a question. She looked cool as a cucumber, but I’ll admit I was a bit nervous. Ambitious was hardly an adequate word to cover what we were proposing here.

  Bernard looked at me, “It seems you’ve put a lot of thought into it, let’s hear the details. How will you deal with the last three kingdom diviners, and what resources do you believe you need from us?”

  “I’d hoped to have Melinda here. We picked a relatively small island, as far as forces I would think just the one ship would allow us to successfully take Aramore. As I said, we’ll be there for two months, time enough I think to train the new guards, form a council, and get the trials all settled. Outside of the one ship and crew, we’d need to take along trainers in magic, sailing, and some strategic lessons for the royal fleet we will start to build.

  “We’d also need trainers for the guards, not just in magic, but to teach history, law, morals, and when it’s appropriate for them to use force, and how much. Things like that. We’d also need people to build the ships for the new recruits, and perhaps a handful of experienced and seasoned people for a command crew. At least in the beginning.”

  I took a deep breath.

  “As for the last three diviners, I’m worried about that as well, they’d be our greatest danger. It is my intention to recruit help from the elves as well, to mitigate that threat.”

  The council all exchanged glances at that, and I wondered what I said to trigger it.

  Matthew said, “Please wait outside while we discuss this. What you are asking for isn’t small, but it’s also the best hope we have of putting an end to the current situation.”

  I nodded, “Thanks.”

  The six of us left, and we took seats outside.

  “Well that could have gone worse.”

  Jenna snorted, “That’s what worries me…”

  Yeah, they were probably discussing it in private, to figure out a way to say no without looking like assholes. Maybe not though. I didn’t get along with the council all that well, but they were dedicated to their mission. I just wondered if they were more dedicated to their power. Under the new government, they’d have even more really, and whoever joined the grand council would have a modicum of influence, but people feared change, and feared losing their power. My plan would bring both of those fears to light.

  There was also the trust part. They’d have to trust me to do what I said I would do.

  Chapter Three

  We weren’t kept waiting long, just twenty minutes or so, and this time Bernard came to collect us. He had a neutral look on his face, so I had no guess as to what they’d decided.

  Once we were all situated in the council chamber, Bernard said, “The plan is attractive, but also extremely risky. The stakes are higher than ever before, we’d be able to save more than ever before, and eventually, permanently so no others needed saving.

  “On the other side, the stakes are just as high. An island that rebelled, if retaken, will be punished severely, and many will die. The plan will also tie up our best captain and resources for eight years. I understand your new island wards which we installed here will greatly mitigate the chances of a reversal, but it doesn’t remove them altogether.

  “Because of those risks, and the stakes involved, we will agree provisionally. If the elves agree to mitigate the risks of our most dangerous enemies, the diviners, we will happily endorse and contribute people and resources to take your plan forward.

  “However, if you are unable to secure the help of the elves, we will have no choice but to abandon plans with such a high risk. The price of failure would be unacceptable.”

  I thought fast, during that whole speech I’d felt his magic roiling. I knew from the past that meant he was being deceptive, but it didn’t necessarily mean he was lying about any of it. I got the impression they’d found a way to say no without looking like douchebags. I could practically smell their confidence, that the elves would turn me down.

  For all I knew, they were right. But then, they didn’t know how strong the connection between Amara and I was. Of course, she was running from that connection, or so I assumed, so perhaps they were right after all.

  My ability to discern the deception in others was something I hadn’t shared, it was actually my last secret, and one I had no intention of ever sharing. Well, that and the laser thing. I could create a laser from bending a simple light spell. I’d decided that was way too dangerous to allow the information out.

  I’d find out soon if the council was right. I had to admit, history was on their side. The elves were an insular people.

  “Thank you for listening. We’ll approach the elves tomorrow, and I’ll let you know what the determination is.”

  They dismissed us with a nod, and we filed out.

  We were all quiet until we reached our home, and everyone filed in.

  Sharon tilted her head, “That wasn’t so bad, they didn’t call you crazy once.”

  Lia giggled, and Jenna snickered.

  Daphne frowned, “I got the feeling there that they hoped the elves would say no.”

  I raised an eyebrow, I wouldn’t have had a clue without my secret advantage.

  Marie asked, “Why?”

  Daphne shook her head, “Then they could say no, blame the elves for the continued suffering of the sorceresses, and state their hands are tied because of the high risks and Tony’s inexperience. Why they’d want that is open to interpretation.”

  Jenna snorted, “Interpretation?”

  Daphne nodded, “It could be they fear losing their own power. It could also be that they’re reluctant to trust that Tony won’t seize power at some point during the campaign, or perhaps they don’t trust me to be any better of a monarch than my father. They’re right about one thing, the plan is audacious in scope, and failure would be very bad for a previously liberated island. They also might fear losing some of the best people on the island permanently.

  “In all likelihood, it is a combination of all of those reasons.”

  Lia waved at the table as Sharon went into the kitchen to retrieve lunch. We all sat.

  Lia nodded, “Probably, but they’ll also be tied to their word, if we succeed tomorrow.”

  Marie asked, “You sure you don’t want us to go?”

  The original plan was to just go with Sharon, Lia, and myself. That would be the family if we convinced Amara to join, or to at least consider it. I hadn’t wanted to risk Daphne if something went wrong, but she’d convinced me she needed to be there. I supposed it made sense, the elves would want to meet the person they were asked to help put on a throne, but I didn’t like it. I was very protective of the princess, the future rested on her shoulders, and she was the core of my whole plan.

  Some risks were necessary though. On this world, women had power due to the magic, and although protective, I knew I needed to fight alongside them, not in front of them.

  At times, that wasn’t easy. It went against the grain. It was also inevitable, as I was far more effective with their help than without it.

  Still, the smaller the party that invaded the elven forest without an invitation, the better.

  Both Marie and Jenna had become good friends. As the fire and earth sorceresses in our group on the last mission, and since then, we’d become a team. The last two months had seen that relationship grow into a tightly knit group of friends.

  Sharon came out with the food, and took a seat next to me.

  Lia shook her head at Marie, “I’d like you and Jenna along, but the elves are insular and touchy, the smaller the trespass the better chance we’ll have.”

  Marie nodded reluctantly, and there was a long pause in the conversation as we ate…

  Sharon asked, “So, you said they’d be worried about permanently losing people? Why is that?”

  Daphne replied, “At the end of it all I’ll have a lot of posts to fill. Can you imagine anyone more qualified, that we could trust, to be the admiral of the kingdom fleet than your mother? Many may form attachments to others off the island, and decide to stay somewhere else with the risk of abuse and oppression in the past. That’s just a couple of examples.”

  Marie frowned, “It really will change everything won’t it.”

  Sharon nodded, “For the better I hope. How’s your family?”

  We talked then about other things. Marie was co-wives with Maria, who’d just had a little girl, and we discussed that for a while.

  I was worried about tomorrow for lots of reasons, and the chance that our plans could be derailed before they even got started, was just one of them.

  When I was on the force back home, I’d handled more than one call for a domestic disturbance. Often a woman would blame themselves or feel ashamed for their abuse, make excuses, and outright lie to protect their abusive husband.

  I didn’t even have to look any further than my own family for that kind of thing. My mother was very much like that, she’d kept going back, until my father had finally gone too far, and her story came to an end. It was a pattern. For whatever reason, people feared change, even when their circumstances weren’t all that great, there was a certain amount of security in it.

  It was familiar for one.

  In the case of abusers, it was also a false sense of security, but that security was still real in the victim’s minds. Sometimes it would be fear that they would be hurt worse, or killed, if they tried to leave. Sometimes… it was fear of change, fear of losing what little they had. Fear of the cost.

  Change didn’t come easy for humans, not in circumstances or personally, and I was sure there would be many challenges in our future because of that. My biggest worry was that they’d see us as conquerors, rather than liberators. It made no sense, given how brutal and sadistic the monarchy was, but it was a valid thing.

  I didn’t have to look any farther than the Iraq war to figure that out. Our intentions won’t mean a thing to anyone but ourselves, it will be the perceptions of the populace we try to free that will matter in the end…

  Chapter Four

  They’d told me that they’d make it worth my while that morning.

  We’d spent the rest of the day discussing the possibilities of what would happen tomorrow, from complete failure to complete success, and planned for each. After dinner, Marie, Jenna, and Daphne had left for their own homes, and Lia and Sharon had lured me to the bedroom.

  Not that luring me to the bedroom was especially difficult, for either of my mates.

  Having the two of them in bed was still continually awe inducing for me, even after two months.