Contents
Chapter 8
Overview
Jo refuses General Sam’s order to return home immediately, agreeing only to leave in a fortnight. Studying the map, Jo identifies a vulnerable ledge near a major Strou cave and devises a night infiltration to smoke the enemy out. She recruits shielder Fredrich to assist despite the risks. This sets a proactive counterstrike that could shift the stagnant border fight.
Summary
Returning to her tent after dinner, Jo finds General Sam waiting with an order to return home. Jo rejects the command, arguing she has earned her place and resenting the weight of her title. When Sam mentions that Jo’s mother wants to see her, Jo compromises only to leave in a fortnight, not immediately.
Left alone, Jo studies the border map between Mount Zallis and Strou’s rocky hills, noting the Strou’s protected cave camps. She fixates on a high eastern cavern where hunters display bleeding game and a narrow ledge nearby that might allow an undetected ascent.
Seizing on the idea, Jo rushes through camp to Fredrich’s more secluded tent. Despite the cool reception from rural soldiers, she enters, spreads the map, and outlines her plan: send one or two skilled climbers up the southern face at night and smoke the Strou out from the cave.
Fredrich estimates 5,000–6,000 Strou in the hills, with up to a thousand in larger caves, and warns of the danger and Jo’s mother’s ire. Jo insists she will proceed with or without him and notes she wears a gyve and has a smaller necklace for assurance against her Match’s magic.
Accepting the risk, Fredrich agrees, saying he must acclimatize his shielding magic around the Strou positions. Jo secures his support, setting a covert operation that could break the stalemate at the border.
Who Appears
- JoBorder commander and reluctant princess; refuses immediate recall, identifies a cave weakness, and initiates a risky night infiltration plan.
- FredrichShielder stationed with rural troops; evaluates enemy numbers and agrees to aid Jo’s covert cave operation.
- General SamDelivers orders to send Jo home; invokes Jo’s mother’s concern, but yields when Jo delays departure.