He cupped her face and leaned close. “Do you want to go inside?”
“I go where you go,” she answered.
“Are you okay?” he pressed. “Physically?”
She nodded, so he kissed her forehead and wrapped her in a hug, turning his attention on their family. “This discussion is over. I’ve made up my mind, and there isn't anything you can say that will change it, so there's no point in debating the issue. As you can see, it's a sensitive subject.”
Everyone bowed their heads and returned to their seats, and Quin relaxed. “Thank you. Like I said, we're not hiding. We're going to prepare ourselves the best we can then face the Unforgivables.”
Several people mumbled their disbelief, and a few women sobbed. Rhiannon, in particular, struggled to accept this decision. “It's not possible, Quinlan.” She looked at her son with bloodshot eyes. “How can you just sit there and let this happen, Kemble?”
Kemble sighed as he squeezed Cordelia's hand. Then they both stood and walked to their son. “I understand this is difficult to accept, mom, but it wouldn’t be any easier for us to watch them leave not knowing if they'll ever come back. Furthermore, and most importantly, they don't want to live that way. They’d rather die than give up their life here, so they'll fight for their freedom. And they'll not fight alone. They’ll have three bonded couples standing with them.”
More sobs stabbed the air, and Catigern scowled while shaking his head. “That's not enough.”
“You’re right,” Kemble agreed.
“So what do you intend to do?”
“We’re recruiting volunteers, people who are itching to see Agro die and don't mind risking their lives to do it.”
“You have people in mind?”
“A few, but not enough, so if any of you know someone who might want a piece of the Unforgivables, let us know. We're desperate for help.”
“Why?” Banning asked. “There must be thousands who’d love to take a chunk out of Agro.”
“We can't trust them,” Quin explained.
“So?” Banning returned. “That doesn't mean they won't be useful when the time comes.”
“That's true, but we’d prefer it if our situation doesn't become common knowledge. We could be facing several battles if that happens.”
Catigern ran a hand down his face and looked at the sky. “That won’t be an issue if you don't survive this one.”
“We understand that,” Quin replied, “and if we can't get enough trustworthy help, we might resort to strangers, but we'll attempt to keep our secret unless it becomes necessary to reveal it.”
“When do you plan to do this?” Lann asked.
“As soon as we're ready,” Kemble answered. “We don't know how long Agro's patience will last.”
“And how do you intend to get ready? Besides calling in help.”
“We need to find out what our new bonded mates are capable of, particularly Layla. And she needs to learn defensive magic. Then there's the matter of making the plan and setting the trap.”
“Do you have a timeline?”
“No. But our plans are already underway, so we'll know more soon.”
“What plans?”
“We've made calls to several people; a few of them are on their way. And we've secured a location for Layla and Quinlan to practice.”
“You've decided on a place?” Quin asked.
“Yes,” Kemble answered. “It's two hours from here, which is a little inconvenient, but it's fireproof and remote. The forest rangers were our only issue, and we've convinced them to let us camp for a couple of weeks without interference from their men. We’ll cast a hexless shell the first time we visit and leave it up until we’re done.”
“Good,” Quin approved. “Did you hear that, love? We get to play without limits.”
“That will be fun,” she mumbled, still tucked in her safe spot.
“Why do you need a special location?” Lann asked. “Why can't you practice here?”
Quin laughed. “Because we’d burn the place down. Layla taught me a new trick before we bonded, and the result was a fireball bigger than six of our houses combined. She didn't even put everything she had into it, and now we’re stronger. We could probably torch our lawn with one spell.”
“What new trick?” Lann asked.
Quin looked down. “Would you like to show them?”
“I have a better idea,” Layla countered, grinning up at him. “Let’s give them a sample. You get the men; I’ll get the ladies.”
Quin smiled and kissed her nose. “That's a fantastic idea.”