Those in the crowd shuffled, nodding in agreement. Just as Harrison had called out in defiance at the Hiddleston rally, another broad-shouldered farmer spoke out above the rest.
"So you want us to die for the Black Lily and this hopeless cause? No one can defeat the army of the Glass Tower."
Sienna didn't miss a beat. "The only one calling you to die is the queen herself." Silence ensued. "She is the one spreading this plague of blood madness throughout the land. She is the one building her own army to keep you bound in chains. She is the one who guarantees death or an enslaved life … which is even worse, if truth be told." She paused to scan the gathering. Squaring her shoulders, she went on. "The Black Lily offers you a chance at liberty, a chance to fight for the life you deserve and the life your children and grandchildren deserve. A life where you do not have to fear the night, but a world where you may walk upright and proud in the light of day. You may think our numbers small, but you are wrong. We grow by the day and our fighters are being trained by the former lieutenant of the Royal Legionnaires himself."
She nodded to Nikolai in the back with an appraising smile. His heart leapt at such a look from her. Eyes swiveled to him.
"Our leader Arabelle sends me news of their progress. Under the lieutenant's guidance, we have an upper hand against the enemy. His skill and devotion to us may be the very thing that saves us all."
Someone began to speak, but she raised her hand with a sharpness that matched the fierce intensity shining bright in her eyes.
"I know what you would ask," she said. "Why would a vampire fight for us?"
Nods and murmurs of agreement buzzed through the small crowd.
"Because they are not evil incarnate as some of you may believe. I know the old tales. I've heard them, too. My grandmother once told me there is darkness and danger in fairytales, when one cannot tell the difference from what is real and what is not." Her heaving bosom and her fisted hands at her side spoke of the passion welling inside of her. "I am here to tell you I have witnessed the selfless and heroic acts of both Prince Marius and Lieutenant Nikolai. They abandoned their life of luxury and power with the crown to help us. The very least we can do is join the ranks of the Black Lily and play our part."
Her gaze found him. His muscles locked. She had no idea the effect her words had on him. Or that look of deep admiration she shined so willingly upon him. He didn't deserve it, and yet, he savored the beauty of the moment, hiding away her perfection for the distant future when this quest was over and they parted. The vision of her standing there would warm him on many cold nights to come.
A burly, bald man called out, "I'm not a fighter. But if you need a blacksmith, I will lend a hand."
Sienna's smile brightened the dimly lit room. "Thank you, sir. A forger of weapons and arms is as needed as any soldier." She nodded to him appreciatively. "I will say this and be done. You are right that there is risk in loss of life if you join the army of the Black Lily. But it is assured that you will continue to lead a life of fear and enslavement should you do nothing. The Glass Tower grows in power, and her demand for more blood increases by the day. The royal army must be fed. And we all know, they will not be eating the slaughtered calf or roasted pig to satisfy their appetites. The choice is yours, my friends. Should you be brave enough, report to the Bull's Head in Hiddleston and sit at the booth painted with a black mark upon the table. Someone will find you and give you instructions from there. Good night."
She stepped down but was surrounded at once with a barrage of questions. The others shuffled toward the ladder leading up to the ground floor. Nikolai shoved off the wall to keep a closer eye on Sienna. She spoke to each of them with steady ease, washing away their fears and rallying them behind the cause with reassuring words and a kind smile. One by one, they disappeared from the gathering until only the blacksmith and Deb remained.
Nikolai moved closer, arms crossed.
"Yes, your family may join you as well," said Sienna, placing a gentle hand on the blacksmith's arm. "We welcome them. Just meet at the Bull's Head as I've said before. A contact will reach out when he knows it is safe."
"Thank you, milady." With a duck of the chin, the smithy sauntered off and up the ladder.
Deb stepped forward with a smile upon her face. The three of them ambled toward the exit together.
"Thank you for taking the risk and having us here," said Sienna.