Bastial Frenzy (The Rhythm of Rivalry: Book 4) by B.T. Narro Read Free Book Online Page A

seven times that number. Our army, threateningly large at twenty-five thousand, is actually barely formidable compared to the one hundred thousand in Goldram.
    “Considering those numbers, each person’s ability to fight is worth that much more here in this war. Think about that when you’re deciding whether you should attack Tenred or stay here. The chance of the Krepps coming while our army’s away is extremely slim. The Krepps that were here last night are still retreating back to their encampment, and it’ll be about ten more days before they reach it. So while we need some people here just in case, we’re expecting half of the first- and second-year students to volunteer. Each of you is important; four times more important than any one person in Goldram’s army.”
    Penny looked to have finished. She glanced around the classroom with a grin, as if expecting something. Then she muttered, “I spend half the night writing this thing and I don’t even get one clap? I don’t know how Terren does it.”
    Effie and the others applauded meagerly.
    Her instructor blushed. “Anyway,” she said, “make your decision tonight. Those marching to Tenred will meet by the northern gate after breakfast. You’ll be led by the commander of the King’s Guard, Hem Baom.”
    Effie nearly jumped as she heard the name of Alex’s brother. If Hem’s going, Alex will too.
    “The purpose of this attack isn’t to kill everyone in the Tenred Army,” Penny continued, “but to push them back deep into their territory while we take down their walls. Once their walls are no longer protecting them, they should agree to peace.”
    Penny made it sound so simple that Effie was tempted to change her mind.
    One student asked, “How will the walls be destroyed?”
    “They already were heavily damaged during the explosion. I believe the King has siege weapons, but I don’t know specifics. However, I was told that as long as the Krepps don’t come to defend Tenred, it should be an easy victory.”

 
     
    Chapter 5:
    EFFIE
     
    The rest of Effie’s time with Penny and the other mages was spent discussing the battle strategy for Tenred. Effie didn’t pay much attention after she’d definitely decided she wasn’t going. She was more worried about Alex. Being a warrior, he could be part of the front line.
    Zoke would be safe, fighting alongside Vithos. Effie needed to convince Alex to stay around the psychic as well. She visited his house when Penny concluded her lecture.
    But Alex wasn’t there. She figured he was still with the other warriors, probably involved in the same discussions.
    Shortly after she arrived at her student house, she heard someone come in and slam the door. Effie poked her head out of her room to find Reela with fists clenched. It was strange and frightening to see her friend so angry.
    “What happened?” Effie asked.
    “Cleve and Rek left, and they didn’t even tell me. I don’t know if I’ve ever been this furious.”
    Effie was confused, but she didn’t want to pry. She would’ve offered a hug, but Reela seemed in no mood. Her eyes darted around, as if looking for something to break.
    “I can’t believe they did that.”
    “Where are they going?”
    “Some men came for Cleve when we were at Terren’s house. I talked my way into going with him. They took him to the castle to meet with the King. I saw Rek there. We talked for a while, but then he and Cleve left while I was in the privy. I thought they might’ve been summoned to a meeting, but a guard told me they were sent to the Krepp encampment with the insane task of killing the Slugari leaders. They’ll be gone for many days, Eff. They might not come back, and they didn’t even tell me!” Reela’s teeth were clenched. “They just left without a word!”
    “Maybe they had to leave immediately,” Effie suggested. It was the only thing that made sense.
    “No. They could’ve waited, and it would’ve made no difference. They just didn’t