Talia had come by to Kurt's which he was happy about, She told him Darien had returned. So the Valentine clan's security was much stronger. There was to be a meeting with several high-ranking members of the clan, along with Layla and Kurt to discuss what kind of response was possible to the incursion. This should happen soon once everyone is ready. But it will be later today.

Talia had used her light sword to crush one of the cars to cut off the attack. And the damage had been repaired at least to the track; the car was still out of commission.

They had some time to talk more with each other but the meeting was on both of their minds. Neither really had a good idea about how to respond. They couldn't go right at the clan's gate because they didn't know exactly where it was. Nor did they know where on this side they were located.

It was a defeated attitude. The shadow clan was thought to be small but powerful. But there was not much information on them. Following a shadow is difficult to do unnoticed.

They made the best of the situation. And there was much touching kissing. And a few other things. Talia had of course reminded Kurt. She was to be a bride and that still needed a date.

Kurt told her there was something he needed to do first and they would be close to doing that soon.

"Very cryptic," Talia said.

Kurt looked away, "Yeah, I'm not sure how to approach it. I don't know if you'll like it. Or what will happen."

"I'm sure I will love it."

"I'm worried about that too," said Kurt.

Talia had tried to tease what had to happen first but couldn't get it out of him. Eventually, they made their way to the meeting room to find the rest of Talia and Layla. The usual people were there, Lord Fredrick and Baron Derek with their people.

"Good we're all here now," said Derek.

"Yes," said Layla.

"So we are trying to figure out a way to respond to the attack from the shadow clan," said Kurt, "if I understand correctly."

"Yes. And it is very difficult to accomplish," said Fredrick. "They don't have many openings we are aware of."

"Yes, not knowing where they exactly are is a problem," said Layla.

"And they know where we are."

"And if they didn't?" said Layla.

"What do you mean?" said Fredrick.

"I had a long look at your gate, it has flaws but I think I understand why it is the way it is."

"And why is that?"

"It can be closed and moved," said Layla, "and not like mine anyone could move it. If they have the ability to close and open it or someone on one side does."

"What?"

"Well, once closed the actual frame will close up into two stone-like objects, one on each side of the gate. I can open it at a later time and it will be wherever the two stones are located at that time. They split and merge; they are really the same object in two places that's why the shadow can pass through even past the safeguards."

"Really you can do that?" said Derek.

"This also means the frame can be destroyed with the gate. It can also be readily stolen on travel as it would be contained in a physical object."

"Hmm," said Derek, "we will have to talk to the King about this."

"It will take a long time to do, since I didn't create it, the process is much more difficult. But it's definitely designed to do it."

Kurt thought and realized that might be why Darien was stationed there because someone else realized they could go back for it. Why didn't they? You would need someone on both sides though.

"But that doesn't actually respond to the attack actively," said Kurt, "I would suggest moving it on both sides. Just to be safe."

"I think they should close it," said Layla, "and keep it closed."

"Why?" said Baron Derek.

"So we can respond together, of course. We can't attack and defend. So take out the avenue of their attack and we won't have to."

"But how do we attack? Take both of our forces and surround their city?" That's risky for a whole lot of reasons.

"We know something else though," said Layla, "and something I am highly motivated to attack regardless."

"And what's that?"

"We know they have people at Castle Bright Flame."

"You're suggesting we go there from this side."

"Yes, at the very least we should be able to rescue some of the fae I couldn't. This should help both of us. As we did agree we could move them to your area if they choose to help."

"So even if they have left, we can scoop up a little power?"

"But what about the True Sorcerer?" said Talia, "We don't even know enough about him to respond if he is there."

Kurt smiled. But they did have a weapon. Darien the Dragon, it would be easy to convince him to come if there was a possibility he was there. "That's devious."

Layla smiled, "Oh catching up?"

"I think so," said Kurt, "Darien."

"Yes. Lord Darien."

Talia, Fredrick, and Derek's eyes widened. That was something to think about. She wanted the dragon to come as well. That's why she suggested keeping the gate closed until they returned to not repeating the last time.

"You want us to," said Derek, "lend you, Darien."

"I want a dual operation. And Darien will come of his own accord from what I am told. He may be waiting for Kurt to tell him where the Castle is."

"Maybe," said Talia.

"We will have to talk to the King about it," said Fredrick.

"Of course, we will need troops, the trip is about a week and a half one way. Darien obviously could do it much faster in the air."

"But he can't and won't bring a lot on his back," said Kurt.

"I would need to talk to him about it," said Layla. "With the King's permission of course."

Fredrick and Derek both looked at Talia, "Oh don't worry about that I can make that meeting happen."

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