There was a meeting set up with Valentine. Talia, Fredrick, and Ben would all be there. It was a few days later presumably they had talked with Darien. Simon and Layla were there as well.

In a meeting room, Layla had set up a table with the map of the war. It had markers on it indicating the various positions on it. There was a deep part of the map that was mostly the Shadow Clan's as well as a Southern Alliance stronghold opposite.

"I believe we have two main issues today," said Layla, "First the matter of wyverns going to Valentine, and second is the matter of us joining the battle. I think we should resolve them today."

"We have spoken to Lord Darien," said Ben, "and have found a way that can make everyone happy. A few have been setting up some facilities."

"I don't see the issue then," said Layla. She turned towards Simon.

"They seem to be almost ready for it, we will still have to have some goblins there for their expertise. We don't have all the saddles made yet. We should be able to transfer in the coming days."

"I actually think we deserve some compensation for these saddles," said Layla. "At least the ones we can't provide yet. Valentine should be able to reproduce them from the ones they get."

"It's a matter of numbers, twenty seems a bit low don't you think? You seem to have a lot."

"Why? They will mate and reproduce and if they don't we are prepared to swap."

"We were thinking closer to fifty. We can spread them until we have the proper facilities."

"Forty would be enough, if we have a family unit, maybe an extra. We have a few that are pregnant, they lay several eggs at a time. To do that though you would have to buy the saddles from us," said Layla, "and not make any your own for the first flock. And one for each of them."

"I think something like that can be arranged," said Fredrick.

"The goblins that are helping you are to be compensated as well for their expertise, work, and time," said Kurt.

"That's agreeable," said Fredrick. "No one should work for free."

"Then can we consider the matter settled?"

"I think so. We can work out the exact figures later."

"So now for coming into the war," said Layla. "I think our focus should be on their shadow creatures rather than their armies. We have a lot of options now."

"It is clear they know you are there now their movements show it," said Fredrick.

"Your battalions coming and going didn't help that," said Layla.

"But that means it's time to make the move," said Ben.

"I think so too," said Kurt.

"It's a question of where," said Layla. "We can fly now and bring a gate."

They looked at the map with some intensity. "I think we should go quickly," said Talia. "If we send an attack here at the front line, once we break through. We can send a force coming from Helmsbrig like this."

"We can come through Valentine's gate," said Layla. And pull out around here then come back to Helmsbrig and release a main force heading this direction. And they have a lot of problems moving around."

"And it would be like you're coming from both directions," said Fredrick.

"You can actually allow them to break here too, full retreat and scatter. They will think they made progress by the time they realize their flank is gone," said Kurt. "They won't be able to send reinforcements and end up stranded and surrounded. These keeps should be ready to abandon."

"Because we'll make it look like we are running away but we actually are giving reinforcements to the real attack."

"If they fall for it, they could see the trap and stay put," said Layla.

"We shouldn't force it that's true, if they make a push anywhere here, we should let it work is what I'm saying," said Kurt. "It might push our own timeline."

"There is another thing," said Ben.

"Yes," said Layla.

"Refugees, there are quite a lot of them," said Ben pointing at a place somewhat out of the way.

"Kurt," said Layla, "you're going to have to take some flying lessons, we will have to run back and forth here a lot."

"Huh?"

"To move around like this," said Layla, "you can't be jumping around. We will have to fly."

"That's part of the problem as well," said Simon, "the riders need to have practice just as much as the wyverns. Goblins have a natural tendency for riding but even they will need some time.

Simon continued, "The wyverns should actually bond directly with a rider, as in the rider should be taking care of it, even at rookery with a keeper. The better they know each other the easier it will be. Teaching them to ride is the easier part, making sure they know what to do when they react certain ways, how to properly maintain their coats, what and when to feed takes longer."

"We could bring in people from Valentine immediately," said Layla, "to train."

"I can do that," said Talia. "We have people at my castle, and I will send for others."

"Do we know the effects on wyvern with mana wells?" said Kurt.

"It can vary," said Simon. "Harvey's reaction is much stronger."

"We should see if we can use the fires that can expose shadow soldiers," said Talia.

That meant dealing with Jessica, Rosie, and Ishtar.

"We have a lot to do," said Fredrick. "And not a lot of time to do it."

"We can begin flying lessons tomorrow," said Simon. "We can start with whoever is available. And add more as we need, that should make it a bit easier if some can fly without as much supervision. It shouldn't take very long, it's a very easy process especially with reins and a saddle."

"Then Kurt will join you," said Layla. "And once we have enough to feel comfortable performing this plan."

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