Pax and his crew watched Incedis, waiting for an answer to the numbers both Turgan and Incedis thought were significant enough to change things.

His tone was somber when he answered. “I received a missive from the rebellion leaders explaining why they started at Quarrybrook earlier than expected. Our merchants who run numbers have been applying their skills to the state of the empire.‌ If things continue at their current pace, there won’t be an empire in about five years from now. But that’s not the worst finding. According to their predictions, if nothing changes, the empire will reach the point it can’t recover from in only six months to a year.”

Incedis let the details sink in for a moment.

Pax glanced at his friends, not bothering to hide his shock. Turgan and the rest of the team just looked somber, making it obvious they’d already heard the statistics.

“Yes. All of us need to throw away everything we’ve had in our minds for future plans. There won’t be a next year of school. No looking forward to what kind of mage you’ll be in five years. Our empire is out of time. It’s up to us to fight for the slim chance that any of you will live long enough for there to be another generation.”

Pax still found the idea of growing up enough to think about marriage and children strange, but hearing that there wouldn’t be time to finish at the academy made everything in his mind shift. With a pang, he harshly cut those goals and dreams out of his thoughts and pushed them aside. If the rebellion’s numbers were correct, they had to change their roles, and fast.

“We’re rebels now, not students.” Pax’s words were quiet, but impacted the others as he saw them wrestling with their own inner thoughts.

“Exactly.” Incedis gave him an approving nod. “Let’s go over our goals. First, Team Tribal needs to gain notice as a group of dedicated, even zealous, students loyal to the empire. Keep this in mind and look for opportunities every waking moment to let others see your dedication. This is the only way we can get the access we need to get our other objectives.”

Heads nodded around Pax as everyone paid close attention to Incedis’ words.

“Second, we need to have something the empire finds valuable.” Incedis glanced at the myriad of beasts mixed in with the students. “That will be taming. Every one of you who doesn’t have the taming skill yet needs to get it as soon as possible and do everything you can to level it up. We’ll work on making sure that news gets to the right ears.”

“We can mention how much the beasts will strengthen the empire’s army when we’re playing up how loyal we are,” Rin said.

“Exactly.” Incedis pointed an approving finger at Rin. “Be prepared for people from the war effort to contact you about taming for the army members. Be eager and enthusiastic to contribute. Just make sure everyone knows you can only tame babies.”

“Because we don’t want to actually strengthen the empire army,” Turgan said.

“Yes,” Incedis said. “And we’re hoping you’ll all level the skill enough to tame adult beasts by the time we finish our other objectives. So, when we rejoin the rebels, you can help multiply our forces. And Pax, you need to get busy with the warrior taming thing.”

By the surprised look Turgan and others threw his way, Pax didn’t think Incedis had told them earlier.

Incedis seemed to realize that at the same time. “Sorry. I forgot to mention it, since it’s not a done deal. Pax helped Bryn tame a beast. He needs to work with Tasar to duplicate the feat. If he can, then he’ll work with other warriors in your team and see if it’s something that others can learn. Once we have someone who isn’t Pax help a warrior tame a beast, it’ll become a valuable card we can play to make your team even more attractive to the empire.”

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The excitement of the warriors in the room was palpable as they cast considering glances at the various pets that were visible. Onyx, who Bryn had pulled out to sit on her lap, got several interested looks.

“There are a lot more warriors in the empire than mages,” Bryn said. “If they can overcome their prejudice against beasts, this could be huge.”

“I’m pretty sure once the rebellion wins a few battles, and the empire is forced to take us seriously,” Dahni said, “we’ll find the beast lover hatred fading out fast in the face of wanting an advantage in battle.”

Nods greeted his words, and a few quiet conversations started up.

“Listen up.” Incedis cleared his throat. “Let’s get through this quickly so we can make it appear like a simple team briefing to outside watchers.”

The others quieted. Some shot glances at the tent walls, obviously concerned about who might be watching them.

Welcome to the club, Pax thought. He’d been looking over his shoulder, watching for enemies in the shadows, since he first awakened.

“Two more points, so be patient.” Incedis held up a hand. “Third, once we establish our loyalty and value to the empire, we need to gain access to people and places crucial to the war effort. A single piece of time-sensitive war information can change the course of an entire battle or give us the opportunity to complete an important ambush. Which leads me to our fourth and final objective.”

The room was completely silent as they listened intently to Incedis lay out what they’d be doing in the near future.

“When we finally decide we’ve done all we can, and it’s time to leave the empire and rejoin the rebels, we’ll plan a final heist. We’ll take anything and everything valuable that we have gained access to at that point.” Incedis finished and leaned back in his chair, giving them an expectant look. “Make sense? Any questions or suggestions?”

Pax opened his mouth to ask about his role in unlocking minor mana as well and his goal to help his crew gain access to a secondary mana type and spell. He hesitated. He trusted Turgan, but this secret wasn’t something all of Team Tribal needed to know.

Incedis caught his dilemma. “Pax, as your mentor, I have a few more things to discuss with you. Make sure to set up an appointment with me as soon as we get back, alright?”

Pax nodded.

Incedis deflected the interest suddenly aimed at Pax by addressing Turgan. “As the team leader, would you please summarize the plan so everyone knows what they need to do?”

“Sure.” Turgan gave Incedis an agreeable nod. “First, prove our loyalty to the empire. Second, use the taming to prove we’re valuable. Third, gain access to secrets. Fourth, rob them blind and take everything with us when we leave.”

That got a few chuckles and nods of agreements.

“Exactly. Now that everyone understands the plan, let’s get busy immediately. You hate the rebels and will do everything you can to help the empire. Got it?”

When they nodded, Incedis clapped his hands and stood, sending his chair back to his inventory. He held their gazes for a long moment. “I just want to say thank you. You have more courage and strength at your young ages than many of the adults fighting on our side. If there were any other choice, we wouldn’t be risking children. But it’s your world at risk too. So, thank you for stepping up.”

With a last nod, he let the sound barrier drop and left the tent. There was a long pause as his words sank in. A strengthening confidence settled over their team.

Turgan gave them all a proud look. “Now that we’ve got a plan, we’ll get together at the team headquarters once the academy leaders pass out their instructions, so we know how they’re responding to everything. I expect that’ll be the first morning back, so let's say after dinner on that day?”

The others murmured their assent and woke sleeping companions to head back to their own tent. It didn’t take long for Pax and his crew to have their place back to themselves.

“Wow.” Rin shook her head and let out a slow breath.

The others made sounds of agreement, but everyone felt too exhausted from the long march to delay bedtime any longer.

A short time later, Pax lay on his cot, hands propped up behind his head, and listened to the comforting sounds of soft snores and snuffles from his crew and their companions. He turned to look in the direction of the capital. Tomorrow they would walk into an entirely different city than the one they’d left.

Pax suddenly felt as uneasy as the first time he’d approached the capital as a newly awakened mage bound in manacles and having no idea what to expect. Everything had changed again, and he and his friends were about to jump into a brand-new fight for survival.

The only difference? This time, the entire rebellion and empire were along for the ride.