Emery stayed in hiding longer than he'd originally planned.
With Soltz continuing the journey alone beneath the sand, forced to make several detours to avoid detection, their original three-day estimate stretched several days longer. Emery used the extra time as best he could, focusing on recovery while preparing for whatever awaited them ahead.
First, he sent an updated report through Veyarel to the armada.
The devastation he'd witnessed through Sesani's memories, a battle from two decades ago that was still reflected in the current state of the realm, was proof enough of how deep the corruption had spread. Even so, the three Supremes leading the armada chose to press forward, exploring Tartarus cautiously while gathering as much intelligence as possible. At their current pace, reaching Pardera would still take several months.
Which meant Emery had time to gather intelligence cautiously, taking less risky routes.
He intended to use the time well.
