Gendry worked like a fiend through the night; the younger Mangana and Thomas worked right alongside him. The three of them had refined the process over almost a week, until it was easy to make three swords in a short day. But now they were making five at once. At the dawn of the seventh day, the last five were finished. 20 royal guards filed in, gathered up their new swords, and went back to training. The three forge workers collapsed; they would rest for the day.
The din of metal on metal from the training yards was broken only by an occasional explosion from the thunder box, the powder being explained and tested by several teams. Some 120 treekin were drilling on the field with Elanor and Aziraphale in close attendance. Each unit had to know its tasks, and timing would be critical. On top of that, contingencies had to be accounted for, because in the heat of war, things never went exactly to plan.
The minister of intelligence and the war planners were deep in meetings when 11 new Thrain entered the room. King Wen had sent flag signalers that would be of utmost importance in pulling this plan off. The 11 were briefed on every aspect of the teams' movements and how the assault would progress.
In another area, the older Mangana had been hard at work for days. All the healers had gotten together on the second day of planning and formulated a tonic for freed captives. No one would be able to carry six or seven thousand vials into the prison, so they hit on the idea of tiny pills. They were combining ingredients and pressing them out for days. The pills would mask the pain and give the taker a large burst of energy. A lot depended on weakened captives completing what amounted to an obstacle course. They had to remain clear-headed enough to be able to turn and fight for their own lives as well.
Two days before the assault was to begin, a meeting was held with all members in attendance. Insignias were passed around, and the group was schooled on the various levels and markings of the Zon army uniforms. A small portrait of Chuyn was passed around, and they all memorized his face. If he could be captured or killed, it would top off a successful raid and weaken the Zon army. Further intelligence had produced a boon. Four 90-foot Zon ships were all held in one spot in the port, side by side. They hadn't intended on four at once, but it was too good a chance to be missed. These ships were outfitted as troop carriers for the Aman invasion, and their loss would deal a huge blow to that plan. With them all so close together, they would be lightly manned, and the 'disturbance' could very well thin their ranks further.
Bart had a massive meal cooked for all of them, and they drank and enjoyed themselves as if it were their last day alive, because for many it would be.
So far, they had been lucky that their secrecy had held. Further subterfuge would be required to pull this off. The next morning, wagons were loaded, gear was stowed, and disguises were put on. 60 wagons pulled out toward their various destinations. Some carried 'traders,' and some carried 'farm' workers, and some were just regular 'travelers' and 'families'. They went to destinations very close to the front line with Zon. Some to Stonekin Mountain, and some to various farms and buildings in proximity to the line.
The fighters from Westeros were having one last meeting before all this kicked off. The three captains drew straws, and Portsmith got the short straw. He would stay behind to salvage Arya's mission if everything went south. They would gather any survivors and run for Westeros with as much intelligence as they had gathered. 10 crew were to be left behind to man the ships, and Calancy and Beth would be taken back as well. 30 ship-worthy treekin stayed behind as well to ferry the remaining treekin to the new land. The reality of what they were about to begin was starting to set in on them all. There would be no turning back on this, and this part of the world would be forever changed by it. Their lives hung in the balance, and Arya got up and gave a small but rousing speech that buoyed their spirits. Dirk added, "Let's all come back alive and make for home together, shall we?" As day dawned, they all loaded up, hugged, and said goodbye. Thomas and Gendry had two wagons loaded with barrels, too. As their wagon train was heading out the gates, Gendry stood on his and shouted, "To victory!"
As the assault night fell on the border between Thrain and Zon, 75 wagons pulled quietly to a stop on a hill above the Zonian border guard camp. Surprisingly, Bronn dropped off his wagon and motioned for the underbelly team to come forward. The 11 of that group stepped forward, and Bronn turned to the full group, saying quietly, "We got this light work." Bronn's group made their way down the hill, and a well-aimed arrow took out the only guard they could see on duty. A flurry of metal piercing flesh and muffled shouts wound its way up the hill to the assembled party. Bronn appeared walking back up the hill with all 11 of the group. He brushed some dust off this armor and smiled, saying in a louder voice, "Let's do this!"