"You."

"Why me?"

"He needs Machinas power, and then his claim to the throne will be irrefutable. If he can kill you and take that power for himself, it will be over."

She glares at him, "And how do I know he didnt send you to find me?"

"You killed Machina." Glitch looked at her soberly, all cockiness gone. "The power of the Iron King passes to the one who defeats him. At least, thats how I understand it. Thats why the false kings claim to the throne is a sham. Thats why he wants you so badly." He grinned then, evil and mischievous. "Thankfully, were making it a bit difficult for him, both in the war effort, and now with you."

She stays silent before glancing at Ash. "What do you think?"

"Whos 'we'?"

Glitch sobered. "Ironhorse was a friend of mine," he murmured. "He was the first to denounce the false king, and after him, more followed his example. Were few in number, and weve been reduced to guerilla tactics against the false kings army, but we do what we can. Though like I said, were too small to really strike a blow against the false king. But we can do one very important thing that will keep him off the throne forever."

She looks at Glitch, wanting to trust him the second he brought up Ironhorse.

Glitch gave her an apologetic smile, and snapped his fingers. Movement all around them, as dozens of Iron fey melted out of the shadows. There was the cold pulse of Iron glamour, gray and flat and colorless, as they surrounded them in a bristly ring. There were dwarves with mechanical arms and elves with huge black eyes, numbers scrolling across their pupils like glowing green ants. There were dogs with bodies made of ticking clockwork, green-skinned fey with computer wires for hair, and many more. All of them had weapons--blades of iron, metal bats and chains, steely fangs or talons--all deadly to regular fey. Ash pressed close to Claire, his face grim, muscles coiled tight as he raised his sword.

She looked around quickly before looking back at Glitch.