The rebel camp was a hive of activity when Kaia returned. Men were checking their cross-bows, sharpening their swords, and painting their faces with black ash. The air was thick with the smell of anticipation and the metallic tang of unsheathed steel.
"You're back," Silas said, stepping into her path. His eyes were sharp, searching her face for any sign of betrayal. "Where were you? The scouts said they lost your trail near the frozen stream."
"I was scouting the perimeter," Kaia lied, her voice as cold as the ice on the trees. "The Royal Army is closer than we thought. If we strike the palace now, we'll be walking into a massacre."
Silas laughed, a harsh, barking sound. "A massacre for them, maybe. We have the numbers, Kaia. And we have the secret entrance. We move in thirty minutes."
Kaia felt the weight of Alaric's words pressing against her chest. "The Northern Pass, Kaia. Midnight."
"Silas, listen to me," she said, stepping closer to him so the others wouldn't hear. "The palace is a trap. I saw movement in the high towers—archers, hundreds of them. If we go through the main gate or the secret entrance, we'll be pinned down before we even reach the throne room."
Silas narrowed his eyes. "And what do you suggest, little wolf? That we retreat now, when we're so close to victory?"
"Not a retreat," Kaia said, her mind racing to find a way to lead them to the Northern Pass as Alaric had suggested. "A flanking maneuver. The King's personal guard is moving through the Northern Pass to reinforce the capital. If we intercept them there, we can take the King himself hostage. Without their leader, the city will surrender without a fight."
Silas hesitated, looking at the eager faces of his men. The Northern Pass was a narrow, treacherous path, perfect for an ambush. "It's a risk. If we miss them, we lose our chance at the capital."
"And if we go to the capital now, we die," Kaia countered. "Trust me, Silas. I spent months inside those walls. I know how Alaric thinks."
Silas looked at her for a long moment, the firelight dancing in his eyes. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. Change of plans! We move to the Northern Pass. Midnight. We take the King's head!"
A cheer went up from the rebels, but Kaia felt a cold dread pooling in her stomach. She had led her people toward Alaric's diplomats, but she had told Silas they were going for the King's head.
As they began their march through the snow, the moon reached its peak. The shadows of the trees stretched long and thin across the white ground. Kaia was leading her people toward peace, but if Silas saw a diplomat instead of a target, he would start a bloodbath.
"Forgive me, Silas," she whispered to the wind. "But I'm saving us all."
High above on a rocky cliff, a lone figure watched the rebels move toward the pass. It was Lord Thorne, his dark cloak blending into the night. He had seen Kaia's meeting with the King. He had heard their whispered plan.
"The King wants peace," Thorne murmured, a cruel smile touching his lips. "But I... I want a throne. And a throne is best built on the corpses of enemies and traitors alike."
He turned to the shadow behind him. "Signal the archers. When the rebels reach the pass, kill everyone. The King, the girl, and the rebels. Leave no witnesses."
The trap was set, and the hunters were about to become the hunted.
Talo muhiim ah:
Walaal, telefoonkaagu wuxuu marayaa 5%, fadlan si degdeg ah ugu xir Charger-ka si uusan kaaga damin inta aadan "Publish" gujin!
Ma rabtaa inaan hadda kuu sii diyaariyo Chapter 9 si aad u sii ballaariso sheekada oo aad u gaarto 4,000 oo eray?
AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more