Setting up the flammable materials was the simple process of placing a lot of lamp oil next to Galen’s office. Using the reflection of ambient light and Elm’s movement out of the armory as a distraction, I was able to go past the armory and behind the office, placing all of the materials down. Instead of leaving immediately, Elm would hold the door open in what appeared to be him admiring the night sky. My control over ambient light was better, but still imperfect. I could only cover parts of my body for longer periods, but could do my full body for only around 10 seconds. The intense focus was easy to break, but the resolve I had found with Elm helped my mind out a lot. I was confident that we could do the plan, and knew that the man who I looked up to most was entirely on board.
After placing the materials, I ran back into the armory using the gap that Elm had created, then went back to normal and headed to the bunks with him. I’d already given one speech that night, but this one was a lot more important.
It was time to address everyone who was in on the plan.
***
I sat upright in my bunk and made sure to talk in a hushed tone. All of the supporters who were in the bunk had been woken up. Some were very clearly annoyed by it, but I needed to get the people together, and I understood that a speech in this case could help out a lot. I’d asked Nicole to do the same for the women’s bunks, although I had made it very clear that she shouldn’t push any of her ideas onto people. All she had to do was inform them of what actions to take the next day. The decision to follow either me or her would be something to come at the end. Nicole was a snake of a person, but she was a consistent snake who would keep her word if the deal benefited her. That was something I could manage for the time being, and I would leave the main issue for after we had torn this place to the ground.
How exactly do I start a speech?
“Hi. I’m North, and I’m going to be leading you guys tomorrow.” I paused for a moment. I was not the type of person to do speeches to large groups of people. I only had really strong moments when I was around 1-2 people. “What we’re doing tomorrow is going to put all of our lives on the line, but I’m confident we can make it through this.”
I heard a small sigh come from some unknown location within the bunks. It wasn’t helping.
“Until nighttime, Tomorrow is going to be a normal day for most of you, with a few exceptions. There’s a lot going on and I want you people to be aware. We’re going to poison the guards at dinner time, so they won’t be on the same level as they usually are. That’s important. When dinner is over, I want you to head to your bunks like normal, but don’t fall asleep. Alex will be here to lead you in the right direction, but I don’t want anyone passing out beforehand.” I took a look over to where Alex usually slept and, although it was dark, I could see him giving me a smile of approval.
“You’re going to hear a big boom at around 10:15. That’s going to be the mine being blown up by Elric, who will be making their way there along with Elina. Once that happens, I need all of you to make their way to the armory on the other side of camp. This place is shaped like a rectangle, so there’s not many curves. There’s going to be guards along the way, but they won’t be able to get you as easily because they’ll be fucked over by the magore poisoning. Try and keep your movement as hard to hit as possible. Once you get there, you’ll find Elm and I. If everything goes correct, you’re going to see the Captain’s office on fire and Galen will be dead. If you’re a trained mage, come to me and I’ll unlock your cuff. If you aren’t a trained mage or would prefer to use a magore weapon, Elm will be handing those out to people. Once we do that, it’s our job to take out as many of the guards as possible on the path back to the mine. There’s a high chance that Elina will be having the fight of her life, and I think she’ll kill anyone who stops her, so don’t steal any of her kills.”
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Although nobody made a sound to respond, it appeared there was a general consensus agreement to not fuck with Elina living out her Ireborian dream.
“Elm will be coming with you guys on your way there, and our main job is to clear everyone out that we can during the process. Our main job is to convene at the mines, where a good portion of the guard will be. The penal laborers, who have all decided to support us, will also be having their time killing the guards, so they shouldn’t get in the way.”
Although none of them could see it, I smiled as I thought of the future.
“Remember. Don’t let any of these fuckers who have held us in bondage survive.”
There were a few nods and a few quiet sounds of acknowledgement.
“Let’s have a nice revolt, shall we? Oh, and Elric, come here.”
As quietly as possible, Elric moved over to my bunk and stood there, most likely having some deep worry about my general stupidity. Instead, I grabbed his hand and placed the timekeeper in it.
“This should give you the timing. Try and come back with it alive, ok? It came from the shithead Galen but it’s still useful.”
Elric nodded, patting me on the shoulder.
“You’re a fucking idiot, I hope you know that.”
“Thanks Elric.”
“No problem. Let’s win this fight.”
***
I slept surprisingly well that night. I had calmed myself and steeled my nerves which meant that I was able to prepare. I didn’t want to have any issues that day with sleep deprivation with the amount of intensity that was about to occur.
The whistle which started the day blew, and all of us got out of bunks, giving each other looks of confidence or worry. I was prepared and knew that we had this.
It was going to be a normal day today. I walked outside, prepared to face the unknown.
A small drop of water hit my head.
Then another.
And then another. I took a moment to look up at the sky to see dark gray clouds stretch out beyond the horizon, and the trees nearby shaking softly as raindrops hit their leaves.
I had prepared for a lot of things in my plan. I was ready for the guards, for Galen, and even for the few days after the fact. Sera was going to poison them. Elric was going to blow up the mines. Nicole and Alex would rally everyone together. Elm was going to kill Galen. And I was going to burn down the office. Even then, I had forgotten one major detail that could ruin the entire plan.
Nature.
It rained the entire day and night of the revolt.