After fifteen minutes of progressing through tiny alleys, we finally reach a street. There is no one around and the pungent tannin smell tells me that this is where the city's tanneries are. No wonder it's deserted, no one wants to live near this odor.
“The docks are on the other side of this block.” Cecil tells me. “We'll hide until nightfall in.” She interrupts herself, pointing at her ear.
We hear heavy steps approach. A few seconds later, four soldiers walk down the street. They're poorly equipped, wearing old tabards and wielding crude spears.
I hide in the shadows next to Aisha while Madame Cecil tries to open side doors with no success. I lay my chest down on the ground and prepare my hammer. They're too close for us to run away undetected and I doubt we can lose them while carrying all this.
Instead of waiting for them to catch us as they pass by the alley, I step out into the street and face them. The three woman and one man stop, staring at me with surprised expressions.
“You know who I am.” I utter calmly. They nod. "I mean you no harm, but I cannot allow myself to get caught here either.” I add.
“We didn't see anything.” The man replies.
“We'll report that we spotted you going west when we get back to the barracks.” A small brunette says.
“Thank you.” I say, sighing in relief and letting my hammer rest at my side. “What are your orders?” I ask.
“Duke Meria wants you alive.” The man tells me. “But the only ones actually looking are career soldiers, not us conscripts.”
“Is it true that he attacked when you spoke in our favor?” The woman asks intently.
“No, it was when I admitted to being a low-born. It doesn't excuse his demands.” I shake my head.
“Are you really?” The man questions.
“I am.” I smile behind my mask.
“How can you be so powerful?” He asks.
“It only takes training. They fear peasantry because we can threaten their power if we fight.” I tell them honestly. “I need to go, thank you again.”
I signal Aisha and Cecil to advance, taking hold of my chest. We speedily make way across the street. The four soldiers simply stand there without attempting to follow.
“Wait! What about the Rykz?!” The woman calls out.
“The truce won't be broken because of me, but I can't stop Nobility from doing whatever they will.” I admit regretfully.
We leave them behind. Cecil leads us, taking a few turns until we reach a small building. She enters directly, without even checking whether the door is locked or not.
There is no one inside, only a small table and a few chairs with a barrel of water. I take a seat and use what little flow regenerated to supply the healing construct over my injury.
“We'll hide here until nightfall.” Cecil says.
“Show me that wound.” Aisha says, laying the wooden case she's carrying down to open it and take a small pouch out.
I take my chain-mail and hard leather jacket off, lifting my shirt and exposing the already red bandage. She unties the knot and inspects the punctures in my flesh.
“You're lucky.” She mutters. “A few centimeters to your right and the kidney would've been pierced.”
I grunt, not feeling especially fortunate. Aisha takes a needle and some thread out of her pouch. I settle down in the chair and take a deep breath, preparing myself.
“Relax, I'm not starting yet.” She smiles, putting the instruments down on the table and reaching inside the rectangular case again to take a bottle of clear liquid out.
“What's that?” I ask.
“Rum and vinegar.” Aisha replies, opening the bottle to pour a small amount of it in her palm and rubs her hands together. “Get yourself on the table.”
“This is going to hurt, isn't it.” I grumble, standing up to lie down on the table.
“It's just in case, healing constructs don't prevent infections all the time.” She smiles. “Close your eyes, I don't want you seizing up before I even start.”
I obey, gritting my teeth in anticipation. She doesn't wait very long to pour the mixture on the injury. Fuck! It burns. I shake a little, surprised that my left limb does as well. Is it reacting to my state?
I grip the side of the table with it, giving it something to do in case it reacts violently. My worry is unfounded as the limb simply obeys. Aisha moves swiftly and her needle pierces my skin in one quick movement.
The sensation of having a thread pass through my body is slightly ticklish and more disturbing than the tiny prick of pain that doesn't last long. I take slow regular breaths as she works on closing the wounds.
“Think I need some for this?” I ask once she's done, pointing at the cut on my scalp.
“Let me see.” She answers.
Aisha pushes my hand aside, taking hold of my mask without ceremony to make me turn my head sideways. She pushes my hair away, those that weren't sliced short by the air blade.
“No, it's a clean straight cut. It might scar a little but it won't be visible.” She says. “Here, let me put a healing construct over it. It'll help reduce scarring.”
I nod in agreement, looking down at my side. The two puncture wounds are being pulled together by knotted threat. I can sense the tension of my skin but this is overall less painful than it was, it also stopped bleeding.
Aisha applies the construct, I grab my equipment and fit it back on. I get off the table and sit down, turning to face Cecil. She is rubbing her chin, thinking hard about our next move.
“So.” I start. “She's your daughter.”
“Yes. Don't spread that news, it would harm her.” She replies, locking eyes with me.
“Wasn't going to. I suppose an illegitimate child wouldn't be given a title if it was known.” I say. Cecil frowns. “Sorry, I shouldn't have used that word.”
“It's fine. I was very young and ambitious when I met him. I learned that his wife was unable to conceive and made my move. I don't regret it but it was hard for Roisia when she learned the truth.” She says.
“She seemed very protective of you.” I note.
“Roisia is a sweet child. She doesn't quite accept that there are many forms of power, and combat capability is but the least of them. Although, I suspect that you would also disagree with that.” Cecil says with a smile.
“No. All I've achieved with this hammer is protecting my own life and not very successfully at that.” I scoff. “But sometimes, it is the only way to affect the course of events.”
“There are almost always other options. Strength of arms is the resort of those who stopped looking or lack alternatives.” She shakes her head. “Aisha, once you're done, could you go scout the route ahead of us?”
The young woman nods, walking up to the barrel of water and taking some in the pit of her hand to wash the needle. She then puts her sewing kit away and heads to the door, walking outside.
“Now, tell me what your next move is.” Cecil turns to me.
“Don't know.” I groan. “I wanted to destabilize Nobility and pressure them into negotiating the Izla's surrender or at least find support to rescue the Rykz Princess. But both those ideas depend on Nobles being reasonable and this approach seems to only be putting more people at risk while they hold their ground.”
“What about Lady Lance?” She asks.
“That's... personal.” I reply weakly.
“You trust her?” Cecil questions.
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“I don't. I know her enough to tell what positions she'll take. She will place her duty above her personal desires. I considered eliminating Nobles one by one until she rose to the top but the castle is too well guarded. I overestimated my capability to do so.” I explain.
“What about the riot?” She asks.
“I don't want to trigger a revolt, I hoped that the threat of one would force the Duke's hand.” I reply.
“But he is entrenching himself.” She comments.
“Exactly.” I sigh. “And moving around will only become more difficult now that there are soldiers patrolling everywhere.”
“That won't last.” Cecil shakes her head. “Once the Rykz army reaches the walls, they'll have to leave that duty to the city guard and they don't have the numbers to maintain control over an angry population. I expect that a lot of people will be enlisted by force and sent on the walls.”
“Won't that provoke the population further?” I ask.
“It will, but the city is about to be placed under siege by foreign creatures. There will be no revolt until that situation is resolved.” She explains.
“And the Duke knows that.” I groan. “Fucking Nobility.”
“It isn't as impossible to infiltrate the castle as you seem to think.” Cecil says suddenly.
“You're the one who told me how difficult it is, and I saw how many soldiers there are patrolling around the walls.” I say, frowning.
“I was wrong.” She admits upfront. “I learned through several sources that Lord Patrick planned to assassinate Duke Meria by ambushing him inside the castle, where he is the safest. He must have found a way past the castle walls and patrols.”
“He did have spider webs on him, I remember that he complained about it. But that maniac was delusional, I don't think we should base our moves on his plans.” I contest.
“He got past the several hundred soldiers and Templars surrounding him without getting caught.” Cecil replies. “I think those schematics he stole indirectly pointed to the location of several secret underground passages, he most likely found the entrance to one of them inside that mansion or knew about it beforehand.”
“The Duke has to know about them.” I say.
“I'm certain that he does.” She agrees. “Would he spread the knowledge though? You've done a number on him, between the rebel faction and his subjects breaking their oaths. I predict that the passages will be under surveillance by his personal guard, but that's it, no regular soldiers. It means that it would be possible to get past them since they are so few in numbers.”
“It just hit me that we're discussing Duke Meria's murder.” I comment, astounded by how calmly we are assessing the possibility of it.
“We are.” Cecil makes a ruthless smile. “This is the perfect opportunity, he is unstable and suspicious, he won't allow other Nobles inside the wing with his personal chambers right now. That would change within a week or two as he regains confidence, but until then...”
“Didn't you just say that violence is a last resort?” I say.
“It's the only way that I can think of to remove that specific piece from the board.” She shrugs.
“Who would take over after his death?” I ask.
“Whoever has the most support.” Cecil grins. “Lady Lance would be a prime candidate, she has the population's approval, most Nobles trust her, and she is the Duke's current ward.”
“There are several problems ahead of us.” I note. “First, we don't know where those passages are.”
“I can find out.” Cecil replies confidently. “I've been looking for maps since we spoke of the schematics and I've made overtures towards a few servants who have access to this sort of information. I expect to know the location of several within the next few days.”
“Are you certain?” I ask.
“Yes. Lord Patrick's knowledge had to come from somewhere, besides, I've become well acquainted with Count Thrin and his new heir so I could ask them directly.” She says.
“Don't.” I say firmly. “That would tip them off.”
“Only if I don't have a choice.” She agrees. “I'm using a friend of Sacit, she grieves and is receptive to the idea of searching Count Thrin's library for me.”
“Alright, our second problem is that I can't do this alone.” I tell her.
“I could find some mercenaries.” She suggests.
“No, I wouldn't be able to trust them to go through with it if something goes wrong, and it will, or keep their mouths shut.” I tap the table. “And I don't think I can convince qualified soldiers to do this.”
“What do you suggest?” Cecil asks.
“The Rykz. If we can smuggle a hundred or two inside the city, it would be enough. Those secret passages are underground, perhaps I could get them to dig tunnels under the walls and link up with one of them.” I say, tensing as I await her reaction.
“I don't know how I feel about allowing these creatures inside Meria, but I can already tell you that they won't be able to tunnel under the walls.” Cecil shakes her head. “I'll have to think on it further.”
“Third problem is the Duke himself, I'm not so foolish as to believe that I can beat him in single combat.” I say.
“He is not a front-line fighter. The constructs he uses require him to focus, once engaged at melee range he will have to split his attention. You should win if you ambush or catch him alone with a squad to support you. You only need to get close enough to pressure him and he will fall." She replies easily, surprising me with knowledge on combat that I didn't expect her to have.
“This will depend on many things that will be decided in the moment.” I nod. “We'll need more than just me to succeed.”
“A few hundred Rykz in the city wouldn't be too hard to clear out...” Cecil says. “If I think of a way to get them inside, how would you coordinate with them?”
“I can give rudimentary commands, they'll obey me as long as one of their Princesses tell them to.” I reply. “You're taking this in stride.”
“I'm in this as much as you are at this point.” Cecil sighs. “I didn't expect you to make such an impact but at the same time, this is an opportunity for me. Let's just say that I have some history with Duke Meria, I won't mourn his passing.”
“What's our first move then?” I ask.
“For now, we wait for a few days while Aisha checks up on my informants. Once the Rykz are here, the Duke will be too busy with them to worry about us, we'll be free to make our move.” She explains.
Glancing outside, I find that the afternoon is well underway but that the sun isn't about to set anytime soon. Cecil starts riffling through her jute sack and takes a set of practical clothes out, a simple white ensemble that lacks her usual elegant flair.
She undresses without shame, turning and exposing herself to my curious eyes. Her skin is marked by tiny pale scars on her otherwise smooth flesh, a few on her belly, but most are concentrated on her back.
She winks at me, shamelessly taking hold of her breasts and lifting to show them off. I do my best to suppress my natural reaction to her desirable body. The void makes its presence known by squeezing my heart, I look away.
Just as Cecil finishes dressing up, Aisha walks back inside. She closes the door and sits down, pondering.
“The warehouse is prepared, we should be able to make it there under cover of night without an issue.” She tells us. “Idali is on shift tonight, she'll avoid the route we'll take.”
“The usual?” Cecil asks.
“Yes, me this time.” Aisha says with a smile. “Although, she expressed some interest in you.” She adds, looking at me.
“How does she know I'm with you, what kind of interest, and why does that name sound familiar?” I question.
“She doesn't, she is simply aware that we know you. The fooling around in bed kind. And I don't know.” She replies.
“She owes me for getting her out of trouble and reassigned to this part of Meria. A peasant tricked her and then Elizabeth got hold of her uniform to get into... oh.” Cecil stops and starts laughing. “I hadn't put it together!”
“Fuck, Idali, I recall now. She's the sergeant who hit on me at the gates.” I mutter.
“She saw your face?” Aisha asks.
“She shouldn't know that I'm the same peasant.” I groan. “Wait, you sleep with her and she looks away in exchange?”
“Well, we also give her some coin.” Cecil tells me between two giggles. “Did you really just knock her out once she got her pants down?”
“It was creepy.” I answer.
“She's a good lay, you missed out.” Aisha says with a wide smile.
“Not interested.” I reply flatly. “Would you stop, Cecil? Aren't you a bit old for this?” I glare at the woman, still laughing her ass off.
“I'm in my prime.” She shrugs, cooling down. “Be careful, I put it together in seconds, Idali and others might already suspect that it was you, now that it's public knowledge that you're low-born.”
“What would she do if she did figure it out?” I ask, uneasy.
“Probably make you keep your promise.” Cecil replies.
“I'm not sleeping with her.” I utter firmly.
“You don't need to worry too much, she's not going to sell us out.” Aisha tells me. “Idali is a bit odd but she has no love for Nobility and cares little about rules.”
“I'll deal with it if it comes up.” I sigh.
I lay back in my chair, closing my eyes to rest. I hear Aisha help Cecil take care of her hair, trying to find a hairstyle that looks good but not remarkable. I groan and do my best to ignore them.
“Elizabeth, how about a little combing?” The young woman asks once she finishes taking care of the Madame.
“I'm fine like this.” I reply, running my hand through my slightly messy mass of hair. “There aren't that many knots anymore.”
“Don't you want Lady Lance to think you're pretty when she gazes at you?” She asks sneakily.
“I... Sure, okay. If you want.” I fold, motivated by the idea that my Lady would like how I look but slightly embarrassed and unwilling to admit it to these two.
I take my mask off and make it slide on the table towards Cecil. Aisha moves over to start combing my hair now that she has access to the fringe of my hair.
“Want me to refresh the construct?” She asks.
I nod absent-mindedly, relaxing to enjoy the feeling of being taken care of. Aisha hums along, apparently having fun herself.
Time passes as the sun slowly falls on the horizon. When darkness starts filling the streets outside, I get up and throw all my equipment inside my wooden chest, sticking my hammer's head inside and covering the handle that sticks out with a long shirt.
“This should look innocuous enough.” I note.
“There are a lot of people going through the docks with luggage, we won't seem out of place even if we're spotted.” Cecil nods.
We pick up our stuff and step outside. Aisha leads us across a few streets at a hurried pace, relaxing only when we reach the outskirts of the docks, where most of the warehouses are.