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Rebirth of Destiny II
Chapter 17: Fire On The Horizon

Chapter 17: Fire On The Horizon

Chapter 17: Fire On The Horizon

Their first stop would have to be the "The Lively Bean"; it was one of the busiest establishments in the city. Not only were the rich soups and fresh bread served here “to die for”, this was also Tasha’s favorite spot to dine.

Her favorite table in the corner was occupied by another couple. And the air was thick with the aroma of her preferred meal. I imagined the two of us seated in the corner, enjoying a moment’s break from our duties to the crown.

I need to get out of this place.

Jericha could keep watch on things inside. I’ll think more clearly in the open air, surrounded by the night.

I was hesitant to use the shadow rune at first, but now I can’t imagine life without it. If I focus hard enough, I can hear the shadows speak. After hearing a strange, muffled voice speaking an even stranger language, listening to shadows was a technique I used sparingly.

Tonight there were as many shadows as there were people.

“...so much work to do..”

“...I need a glass of ale...!”

“..guards! guards!!..”

“..Is she coming or not..?”

“..hurry or you’ll miss it..”

“..Ye’re sure it was ‘er..?” Hunh. That sounded like an Ozark. Here in Parigrah??

“..saw ‘er with me own eyes. This way..”

They were close and getting closer. Our informants didn’t say anything about them being in the capitol.

How worthless could they be?! I was better off doing the scouting myself!

As their voices grew louder, their faces became clearer. Neither were familiar to the eye. They stopped in front of the restaurant and looked inside.

“That’s ‘er. She’s a dead ring’r, isn’t she?”

“You said it.”

The men chuckled then continued on their way. And this was the part where I had to focus on just their shadows. Tuning everyone else out was tougher than usual. The streets were lively and loud this evening.

I guess I could follow the men the old fashion way, and risk being spotted. If the Ozarks were working with Sisten, then they know all about the Royal Guard and what we could do.

It’s better that I keep back and just listen.

“...so, we gettin’ drunk tonight?”

“ ‘ave you forgotten about the shipment, ya drunkard?”

“We can ‘ave a few drinks before that, can’t we? C’mon! I’m dry!”

“You’ll be even drier if the boss found ya passed out instead of doing yer job. Let’s get to the waterway!”

Yes, let’s go to the waterways.

***

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Using the canals to get in and out of the city was smart. As a former Royal Guard, Sisten knew all of the capital's weak points; the canals were one of them.

During certain hours of the night, the guards had the annoying habit of forgoing work for pleasure. Tonight was no different.

A small boat appeared from the darkness and docked where the two Ozarks were waiting. I was half-expecting to see Sisten, but there was no one onboard the vessel.

How’d an unmanned ship make it here?

I turned my attention to an approaching carriage, trotting downhill as quietly as possible. The driver was another Ozark and he urged the men to unload the boat fast.

I could jump them here, but they’ve obviously done this before. They have a hideout somewhere in the city and if I stop them now, I won’t know where it was.

Conveniently, that wasn’t very far from the canals.

I watched them unload heavy crates and lock them inside an abandoned property. The building sat a few blocks away from the town square where the king’s statue was planned to be soon.

Let’s see what they’re hiding in plain sight.

The doors were locked and windows boarded. Even if they weren’t, the glass was far too filthy for me to see inside. I should have apprehended those Ozarks instead of letting them go.

No problem. I’ll just improvise. Darkness was my key to the city, after all.

Once inside it was clear as day to me. There were crates almost stacked to the sealing; just about every weapon imaginable was piled in a corner. Their little operation had been going on right under our noses! The city guards needed to be notified about this incursion!

"Royal Guard Breuke Voland..." a familiar voice said from behind. The room instantly grew hotter.

I spun around. "Sisten!" Flames danced around him and in his eyes. How long had he been here?!

"..Died serving a false queen."

***

I heard that the queen was a heavy drinker, but, my word, her sister seems worse! She just gulped down her third glass of wine in thirty minutes. I'm still on my first. I gave Jericha a 'what should I do' look and she shook her head. One drink is all I'm having then.

Suits me just fine. This was the worst wine I'd ever tasted.

Gloria couldn't help but smile mischievously at me. "You know, Katherine," she said with a playful glint in her eye, "I think it's time we added a bit of excitement to our lives."

No, thank you. I'm fine right here. "What do you have in mind, dear sister?"

She leaned in and whispered, "A dance, perhaps? It's been ages since I've let loose like this."

Did the queen ever dance? I sure as Hell couldn't remember. No signal from Jericha. Guess I'm on my own. "I'd better not. You go on ahead. Enjoy yourself."

With a smile, Gloria abandoned our table and joined the revelry on the dance floor. For someone as inebriated as she was, Gloria put on a very good show. She sure grabbed the attention of the other diners, mostly the males. Now I'm jealous. I know I could out dance her.

I motioned for Jericha to come over and spoke into her ear. "Does Katherine dance?"

"Yes, but not like that."

"Like what then?"

"Her dances are more...intimate."

"You mean slow and boring."

"You could say that," Jericha said, turning her attention to the entrance. Both of us noticed something brewing on the streets. She rushed to the doors. "There's a fire. It's huge!"

"It's by the canals!" a bystander shouted.

"The entire block will burn if nothing is done!" said another.

That Sisten fellow was a firestarter, wasn't he? Jericha rushed back over to me. "I don't know where Breuke went to. I don't like this. We're going back to the ---!"

Her words were cut off by the blade Gloria forced into her side. I gasped! "Gloria!"

"I'm sorry!" she said. She sounded almost remorseful; tears were in her eyes, but she didn't remove the blade. "I...I..had no choice...!"

Sparks flickered about Jericha's body. She snatched Gloria's wrist and twisted it, forcing her to drop her weapon. I wanted to scream, but Gloria beat me to it. Lightning pulsated through her body so intensely, I could almost see her frame.

"Sweet milk chocolate! Jericha, you're going to kill her!"

I threw my hand over my eyes and imagined I was back home smelling dandelions instead of singed human hair!

"Get 'er!" a man shouted.

Dare I peak?! Metal clashed, men screamed in agony, lots of sizzling. You're a big girl, Miriam! Open your eyes!

"Jericha...?" I said. She stood over a pile of ( dead? ) men, clutching the gash in her side. Her chest was covered in blood. Don't scream, Miriam. She looked back at me, breathing heavily, and started to say something. But then she collapsed to the floor.

The queen doesn't scream.

The queen doesn't scream.

The queen doesn't...

Oh, to Hell with it!

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"