“Where are we going, My Lady?” Roderick asked. We walked deeper into the capital, wearing cloaks to conceal our faces. The buildings around us seemed to be scarce the further we moved. It made me ponder, where the so-called building was.

“I have no idea!” I stated. I stared at the piece of paper with me, looking at the sketch of a building which appeared to be a bookstore. The strange piece of paper I held was what the informant sent me.

I had no idea how it got to my room. When I was done with searching for a simple outfit to wear, I returned to the room and saw the piece of paper lying on my bed. With words inscribed on it which read ‘Let’s meet in this building!’ and a drawing of a wooden building which looked more like a bookstore.

I peeled my gaze from it, vetting the buildings around us. A building which bore a resemblance to the sketch in the paper pulled my curiosity the most. I grabbed Roderick's hand and we walked towards it.

We halted, standing in front of the building. I retrieved the paper I had and stared at it. I looked at the building once more, It was exactly like the drawing.

“Let's go!” I said about to head in. Roderick stuck out his arm in front of me—protectively, taking me by surprise.

“My Lady, may I lead the way?” He asked.

“Alright!” I replied.

He walked closer, placing his hand on the doorknob he pushed the door open cautiously and walked in.

I followed him quietly inside the building. Silence hovered around us as we searched the building, nothing but bookshelves surrounded us. From the outdated rusty windows the rays of the sunlight seeped in, radiating the vast room.

“There is no one here, My Lady!” Roderick pointed out.

“I know, he did say that he will be here, where is. . .!” I paused as the front door was pushed open calling my attention. He walked in wearing a cloak over his head.

He closed the door behind him and approached us.

“Are you the informant?” I asked.

“I am!” Saying that he removed the cloak.

I gawked at the man before me. His silver gray hair radiating under the sunlight giving off a luminous glow, his hazel eyes stared at me with mixed emotions.

“I am the one that you spoke to earlier today!” I said lowering my cloak, revealing myself “ This is my personal Knight, Roderick!” I introduced.

Roderick gave a light wave whilst the informant nodded.

“What did you find on him?” I inquired.

He took out a leather book and leafed through the pages, placing it on the nearest table. We gathered around the table and he began.

“He is no nobleman but he is a well known figure in the black market. His name is Bennett Laurent, He. . .”

“Wait! Did you just say Bennett Laurent?” Roderick asked, cutting him off. He stared at me confused and astonished all at once.

I facepalmed, why did I forget about Roderick's past with him?.

“Can you excuse us for a moment?” I asked, he gazed at us for a while wearing a strange look before walking off.

“Odd!” I said softly. The look he had unsettled me.

“What are you planning, My Lady?” He asked, concern shadowing his eyes.

I sighed, avoiding his gaze. “Well, I sent a Knight to hire an informant to dig out some information from him!”.

“Why? He is a dangerous man!” He pointed out.

“That is why he has to be stopped. Who knows the terrible things he has done? The more he is left to wander free in this Empire the more dangerous he becomes!” I said, leaving the part of me being bored and having nothing to do in my speech.

He let out a breath, his concern was palpable.

“So what do you plan to do with the information?”.

I thought for a while before replying. “Ruin him and let the authorities handle the rest!” I said a bit unsure.

“Alright! But I will help you, My Lady!”

I beamed at him, glad that he was onboard.

I gestured for the informant to return. He approached us and resumed his briefing.

“He is a well known slave trader and does most of his trading in the basement of an abandoned building in the duchy!”.

“Slave trader? Didn't my Father dissolve the law of slave trading in his duchy?” I asked. There was a glint in my eyes as a plan began to formulate.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“He did but people still do it in secret!” The informant replied.

I smirked, “I have found a way to ruin him, what is the penalty for slave trading?”

“Execution!” Roderick replied.

“That's more than perfect!” I replied beaming, I turned to the informant “Where is the abandoned building located?”.

* * * *

Once the door was closed shut. She quickly got up from the bed and headed towards her boudoir. Quickly, she put on her disguise. She looked at the mirror as she tied her hair to a ponytail and a scarf above her nose, concealing most of her facial features except her eyes.

She walked quietly to the door which led to the enormous hallway—waiting patiently until nothing but silence was perceived.

Pushing the door slightly open enough for her to slip through. She tiptoed into the hallway, closing the door silently behind her. Stealthily, she walked across the hallway, walked down the stairs and headed straight to the door that led to the gardens.

Once her feet touched the wet grasses, she took in a deep breath__enjoying the cool night breeze. She couldn't stay out there for long, ‘cause of fear of being caught by the night guards. Rosalind walked deeper into the gardens, running towards their meeting point.

She rested her head against the old tree, her heart pounding in her chest. The feeling within her was exhilarating. It has been so long since she felt this way. She panted heavily as she waited for his arrival.

Abruptly, she heard footsteps approach her direction. Without much thought she hid behind the tree.

‘It was probably a night guard doing his usual patrol!’ she thought. Closing her eyes, she waited patiently for the stranger to walk past the tree but instead it seemed to be drawing closer. Clenching her fist till her knuckles whitened—she sucked in a breath. There was only one thing she could do, she had to take him out!.

As the stranger drew nearer she prepared herself to attack.

“My Lady! My Lady!” A familiar voice called out to her in a whisper.

She let out a breath, realizing who it was. She walked out of her hiding spot and approached him. He was startled seeing her.

“Roderick, finally you are here!” She said with relief. “Did anyone follow you?”.

He shook his head, “No, My Lady!”

“Good!” She looked around her surroundings, vetting for something. “So, where is it?”.

“Right here, My Lady!” He walked past her, straight to the vines that covered the wall. He slowly pushed the vines away revealing the shortened wall.

“This is the place the Knights spoke of. The guards on duty rarely monitor this area, that's what makes it easier for someone to sneak in and sneak out of the Estate without being caught!” He explained.

Her eyes widened, shocked by his revelation. She walked closer to him, placing her hand on the wall. She could tell it was definitely climbable.

She took some steps back whilst he watched her. Taking powerful leaps, she held on to one of the bricks which stuck out__using it as a boost. Rosalind placed some weight on her other hand which held the surface of the wall and climbed over, grunting a little as she landed with a light thud.

She smirked, feeling complacent of how agile she was. Roderick climbed over without much effort, landing on his two feet.

A horse without a rider pulling a wooden cart rode towards them.

“Right on time!” She said as they climbed in the moving cart.

They lowered their heads as the horse rode out of the estate, avoiding being spotted by anyone.

Once they arrived at their destination, the horse halted in front of an abandoned building. Roderick jumped down and helped her out of it.

He watched them closely as they approached the building. They were a few feet from it when suddenly he grabbed her hand and pulled her aside. Roderick acted fast, he grabbed the other arm and pulled her closer to him. His gaze landed at the informant, staring at him, anger clouded his features.

The informant let go of her after a few minutes but Roderick didn't.

Rosalind's gaze shifted from the informant and then to Roderick who held her arm possessively. Her cheeks flushed a little. This was the first time ever, they held hands. Noticing that his hand still held hers, he quickly let go. A wave of embarrassment surged through him.

“Have you vetted the area?” She asked after an awkward silence.

“Yes, it is highly guarded. The best way in is through a door at the back which leads to the basement but it is guarded by two men!” He explained.

She walked closer to the building, resting against the concrete wall. She popped her head a bit and spotted the two men armed with swords, guarding a door.

She turned to him. “Roderick, can you take care of the guards?” She asked.

“Yes, My Lady!” He said grimly. His expression grew dark as he pulled out his sword. He walked past them and walked towards the guards.

“Hey, Who are. . .” Prior to finishing the sentence, Roderick struck him. He fell to the ground, his body drew cold as blood drained from him. His partner was about to retaliate but his throat got severed and he too slumped as he struggled to breath. Air left his throat as his vision blurred, drawing him closer to the darkness.

“Maybe I should have been clear about the no killing part!” She said thoughtfully, once the noise died down.

They walked out of their hiding place and approached him.

“Good job, Roderick but can you please reduce your killing intent?” She pleaded. The sight and smell of blood made her nauseous.

“Yes, My Lady!” he replied solemnly.

The informant retrieved his bow and arrows preparing to attack. They exchanged looks whilst nodding their heads in agreement. She took a deep breath and kicked the door down. It flew in, calling the attention of the guards.

The informant released a few arrows hitting the nearest guards whilst Rosalind released a wave of searing flames—clearing out their path. Half-burned unconscious men sprawled on the ground, letting out painful groans. They walked in, venturing deeper into the dark parts of the basement.

The path led to an enlarged underground area filled with lifesize cages of people. Women and children filled them, bearing frightened looks as they stared at them. They looked so sick and weak—worse than Roderick when she first found him. The slaves had mixed emotions when they saw them, pondering if they were friends or foes.

Her eyes grew fiery with rage as she stared at them. Anger coursed through her. Bennett Laurent deserved a fate worse than an execution.

Quickly, she rushed to the nearest cage. Releasing her flame on the metal door, it cascaded down to the ground to a puddle of melted metal. She was careful not to hurt the slaves inside. Rosalind walked in and approached the huddled terrified slaves.

“You are all free now!” She said firmly. “Walk through the hallway and it will lead you outside!” She instructed.

They slowly got up and did as they were told, bearing warm smiles with relief washing their brightened faces. At last, they were free!. She left the empty cage and went to the next, melting down the metal door and repeating the same words to them.

As she did this Roderick and the informant took care of the guards that trooped in. The informant shot them with his arrows while Roderick tried not to kill them with his sword.

“Roderick!” She yelled as she aided a sick slave to stand.

“Yes, My Lady!” He replied whilst knocking one of the guards unconscious. He ran towards her waiting for her command.

“You know where he is. Find him and make sure he does not escape!” She commanded.

“I will, My Lady!” He said firmly, his demeanor was sinister as he gripped his sword firmly.

She noticed the look on his face and was not convinced that he would keep to his word like he did earlier.

“Remember your promise!” She said softly, placing her hand on his. His eyes softened as he stared at her. “You promised not to let your anger get the better of you! You have to keep to it!”.

He sighed, “Yes, My Lady!”.

“Now go!” She ordered.

He turned around and left, running towards the exact place he knew his former master would be.