Chapter 15 - Infiltration

“Come sister, we have nothing to concern ourselves with. Our spies have already bribed a sergeant in the guard, and we are guaranteed to be taken on as a few new members of their unit.” Carn said to his sister.

Belinda was not convinced. “We must not underestimate our enemy.”

“Please. They are a bunch of old greedy fools. All they care about is money.” Carn argued.

“Of that we can agree. I do not doubt their greed and I also concur they are part of the older generation, therefore know only old, outdated ideas.” Belinda replied.

“Then, what is that look on your face for?” Carn asked.

“It is what our great leader said before we left. He told me to find a few younger girls to make them examples. I do not like such things, brother. Oh, I know we must do wicked things in the pursuit of our goals, but this seems risky at best.” Belinda lamented.

Carn’s face took on a look of concern to match his sister’s. He hated that such things were necessary parts of their cause. It was what they were taught from a young age. Who were they to challenge their General, the man they considered their true parent.

“What shall we do?” Carn asked.

“Our duty! We must achieve equal outcomes for all!” Belinda said, more to psych herself up.

Carn nodded. “One thing is for sure; I will be glad to get out of this damnable forest! The beasts are overrun here.”

“Yes, the environment seems out of balance. It must be because of their corrupt and greedy logging industry. They clearly have no care for the well-being of the environment, all they care about is making a profit, they are scum!” Belinda spat.

“That must be it! Why else would the beasts be so aggressive and unchecked. They must have been driven from their homes due to excessive logging!” Carn agreed.

The twins arrived at the Timberfall gate checkpoint. Sergeant Chen was their point of contact and their way into the city. They were told he and his squad wore a red sash to help them stand out. The excuse given to their superiors was to show pride in their squad. In truth, it was to help their spies hide in plain sight yet help the Proletariat know who they could use.

Carn spotted a group of guards with red sashes. “Sister, it appears we have found our contacts.”

“Yes. Time to get this over with.” Belinda replied as she changed direction towards the guards.

“Ah good to see our new recruits have arrived! I am Sergeant Chen. You two will be joining my squad. Follow me and I get you registered in the city guard.”

The twins looked at the Sergeant, shrugged their shoulders and followed him into the guard station by the gate.

Sergeant Chen led them to another room that seemed to house a cache of guard leathers and various spears and swords. This room had a man behind a desk writing in some kind of book or ledger. The sergeant stopped in front of the desk and waited for the man to look up.

After a few moments, the man at the desk let out a breath and put down his quill. “What do you want Chen?! Can you not see I am busy? I still have to log all the new equipment we received from Councilmen Betterman and Ron.”

Sergeant Chen turned to the side to show the twins and waved to them. “I know you are a busy man Quartermaster Nelix, but my new recruits need outfitting.”

Quartermaster Nelix sighed. “More new recruits. You seem to recruit more than any other Sergeant. You will make captain before you know it Chen. Let me log their names in my ledger.” He turned to regard the twins. “Names?”

The twins were startled at first before Belinda spoke up first. “Belinda sir.”

Carn spoke up as his sister finished speaking. “Carn sir.”

“Interesting names.” Quartermaster Nelix thought for a minute before dismissing whatever thought he had and hooked his thumb to point behind him. “Go pick out a set of leathers and a weapon. I will make a note of it and then you can both go with your sergeant for further instructions.”

Carn grabbed a leather armor set and two shortswords.

“I said ‘a’ weapon boy...” Quartermaster Nelix gave the side eye to Carn for a few moments before waving him off. “Fine. We have plenty anyway thanks to Councilman Ron.”

Belinda already had two daggers equipped so she decided to take something with reach.

“A spear. Good choice private.” Quartermaster Nelix said as he wrote in his log.

“Private?” Belinda raised an eyebrow out the man.

“Yes, the starting rank of any soldier is private. It may not be typically used but it does not change that detail, and in my line of work details matter.” The gruff quartermaster replied before turning to their new squad leader. “Alright Chen, get them out of my armory. I have plenty of work to do.”

Sergeant Chen reluctantly gave a head bow. “As you command quartermaster.”

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Turning to his two new members, “Follow me and I will give you the tour.” Sergeant Chen said as he marched them out of the nearby northern barracks.

Once they were far enough away Chen turned to the twins. “Be careful around the quartermaster. He pays attention to the details. For now, he thinks you two are recruits but, we must do everything we can to avoid his scrutiny.”

“We expected to be hidden not out in the open.” Belinda commented.

“City guards can go places others cannot. This disguise will allow you and the others to do what you have to without drawing too much suspicion.” Chen answered.

“Very well, but from now on we are in charge of this operation.” Carn stated while flashing a dagger of his own.

Sergeant Chen raised his hands. “No need for threats. I have been paid well not to care. I will show you where each of the city council members lives and works. Most of them hide their wealth by living near or in their place of business. You also need to know some key strategic locations in town.”

“What about this Duke Dragonvein? Where is he?” Belinda asked.

“It is best, at least for now, that you forget about him. The man is constantly surrounded by soldiers and Timberfall Manor is guarded by his personal army. Those men cannot be bought. Believe me, we have tried.” Sergeant Chen explained.

“The corrupt and greedy noble must die!” Belinda spat.

“Do not worry. Come the festival there will be multiple opportunities to strike at the greedy nobles of this kingdom. From what I have heard, Duchess Lightheart and Lady Emma will be in attendance along with the Elven King Alfheim. Just imagine what would happen if the elf king died while under the duke’s protection.” Sergeant Chen shared.

“It could cause war between their two nations. So that is why General Marks sent us here now.” Carn commented.

“Exactly. This backwater town is growing but it has nowhere near the defenses and military forces of their capital. With this many nobles gathered here we can strike a critical blow to the wealthy.” Sergeant Chen replied.

“What can you tell us of the other nobles and rich business owners who are oppressing the people?” Belinda asked.

“Come. Follow me to my office. I have temporarily been assigned to a lieutenant’s office while they assess our performance as sergeants. In truth, they do not have enough officers for the city guard, and they are looking to fill out their ranks.” Chem replied as he led the twins to an out of the way building in the northern district of Timberfall.

“Take a seat.” Sergeant Chen said as he pointed to two chairs in front of a desk. “Now let us talk about what we have gathered. First, the Duke seems lazy and has passed off much of running this city to the council. The council is run by recently appointed Elder Martha. Duke Dragonvein gave her the rank of Lady and city mayor. She already acted in such a capacity, so it only makes sense. He is the healer for some adventuring party and leaves with them periodically to chase after coin. The man has been gone the last few weeks galavanting around the kingdom.”

“Proof the noble cares nothing for the people.” Carn stated.

“Another elite who only cares about money.” Belinda commented.

“How soon can we take this scum out?” Carn asked.

Chen sighed. “That will be difficult.”

“Why is that? He is just a healer. Can we not just ambush him and his party?” Belinda asked.

“Ambushing them may be more challenging than you think. His Adventuring party is A rank. I have heard they are quite formidable, especially their dwarf defender. If you could get the healer away from them it would be one thing.” Chen answered.

“Damn thick-skulled dwarves, always sticking their beards where they do not belong!” Belinda commented.

Chen nodded in agreement. “Then there are his new bodyguards...” Chen answered.

“Bodyguards?” Carn interrupted.

Chen continued his explanation. “Yes. Three cat girls. The murderous intent that comes off of those three, especially the one called Prrsha…” Chen visibly shuttered “… is enough to make anyone steer clear. Of course, I suggest we keep an eye out for opportunities, but I am afraid we will have to deal with the duke later. Elder Martha may be just as difficult.”

“How so?” Belinda pressed.

“Geeves, the duke’s seneschal has taken it upon himself to interview and select the lady’s staff and guard contingent. He is meticulous in his interview and assessment process. Most of those he selects are being pulled from the duke’s personal army. The man has also insisted Elder Martha stay with the Duke at Timberfall Manor until a ‘proper’ home can be built for the mayor. I might be able to get you in once her home is built, but until then, she is just as inaccessible as the duke.” Chen shared.

Belinda spat to the side. “All these elites care about is being surrounded in opulence. They should all be taken out and hung for their crimes against the people.”

“In time, sister.” Carn comforted her before turning back to Sergeant Chen. “What about the other council members? How accessible are they?”

“Councilman Ron is a blacksmith and due to his business being paid handsomely to produce weapons for the city, both his business and home are being well guarded.” Chen raised his hands when he saw Carn point to the guard uniform he was wearing. “Before you ask, my squad does not cover that part of the city. We might be able to sneak in, but it will be difficult. Most of the other council members are also similarly protected. The easiest to get to will be Councilman Betterman. His business is on our route.”

“What can you tell us about him?” Carn asked.

“He is a leatherworker. A very lucrative one. He coordinates all the other leatherworkers in the city, and you are wearing some of their work.” Chen explained.

“So, another wealthy business owner exploiting the people.” Carn commented.

Chen nodded and continued. “Yes. From what I learned; his son died in a monster attack some time back. He has a daughter-in-law that works at the Adventurers’ guild and a granddaughter that works at his shoppe and the guild.”

Belinda’s interest was piqued. General Marks told her to notify him of any of the children of these rulers. “Tell me about this granddaughter.”

“She cannot be more than fourteen. Her name is Alyce and if she is not working at Betterman’s shoppe or the guild, she is visiting her friend Elsa, who is the daughter of Councilman Samuel.” Chen answered.

“These corrupt elites always seem to run together.” Carn commented.

“What else can you tell us about this upcoming waste of time they are calling a festival?” Belinda asked, making a mental note regarding Alyce and Elsa.

“It is supposed to be a weeklong celebration filled with food and games. Special tournaments will be held to test skill in archery and other forms of combat. The end of the festival will be a rather large hunt. It is said all the meat from the hunt will be shared with the people.” Chen relayed.

“That is surprising. I am sure the wealthy will get the choice cuts and the poor will get the scraps.” Carn rebuked.

“Oh, most assuredly. Lady Emma and Duchess Lightheart will be escorting King Alfheim and his retinue to Timberfall to help judge the competitions.” Chen further explained.

“Perfect! We will cripple two kingdoms in one strike!” Carn exclaimed.

“And then the resources of this place will be ours. The will of the people shall not be denied!” Belinda agreed.

“We can start with this Betterman, but we must target other key locations in the city. It is our job to sow fear and chaos inside these walls. This must be done right before the people’s army marches here and sacks this place.” Carn stated.

“Yes, Timberfall will be the perfect hub to launch our invasion into the rest of this corrupt kingdom. Plus, the resources here will aid in our war efforts to bring peace to this continent! Now, let us discuss how to get our squad outside our normal patrol.” Sergeant Chen replied.