by Paul Heisel
"What's happening?" Feln asked.
"I bring ill tidings," Kara spoke softly.
Feln noted the tone and her demeanor, not sure what mood she was trying to convey. The use of 'I' instead of 'we' concerned him. "I didn't think you were here to tell me the war was over."
"Sabrin is under attack by a large army, forces loyal to Borgard we suspect. Our army has departed to make sure Sabrin doesn't fall. A small force has remained to keep Borgard believing the army is still here, and they will be leaving at first light tomorrow to draw the Borgard army out of the city. The five of us will stay here and we will attack Borgard's leadership in secret using the tunnel underneath this monastery."
Feln locked eyes with Owori, concerns were exchanged silently. Not only did she look worried, she was scared. Owori wasn't scared of anything, at least in his recent memory, he couldn't think of anything this woman was afraid of except telling him that she cared for him. That alone made him cautious. He looked to TeBroo who had a similar expression on his face. With subtle finger movements TeBroo signaled to him - danger.
Kara continued, explaining the situation with the army departing, the logistics, and the projected timeline. She still hadn't given any details on their mission. She presented the tube to Feln without words. He opened it by removing the stopper and pulled out several pieces of parchment. He could smell the fresh ink on it. Carefully he unrolled them, half expecting to see a verbose decree they were going to deliver to the Borgards. Words, not swords, and he knew that hadn't worked before with the Spirit Ones. What he did see were several maps, and as he glanced at them he found that the layouts of the castle were familiar to him. The ink had smeared in spots, making it difficult to read all of the notations Puran had made. This was done in a hurry.
"Is there a table?" Kara asked. "It may be easier to go over the mission with all of the maps in view."
Feln motioned to the cellar door. "Below are several larger tables. We'll have more privacy there anyway."
After relocating to the cellar and lighting several lanterns, Kara took a seat at the head of the largest candle wax stained table. Her hands organized the maps by level, the closest to her was a crude sketch of the dungeons. Gargam sat on her right, while TeBroo took residence on the other side. On the opposite end of the table Feln took a seat, Owori settling in next to him. Her leg touched his and her sharp elbow rested on his forearm. The sensation was surprising, far more intense than he had experienced before. Shivers went up and down every inch of skin. It took all of his strength not to throw his arms around her.
"Djaa has ordered us to infiltrate the castle early tomorrow morning, find the king and his advisors, and capture or kill them. We are to cause a disruption in their command, end this if we can."
Feln's insides dropped, the shivers replaced by nervousness. "It would be five against thousands," Feln said. "I've scouted the tunnel, but haven't found the exact entrance to the dungeon. I'm confident that we can get into the castle undetected, but we won't survive. It's suicide!"
"The small force that remains will draw out their numbers in the morning, force them to chase. Many of the forces will pursue, leaving behind the castle guard to defend. The odds will be better."
"There is no guarantee they will follow," Feln said. "We will have resistance, and once the alarm has sounded, we will be slaughtered. There will be hundreds of castle guards."
"With five of us lurking inside the castle we'll be detected for sure," Owori said. "I understand why we have to do this, but I don't agree with the overall plan. Feln and I are trained to infiltrate, and we know how to be stealthy. You three aren't. It would be better if Feln and I went into the castle. We can scout, devise a better plan, then return to you with information."
"This passageway underneath the monastery leads directly into the dungeons," Kara said, ignoring Owori's comment. She tapped on the map. "If we can get out of the dungeons and up into the level above, we can go down this corridor to this staircase. This staircase leads to the king's living areas. If we move swiftly, we can catch them unawares. Speed not stealth."
"Owori has a good point," Feln said, watching Kara closely for her reaction. She ignored him as well, yet he could see the tension in her face from his comment.
"The five of us are going," Kara commanded. "They won't be expecting us, they don't know of the secret passageway, and they will be too engrossed in pursuing our army. While they relax, thinking the Accord of the Hand is gone, we'll strike. Surprise and speed will be our biggest advantage, not stealth."
"If the army leaves," TeBroo chimed in. "If they army doesn't leave as we think, then we won't make the attempt. Djaa's orders were clear, we are not to commit suicide. We'll use judgment. Or are our lives worthless Kara?"
#
Owori didn't want anyone to go with them. Not Gargam or Kara or even TeBroo, who was from their monastery. They needed stealth and they needed to blink, to become invisible to complete this mission. Though she knew they weren't supposed to let anyone else see them use their magic, they would have to if all of them went into the castle. She didn't know how Kara, Gargam, and TeBroo would react to the magic. At least, Owori thought, maybe it would put a fright into Kara knowing there were monks who could use magic to disappear. Her eyes fell upon Gargam, and all she saw was a clumsy brute. He was a talented fighter and stronger than two men, yet this mission didn't fit his blunt skills. They needed stealth and they needed to stay hidden, ready to strike at the precise time without bringing the entire Borgard castle guard down upon them. TeBroo was a good fighter, again like the others, wasn't suited for this. She wondered if they should just try a frontal assault on the castle, it would probably have the same result - their deaths. The pit of her stomach tightened because she knew what she had to do. Follow orders.
#
Feln could see the worry on Owori's pale face, and he guessed she was thinking the same thing that he was - no matter what the outcome, they would follow their orders. He trusted his best friend's instincts without question, and though he didn't want to go into the castle at all, it would be best if he and Owori could handle this. To him it seemed as if Kara was eager to attempt this risky mission, and just as keen to prove her worth. A puzzling thought occurred to Feln, why would she be so eager to walk into a den of warriors? What was there for Kara to prove? She was the head of a monastery, a respected member of the Accord of the Hand. Feln took a measured breath, noting the stagnant air of the cellar was now filled with the fumes from the lanterns. Soon he would have to open the door upstairs to let in fresher air.
"When are we supposed to go into the castle?" Feln asked.
"Early tomorrow. It'll give time for the troops to vacate and for the remaining soldiers to set up their harassment so they can make the Borgard forces chase."
"We should strike at night, while they sleep," Feln said. "Tonight."
"I agree," spoke Owori.
"If we don't go tonight, then we'll wait until tomorrow night," Feln continued. "In the morning the castle will be active. The dead of night will be best."
"I see your point," Kara conceded.
They reviewed the layouts of the various castle levels, and Feln interjected his knowledge of areas. More and more of it was coming back. Their approach, thankfully, would start deep within the castle and take them up. Feln described how they would progress; he and Owori would scout ahead and eliminate any resistance, while the others would bring up the back. Once they had ascertained the king's location, they would take him swiftly and do what was necessary.
"If we get separated, what is our meeting point?" Feln asked.
Kara shuffled the maps. "How about here?"
"That will work. If we get separated and we are still undetected, this is where we will meet to regroup. One hour wait, then you have to decide what to do - continue or leave. These stairs will take you directly down to the wine cellar, and this passage will lead out to a courtyard. There are numerous entrances and exits to consider if we need to hide
or flee. The gate here," Feln pointed, "goes to the open space between the castle and the first wall. If you need to get out of the castle quickly, go along this wall to this area. You'll find the wall is easy to get over. Or it was relatively easy when I was ten years old. If you are desperate, go into the gardens where the statues are and go to the very end. There you'll be able to climb up to the main wall. It'll be patrolled, so be wary."
"If we are separated, each of us will have to make a decision whether or not to continue," Kara said, her eyes darting from monk to monk. "If you can't continue, go straight to our meeting point."
"We must travel light," Feln said.
"Weapons and tools only," Owori continued. "Everything else stays behind. We should eat well tonight and tomorrow."
"There are provisions upstairs." Feln looked at the door. "I'll check on the caretaker. I'll be back and we can get ready for the evening."
#
Owori's eyes followed Feln as he went up the stairs, and when she turned back she found Kara staring at her. The look was one of anger. Without showing any emotion, Owori returned the hardened stare. If this was how it was going be, so be it. She could be a hard ass too, and wouldn't back down from this woman no matter what station she held. She knew what this was about.
"I'm in charge," Kara said. "You and Feln have been too outspoken about this mission. I have had enough. We have our orders and we'll follow them." Kara looked to TeBroo. "I will make the proper decision tomorrow whether or not we continue. It is my decision."
"I would listen to Feln if I were you," Owori said. "With him leading us, we all have a better chance to stay alive."
Kara looked to TeBroo. "Are all the monks from Waskhal so insolent? I'm the Master of Spring! I could have her punished for this!"
"If we're going to be successful," said TeBroo calmly, "we need to work together. Before we start tearing each other's throats out, we need to come to a common understanding - Feln has been in this castle more times than all of us. He knows where he's going and he knows what he's doing. I think you should consider letting Feln show us the way and leave the petty politics out of this undertaking."
"Politics? This is not about politics. This is about command and following orders." Kara tensed. "All of you need to follow orders!"
TeBroo placed his hand on Kara's shoulder. "Kara, you're wrong, this is about staying alive and making the right judgments for the situation, not blindly following orders. Owori and Feln are the best, believe me, at staying hidden. Come on, we've wasted enough time already discussing this. You'll have to trust Feln if we're going to succeed. You may as well get used to it."
#
The lantern in Feln's hands swung back and forth, squeaking as he went up the wooden stairs into the rectory. He steadied it and there was silence, his careful footfalls making no noise on the old wood floors. Behind him he could hear his fellow monks talking, he stopped when he heard Kara berating Owori. Though they were all of the Accord of the Hand, there was friction between the monasteries and a natural competitiveness existed as well. As long as Kara didn't go too far, Owori wouldn't explode. It didn't matter that Kara was the Master of Spring, Owori would speak her mind. Yes, their leaders were given the utmost respect and their orders were followed. But in this situation they had to question everything, think of every eventuality, and express their thoughts. It could mean the difference between life and death.
The maze of furniture, now memorized, allowed Feln to move quickly to the front of the church where the caretaker was watching. As he turned along the congested corner, he saw an empty chair and that the wood peephole was open an inch, as was the old heavy door to the church. Feln closed the shutters on the lantern, eliminating the light. The darkness disoriented him for a moment, then he went to the peephole and opened it one inch more. Ahead he could see the caretaker with lantern in hand, walking toward the gate where figures with torches were waiting. He recognized the Borgard militia, then to his horror he saw shadowy figures slipping through the side fences and flanking the caretaker. Feln felt helpless, his instincts told him to yell in warning, yet his training told him to calmly retreat to the cellar to join his fellow monks. The moment of indecision was all it took as one of the flanking soldiers stabbed the caretaker in the back, driving him to his knees. More soldiers appeared, then they needlessly smashed the gate open. The torch bearers marched forward with purpose. First they set the hedges on fire, and all Feln could think was these men were idiots as no one intentionally sets fire to an exit point. They were coming straight for the church, others were headed to the other structures. They were going to burn the place to the ground!
He didn't bar the door or touch a thing; if he did they would know others were in here. It would be best if the Borgards thought the place was vacant. The men were advancing faster now. Feln retreated and lost sight of them. In the near darkness he picked up the lantern and wound through the maze of furniture. He shut the door to the rectory and bounded to the cellar door. With lantern outstretched, he flew down the stairs.
"We're surrounded," he said calmly. That got everyone's attention. "Soldiers have come to burn the monastery to the ground. They killed the caretaker and will be inside the church in a few moments."
"Shades," Owori said.
"Is there time to escape into the surrounding neighborhood?" Kara asked.
"No, not unless you're immune to fire," Feln answered. Kara gave him a strange look. "Our only option is to enter the tunnel. Now."
Gargam and TeBroo were grabbing their meager supplies and weapons, Owori slid the table sideways to make room for the trapdoor to open. Kara haphazardly rolled up the maps and stuffed them inside the map case. They heard footsteps above them, muffled voices, and more footsteps.
"Quickly," Feln said, directing them toward the ladder that stretched into the darkness. "Get moving down to the tunnel. It's safe, but not much room."
Kara darted by him and went down the ladder, not hesitating at all. Gargam was next, his body covered with weapons and supplies. TeBroo and Owori collided, both trying to go down at the same time. With a strong hand Feln directed Owori down into the darkness, then he let TeBroo go ahead of him. He had his weapons on him already and gripped the lantern tightly, as they would need the light. Above the footsteps clamored louder and he expected they would be down the stairs any moment. He positioned the table between the trapdoor and the stairs, knocked chairs to the ground to create a visual diversion. From the stairs they shouldn't be able to see the trapdoor. Feln hefted the door and balanced it in one hand while his foot snaked around for the ladder. After he found solid footing, he put the door on his back and craned his neck. Down he went, closing the trapdoor behind.
#
Amongst the flickering lantern light, the five stopped walking when they were sure they had traveled enough distance to be clear of the monastery grounds. Everyone was flushed from the sudden exodus. Kara carried a katana, knives, shurikens, and the map case. TeBroo was invisible in the near darkness, his dark skin aiding in that effort. He was armed quite amply with a variety of short blades and two sais, all strapped securely to portions of his body. Gargam, despite not having all of his weapons, still looked as if he was walking into a battle with an army. He had axes, swords, knives, sais, and shurikens everywhere, along with two sacks of supplies that probably should have been left behind. Owori had her twin khukuris and throwing knives, and a pouch that contained several small tools. Feln finished checking the last of his shurikens and his katana, and he hefted the lantern so he could see the others better.
"No sense in waiting in the tunnel," Kara said. "We may as well travel to our destination."
The darkness ahead of them was only breached by the light of the lantern they carried. The tunnel was lined with boards in places where there wasn't solid rock, and as before, Feln noted newer boards and supports. Most of it, though, was old and rotten. It was moist and damp here, the floor beneath his feet felt squishy at times. Filthy water dripped down, adding
to the pungent smell. The tunnel wasn't large, so they were moving single file with Feln and the lantern in the lead. Gargam stooped over because of his size and was lagging behind. The tunnel wasn't big enough for him.
After ten minutes of plodding along in the mud, the tunnel became larger in both width and height. They were able to walk two abreast. Feln cautioned them with hand signals to remain silent, and thus far, all had followed his commands. He could see Kara's discontent in her eyes, but this wasn't the time for her to pull rank. Had their plan gone ahead as previously planned, yes, he would have let Kara lead. Now, with the parameters slightly changed, he thought it best for him to get them through the tunnel. When they were inside the castle, Kara could take command if she needed to.
A noise echoed from in front of them.
With his hand, Feln signaled again. They all came to a stop.
"What is it?" Kara asked, voice muffled and low.
"I don't know. Owori and I are going to scout ahead," he whispered. "Stay here. Don't move."
Kara gave him a disconcerted look and nodded. Gargam grunted. The pair of monks moved in front of the group with the lantern outstretched, slowly but surely Feln rotated the shutter until the lantern gave off almost no light. If someone was coming at them, they would see their torchlight immediately.
#
Feln stood motionless, invisible in the near darkness without using his magic. He knew Owori was close, but he couldn't determine her exact location as she had blinked. As he recalled, the tunnel continued far in the distance, with no change in construction. The smell, feel, and temperature was as he remembered. There were no lights in the distance - no one was down here with them. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing but rough-hewn tunnel ahead and only their companions behind, so he opened the shutter and bathed the tunnel in light. Owori appeared a moment later. In front of them was a displaced rock the size of a melon, the most likely cause of the noise.
