Nathan and Jas stroll down the street, watching a single carriage fly past, followed by a few Royal Guards. Taking a seat on a small wall, David walked over and leaned against it, next to them. Taking out a folded piece of paper, he slipped it into Jas’s hand, "The incident didn’t directly involve Prince Balder. Inside are the nas of the children who took part, along with their families."
Pulling his coat over himself, David left as quickly as he ca, disappearing into the crowd. Taking a glance at the paper, Jas pocketed it and led Nathan to a nearby house. Knocking on the door, an old head popped out and eyed the two for a few seconds before releasing a series of locks and letting them in. The two were quick, and the door slamd behind them, the old man locking it tightly.
Inside, they finally saw the outfit he was wearing, the robes of a priest of Sol. The safe house they were in wasn’t hidden; in fact, it was extrely well known to the Ammary information network as a private church for those who still only believed in Sol and didn’t agree with the Pantheon. The only reason it had not yet been destroyed was that there was no perceived danger in letting it live. Everyone knew that, and many Ammary spies infiltrated to ensure that it remained harmless.
Walking the hallway, it led to a large room, where many walls had been knocked down, making a makeshift chapel. Ja secretly scanned the room and walked over to his target. Nathan sat down with him, taking a random seat and praying.
Making the symbol of Sol, Jas rested his hand on his lap and stared ahead, noting the man looking down at his hands from the corner of his eyes. He finally began, signing out words.
’We are acting. How many n do you have? Signing to the Templar, Jas peeked down at his hands. The man stayed still for a mont, looking ahead.
’Eight. Where. When.’ Getting a reply, Jas closed his eyes and thought for a mont. Whilst he wanted to give the information now, he held off.
’Co to the tea shop. You know which one.’ The Templar indicated with his hand that he knew, letting Jas carry on, ’Midnight. Dangerous to discuss during the day.’ The Templar once again moved to indicate he understood. Without anything more to say, Jas stared ahead at the empty wall and prayed, not wishing to arouse suspicion from the Ammary spies to his real purpose. Only after an hour had passed did he leave.
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Nathan opened the door for the Templar to co in. The tea shop was pitch black, save for the candlelight on Jas. The light flickered with the arrival of the Templar. Pouring his guest a cup of water, Jas leaned back and sighed.
"Thank you for eting . I know it is hard for you." The Templar smiled and sat, having a sip of water.
"I no longer am under such heavy watch these days. It was nothing." The man let out a large yawn after finishing, "Let us get to business, I am tired and wish to sleep."
"Of course." Clicking his fingers, Nathan moved quickly and grabbed the large map they had made of Brookhaven. It was rough and lacked many details, but the city’s main landmarks were still visible. "Our mission is the capture of one of the Imperial Children. Death must be avoided at all costs."
The Templar frowned at the mission but, knowing he didn’t have to kill a child, begrudgingly agreed, knowing his orders from Gabriel were to assist at all costs. Jas moved and traced his finger, going from the Imperial Palace towards the edge of the city. The Templar watched as Jas did the sa path over and over, finally rembering the route by heart,
"The route rarely changes because it is an incredibly safe route. From the Palace, to the Cathedral, pass the tis house, and the noble district, each place is heavily guarded." As he nas each location, his finger stops, finally moving again and circling a single road passing them all. "Only here is there no extra security other than city guards. This is where we must strike."
The Templar watched and frowned, "Why not target them on the short road outside the city, between the academy and the city walls?"
"Too dangerous. Many nobles take that road, and it is patrolled constantly. Additionally, there is nowhere to run once you’re out there. At least in the city, we can use the chaos that the people will cause to slip away with the children." The Templar nodded in understanding.
"I assu no rcenaries or criminals will be helping if you have called upon us."
"I plan to pay off a few of the scum to cause a break in sowhere close, to draw any patrols away, but attacking the carrige and Imperial escort will be the sole job of your n." The Templar missile was happy that inexperienced allies wouldn’t hold it back. Looking at the route once again, he smiled.
"I need two carriages or sothing heavy and inconspicuous enough to block the road." Taking a sip of water, he analysed the map a little longer, "Have sothing ready on the next street past this alley, ready to collect and my n. If you want us to keep the children, then you have to at least provide escape."
"Done." Jas answered instantly, "Anything else?" The Tempalr thought for a second and shook his head. He and his n already had armour and weapons ready at a mont’s notice. Jas smiled, the two getting up simultaneously. Reaching his hand out with a friendly smile, the Templar took it, "Have your n ready at a mont’s notice. I an, a mont, the Imperial family is moving, and there may be a chance."
The Templar gripped Jas’s hand a little harder, indicating he understood, and broke away. Leaving the tea shop, Jas sighed and collapsed in his chair. "You are in charge of getting what he wants. Don’t get carriages, they cost a lot, let alone the horses. Buy sothing like fruit stalls. Vendors are always selling them. If you can’t get that, spend a little extra and buy carts. We have enough left over from the loan we took out."
Nathan nodded and watched as Jas stood back up, stretching. "Get so rest. We have a busy few days coming up."
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Abu slowly got Edward out of the carriage and placed him in his chair. Looking up at the Obsidian castle, he had a terrible feeling in his stomach. It was one where he knew he was in a place he didn’t belong. Looking at the ominous walls, Abu took a deep breath and pushed forward, opening the front doors without knocking.
Calling it a castle was strange. Although it had so resemblances to one, it lacked high walls surrounding the building or watchtowers for soldiers to stand in. There was no gate, but a single small door and around it the tall black stone walls with small slits for windows.
The inside was as dark as the walls outside, with candlelight barely keeping it alight. Edward froze in fear at the sight around him and looked up at Abu to signal for him to leave.
"Welco," Horace called out with a friendly voice. Alongside him, Scarlette walked, staring at Edward with a curious gaze. "Forgive for the lighting, it’s a waste to keep the entire place lit up. But I should have made an effort."
"Hello, Horace," Abu called out, noticeably displeased at having to be in the castle. Out of all the inner circle, the only ones Abu could never get along with were the Underwells. Looking at Horace, he wondered if the rumour was true that the Duke of Laska was actually his friend, wondering how the man could have any.
Horace smiled and walked down the steps, stopping before Edward. "For now, you can stay in your chair, my Prince, but when the ti cos, I will not let you have it again." Horace knelt down and carefully patted his cheek. He tried to do it in a playful way, but as if sensing sothing wrong with the man in question, Edward tried to pull away.
"Observant." Jumping up, he clapped his hands, "Good. Now, my Prince, if you can understand what I an or not, I do not care. You will hate . You will have no fun in my care and will wish for it to end. You may co to despise your mother and father for forcing you to co here, but just know everything is to ensure you beco a man who can lead the Empire, and not cower at adversity."
Horace turned around, hearing footsteps, "Alia, please, can you take the Prince to his room. I must speak to Abu for a while." Rolling her eyes, Allia did as told and walked down the steps, grabbing Edward’s chair. Pushing him away, Edward turned to look for Abu.
"You have sothing to say?" Horace noticed as soon as Abu walked in. Although he was being looked at with a distrustful gaze, he didn’t mind, understanding why Abu was acting how he was.
"Rember, you are teaching the Crown Prince. He must be taught to lead, not serve."
"I would never forget." Horace dismissed the concerns with a wave, "Besides, my lessons are not for his education but his emotions. His Majesty will handle the rest."
Abu felt even worse hearing that and frowned, "Don’t mould him into sothing he shouldn’t be to fuel your sick pleasures."
"Watch it, my friend," Horace’s word sounded like venom as his hand patted Abu’s shoulder, "I am a gentleman. I get no pleasure from my work other than the satisfaction of His Majesty’s praise." Abu knocked the hand on his shoulder away, "If you would excuse , I must go and talk to the Prince."
Horace wiped his hand with a blank expression, casually strolling down the castle halls. His back slowly blended with the darkness of the building until he could barely be seen any longer. All Abu could do was stand with clenched fists, annoyed at how Alfred could dare send Edward to such a place.
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