Kael adjusted the hood of his cloak to conceal his face as he and his group moved through the streets of the stronghold.
Burning timber from fallen structures mixed with the smell of sweat and blood. Soldiers with hardened faces walked with purpose, their armor bearing deep dents and scratches. This place had been ravaged by war.
They had gathered the information they needed. The Earth Kingdom had not been the victims in this war as it was they who had struck first. And now, they are using the royals that were captured as an excuse to continue the war.
However, there was still one question left unanswered.
Why?
Mira and Sera walked next to him with unreadable faces. They hadn't spoken much since learning the truth, but their silence was heavy with thought.
As they were turning a corner, a sudden commotion brought them to a stop.
A line of heavily armored guards cleared a path and marched down the cobbled street. A luxurious black carriage rolled forward between them, its wheels clattering on the rough surface. Its silk curtains were embroidered with the Earth Kingdom's deep red crest.
Kael glanced at the men with his keen gaze. Their armor was in perfect condition. These men had never been on the battlefield, unlike the exhausted ones they had seen before.
'A noble?' Kael's thoughts moved swiftly.
Even though this kingdom was damaged by the war, certain people continued to travel in luxury. That meant whoever was inside had power. And power meant answers.
Mira spoke first. "That's not a general's transport. A lord, maybe?"
With narrowed eyes, Sera whispered, "Or someone even higher."
The carriage disappeared down a side street, heading toward the more fortified part of the city.
Kael made his decision. "We follow it."
They followed the carriage at a distance, moving quickly while staying in the shadows.
Mirroring Kael's pace, Mira and Sera remained silent. They were aware of the risk of being spotted. If they made a wrong move, soldiers would be all around them in seconds.
The streets were cleaner here, unaffected by the destruction caused by war. Not only had wealth and power survived the chaos, they had flourished.
A dozen minutes later, the carriage stopped in front of a manor that was heavily guarded.
Kael watched from behind the remnants of an old wooden cart.
The manor was large, with steel gates supporting its stone walls. More soldiers stood guard, their stances stiff and orderly.
Then the door of the carriage opened.
A middle-aged man wearing a royal blue robe with gold embroidery emerged. Despite the lines of age on his face, he had a serene countenance that was too calm for a man whose kingdom was in disarray.
Even though Kael didn't recognize him, his existence was enough to prove one thing. He was important.
The noble barely acknowledged the guards as he entered the manor. With a loud clang, the steel gates closed behind him.
Mira let out a breath. "What next?"
A sneer formed on Kael's lips. "Since we need answers, he's the perfect person to ask."
Intrigued, Sera cocked her head. "I take it you don't mean courteously?"
Kael grinned more broadly. "We sneak in, get a hold of him, and begin our question-and-answer session."
Knowing there was nothing she could do to stop him, Mira sighed. "I'm hoping you have a plan."
Kael's eyes shone brightly. "I always do."
Although the manor was too heavily fortified to be approached directly, Kael had no intentions to enter through the front gates.
In the brief time they had been observing, he had examined the building. There was a smaller, less guarded side entrance, but the walls were too high to scale straight.
Kael guided them through the darkness, out of the soldiers' prying gaze.
Beside the manor, there was a narrow, dark lane with an uneven stone path. There was only one guard by the door, his spear resting lazily on his shoulder.
"Perfect." Kael didn't slow down.
Kael moved fast like a silent blur in the night. His dagger pressed against the guard's throat before he could even react. The guard's eyes widened in shock as a strong arm wrapped around his neck, cutting off his air.
A few seconds later, the man slumped to the ground unconscious.
Mira gave Kael a rather intriguing look. A look that spoke words not for the faint-hearted. "Remind me not to ever turn my back on you."
Kael ignored her, stepping over the guard's body and pushing the door open.
The inside of the manor was silent.
Too silent...
Kael's instincts flared, but they had no time to hesitate. They moved.
***
The interior was lavish, with marble flooring, golden chandeliers, and pricey paintings lining the walls. A stark contrast to the city outside, which is ravaged by war.
Kael's jaw tightened.
Men like this noble lived comfortably while troops perished on the streets.
Mira studied the long hallway ahead. "Where would he be?"
Sera's eyes darted to the hall's far side. A set of double doors stood open a crack. Inside, candlelight flickered.
"There," Kael muttered.
Silently, they made their way toward the doors, sneaking into the darkness.
The noble was sitting at a long table inside with a half-full wine goblet in his hand. In front of him was a pile of letters, all of which were sealed with the royal seal of the Earth Kingdom.
Kael's eyes instantly focused on them.
With a sigh, the noble swirled his drink. "The fools still believe we can negotiate…"
Kael stepped forward, his dagger flashing as he kicked the door open.
The noble froze, the goblet slipping from his fingers and shattering against the floor.
Kael was on him instantly with a dagger in his throat before he could scream.
"Don't move," Kael whispered, his voice deathly calm.
The noble's body went rigid and he swallowed hard. His eyes darted to the door, but Mira and Sera had already closed it behind them.
Sera leaned against the wall with her arms crossed. "Well, that was easy."
Mira stepped forward, eyeing the papers on the table. "We came here for answers." She picked up one of the letters. "Might as well start reading."
Kael's grip on the noble remained firm. "Let's begin, shall we?"