Morning arrived far too quickly. He didn't even get to sleep for no longer than a few minutes before Liam came banging on his door before sending he and Lyra off to the market once again. Kael carried two sacks of potatoes down the crowded Meadow market while trying not to collapse from exhaustion. Beside him, Lyra walked silently with fresh bread tucked beneath one arm.“Heaven, I can barely keep my eyes open!” He muttered. Lyra glanced at him briefly. “You wanted to save the village. This is what heroes endure.” A scream erupted near the southern square before he could respond. Several Astra guards dragged a young boy through the crowd while his mother clung desperately to his arm.“Please!” she sobbed. “Please, he is only four and ten years old.”One guard struck her hard enough to throw her into the dirt. Nearby, another group seized two frightened girls while merchants pretended not to see.The entire market went silent, n9body interrupted or said a word. Fear was written on

Night settled slowly over Meadow. The village looked peaceful from afar like it wasn't dealing with ruthless guards who only come to the village to take and take from them. Kael pulled his hood lower as he slipped through the narrow streets beside Lyra. The folded stack of parchment beneath his arm felt heavier than any sword Liam had ever forced him to carryThat was their golden plan; to stir the villagers up and have them fight for themselves. “Are you certain this will work?” he whispered.Lyra did not slow her pace. “No.”“That inspires confidence.”Lyra rolled her eyes; this is foolishness. None of the villagers were a match for the guards and somehow, Liam thinks it's a fantastic idea to have them fight their oppressors without training. No, this is foolishness at its peck. Lyra stopped near the back door of a baker’s home. Light glowed faintly beneath the cracks of the shutters while quiet voices drifted from inside.Lyra slid one folded parchment beneath the door.Then sh

The laughter around the tea house faded as the members of the Five Pillars departed one after another.The servants quietly cleared away untouched cups of tea and half-finished meals while musicians in the corner resumed their soft melodies as though nothing important had happened.It was getting a bit late into the day and Eldric found himself still seated back at the pavilion with his tea. He kept his eyes fixed on the empty teacup before him, exhaling a couple times as though he had just dodged death. Vaelorin had left, Seraphine had disappeared with her boy toy which she swore was no more than a servant of hers which Eldric knew was a horrible lie. Malthor had wandered off with two attendants hanging on his arms and Cassian had walked away without another word.Good. Very good.They had not mentioned Meadow.Perhaps the letter from his handler had not reached them after all. Perhaps the survivors had exaggerated. Perhaps…."You seem relieved."Eldric nearly threw his cup into

The celebration carried on behind them.Laughter rolled across the square. Someone struck a drum. Children ran between the houses with flowers woven into their hair, completely unaware that death had already entered Meadow.Liam hoped the people would be able to distract the men for a bit. Kael tightened his grip around the wrapped sword Liam had placed in his hands.It still felt unreal.A few moments ago, the people had been thanking him, but now he was running again.Liam didn't waste another second."This way."The old man turned sharply into a narrow alley between two cottages without looking back.Lyra followed immediately. Kael hurried after them, keeping his hood low.As soon as they disappeared from the square, the sounds of celebration became distant, only their hurried footsteps remained.Kael glanced over his shoulder once.The three travellers were still standing near the northern entrance.They hadn't moved."Are they following us?" he whispered."They don't need to," L

The cottage fell silent and only the crackling of broken wood and the distant laughter from the village square could be heard.Kael stood frozen, the Meadow Iron sword gripped tightly in both hands.More masked figures emerged outside.One stepped onto the roof, another appeared atop the well across the road.Two more stood on opposite rooftops, watching without moving.Others simply walked into the narrow street until every path leading away from the cottage had been sealed.Kael swallowed. If he so happens to die, this might just be the day he does. "There are too many..."Liam never took his eyes off the leader."There always were."The leader rested his sword against one shoulder."You've become slower, Master Liam." The leader said. “There never used to be none witty in your prime.” "I've become old.""You say that as though it excuses you."Liam smiled faintly. "It does."The assassin inclined his head politely."Perhaps."He shifted his attention to Kael."Come with us."Kael