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