The scent of damp earth and the distant hum of the forest surrounded the rebel camp. Ashby sat cross-legged near the fire, sharpening her blade while Gareth leaned against a nearby tree, observing the recruits as they stumbled through drills. His critical eye caught every misstep, and his occasional grunts of disapproval were all the feedback the recruits received.
The sound of footsteps approaching broke the quiet rhythm of their work. Casandra emerged from the shadows of the trees, her expression calm but her eyes alight with something akin to triumph. She gestured for Ashby and Gareth to follow her to a secluded clearing, away from the ears of the trainees. Without a word, they complied.
When they reached the meeting spot, Casandra turned to face them, her posture exuding quiet authority. "It's time to move," she announced without preamble.
Ashby frowned, lowering her blade. "Move? To where? This spot has served us well, and we've barely settled in."
Gareth crossed his arms, his grizzled face etched with suspicion. "I agree. What's the reason for relocating? And don't tell me it's to find greener pastures."
Casandra's lips curved into a faint smile, as if she had anticipated their resistance. "Our circumstances have changed. We've secured new accommodations—far better than this camp."
"Where?" Ashby asked, her voice carrying an edge of curiosity and doubt.
"Count Eldric Vallorne," Casandra replied smoothly, savoring the name as she spoke it. "His estate lies roughly a ten day walk from the capital. If we leave no we should be able to make it within eight days."
The name landed like a stone in the clearing. Ashby's eyes widened in surprise, and Gareth's brows knit together in a skeptical scowl.
"Count Vallorne?" Gareth repeated, his voice heavy with disbelief. "A man like him has no business involving himself in a rebellion. The Vallorne family has been loyal to the crown for generations. What could possibly convince him to risk that?"
Ashby chimed in, her tone wary. "You're telling me a count—a noble with wealth and power—is willing to back us? Why? What's in it for him?"
Casandra's smile grew, her expression unreadable. "Let's just say the count and I had a… productive conversation. He saw things our way."
Gareth's scowl deepened, his distrust plain on his face. "A noble like Vallorne has far more to lose than gain by siding with us. If the royal family even suspects he's aiding rebels, his title, lands, his life and those of his family will be forfeit. Why would he risk everything?"
"He isn't exactly siding with us," Casandra explained, her tone carefully measured. "The count has agreed to provide us shelter and resources in exchange for something he wants. He won't support us directly, nor will he risk his position. But his assistance will make us harder to root out, and his resources will make our cause far more effective."
Ashby tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "What does he want in return? Nobles don't do charity."
Casandra hesitated for the briefest of moments, but her smile never faltered. "He requested a certain item—one that I happen to be uniquely qualified to procure. In return, he offered us sanctuary."
Gareth's voice was sharp, cutting through the conversation like a blade. "And what, pray tell, is this item?"
"Something of little consequence to you," Casandra replied lightly, brushing off the question. "The important thing is that you now have access to Vallorne's resources. His estate is secure, his influence strong, and his wealth vast. With him, we can operate with a level of freedom you've never had before."
Ashby leaned back, processing the information. "If what you're saying is true, then this changes everything. But why didn't you tell us sooner?"
"Because I knew you'd both react exactly like this," Casandra said, gesturing to Gareth's frown and Ashby's guarded expression. "And because I needed to ensure the deal was secure before sharing it with you. The count's loyalty to the crown was a challenge, but… let's just say I made him see the benefits of a partnership."
Unbeknownst to Ashby and Gareth, the "conversation" between Casandra and Count Vallorne had been far from ordinary. Ash had used his hypnotic gaze on the count during a clandestine meeting, bending the man's will with surgical precision. The process had been delicate, requiring careful manipulation to ensure Vallorne's compliance without completely erasing his agency. Ash planted the belief that supporting the rebels, even indirectly, was a calculated risk worth taking—one that could position him as a savior should the rebellion succeed.
Meanwhile, Andrea had infiltrated the city's infamous Shadowveil Assassins' Guild, using her intangibility to slip into their most guarded chambers. She unearthed damning secrets about the guild's leader—a ledger detailing payments for treasonous acts against the crown. With this leverage, the trio now controlled an extensive information network, giving them eyes and ears across the kingdom. However, Casandra had opted not to reveal these developments to Ashby or Gareth just yet, fearing it would sow distrust.
For now, the official story remained simple: the count wanted a rare item, and in exchange, he would provide them with a safe haven.
Gareth still looked unconvinced. "Even if Vallorne has agreed, this move puts us at his mercy. A man like him doesn't make deals without contingencies. If he decides we're more trouble than we're worth—"
"He won't," Casandra interrupted, her voice firm. "I made sure of it."
Gareth opened his mouth to argue but was silenced by the sheer conviction in her tone. He exchanged a glance with Ashby, who seemed equally conflicted.
Finally, Ashby spoke. "If Vallorne's estate is as secure as you say, then we'd be fools not to take this opportunity. But we need to tread carefully. If the royal family finds out—"
"They won't," Casandra assured her. "That's why we're moving now, before anyone has a chance to notice us. The estate is secluded, and the count has ensured that our presence will remain a closely guarded secret."
Ashby nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But if this backfires—"
"It won't," Casandra said confidently again. "Trust me."
The camp buzzed with activity as the bandits turned rebels packed their belongings, preparing for the journey to Vallorne's estate. Gareth supervised the recruits, barking orders to ensure nothing was left behind. Despite his misgivings, he couldn't deny the advantages of the move. If Vallorne's resources were as extensive as Casandra claimed, it could transform this ragtag group into a true fighting force.
Ashby, meanwhile, kept a watchful eye on the preparations, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. Casandra's confidence was reassuring, but Gareth's skepticism lingered in the back of her mind. What if he's right? What if this is a trap? Should she trust Casandra?
As if sensing her unease, Casandra approached her. "You're doing the right thing, Ashby," she said, her voice soft but firm. "This move will change the tide of our rebellion. Trust me."
Ashby hesitated, then nodded. "I hope you're right."
By dawn, the camp was dismantled, and the rebels were on the move. The journey to Vallorne's estate would take several days. Ashby felt a flicker of hope that if this alliance held, their rebellion might finally have a chance.
As the group marched through the forest, Gareth fell into step beside her. "Keep your guard up, girl," he muttered. "Deals with nobles rarely end the way you think they will. We only have that woman Casandra's words to go on right now. Be ready to run if things go south."
Ashby glanced at him, her expression serious. "I know, I'm ready. Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith."
Gareth grunted in response, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Just make sure it's not a leap off a cliff."
Ahead of them, Casandra walked with quiet confidence, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. She had set the pieces in motion. Now, all that remained was to see how the game unfolded.