Borit spun the ring of keys around his finger before tucking them into his uniform with a smug grin on his face. With the Guardian safely tucked away, the Commander reveled in thinking of all of the ways that he could torture the man that had the nerve to not stay dead.
Silver was weak. He had far too much affection for far too many people. Borit only had affection for himself. Cleary he was the superior being.
So which pressure point should he press first? 'No matter. I have plenty of time for all that once everything else is finished.'
Beside him, Ingrid was less enthusiastic. "I am beginning to think you are not going to let me end the Guardian as you promised," she said bitterly.
"You didn't like your present?" Borit feigned a pout. "You got to see the two men you despise the most humiliated in front of the woman they love. I would argue that is worse than death."
"I do not agree. That cloaked figure ruined my life..." Ingrid was cut off.
"And I saved it. Don't you forget that. I own you like the rest of your sorry kind. Criminals and vagabonds. Without me you would be holed up in a no-name cell waiting for death. Silver is my prisoner, and he dies when I say he dies." Borit's eyes reflected the torchlight which Ingrid held.
The woman pressed her lips together and scowled. "Will he die?" she asked pointedly.
Borit lowered his voice to a hiss. "After I have stripped him of everything, including this kingdom he protects, he will die. And not a moment before."
The Commander straightened, and his face brightened.
"Which reminds me. We need to go let in our friends soon before the king's headache subsides." Borit gave a low whistle of pleasure.
"You are playing a dangerous game," Ingrid pointed out when she thought about the Lakilian soldiers at the gate.
"Then it is very good that I have you on my side. You finally get to show me your usefulness..." Borit shrugged as if he had not just insulted the woman.
She balled her fists around the torch, ready to make a heated reply when they rounded the corner a little too fast. They had been so engrossed in their conversation that they hadn't heard anyone approaching.
"Captain Rabert!" Borit was genuinely stunned. "What are you doing down here?"
"I was checking on a prisoner and got a little turned around. Where are you going? I can tell you from personal experience that way is only a dead end." Rabert pointed his finger over his shoulder.
It was indeed a dead end, but it was also the way to Borit's office. He had planned to burn a couple of things in his office before letting in the soldiers from Lakyle. But Borit wasn't about to tell the Captain about his secret hideout.
"I thought I heard something over here," he lied. "It seems I was correct."
"Well, then it is good we ran into one another. My orders are to accompany you to the gate and help you place the soldiers." Rabert dipped his head.
Borit furrowed his brow. He had hoped to avoid getting Rabert involved in letting in the soldiers. The captain had barred their entrance the day before.
"I think you must be mistaken, Captain, but don't worry. I will lead you out of the prison and then you can find your actual orders while I carry out my own." Borit slid his hand through the air to indicate the exit.
Rabert shook his head. "I do appreciate the escort. But I am quite certain on my orders. Particularly this part." The captain pulled out a page and folded it for the Commander to read a specific section.
Botrit pulled the torchlight towards him as he scanned the words. "I see," he grumbled.
The Commander looked at Ingrid. He wanted to deal with the Captain here and now, but part of his plan would be ruined if it were found out too soon that Rabert died by his hand. There was no choice but to allow the stalwart soldier to accompany him to meet the troops.
"We shall be on our way then," Borit said through a forced smile.
Satisfied, Rabert allowed the Captain to lead the way. They snaked through the labyrinth of cells, careful to avoid passing Silver a second time. Borit suspected that the man might have been trying to slip the Guardian a message once the coast was clear, so he did not want to give Rabert that chance.
"I need to drop into the infirmary. Just to make sure the king got everything he needed. It will only be a moment." Rabert turned the corner without waiting for a reply.
Reluctantly, the other two detoured before continuing on their way. If they had put up an argument, the Captain might have grown suspicious.
Before long, they were back on course.
Marching out into the courtyard between the inner and outer curtain, the Commander bid the front gates be opened. Court was going to be held today, and after not happening the day before, many more people were anxious to enter than usual.
The guards at the gate began checking each person as Borit, Ingrid and Rabert pushed through the gatehouse and out into the open. A burly man was waiting for them.
"Commander," the soldier saluted. "We have been waiting for you."
"Yes, well, Captain Rabert and I have been assigned to help you place your men outside the wall." Borit motioned to the Captain.
The man's face darkened for a moment at the news, "I see." He dipped his head to Rabert but did not salute.
"This is Kaarel. He has come with the men from the fort." Borit tried to keep things smooth. "Perhaps we can start on the west and work our way around?"
The west wall was the most secluded. It was an obvious place to station a large portion of the resources. Kaarel looked at the Commander, and gave a short nod. Then he motioned for a dozen of his men to follow him. "We'll give them the instructions to give the others."
The party went around the wall while those at the gate continued to gain or be denied entrance.
Less than a quarter of an hour later, four men came around the corner carrying a limp man in their arms. "Doctor, we need a doctor!"
Rabert hung between the soldiers as Kaarel and Borit cleared the way. "The Captain is ill. Everyone, MOVE!"
Ingrid was between the two men, her face wrought with concern.
Borit leaned toward her. "After you deal with the present problem. Take one of these men with you and go fetch that feathered messenger from the princess. I don't want any more surprises. Take the Captain to the infirmary!" The Commander shouted the final words.
"Yes sir!" Ingrid jerked her thumb at the soldiers who carried the captain.
Those at the gate scooted back dutifully to let the men through. Ingrid guided the soldiers through the gate and across the lawn as Borit stopped to speak to the gatekeeper.
"I have orders to let in the rest of the soldiers as planned, but I must attend to the Captain. Can I entrust the task to you?" The Commander watched as the gatekeeper straightened his back.
Of course he would help! How could he not assist the Commander and Captain with their orders? "I will make sure every last soldier enters before letting anyone else in."
"Good man." Borit tapped him firmly on the shoulder.
Kaarel watched Borit wave him forward. Giving the men on the lawn orders, Kaarel urged the others to move all of their wagons and gear past the confused onlookers.
The noblemen tapped their feet and crossed their arms, upset that they would have to wait even longer for a chance to speak to the king.
If only they had known what they were seeing, they would not have chosen to enter the castle at all.
For right before their very eyes:
The invasion had started.