The streets of Stonefort were still quiet as the first rays of morning light slipped over the jagged walls, casting a yellow glow on the worn cobblestone streets.
Life had just begun to resume in the tired city; merchants were setting up their shops, workers were getting about, and the folks who kept the city alive were beginning to move.
Seraphina was no different, she stirred early, having spent the night in a shallow sleep.. There was much to be done, but each step had to be taken carefully, one wrong move could cost them everything.
Edwin stood by the window, as vigilant as always, his eyes scanning the street below. He was the first to awaken, and the last to remain on watch for them.
"Nothing suspicious so far."
He said without turning.
Seraphina stretched, rubbing the sleep from her eyes and cracking her sleeping bones awake. Samuel was awake now, too, though he remained seated against the wall, still recovering from his injuries; he felt a lot better having spent the night getting much-needed rest.
"We can't stay hidden forever, I think it's time to send the message."
Seraphina said, getting up from the bed and preparing herself. She wore a simple cloak that covered her face and a hood that hid her hair; she planned to move around a little today.
Edwin turned, raising a brow but offering no objections.
"You're sure about this?"
"No, but it's the only lead we have."
Seraphina sighed, as she finished writing a basic letter, one that gave away as little information as possible but still hinted at the questions she had and the problem she needed to solve.
"If Telphina is involved, I'll know soon enough. If she isn't... we might finally get a clue about who is."
Samuel shifted slightly, grimacing as he tried to get more comfortable.
"And if she is working with whoever sent Harold?"
"Then we'll deal with that when the time comes."
Seraphina replied, her voice steady but her mind lingered with other thoughts.
'If she is, then there is a much bigger problem to worry about.'
Without further words, she stood up and moved towards Edwin, handing him the letter, which she had finished.
"You said you had friends in the city that could get a message inside, can they send this letter to her?"
He paused for a second and thought about what she had asked. It wasn't impossible, but the risk stood that it might expose them, or even put the person he asked life in danger.
He didn't know if that was a risk he was willing to take, but it was one he had to, given no other options.
"I can try, but there is no guarantee that it'll work."
"That's fine, it just needs to be delivered to Lady Telphina, it must be discreet."
Seraphina said as she gave the letter to the man.
"No one else can see it."
The man nodded without asking any more questions, pocketing the letter then said.
"I will try my best, I'll contact some old colleagues in the city and see if they can help. I'm going to head out for a while, lay low until I return."
Satisfied, Seraphina gave a small nod of thanks and watched as Edwin headed out with his cloak on; hoping that everything went well and he returned soon.
She had kept the message vague, carefully disguising her words to minimize risk. If Telphina was involved, the message would be leaked and she would know.
If not, perhaps Telphina would provide the answers she so desperately needed.
With that matter settled she decided to get some breakfast since it had been a while since she had eaten, and knights needed a lot of energy to sustain themselves.
She left the room along with Samuel and headed downstairs.
The inn's common room smelled of stale ale and burnt bread, and a few patrons were scattered about, nursing early drinks. Seraphina made her way to an empty table with Samuel behind her, avoiding any contact or drawing attention to herself.
Seraphina and Samuel sat at the far end of the room, away from prying eyes and wandering ears. The wooden chairs creaked beneath them as they settled in and shortly after the innkeeper noticed them.
"Breakfast?"
Samuel asked quietly, leaning over to Seraphina.
She nodded, keeping her voice low.
"We need to eat before planning our next steps. We might not have much time to rest once Edwin returns."
The innkeeper soon approached their table, wiping his hands on a rag.
"What can I get for ya?"
"Two meals, and some water. Whatever you make is fine."
Seraphina replied, handing over a few copper coins she had on her. They were going to run out of money eventually, they only had a few silver and copper coins that they took with them, but they never planned for this.
The man nodded and returned a few minutes later with two plates of bread, eggs, and a bit of cured meat; it wasn't the finest food, but it would do.
Seraphina bit into the bread, wincing slightly at the taste, having only eaten proper meals since waking up in this world; such dry and poor food was an oddity.
Samuel, noticing her silence, spoke up.
"Do you think Telphina will reply quickly?"
"I hope so."
Seraphina looked down at her meal, pushing the eggs around her plate with the edge of her fork.
"But there's no telling how long it will take, or what her response might be."
Samuel nodded, though his brow furrowed with concern.
"And if Edwin runs into trouble in the city?"
Seraphina glanced at the door as if half-expecting Edwin to walk through it.
"He knows the risks. He'll be careful."
Samuel seemed to hold his tongue for a second, but eventually, the question got the better of him and he spoke it.
"And what if he betrays you?"
The question caused Seraphina to furrow her brows, a silent pause took control of the conversation as she didn't know what to say. However after some time and thought she finally replied.
"Then we'll deal with him too."
After that, the hours seemed to drag on in silence as they ate and simply sat around, the noise of the inn growing louder as more patrons came in for breakfast or to grab drinks.
Seraphina, unable to remain seated any longer, finally stood.
"I'm going upstairs for a moment. Keep an eye out for Edwin."
Samuel nodded, giving a casual salute.
"I'll be here."
Seraphina returned to their room, her steps heavy as fatigue started to wear on her. She had hoped that by now, she would have more answers than questions, but uncertainty gnawed at her mind. Samuel's question had left a lingering thought in her mind that she couldn't seem to shake.
What if Edwin had betrayed her? What if Samuel betrays her? What if Telphina doesn't help her? What if it was her father who wanted her dead?
She walked towards the window of the room as she thought, her eyes looking out upon the people in the streets below; going about their lives back and forth.
Every one of them had something going on, big and small. To them, it may seem like everything, but to others it was nothing. In the end, she was no different; such thoughts had no meaning when in the end they wouldn't matter to others.
This wasn't just about her finding the truth— it was about surviving and gaining enough power that nothing like this could happen again. Even if that meant facing down her own family.
The creaking of the stairs below caught her attention, drawing her out of her thoughts. She quickly turned around as the door creaked open.
Edwin entered, his face shadowed and serious; he wasted no time in speaking.
"I've made contact with one of my old colleagues. The letter is on its way. We should know something within the next few days."
Seraphina let out a small breath, a wave of relief washing over her.
"Thank you, Edwin."
Edwin nodded, moving toward the window once more to scan the street.
"I made sure to keep it discreet. If Telphina is being watched or involved, we'll know soon."