Nahor carefully went through the labyrinth of narrow passageways, eventually reaching the southern wing of the castle where the warriors had set up their settlement.
The settlement was within the castle's defensive walls, but a palisade of wooden stakes still protected it. King Toren built the stake wall to provide privacy to the families of the warriors' high-ranking officials.
Nahor crouched low beside the dense shrubbery, carefully selecting a stout twig adorned with many green leaves. In the distance, loud laughter echoed from the grand ceremonial hall. He surmised that the warriors inside were likely indulging in wine, and he dared to hope that the guards also partook in the revelry.
He approached the section of the barrier where a hidden opening was located. Retrieving his dagger, he carefully inserted it through a narrow gap, manipulating the wooden lock to open the small gate cautiously. Taking cover behind a nearby branch, he remained motionless, stealthily surveying the area around him.
The delicate crescent moon hung high in the night sky, its dim glow casting just enough light to guide him on his daring rescue mission. Down below, a scattering of torches flickered to life in the palace's front yard, where revelers caroused and celebrated into the late hours of the night.
The majestic castle was constructed from sturdy stones and durable granite, evoking an aura of strength and resilience.
In contrast, the dwellings for the warriors and servants were fashioned from timber, giving them a more rustic and humble appearance. The roofs of these structures were intricately thatched with wood and overlayed with cogon leaves, providing natural insulation and rustic charm.
The settlement was arranged in three separate sections that formed a U shape. The most luxurious house on the right wing belonged to General Zurin, the head of the warriors. His power was equal to that of a Lakan.
The houses on the left wing were the dwellings of Lakan Lando and the pharis.
The warriors' huts were spread out on the settlement's left, right, and back sides, creating a feeling of a protective barrier. In contrast, the slaves' three smaller dwellings were located in the farthest back part of the settlement, symbolizing their marginalized status within the community.
Nahor sneaked his way to Zurin's courtyard. The door that was made of wood was locked from the inside by a piece of wood cut in a rectangular shape and nailed to the door frame with a peg. He used his dagger to shift the wooden lock vertically and easily got inside.
He went to her sister's room, which was the first door from the courtyard gate. In the dark, he could see the outline of his sister Lira lying on the bed. Beside her was a four-year-old boy. He approached her and covered her mouth with his hand.
"Don't shout. It's me." Nahor whispered.
Lira's eyes widened. The room was dark and was illuminated only the faint light of the moon that entered through the crack of the window. Despite of the darkness, she recognized the man's sillouhette.
"Brother, you're alive! You're alive! I thought you died. They said, you died along with King Toren." She started to sob.
"Shhhh. Be quiet. We need to leave right away." Nahor still spoke in a hushed tone.
Lira stood up. It was very dark, except for the dim light that passed through the half-opened window of her room. She closed her eyes and then opened them again, waiting for her vision to adjust to the darkness. After that, she gathered her and her son's few pieces of clothes and stuffed them into a bag that she fashioned from a long rectangular piece of cloth, which she had been using as a garment for her lower body.
Amidst the merry-making in the front yard, Nahor carried his sleeping niece and led Lira out of her room and the courtyard. He was not worried that he would come across Zurin. He was pretty sure that he was in the throne room of the castle celebrating with those who conspired with him in the rebellion.
"We need to take Mona with us, " he whispered as he led her to Lakan Lando's house.
Like before, he picked the lock using his dagger, pulled Lira inside, and locked the door.
In the corner of the room, he noticed a woman peacefully sleeping on the bed, embracing a little boy who appeared to be the same age as his niece. He approached them cautiously, mindful not to disturb the sleeping child.
He bent down, covered Mona's mouth with his hand, and gently shook her. Mona woke up with a jolt. She was scared, and she shouted, but no sound came because her mouth was covered.
"It's me, Nahor. I will take you to Lakan Lando. Quick, pack some clothes and be careful not to wake your boy." He released the hand that covered her mouth.
Mona was in a daze.
"We have no time to lose. Hurry." Nahor urged her.
Mona snapped back to reality and hurriedly grabbed the clothes from the closet, stuffing them into a cloth bag with two straps that could be slung over her shoulders. In the dim light, she struggled to move swiftly, but the sense of urgency kept her from slowing down.
Mona was about to open the door when she heard someone opening the main gate and footsteps heading toward her room.
Nahor pulled Mona and Lira back. He insured that the door was securely locked. He carefully passed his niece to Lira and his hand took the hidden dagger strapped on his thigh.
The man outside the door was humming, then spoke in a slurred voice. "Ah, finally, Mona, I will have you tonight. I will make you pay the price of rejecting me and choosing that damned Lando. Ha ha ha. Let's see who will protect you that Lando is dead."
Nahor recognized the voice and he cursed inwardly. He was Zurin's second in command. He could not imagine what would happen to Mona if he did not come tonight.
The man outside kicked the door and it opened. Before he could take a step inside, a pair of strong hands pulled him inside. He felt a piercing pain in his chest and he slumped on the floor, his eyes wide open in disbelief.
He wanted to see the face of his attacker but his vision dimmed as he breathed his last.