*Nemesia's POV*
The evening at the camp was unfolding in its usual manner; the comforting crackle of the campfire was our soundtrack as shadows danced on the faces of the rebels, who were indulged in relaxed conversations. The chill in the air was less biting with the warmth of laughter and shared stories, making these moments a cherished respite from our constant vigilance.
It was during one such lighthearted exchange that the calm of the night was broken.
A figure emerged from the treeline, breathless and urgent. It was Rian, one of the scouts from the city, known for his reliability and swift feet. He was the best one to keep his ears open and take care of business in the town just below the mountains. It's thanks to him, that Murphey and the others knew about our arrival and found us in the cave. The sudden seriousness that descended upon the camp with his arrival was palpable.
"Murphey!" Rian called out, his chest heaving from exertion as he approached us directly. The entire camp seemed to hold its breath, sensing the importance of his message.
I saw Murphey leave his tent and go towards Rian. I decided to join in with a strange sense of urgency.
"A messenger was in the village at the mountain's base today, asking around about Nemesia but in a very discreet way, as if he wanted just us to find out," Rian reported, his eyes locked on mine, reflecting a mixture of concern and curiosity.
A hushed murmur rippled through the gathered rebels as Murphey spoke out, his voice firm, yet calm.
"What did the messenger want?"
"He didn't give his name or linger long after discovering Nemesia wasn't there. He left a message, insisting it was urgent that she met with his boss or something. Mentioned an inn further into the kingdom, you know which one? Ee... the 'Red Riding Wolf', two days' ride from here," Rian explained trying to make sense, then hesitated as if the next part carried a heavier weight. "He left these words specifically for you, Nemesia: 'Beneath the crescent moon, the past seeks to amend.' He said that it will help you decide it's work talking with that person..."
Those words echoed in my mind, stirring a whirlwind of memories. My heart skipped a beat as a familiar voice from my past whispered in the recesses of my mind, bringing with it a flood of emotions.
"Do you think it's really THAT person?" Athena whispered in my mind but I only sent her some positive thoughts while wondering if those were good or bad news.
The silence that followed was thick with tension and some whispers about the strange sentence. Evar's hand found mine, squeezing gently, a silent show of support that grounded me as I processed the implications.
"Do you recognize what this means?" Evar asked quietly, concern etching his handsome features.
I nodded slightly, the connection slowly forming as I remembered a night long ago, under a crescent moon, where secrets were shared between two souls in the royal gardens.
"Yes, it's... it's a phrase from the past. Someone very specific. We need to find out what this is about."
Murphey observed us for a moment, then made a decisive nod.
"We'll prepare for the journey. It's not safe for you to travel alone or just with Evar. We'll send a small team."
I didn't say no. Why should I? I used to fight and lead on a battlefield. I knew that moving to a mall team would be safer in my current position.
The camp sprung into action, the previous ease replaced by a focused urgency as plans were drawn. Supplies were checked and weapons readied, while I stood by the fire, lost in thought. When I saw Evar following Murphey to his tent, I decided I'd go and get ready, and make sure the supplies would be well prepared. Evar can handle Murphey.
*Evar's POV*
As the initial shock of Rian's news settled, Murphey convened a quick meeting with his most trusted warriors and myself. The flicker of the lamps in a tent cast long shadows as we gathered around an old, weathered map of the kingdom spread out on a makeshift table.
"We need a small, capable group for this. Nemesia, obviously, and yes Evar, I know that you'll accompany her," Murphey began even before I told them that I was going, his voice low but firm. "Who else do we have that's discreet and swift?"
I watched as he traced a route from our camp to the designated inn with his finger, a line cutting through less travelled paths to avoid unwanted attention.
"Jenna and Orion are our best guards but also scouts. They move quietly, and they're quick thinkers, and in good synch. Good for a mission that might require a subtle touch," Jax suggested, and I nodded, knowing their skills would be invaluable.
Murphey nodded in agreement.
"Good choices. We'll need to keep this group tight. Too large, and we'll draw unnecessary attention. Too small, and it's a risk if they run into trouble."
"What about transportation? Horses could make the journey faster, but they're also more noticeable," Jenna, who had joined the discussion since being chosen, pointed out.
Murphey rubbed his chin, considering.
"We use horses until the halfway mark. There's an old ranger's outpost there with some of our people there; we can stash the horses and move on foot for the final stretch. It's riskier, but it keeps our approach low profile."
"Let's prepare some provisions for quick movement and ensure everyone's equipped for stealth and potential conflict," Orion added, his focus on the logistics essential for our success.
I, who had been quiet, finally spoke, knowing what Nemesia would probably want to talk about and seeing as she wasn't here... I knew she counted on me to do it.
"We should also prepare a contingency plan in case we're followed or if the situation at the inn escalates."
Murphey looked at me, a hint of recognition in his eyes.
"Exactly. Let's have signals in place. If anything goes south, you rendezvous at the third-mile marker from the inn. It's secluded and gives a good position if you need to defend or make a quick exit. Also, if you need to disappear and run, you can use the wolves from the ranger's outpost for help since they're part of our cause."
The planning continued, each of us chiming in with suggestions on gear, potential routes, and communication strategies. The tension of the unknown weighed heavily, but the meticulous preparation gave us a semblance of control.
As the meeting drew to a close, Murphey's gaze swept over each of us.
"This isn't just about making contact. It's about ensuring you all come back. Keep sharp, stay discreet, and look out for each other. And make sure Kara prepares your supplies for the road."
We all nodded, understanding the gravity of the mission. The contact could be something big and important... Not to mention how Nemesia was important to the rebels.
As the group dispersed to prepare, I stayed back for a moment, looking at the map. The path was fraught with unknowns, but I knew we were as ready as we could be.
"Murphey," I called out as he was about to leave. "Thank you for trusting us with this."
He turned, a slight smile breaking through his usually stoic demeanour.
"I trust you to bring her back safe. All of you. You're the one I trust most of them all."
With a final nod, he walked away, leaving me with the map and a heavy responsibility he had put on my shoulders. As I rolled the map up, I felt the weight of what lay ahead. We were walking into the unknown, but we weren't walking into it unprepared.
*Kara's POV*
After being sent by Murphey to help with preparations for this 'secret' mission, I approached Nemesia, who seemed more distant than usual, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames.
"Lady Nemesia, if there's anything specific you need for this journey, just let me know," I offered, hoping to ease some of her burden, my voice full of respect.
She turned to me, a slight smile breaking through her contemplative demeanour.
"Thank you, Kara... but I really am just Nemesia right now, please. And just make sure we have enough supplies for any unforeseen delays. And... keep this quiet for now. We don't need rumours spreading and causing panic."
"Of course," I replied, feeling the weight of her trust. "But you know that in this camp if something is a secret... then everybody knows about it?" I asked shyly.
As I walked away to fulfil her requests, I couldn't help but wonder ... She smiled lightly... Seems I made her kind of laugh!
*Evar's POV*
While preparations buzzed around us, I pulled Nemesia aside, away from the prying ears. I had to make sure...
"Are you sure about this? It feels like we're walking into a lion's den."
Nemesia looked up at me, her eyes resolute.
"I need to know why they're reaching out after all that happened, and what they want. This could be a trap, or it could be a chance to mend some broken bridges—or burn them entirely."
I nodded, understanding her need for closure, or perhaps a new beginning.
"Whatever comes, we face it together. No more lone wolf acts, right?"
She gave a half-hearted chuckle, squeezing my hand.
"Right. No more lone wolves... said the rouge wolf..."
I laughed lightly. She knew how to make me smile without even trying.
"I know from experience, that's why I tell you now to do it," I winked at her and went to my tent to prepare.
As the night deepened and the camp continued its hurried preparations, the weight of our upcoming journey settled over us like a thick cloak. We were stepping into the unknown, guided by a phrase from the past, hoping to uncover answers that might change everything. But whatever lay ahead, we were determined to face it together... I was determined to keep HER safe.