The Revolution Came

Chapter 15: The Rescue

The rough fibers of the rope burned against their skin as it tightened around their necks. Cody remained still, his breath steady, while Mey struggled, eyes darting in panic.

On the platform above them, the prison warden stood tall, flanked by Cold Guards. General Bragsbrielle, along with the high command, watched in satisfaction as their greatest adversaries prepared to die.

The announcer stepped forward, his voice echoing across the courtyard.

"By order of the King, General Rivera and Commander Bracodo are to be executed for the crimes of treason and insurrection."

Murmurs and cheers rippled through the gathered soldiers and nobles, but none were louder than Bragsbrielle himself.

"This is the end of the revolution!" he declared, lifting his pistol skyward. "With two of their leaders dead, the Revolutionary Army of the North will crumble! Law and order will be restored to these colonies!"

He fired a shot into the air, silencing the crowd.

Poper, standing just beside the executioner, stole a glance at Cody and Mey. Lowering his voice, he whispered, "Hold on. The battalion is here."

Cody gave a small nod before turning to Mey. The young commander was visibly shaking, his breathing erratic.

"My son," Poper said, his voice steady despite the chaos brewing around them. "Don't be afraid. Help is coming."

Mey swallowed hard and gave a short nod, gripping the rope around his neck to steady himself.

The announcer raised his hand, preparing to give the final command.

Poper took a slow breath. Then, instead of pulling the execution lever, he reached to the side, yanking a hidden release.

Above them, a revolutionary flag snapped open in the wind.

For a split second, there was only silence.

Then-

A gunshot rang out, shattering the tense stillness.

Screams erupted as the crowd descended into panic. Redcoats scrambled for cover while guards rushed to draw their weapons. Poper wasted no time. He ripped the ropes off Cody and Mey, tossing them aside before pulling two revolvers from beneath his cloak. With a swift motion, he tossed them to the two men.

"Fully loaded," he muttered.

Cody and Mey caught the pistols in midair. Without hesitation, they fired, dropping the nearest guards before they could react.

Bragsbrielle's eyes widened in shock before he turned and bolted, disappearing into the panicked mass of officers and nobility. Other members of the high command followed suit, fleeing before the battlefield shifted against them.

Another gunshot cracked in the distance. A moment later, revolutionary soldiers stormed through the prison gates, rifles raised. The redcoats hesitated, their formation broken, before slowly dropping their weapons and raising their hands in surrender.

"By order of President Winchester and Generals Rivera and Brooker," Lieutenant Commander Lovington and Commander Lawrence announced, stepping forward, "you are all under arrest."

Bitter glares painted the faces of the captured redcoats, but none dared resist.

General Brooker marched into the courtyard, revolutionaries flanking him on both sides. He unrolled a map onto a makeshift table and motioned for Cody and Mey to step forward.

"The British have fortified positions here at Brook Heights and Pulgs Hill," he said, pointing to the marked locations. "Their supply lines are heavily defended, but their eastern flank is disorganized."