Rule of Saints {The Red Ribbon Sequel}

The Water Hears and Understands...

~ Y/N Pov ~

The next morning, Kaz knocks his cane on the floor of Baghra's hut to get our attention.

"Here's the plan-"

"We just got here yesterday, Kaz. Are we really leaving already?" Jesper asks, stretching his long legs across the floor.

Inej pokes his ribs. "Do you want the Darkling to swallow the world in darkness?"

"Depends. Do you think it would bring out my eyes?"

"Jes," I warn, knowing that Kaz is desperately trying not to call him a podge right now.

Kaz clears his throat and cuts Jes a glare. "The Darkling needs a Saint. Saints perform miracles. Therefore, the Darkling is specifically looking for a Grisha to martyr and use for his own cause."

"Why only Grisha? Can't we perform miracles of our own too?" Wylan inquires all at once.

Inej explains in her calm fashion. "A miracle saves a big number of people, and is performed by one person. To put this into perspective, compare me with Y/N. She can manipulate water seemingly out of nowhere. I can throw a limited number of knives. Now, who is more likely to save more people?"

Wylan nods. "Gotcha."

Kaz continues. "The Darkling could go anywhere in Fjerda, it is a big country. However, if his target is limited to a certain group of people, this limits where he will find them. Especially if these people frequently get put behind bars for having powers. I'm sure you all can infer what I am implying right now."

Jesper sits up straighter. "So this means we are headed..."

"...to the Ice Court," I say, masking my fear.

Kaz nods. "If a Saint will be anywhere in Fjerda, it is locked up on the highest floor of the prison sector."

Jes turns to me. "Hey, weren't you on the top floor when Kaz expos-"

I interrupt. "Yes, I was. Which means I know my way around. Let's continue the plan, shall we?"

I would rather not dwell on the time Kaz exposed me as Grisha two years ago at the Ice Court, sending me into a cell and allowing Pekka Rollins to find me there. Big mistakes were made. We found each other again. All is well. Kaz doesn't meet my eyes.

"Security was heightened after our breach two years back. We need to be at the top of our game. Inej will listen for any talk of Saints or miracles, Wylan will determine escape routes, Jes and Y/N will stick together with me once we get inside. Got it?"

We all look each other in exasperation. Jes raises his hand. "The plan sounds absolutely lovely, Kaz. But just one thing: how are we getting inside this time?"

"Let's just say I've been keeping in touch with a friend up there. Her name is Mila Jandersat."

//

In my room at the Little Palace, Genya helps us prepare. The Crows all receive thick wool coats to best the bitter Northern winds. I get a fur lined blue kefta; the kind that us Grisha wear during the harsh Ravkan winter months. Inej braids my hair into a tight coil, adding the red ribbon onto the end, then goes to prepare her knives.

Jesper slings his guns, Wylan carefully places his bombs into his satchel, and Kaz taps his cane on the ground, then walks towards me.

"Where are your twin knives?" He asks, inspecting my kefta for any hidden pockets he may have missed.

I shrug. "I haven't used them in a long time. I've had no need to with my training."