The price of madness vol.01 : Dream and Condemnation

A bitter love

Dayand streets were crowded with stalls of merchants and shops of all kinds. You could find everything there! The crowd was so dense that the seven hundred Sisters accompanying the three companions passed unnoticed. It wasn't long before they scattered to the four corners of the city, waiting for Keryll's signal to act. The orders were simple: disable the patrols of Sisters acting as police in the city and close the gates to prevent any reinforcements. The first part was easy since most of the troops were stationed outside the capital. To be able to overcome any attack that may come following yet another end of truce with Khairhania. The second part of the plan would be considered easy depending on how the first part was executed. Next, Keryll and a few Sisters, accompanied by the Iron Wolves, were to break into the palace and take the leader of the country hostage. Knowing that her personal guard was considered to be even above the Matriarchal Guard in terms of efficiency, it was necessary to count on the element of surprise above all. Dayand having never suffered an attack of this kind, their reactions would be less effective. They entered a tavern to wait for the moment to launch their attack. According to her information, Julie had not yet arrived in town so there was no need to rush.

No sooner were they seated than three hooded Nar' put a blade on their throats. A fourth then came and sat opposite them. Keryll observed what little of her face showed from under her hood.

"E-Elka?"

"Matia." she cut her.

Elka was the name given to the ruler of Dayand in honor of the first Matriarch, Elka the Golden. She couldn't afford to be recognized in a tavern.

"What are you doing here ? How did you find us?" Brena asked.

"I didn't think you would have realized that I was no longer following the matriarch's orders."

"I was the one making the plans you loved to fuck up with your sister." Matia retorted. "Don't think you can take me at my own game. Besides, you've never followed the matriarch's orders, we both know that. Now I want to know why seven hundred and forty-seven ghosts are haunting my town or I'm spilling your guts on the ground, is that clear?"

Keryll nodded slowly, then the daggers slowly withdrew, not too far away.

"You know why." Began Keryll. "I want to free my sister. Our Sister."

"And you wanted to mess around town for that? You know it's impossible ! I know everything that happens in the country every ten minutes. You could never have infiltrated without me noticing, it's ridiculous."

"You and I also know that I have very little chance of convincing you to help me!"

"None even!" Matia cut her off.

She stood up and made a quick, silent gesture.

"Take them."

Only Sylph struggled but was quickly stopped by his General.

"It's not too late !" Keryll shouted as she was led away.

Matia bit her lip as she watched them walk away.

"You really always pick the worst times. You or the other."

The journey was relatively long. They never took a break or stopped to sleep. The two friends were constantly gagged and hooded but in any case, Lucia didn't know who these people were. Only Julie had a vague idea. This way of doing things and this unfailing endurance, it was undoubtedly the Lady's Vipers. An elite assassin troop under the leadership of the Dayand ruler, serving to eliminate those who threaten her or her business. Technically, they could have ended the war against human empires a long time ago, but as everyone knows so well, war pays. The road would not be very long and no matter what she said, this journey was over. She knew it, now that she was in Elka's claws, there was no escape. The sound of the crowd watching the Nar' carrying the prisoners in full view finally snaps Julie out of her thoughts. They had arrived at the capital: Felydhae.