The Threadbound series : Unraveling

A Man with a Plan

Frin

Vengeance and retribution – two words often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct differences. Vengeance is driven by an emotionally charged desire for harm in response to wrongdoing, often fueled by personal satisfaction. In contrast, retribution is a formal concept of justice that seeks proportionate punishment within a legal or moral framework.

It is retribution that I seek, and it is for the act of carrying out this retribution that I once again found myself at the doorstep of Atticus Castor, this time clutching an anonymous note.

As Atticus and I discussed the implications of our plan, I stated, "This year's threadbinding ceremony is approaching in just two days. We should strike as a warning and save the children."

Atticus responded, "Your enthusiasm is well-welcomed, but the rebels are no longer under a chain of command. Most of them are scattered throughout; there's no way of contacting them. Even though we did manage to contact a few, how are we supposed to coordinate an operation across the districts of Milandor within two days?"

I leaned forward and met his gaze, my expression resolute. "Leave that to me," I assured him, and then I delved into his thoughts.

"Darryl Maze from Sylvanwood, Uma Mishka from Drakmoor, Evalina Kyle from Frostholme, Mobius Kent from Thalassoria, Muhsin Bhama from Arcanara and you from Shadowvale. I think I have covered all the districts, right?" I said, raising an eyebrow, leaving Atticus astonished as he asked, "How?"

I am a healer, I replied with a satisfied smile.

"Atticus, have you heard the story of how the Thyranith Empire conquered Elandoria?" I asked.

Atticus seemed taken aback by my sudden change in the subject.

"I'm afraid I haven't. After Milandor cut off all diplomatic ties during the threadwars, nobody has been keeping up with Aetherian relations." Atticus replied.

"Allow me to enlighten you, then," I said. "Elandoria was once a small island nation in Thalassa—peaceful, democratic, and with no ambitions of war. The Thyranith Empire, on the other hand, was ruled by a conqueror whose name escapes me, but he was a warmongering tyrant. However, the empire's ruler was answerable to a Senate and couldn't easily wage war at will. So, you know what he did? He spread a rumor—that Elandoria possessed powerful weapons, that they were hoarding them. This rumor spread like wildfire, evolving with each retelling until it became 'Elandoria is planning to attack Thyranith.' The Senate, pressured by these tales, forced the king's hand to attack Elandoria. The war ensued, and Elandoria was eventually conquered, just as the king had wanted."

"The Senate must have had a rude awakening when they found out there were no weapons," Atticus remarked.

I shook my head. "You misunderstand. The Senate didn't want to admit they'd been deceived. They clung to their delusions, refusing to shatter the illusions they'd crafted. So, they executed the Elandorian leader and his army, claiming they were indeed planning an attack, and the weapons were simply yet to be made. It's a testament to the power of propaganda."

Atticus appeared lost in thought, his brows furrowed as he considered the implications of my words.

"Contact these rebel leaders and ask them to meet the head priests who are heading the binding ceremony in their respective districts. They don't have to engage in conversation with them, but they should see their faces. It's crucial that I have a visual memory of these priests," I emphasized.

Atticus, still skeptical, questioned,

"But why is that necessary?"

"Because," I responded cryptically, "I can only control them if I've seen them."