The Ashen Rebellion

10 | A spy from the Firelord's camp

NYSSA WOKE UP TO the cold gray light of dawn filtering through the small window of her room. Determined to leave her isolation behind, she dressed quickly and made her way to the tent where the rebel leaders gathered for their daily strategy meeting. As she approached the tent, she noticed a shadow creeping around the side. Her instincts kicked in, and she silently moved closer, grabbing the figure and putting them into a painful lock.

''Ow, ow, ow! Let go!'' A familiar voice protested.

Nyssa immediately released her grip when she recognized Finn. He stood up, rubbing his shoulder with a pout on his face.

''Finn? What are you doing here?'' Nyssa asked, her voice a mix of confusion and amusement.

''I was just... um... listening,'' Finn replied sheepishly. ''Promise you won't snitch?''

Nyssa rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at his endearing expression. ''Fine, I won't tell. Just be careful, okay?''

Finn grinned. ''Thanks, Nyssa! You're the best.'' He quickly scurried away, leaving Nyssa shaking her head as she entered the tent.

Inside the tent, Agatha, Kael, Lyra, Tarry, and Arjun were already gathered around a table strewn with maps and documents. They looked up as Nyssa entered.

''Ah, Nyssa, good morning,'' Agatha greeted her. ''Please, join us.''

Nyssa took a seat, feeling the weight of their gazes on her. Agatha began outlining the recent movements of the Firelord's forces, pointing to various locations on the map.

''We've identified a potential opportunity to sabotage one of their supply routes here,'' Agatha explained, indicating a heavily trafficked path. ''Cutting off their supplies could significantly weaken their operations.''

Kael leaned forward, his eyes sharp. ''Before we commit to an attack, I suggest we conduct a reconnaissance mission. We need to gather more intel on their defenses and troop movements.''

Agatha nodded in agreement and then turned her gaze to Nyssa. ''Nyssa, you've shown a keen sense of strategy. What are your thoughts on this?''

Nyssa took a moment to gather her thoughts. ''I think Kael's right about the recon mission. But to make it more effective, we could create a diversion. If we can draw their attention away from the main route, we could get closer without being detected.''

Arjun raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. ''A diversion, huh? What do you have in mind?''

''We could stage a small skirmish a few miles away,'' Nyssa suggested. ''Make it look like we're attacking a different target. While they're focused on that, our recon team can slip in and gather the necessary intel.''

The leaders exchanged glances, nodding in approval.

''I like it," Agatha said. "It's risky, but it could work. You'll need to plan this carefully.''

Later, Nyssa found herself at the training ground where rebels were preparing for the upcoming mission. She watched from a distance as Kael led the training, demonstrating stealth and combat techniques specific to their plan.

''Alright, everyone, pair up!" Kael commanded. ''We're practicing close-quarters combat today. Remember, stealth and precision are key.''

Arjun noticed Nyssa standing at the edge of the group and called out, ''We don't bite! Come spar with us.''

Nyssa hesitated, but Lyra gave her a gentle nudge. ''Come on, it'll be good for you.''

Reluctantly, Nyssa agreed and joined the group. She ended up pairing with Lyra for sparring. They faced each other, both determined but with friendly smiles.

''Ready?'' Lyra asked, gripping her training sword.

''Ready,'' Nyssa replied, raising her own.

Lyra moved first, swinging her sword in a wide arc. Nyssa blocked it easily, countering with a quick jab that Lyra barely managed to deflect. They exchanged blows, each strike and parry precise and calculated.

Lyra aimed a low sweep at Nyssa's legs, but Nyssa jumped, avoiding the hit and landing lightly on her feet. She pressed forward, forcing Lyra to backpedal. Despite Lyra's skill, Nyssa's relentless attacks began to wear her down. Finally, with a swift maneuver, Nyssa disarmed Lyra, sending her sword clattering to the ground.

Lyra raised her hands in surrender, panting. ''Alright, you win.''

Nyssa offered her a hand, helping her up. ''Good match.''

''Alright,'' Kael ordered. ''Again.''

Suddenly, a tall, dark-skinned boy burst onto the training ground, breathless and wide-eyed. "Kael! We've got an unexpected visitor!"

Kael's gaze snapped to the boy, his eyes narrowing. "Who is it?"

The boy swallowed hard, glancing around at the assembled rebels. "A spy from the Firelord's camp. He's seeking to defect."

Murmurs spread through the group, tension crackling in the air. Kael immediately called off the training. "Alright, everyone, fall back. We need to handle this."

Nyssa, along with the others, followed Kael to a secluded tent where the leaders gathered for important discussions. As they entered, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Inside, Agatha, Tarry, and a few others were already seated around a table.

The spy, a man named Eamon, was a wiry figure with a haunted look in his eyes. His clothes were tattered, and he had a desperate air about him. Kael and the others took their seats, and Agatha motioned for Eamon to speak.

"You have information?" Agatha asked, her tone both skeptical and curious.

Eamon nodded vigorously. "Yes, I do. The Firelord is planning a major offensive. There's a hidden cache of powerful weapons. If you can seize it, you'll have a significant advantage."

The leaders exchanged glances, weighing the gravity of this revelation. Eamon continued, his voice trembling slightly. "But... there's a creature guarding the cache. A dangerous beast. I've seen it tear men apart. It's not going to be easy."

Kael leaned forward, his eyes hard. "Why should we trust you? This could be a trap."

Eamon shook his head fervently. "I swear on my life, it's not a trap. I've had enough of the Firelord's tyranny. I want to see him fall as much as you do."

Agatha's eyes narrowed in contemplation. "This information could change everything. We need to consider our next move carefully."

Nyssa, feeling a surge of urgency and determination, spoke up. "We should stick to our original mission. Weakening the Firelord's forces and rescuing prisoners, like my brother, should be our priority."

Kael turned to her, his expression a mix of irritation and impatience. "We can't risk passing up a lead this grand for your selfish impish desires, Nyssa. This is bigger than your brother."

Silence fell over the tent, the weight of Kael's words hanging heavily in the air. Nyssa felt a sharp pang in her chest, but she masked it with a forced smile. "Fine," She said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I understand."

She added, with a hint of sarcasm, "Wouldn't want to let my 'selfish impish desires' get in the way of the grand plan."

She caught a sympathetic look from Tarry and Lyra, but it did little to soothe the sting of Kael's remark. With a curt nod, and an 'Excuse me' She turned on her heel and left the tent, her heart aching.

Nyssa stormed towards the weaponry room, feeling the need to channel her frustration. The room was almost empty, save for one other person who barely glanced up as she entered. She grabbed an unsharpened sword from the rack and began the familiar process of sharpening it. The rhythmic motion of the grindstone against the blade was soothing, a habit she had developed long ago when things upset her.

She worked in silence, the only sound being the scraping of metal. As she focused on perfecting the blade, she felt her anger and hurt gradually dissipate. She continued until the sword gleamed with a sharp edge and his words no longer echoed in her brain.