Redfork Menace

Mission zero

The sound of the wind hammering against the castle walls seemed as if it intended to blow Stone Hedge down. The gods were angry with them but Shanda couldn't figure a reason for it now. Beyond that, she had plans tonight. Plans that wouldn't wait for a storm, no matter how great. As she carefully pulled her hood up, she peeked around the ground floor column again. Empty, she'd timed it just right. Quickly she ducked through the room and down the servants staircase descending as fast as she could manage. The kitchens were empty and she did not linger, quietly making her way outside.
The wind threatened to steal the door from her grip when she finally thrust it open. Nearly falling down the steps, she managed to firmly shut the door. Gazing out at the darkened yard, lightning flashed for a moment illuminating the path ahead. Shanda moved with haste, if her father caught her out here again... It was best not to think about that. The only reason she'd gotten this shot was thanks to her brother. Martyn was on guard tonight and had agreed to look the other way as it were.
Shanda was on her way to the borderlands. It was stupid, reckless and irresponsible behavior. That was undoubtedly true, however the reward was worth the risk in her mind. Her father happened to disagree with that sentiment but what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. She'd been on these missions to the borderlands three times prior, always sneaking up behind Blackwood guards and listening to their private conversations. They were all terrible gossips and it didn't take long for them to start disclosing secrets. She wasn't stupid, she was quiet and didn't stick around long. Choosing different spots to spy on each time she came and ensuring she left no tracks to be followed back by. That's why the approaching storm was perfect. She'd show up, steal some intel and let the rain wash all of her tracks away.
Outside of the gates in the free and clear, Shanda made her way into the dense, tall grass that acted as an excellent cover. She'd made sure to wear dark wash colors and opted for trousers under her thick cloak. The night was silent, with all of the animals hiding away from the incoming storm, the only sound came from the howling winds blowing across the ocean of grass she hid in. The moon was obscured by clouds and she had to stop often to squint into the distance to orient herself. But before long she could hear the blackwood guards' voices carried by the winds.

"...declare for the new ki-..." "It won't matter will it? Not if...certainly a.... Insolent swine!"

Shanda frowned as she approached as far as she dared. The wind was working against her it seemed. There were two guards, both unremarkable to her. Black haired, tall, enemies. The only thing she wanted was a better chance at hearing them. They sat close together, the broader one closest to her had his back positioned towards her, while she could see the profile of the smaller man. He appeared older, and wore a sour look on his face. He seemed to be the one doing most of the speaking.

"...ell him, I will. He's the lord... crimes against us in our own land, it doesn't...."

She strained to hear against the roar of the leaves shivering in their branches as the wind picked up again and the voices rose louder in it.

"Get a grip! And don't bother me about it anymore!"

She crouched low and lay still when the older man abruptly got up and gazed over at the field where she lay hidden before storming away. She ducked back into the grass, hand poised on a borrowed dagger. Her heart was racing but after a few moments of nothing she carefully peeked back out. The younger man sat alone now still, with his head in his hands. She waited for a good thirty minutes in silence. Then she weighed her options. She hadn't gotten much of anything and it had taken a lot to get back out here. Going back now was unsatisfactory. On the other hand, it didn't seem like the guard was sending a replacement and the lone man apparently didn't feel like talking to himself anytime soon. She resolved to wait a while longer when the rain started.
At first it was just a bit of cold hard rain pelting down at her but it quickly turned into a deluge unlike any she'd ever seen. All other thoughts flew out of her mind in the present moment except getting out of the rain. The problem was she kept slipping, caught in a tangle of mud and grass. A clap of thunder rang out so loud she jumped, nearly crying out in fear. Half drowning as she looked up, she noticed the fire put out and the guard missing.