Shadow of a God

chapter 3: Kingdom come

Aris sank to the floor in relief "We did it, Jessa. But what does one lesser noble even mean in the grand scheme of things? They still have that whole royal family above them."

Jessa leaned against the wall, eyes darting around "It's symbolism, Aris. Each blow we strike is a message. We're saying we won't be forgotten, that the rune-blind have teeth, and we can bite back."

Aris sighed "A small bite, though. Compared to the Valerius family, we're like gnats to a lion. What do you think Queen Seraphina will do when she finds out?"

Jessa smirked "Probably have another prophecy about doom and gloom for the rune-blind. But who cares? This noble had the chance to help our people and chose his comfort instead. He chose to keep his head down."

True... she paused, gripping the dagger tighter "But don't you find it strange? There should have been a guard with him that night, I didn't see anyone di-."

Jessa interrupted "Don't dwell on that! Focus on the next step. We have to be faster, more coordinated. Tonight's kill was only the beginning. If we take out another noble, maybe it will start a ripple effect. The rune blind will begin to realise that the nobles aren't gods, they can be killed"

Aris stood, a fire igniting in her eyes "You're right. We aim higher now. One of the Eight Lords or Ladies, perhaps? They've got to know we're coming for them."

Jessa grinned mischievously "Excellent idea! Which one do you want? Lady Thalia, with her power over entrapments? Or perhaps Lord Cedric, with the gift of pyromancy?"

Aris frowned "Not Cedric. Fire burns too easily; it could expose our presence. Thalia's a better choice. Her illusions can't harm us, and rune-bound tend to ignore them."

Jessa glanced approvingly "Then it's decided. We'll observe her tonight during the festivities at the hall. The nobles can't resist a gathering, and arrogance will be their downfall."

A determined smile crept on her face "The festival. They'll be so wrapped up in their merrymaking that they'll forget the shadow gathering around them."

Jessa stood with realisation her eyes gleamed "Exactly! We'll blend in, watch her closely, wait for our moment. Nothing extravagant, just precise."

Aris glanced back toward the door leading outside "But there's more than just the nobles, Jessa. The Rune-bearers have the Royal Guard, the enforcers with abilities far beyond normal men. We can't believe we will go unchallenged."

Jessa twisted her ring thoughtfully "True. We'll need to find allies in the villages, those who feel the oppression. They might give us information or even fight alongside us."

"You're right about that too. It's not enough to pick off their nobles one by one. We need a movement. Something to inspire the rune-blind to rise up and seize their power."

Jessa smirked again "And if they underestimate us? If they think we're just two girls with a dagger?"

Aris grinned back "Then we'll show them just how wrong they are. The night is growing colder, and this time, it won't be just us against them. We will rally the forgotten."

Jessa laughed softly "The Rune-bearers will wish they had never thought the rune-blind could stand. " she grinned a wicked grin "Let's make sure the Valerius family hears the whispers of our rebellion all the way from their gilded halls in Sylvaris."