Forged in Frost

A Lamb to Slaughter

"Here you are," Evelyn says, handing Asher the folded piece of parchment. "Map of Esterden dungeons, where Ilvara should be kept."

Asher unfolds it and inspects it with untrusting eyes, but Evelyn plunges on:

"There are marks at every entrance and window that Leo can remember, notes on guard patrols, and a small 'x' on doors that are always locked."

After a long moment of silent study, Asher's frown disappears. "This is significant, Evelyn. Good work."

"Thank you, sir," Evelyn says. Somehow, they've looped back into their positions of general and soldier, even after everything that's happened. Evelyn isn't sure if she's glad of the change or not.

Asher turns away with parchment in hand. Evelyn stops him.

"I believe, sir, that I'm entitled to reconsideration for the attack on Esterden," she blurts out.

Asher meets her eyes. Then he looks around briefly, as if to ensure no one is nearby.

"I don't know," he tells her quietly. "If your morality comes in the way of your orders—"

"All I care about is getting Ilvara out safely. That's what all of this has been for," she says matter-of-factly. "Getting Leo out, pushing him for information... It's all for Ilvara. I'll do anything to get her out in one piece."

Asher looks back at the parchment, eyes lost in thought.

"I admit, I made decisions you don't agree with," she goes on. "But now we're here. We're on the cusp of infiltrating our enemy camp. And there's so much more we must do. Once they're out, Esterden must know of Tarreth's corruption. We can turn this war back on them. You need soldiers who will take charge, as well as obey orders."

A small smile breaks through Asher's mask of authority. "Will you really obey my orders, Evelyn?"

"'Til my dying breath," she vows, seriously.

He sighs, resigned. "All right. You can come."

Relief flies through Evelyn's chest. "Thank you. Oh, thank you, sir. I won't disappoint you."

He shakes his head, chuckling. "Have a little solemnity, soldier. You're embarrassing yourself."

Evelyn doesn't care. She almost skips back to her bedroll to put away her items, then heads to the weapons' satchel to fill out her arms with proper equipment. Armour. A sword and shield. A man called Eddie helps fit a proper sheath on her. She's going. She'll be there to see Ilvara face-to-face. She won't have to hear about it after the fact.

Asher approaches the men gathered around the fire. Evelyn joins in.

"Tonight, we move. Most of you already have your orders. If you don't have any, then stay put. You'll be on the last team to enter. We have scouts looking ahead, men watching the guards, and a map of where it's likely the count and countess are located." He holds up the parchment. "Caius and I will lead the last team."

Evelyn nods, heart pounding. With no orders, she knows she's part of their team.

"We'll eat a hearty meal, rest, then move at sundown. We're still hours from Esterden, so it will be the perfect conditions for a stealthy assault."

Sounds of agreement echo throughout the group. Asher nods once in conclusion, and the group breaks off to put together tonight's meal. Evelyn finds herself cutting leeks and garlic for bean potage, while two other Guild men unwrap portions of raw fatty bacon to cut. They set up a makeshift kitchen on flat stones by the stream, adding ingredients to the clay pot set over the fire.