Unspeakable Secrets The Alchemist Series (A Dark Medieval Progression Fantasy)

Chapter 45 Assault On Zauberer

Despite how badly he wanted to get Victor back as soon as possible, he wasn't going to rush in before he felt they were ready.

He went over the layout of the facility beneath Zauberer until everyone knew it well. Especially the leaders of the groups. They were fighting against superior numbers, and on the enemy's home ground.

The Syndicate knew the facility far better than even Connor did, and he was adamant that everyone know at least what little he did.

The better they understood the terrain, and what they'd be facing, the higher their chance of success.

He went over what they should expect from the guards beneath Zauberer, and planned for every contingency he could think of in the shortest amount of time possible.

He established a firm chain of command in case he, Korvac, or Illyian were killed or rendered unable to lead.

This could be their only chance to get Victor back, and he wanted everything to go smoothly.

It took two days before he felt they were as prepared as they could be given the circumstances, and they were set to head out the following night.

During the day everyone would rest, so they would be awake and alert for their night-time mission.

During this time, nobody had entered or left. The Syndicate should have no warning of what was coming.

He'd had taken every precaution to ensure that.

So, why did he feel so uneasy?

"What's on your mind?" Adelia asked.

"It's just... The Syndicate has been ahead of us every step of the way. They got into the palace and took Victor despite all his security.

"They even knew when you and I headed out to meet with the informant. They've known everything this whole time, and I can't help but feel like I'm missing something," he said.

"They caught us off guard. It happens," Adelia said, "you're better at this than you think. Victor has been trying to take down Bvorn and The Shadowcloaks for years and you kidnap him and throw his whole guild into disarray in a few days with just you and Vadik."

"And Bvorn died from a geas before we could learn much," Connor said.

"And then you found their secret base anyway. Something even Victor hadn't done," Adelia said.

"Only because I had you and Vadik," Connor said, "without you two I'd already be dead or captured several times over. Starting from the docks."

"That's what friends are for," she said, "have a little more faith in yourself. You can do this. We can do this."

Connor smiled.

What would he do without her and Vadik by his side? He hoped he'd never have to find out.

Maybe she was right, and he was just doubting himself...

***

Night fell. It was finally time to put their plan into action.

"Once you draw the guards to you, we'll move through the facility. Give me as much time as you can, then get out of there. Try to minimize your losses. If all goes according to plan, this won't be our last fight," Connor said once more to Korvac.

"You can count on me, Connor," Korvac said, "we'll keep them busy. You just worry about getting Victor out of there."

They looked at each other with mutual respect and nodded a final time.

They'd gone over the plan hundreds of times. There was nothing more to be said.

"All right people," Korvac said, "let's move out!"

Korvac's group left first, and after a few minutes, Connor's followed.

They were starting the diversion before they ever arrived at the facility.

The Syndicate might have agents who would spot the large group of thieves moving through the streets toward Zauberer, and that would only draw more eyes away from the most important group of all.

Connor led his group to the building that served as one of the secret entrances and exits to the underground facility. The same one he had left from before.

Together, they strode into the long, dark tunnel below.

***

"That's just eerie," Vadik said as they waited in the dark tunnel observing the soundless work of the blank-faced slaves.

"I did warn you about the enchantment," Connor said.

"I know," Vadik said, "but it's weirder in person. It's like I'm looking through a portal. It's creepy."

"On the plus side they can't hear you complain about it," Connor said, "at least... I don't think they can."

"You're hilarious," Vadik said.

Even so, he fell silent.

"Shouldn't Korvac have started by now?" Maya whispered, "what's taking him so long?"

"He's probably just securing the factory above. Besides, we're quite far away from his position. It'll take time for them to realize they're under attack, and then respond to it. And, if I were Korvac, I'd start off by trying to kill as many as possible before they raise the alarm," Connor said.

"I thought he was just supposed to create a distraction?" Maya said.

"Yes, but they'll notice him eventually no matter what he does. The more he kills at the start, the longer it'll take for them to overwhelm him, which gives us more time," Connor said.

"And it's about time somebody made those bastards pay for what they've done," Adelia said darkly.

"That too," Connor said.

"You people are brutal you know that?" Maya said.

"Hey, I'm not the one who wants me as an apprentice," Connor said.

"Yes, well a bit of brutality can be useful from time to time," Maya said.

A man in leather armor ran out one of the passageways and onto the factory floor. He waved his arms wildly and pointed behind him as his mouth moved up and down soundlessly.

"I think they noticed Korvac," Connor said with a sadistic chuckle.

The man ran back down the way he'd come, and the guards followed him, leaving only the slaves on the factory floor.

"Okay, now we go," Connor said, "be careful with what you say and do around the slaves. They're being forced to work here, and we don't know what those collars will make them do. Let's not find out how hundreds of mind-controlled slaves react to intruders, okay people? Just act like you're meant to be here."

Everyone nodded, and they stepped through the threshold of the tunnel into the facility itself.

Noise washed over them, and Connor winced. He'd taken his sense-heightening potion, and it made the sound almost unbearable.

His hearing wouldn't be all that useful in the facility, but the improved sight could prove invaluable.

He'd taken a strength potion earlier, and each stride felt like walking on air. He carried a crossbow in one hand. A bolt already drawn and ready to fire.

It should go through the armor of the guards who stood between him and his uncle like butter.

Most of those in their group carried similar weapons after he'd told them what to expect.

Adelia stubbornly held onto her daggers. He didn't press the issue though, considering what she could do with them.

He still had the longsword he'd taken from the thieves guild armory in case the fighting got closer than planned. He almost hoped it did. He really wanted to try out his new strength potion in a fight.