The Seven Deadly Kingdoms

Chapter 25

Andrew, Mira, and Henry now all looked at Adelaide in suspense. Adelaide cringed and looked at her feet, suddenly unaware of how to begin the conversation. "Well," she began, at a loss for words. She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. She figured the best route to take would be getting straight to the point. "As you all now know, I was made to become a spy of sorts. And, I just went on my first mission to retrieve information from Avartia. Well, on my way there, I ran into an Avartian soldier named Caspian. We fought, but eventually both agreed neither of us wanted to kill each other.." Adelaide locked eyes with each her three friends, still unsure of the best way to word the next part of her story.

"Basically, we both got to talking, and he had the idea to start a sort of.. rebellion. I wanted to get in on it. And so, for the past week, the two of us have been living in a cabin in the woods of Avartia, plotting the best course of action. And, well, the only reason I came back was to try and possibly convince you guys to join me..?"

The more Adelaide spoke, the more ridiculous she thought she sounded. Mira, Henry, and Andrew all stood in front of Adelaide in silence, jaws to the floor. Adelaide would have laughed at their shocked expressions if she wasn't just as surprised herself.

Henry was the first to break the silence. "Um.. What exactly do you mean 'rebellion'? How many people are in on this?"

Adelaide blushed, suddenly embarrassed. "Well, like I said, Caspian and I just came up with this not even a week ago. So, as of right now.. Just the two of us."

Mira laughed, but it came out as more of a choking sound. Her expression of shock stayed the same, except for the small smile now forming on her face. "A rebellion, huh? How many people do you need?" She asked.

"Well, as many as we get. We're going to start small, to avoid attention, but hopefully rally people from all over the kingdoms, starting with you guys."

"And how good of a chance do you think you have of actually pulling this off?" Henry asked, his brow raised in question.

"Hopefully a pretty good chance. There are enough people sitting on the edge of their seats as it is, just waiting for a change. They're itching for something new, and I believe this will be the perfect remedy for that."

Mira nodded, examining their statements in her mind as she looked to the floor. After a few brief seconds, her head snapped back up, eyes locked on Adelaide. "Sounds fun. I'm in. I was never really for the kingdoms anyway. So are you like, wanting to take part in the war?"

Adelaide sucked in a sharp breath of air. She hadn't expected to recruit Mira that easily. A smile spread on her features. "Well, yes. The final battle is in only a bit over a month. We are hoping to rally enough people to make our own army; let the other kingdoms whittle each other down, then take out the last man standing. It won't be easy, but me and Caspian strongly believe there are enough people looking for a change that would stand with us." Adelaide locked eyes with Henry, worried at his silence. A small grimace appeared on his features as she mentioned Caspian, Andrew's expression matching his. Adelaide brows furrowed together.

"Look, guys,I know it's a big ask. And an even bigger risk. But when you think of all of the people, all of the families that are suffering, having no choice but to sit back and watch their leaders ignore their existence and pleas for help, isn't it worth it? Aren't they worth fighting for?" Adelaide looked to Henry again, speaking to him, "Aren't our cousins worth fighting for? Even if Extollentiam were to win this battle, what would the king do to help his people in need? Nothing. He has proven time and time again that he doesn't spare a single thought to those of his people that starve in the shadows. Our kingdom has been lost for generations, and will continue to be until someone makes a stand. Until someone chooses to take it all down; start fresh. Please," Adelaide begged, her voice now a whisper, "Help me. Help those who cannot help themselves."