Secrets of the Trees

13 - The Underground

"No, we're talking about seventy-two people. This is not the place to hold such a meeting. If that many people just suddenly began to leave Palladia, to come here, there are plenty of people who would notice such a movement. And many to raise eyebrows." said Ren, scratching the scruff on his chin.

 Deliah and him had come in the late afternoon, though without Blythe. The discussion was about where exactly, we were to meet with the people who wanted to help out in our revolt. I had suggested here, in Acantha Wood, but he didn't think so.

Shifting my headress, I questioned, "Is there a place that we could fit seventy-two people in, that is hidden, but close enough so that none are suspicious?"

He pursed his lips upward, and pondered as he looked at the canopy of trees. "There is a place, beneath Cynfal's Tavern. It was to be used for housing people during another war, centuries ago. Only a fraction of the underground space is used to store their beverages. Very few kloftcesni even know that it exists."

"If it's been sitting there for centuries, would it be stable? And how large it it?" I asked.

"Oh, you need'nt worry about space, m'lady, nor the stability. The tavern is on the edge of the Northern side of our market. You saw how large the market was yes? In the underground, it was meant to keep our women and children safe. We had a population of around a few thousand, and this is just the women and children. The space takes up the entire area of the market."

Even Kael was gaping at the statement. Me and Deliah just gave shocked glances at eachother. Holy crap. That's a big space...

Deliah said, "Well that indeed will be plenty space to hold our meeting. What time is best to have everyone down there?"

"Probably after everyone has finished their sales for the day, during our resting time. No, actually the tavern is open later than most shops. We will have to have the meeting when it has been closed. The tavern owner is luckily one of our volunteers. He will be more than happy to let us down into the underground."

With a nod of my head, I leant up against a small oak tree, that was growing against the side of Kael's house. Once I had seen Deliah come today, I couldn't wait and sit around the firepit, all civil and proper. So I practically ran to her for details, and our discussion has been standing up for a change.

Ren and Deliah left us, saying they would make sure to tell everyone when are where we were all meeting. Apparantly, Blythe was busy working in the tavern, so she skipped a visit with Kael and I today. Deliah promised to get her to come tomorrow night.

***

Kael's POV:

It was long after dusk when were to meet at Cynfal's Tavern. Lily and I were on our way, just nearing the market. We were careful not to let anyone else into sight. A girl walking around late at night with a royal headress and very long, detailed dress would most likely cause controversy. After rounding a corner of beige tents, Cynfal's Tavern came into view.

I opened the wooden door for her, nodding my head for her to step inside. That's it, keep making her think you like her. The corner of her mouth curved into a graceful smile. While her gentle disposition is nice, it is really her passion and focus is what her people need. They will have such an easy time believing and trusting her.

She asked if I was going to follow her down into the underground, but I told her I was going to look out for anyone who might have followed us. I never even stepped inside the tavern, but she nodded her head in understanding and went in. Once she was gone, a voice, his voice boomed in my head.

I trust, Kael, that you have followed through with the plan?

Yes. They are all inside. I believe they will all be perfectly convinced by her. All the details I will repeat to you later.