Cold Moon (Book 2 - Moon Series Trilogy)

Chapter 10

Chapter ten

Tessa examines if her armour is tight. Her breastplate, gauntlets, gorget and greaves. Her silver coloured armour is made quite lightly and doesn't cover every part of her body so she can easily move. She straps her belt with scabbard around her waist. She binds her hair together so it won't fall in front of her eyes. She feels ready. This is the day. She sees how much Leonie struggles to put her armour on. Tessa sighs deeply, walks to her companion to aid her and asks: "How are you feeling?"

"Nervous." Leonie admits sincerely.

Tessa grins. "Don't worry. You're strong," She fastens the breastplate, "Besides, we've always watched each other's back. I'll jump in if necessary."

"Thanks. So will I."

"I can take care of myself," Tessa defends herself, "Now, I'll check if anyone needs help."

Leonie chuckles. Her friend is still as stubborn as always. Meanwhile, Jaël tries her best to attach her armour, but she can't seem to find a way to do that. Perhaps she should ask someone. Although everyone looks busy with preparing themselves for the moment of battle. She scratches the back of her head. Suddenly, she feels how someone is securing her greaves. Jaël is startled and immediately turns around, only to see Tessa being the one to help her.

"This will be our first big battle together, Firegirl." Her emerald eyes peer at Jaël, who gulps. Her stomach shrinks together. Her heart is beating fast. Tessa touches her shoulder.

"Relax. Breathe in and out."

Jaël does so and feels that she's eventually calming down.

"Here," Tessa hands her a bag, "In there, you'll find a few bombs, two dynamites and a sparkler tube. The last things will come in handy when you're in a dark place or perhaps you can use it as a weapon. However, use them with care."

Jaël opens the bag and finds exactly what Tessa said. She counts five bombs.

"Are you sure that I should take them?"

"I trust you," The rebel leader nods, "Besides, you can easily turn them on with your powers."

Jaël smiles. She acknowledges that underneath Tessa's harsh shield, there's kindness.

"Well, I'll help some others." The rebel leader walks away. Jaël watches how she assists the other people. When everyone is entirely prepared and ready to go, Tessa goes to the front. Although she isn't using a microphone now, the echo of the cave will enforce her voice.

"Everyone here has suffered, encountered fear, has been in fights and escaped from the Kitaling. Today, we will be the first group who will rise against the king, take him down and free the world. We, Mahubies, will be free! We should step forward and not fear the shadow of death. Don't give up, give it all you have. Do not kill if it's not necessary. However, keep in mind that they are the enemy. They'll do whatever it takes to put a halt to you. They won't hesitate, so you shouldn't either. "

A cheering roar of the crowd goes through the cave. Tessa raises her fist: "We shall not fail, since it's not an option. Fight and never give up!"

She takes the lead and everyone quiets down. Though everyone is stimulated by the leader's words, Leonie and Jaël can sense the tension in the group. After half an hour, they have reached the end of the cave. Tessa looks around. They find themselves surrounded by trees. They are now near the castle of the king. Though they can absolutely hear cars passing by, which means the city isn't that far away. Birds are whistling above their heads. From their spot, they can clearly see the large beautiful garden. It's symmetrical with a broad path in-between. Of course, Tessa has a plan and explained it thoroughly. Right before they left with the boat, Tessa had divided her army into four groups. Group one contains herself, together with Leonie, Jaël and one hundred forty people. They will start attacking the front gate, which is only guarded by a few Kitaling. They can easily overwhelm them. That's what Wyatt had told her after spying here for a few days. Then they will go and search for the King. Group two will go towards the back of the castle and clear the area there, meanwhile group three will follow them, only to go to the upper floors. They have to lock the maids and soldiers so that the King won't have any back-up. Group four shall follow group one and do the same like group three. Through the small forest, they continue their way, moving closer to the front. They try to be as quiet as possible. Actually, it's quite remarkable that they can be so silent with 572 people. When they have almost reached their destination, Tessa notices a soldier who's touring around the palace. She understands that she has to solve it as soon as possible since he could see them clearly if he gets any closer. Tessa lifts her hand, giving everyone the sign to stop walking. Then she stretches her arms, makes her hands into fists and lifts them. Stone tablets shoot out of the ground and entrap the soldier.