Secrets in the Snow

Chapter 11

The sun began to say its goodbye as it fell beneath the horizon. The forest was melancholy. The creatures stayed huddled in their nests and the trees stood bitterly still. Shaemus sat against the tree with the white bark, waiting on the remaining members of the trio to arrive. He didn't feel upset or angry, just numb. His whole body was filled with nothingness. Gryffell hadn't returned, not that he had expected him to, and Shaemus had not gone after him. The cord between them was not cut, but merely tangled. Perhaps after Shaemus regained his wings and slayed the warlock, maybe then Gryffell would understand why he had to leave.

A twig snapping in the near distance broke Shaemus from his trance. He flicked his gaze North of him, towards the direction of the sound. There, stomping through the snow was the oddball and the Elf. Well, Half-Elf technically. As he stood to greet them, he felt his heart begin to speed up. The connection was still there. When the two magnets were close, the pulling sensation always let them know. Stephis waved in hello, a large satchel strapped to his back. Winnie smiled as always, but seemed hesitant to look Shaemus in the eye. The blonde boy shared her hesitance. They had not seen each other since the drunken night at Stephis' home. He could still remember the explosion of sparks that erupted from their first kiss. It was electrifying. It was one of the greatest and strangest feelings Shaemus had ever experienced. Those sparks, however, would need to be stomped out for the moment if they were to get out of the castle alive.

"Shaemus, my boy! So good to see you," Stephis greeted as he gave Shaemus' hand a firm shake, "I've thought of nothing but this moment for weeks."

Winnie nodded as she folded her hands over one another, "I too share Stephis' excitement. I'm ready to get my wings back."

Shaemus brushed his hair back and eyed them a serious glare, "I'm just glad you all are here timely. Now, I want to make this very clear to both of you. I am in charge. I am your leader. You both need to do exactly as I say, exactly when I say it. I've spent weeks crafting this near impossible heist and if one of you falters, so help me I will leave you behind. I'm not losing my head because a couple of amateurs don't know how to keep quiet. Have I made myself clear?"

The pair nodded quickly with a few nervous gulps. Shaemus sensed their fear. That was good. Fear was a valuable asset in completing a task of such importance. If they feared for their lives, hopefully they wouldn't make any stupid mistakes.

"Um, Shaemus," Winnie spoke up with a curious voice, "What exactly is the plan? You've not really elaborated on what we will be doing."

Shaemus gave a small smirk over his shoulder as he motioned for them to follow him. The three silently weaved through the frosted trees. Shaemus kept his eyes peeled for any signs of movement. His nerves were strung higher than he let on. A lowly mouse was almost blasted to oblivion for scurrying too close to Shaemus' feet. The three traveled on in a silent pack. The darkening of the sky aided in their cover. After several minutes of hiking, the trees began to thin out into open plains. The moor was upon them, and with the moor came the warehouse.

Shaemus crouched down, watching as his companions did the same, "See that dark building over there," Shaemus whispered as he pointed to the royal warehouse, "That's where we need to go. That warehouse is owned by the Aumberden's. Everyday, royal stagecoaches come to and from that warehouse. All of them go back to the castle. We need to sneak on to one of the royal stagecoaches while it's loading up. Once hidden inside, it'll take us straight into the castle."

Stephis squinted his pale eyes at the shadowed building, scratching his head, "My word. I wasn't even aware any of this land was occupied, especially by the king. What could he possibly be doing with a place so remote?"

Shaemus' eyes never left the warehouse, "I don't think anyone knows about it. I don't think he wanted anyone to know about it. I've been inside just once. It's filled with weaponry the world has yet to see. It's enough to make a giant shudder."