Renit slings the leather satchel over his shoulder and takes a large step over a boulder, dead leaves crunching underneath his wake. They've only just started what is to be the long journey to the capital, one Renit has never taken on foot or with a large scouting of rebels along with him. He's had many firsts over recent weeks; this one has to be the most exceptional.
The small group ahead of him comprises Tesha, Bren, and Alaric—they're surrounded by a smaller group of guards as they're the leaders of this entire operation. The banished prince is relieved that he isn't the one in charge of anything and everything, he can step back and watch rather than decide what to do next. Although, the plan he creates is mostly his—not only are the rebels going to take down his father but, they're making an extra effort to save someone that doesn't desire a savior.
It could be their downfall but, Renit has to try. He can't let her go without trying first.
They've stayed off the trail since leaving early this morning. Before the sun rose and before the trails packed with merchants, they departed Arego, leaving yet another home behind. The looks of somber faces were too many to count, Renit had to watch as each rebel gathered their things, slowly, and said goodbye to a peaceful existence. They're marching to their doom.
As far as their gathering location in the capital, no one has said a word. Alaric trusts Renit, but not to the point he's willing to expose his entire operation. The banished prince is merely following along and providing his services, not only as a witch of storm but a trained warrior. No one in this rebel group besides Alaric knows the extent of his abilities. He'll display them if need be.
The rebels are a much more diverse operation than Renit expected. They have everything in line, from scouts monitoring the trails up ahead and maintaining a perimeter as a line of first defense against attackers, even going as far as assassins swinging through the trees to survey overhead threats. The rebels come from all walks of life, not just mortal witches.
The sun cuts through the thick branches of trees, warming Renit in the slightest towards midday. There's a peaceful sense in the silence, mixing with the clomping of boots and beat and deep breaths as rebels make their way from one end of the woods to the other. No one speaks to him, no one looks, and no one bothers to step within feet of where he travels.
He doesn't take it personally. Although some have come around, the same can't be said for everyone and, like Alaric, no one trusts him enough to consider themselves a partner in rebellion. He's spent most of his time diving deep into his power to find the source and, if need be, shut it off before the Outburst happens. It'll take tremendous strength and he'll go through skin-splitting pain but, it'll be worth it just to aide in this rebellion.
A ride by horse to the capital would take three to four days, depending on the steadiness of travel. If Renit knows the rebels and understands their habits from the weeks he spent locked in a forgotten dungeon, he's aware of how their schedule works. Travel all day, eat on the move and don't stop until the darkness blinds all light. Sleep is only for the exhausted, not the bored.
Renit has a plan of his own in case something goes south with the rebels. Trust goes both ways, and since Alaric doesn't trust him completely, Renit is prone to taking the same precaution. He followed the same routine on the battlefield, he'll continue that with the rebellion.
The banished prince has no proof if Alaric will drag him into the throne room with a titanium band around his wrist, and hand him over to the king. And for his own good, to make his life worth something in hiding and, by handing over such a prize, put himself in good graces with the king.
He plans to return to the small residence he kept for a month in the capital before Roux realized he was there and hiding out, watching her every move. If the rebellion isn't all it's made out to be, he'll find his own way into the castle and discover his own technique to getting Roux out of there alive—even if he has to drag her away against her will.
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Aligning the Forgotten ✓
Fantasy[Book 3 of the Grounding the Storm series] Renit's worst nightmare has come true. Roux isn't at his side, and he's banished from his throne and his crown, leaving him nameless and on the run. While trying to escape his father's cruel reign, he has t...
