Renit and I don't find time. Shortly after we prepare dinner for the group of rebels sitting in the dining area two rooms over, we're called into a meeting. Scheduled by the one-eyed commander who faked his death, he ordered Renit and me to stand towards the back and monitor what they discuss.
I stand towards the back wall of the room, my arms crossed over my chest and Renit standing at my side. Most of the plates along the wooden tables are already empty after the array of rebels scarfed down their meals without a second thought. Fried fish and a side of vegetables, steamed, and lightly salted. We're using as little supplies as we can in Arego, there's not enough to go around. Portions are small, taste and seasonings are even smaller. Renit has said on more than one occasion that he wishes for Mills to be here.
Dalis has said the same.
Alaric stands towards the front of the room, his back rested against the wooden paneling. Standing at his side is Bren, and in the corner, Tesha sharpens a sword. The weapon is out of place in her grip, I've never seen her without a bow or an arrow twisting between her fingers, spinning dangerously close to her eye.
The rest of our original group received the same summons from Alaric. It's time we earn our keep, even Celestine, who sits close to the front of the room with Dalis at her back. So far, she's had little contact with anyone other than Bren, they've taken a liking to each other since being back. I hope for nothing more than to watch their happiness blossom.
Citlali, my pair in power, stands near the door to keep a close eye on the hall. Although there are guards posted outside, she's become a close and quick supporter to Alaric's forces. Finding the right doorway into the rebel forces was what she'd been waiting for and now that she's here, she holds nothing back. Personal training from Rex Fletcher will not go to waste.
The last witch I consider to be a friend of mine and also the one who has allowed himself to drift into the rebel forces—Binx. He mixes in well with the rebels sitting at the table in the corner of the room, near the front but not too close to smell the icy breath of their commander. Binx fiddles with his fingers and stares down at the wood beneath them as if that'll hold the answers to all his troubles.
We haven't spoken much since everything happened. The regret and guilt has swallowed him whole and to make himself useful, he's offered up every bit of secrecy after working at the king's side for so long. Not only that, but he trained many rebels starting out in the operation. Alaric, a man not open to giving out praise, has stated on more than one occasion that Binx is a worthy soldier to have.
They never fought together on the battlefield; Alaric had long been dead once Binx stood on the mudded plains and took down enemies with his sword, but stories of the commander spread far and wide through the war camps. A close associate to the prince and a strong power to match. Alaric was unstoppable; the stories explained more than that to fellow soldiers looking to mourn a man that never received a proper sentencing.
He's receiving that now—alive and well. Renit is still fickle about trusting someone that he believed to be dead for so many years. At least until I remind him that Alaric was willing to get me out of the castle with hardly any questions asked. It wouldn't be fair to assume the commander isn't out to make friends.
Bren's dark brows draw inward, his hands moving on their own accord when he speaks to his commander. Their tones are hushed, and underneath the steady wave of voices in the room, no one at the front—or back—of the room can hear what they're speaking about.
"If this is how they conduct meetings, we're going to have a problem," Renit whispers in my ear.
"They're still getting a hang of things," I defend, my voice quiet enough that the rebels directly in front of us can't hear. As long as they're not a witch of all-hearing, they don't have a chance. So far, I have yet to discover one throughout Alaric's forces.
YOU ARE READING
Conquering The Unbroken
Fantasy[Book 4 of the Grounding the Storm series] Roux is back in the safe hands of those that care for her most. With a ticking clock over their heads, the rebellion forms into the operation Bren dreamed it would be since the day he joined. But the threat...
