The War of the Roil: The Knight and the Warlock

Chapter 17: The Thief

Edmund felt at home among the shadows, unseen and unnoticed. His mind was more at peace when alert, his breath felt cleaner when quieted and his eyes were more comfortable when strained.

He would've relished in the feeling, had he not been maneuvering around the outside of a Morgaul fortress.

The Atrellians had just sort of assumed Edmund was invincible once he was declared Champion. Yes, it was less boring than being cooped up in the keep, but he was now expected to attend every strategy meeting and always be on duty.

It was becoming too much. The only people he'd actually talked to in the last week were Elius and Pasco.

"Fancy seeing you here." The breath of the voice's source brushed against his ear.

Edmund whirled around, nearly tripping himself. Camilla giggled. He hissed, "How in the Roil did you get there?"

"Practice." Camilla whispered, "One hunts her own dinner in Irakel. Or at least, they used to. We haven't spoken in a while."

"That's because Thorne treats me like a super soldier now. I'm always on duty, always standing by." Edmund muttered.

"That is the price the strong must pay in this society." Camilla sighed, "The powerful, intelligent and determined are asked everything of them. Or at least, they are forced to put up a facade of charity. Coddling the weak is bad enough. But pretending to coddle it? Gods and titans."

"Do you know the message we're sending to the Karo-Kunnar?"

Camilla nodded, "We're drawing them to the Cavernous Maw. That's the rocky area of the desert plain. We can hide our troops there."

Edmund sighed, "I'm going to be among them, aren't I?"

"It's likely." Camilla said, staring out towards the fortress.

Edmund couldn't help but take a glance at her. He thought she looked far better in her casual clothing than those stuffy academy robes.

"I like your coat." Edmund muttered.

"This thing?" Camilla chuckled, holding the edge of the white jacket's high collar, "It's a man's suit coat. I just wear it because of the wind here."

"I like it on you." Edmund shrugged.

"Hm. Thank you. Unfortunately, I don't think I can say the same for...that." Camilla pointed to Edmund's own attire. It was a bright white set of baggy monk's clothes with the Eye of Bronduk painted onto the front.

Edmund frowned, "That makes two of us."

"They make you dress like that?" Camilla snorted while trying to stifle a laugh.

"Hey, it's not that bad." Edmund said defensively.

"Oh, if only you had a mirror." Camilla flicked a tear away from her eyes, shaking her head.

"Whatever." Edmund muttered, "I think the best way to get in is through the east here. That takes us right to the back of the messengers' resting area. The message relay is just around the corner. And we don't have to cross any open space for the most part."

Camilla frowned, "How do you suppose this building came to be?"

"They probably...built it?" Edmund furrowed his brow.

"Well, yes. But this wall and the building beyond seem far beyond the architectural capabilities of the Morgauls. I mean, they've never needed to build permanent residences prior to this war." Camilla said, "But the craftsmanship is so...neat."

"Neat or not, we have to scale it." Edmund said.

"You're right." Camilla grimaced.

"You have the letter?" Edmund asked.