Converging Destinies: Part 1

Chapter 38

       The day of the raid was filled with apprehension. Early in the morning, Cedric put on the wig Eris had bought him and took a journey to the forest, where he spent an hour in meditation, gathering his druidic power for the coming battle. Eris sharpened their daggers. Ella did some exercises and relaxed before the coming battle. Zerai went to the inn and stayed to comfort a more and more nervous Ara' Sei.

       The sun arced from the sea, across the sky, and over the mountains. When a shadow was cast over the city, the group was on the move. Cedric was curled up in Eris' hood in the form of a squirrel. Zerai guided the group towards the northern side of Duskholme towards the docks. The streets here were noticeably quieter, and there were more dark alleyways.

       After a total of forty five minutes of walking, the group had finally made it near the barracks. The barracks itself looked like a small warehouse. With apprehension, Cedric wondered how in the world he would manage to burn the whole thing down.

       "Okay, this is the barracks, it's disguised as a warehouse. All of their weapons, gear, and other supplies are in there." Zerai said.

       "So, how are we going to fight them? Are we going to rush in or are we going to sneak in and attack from the inside." Eris said.

       "They aren't expecting an attack. We could probably all sneak in if there's more than just a front entrance. If possible, pick people off as quietly as you can. The moment they all realize that we're there, we have to launch our attack."

       "Alright, where are we gonna sneak in?" Ella whispered.

       "Eris, tell Cedric to scout the building itself, looking for all and any entrances." Zerai said. Cedric scurried out of Eris' hood and leapt towards the warehouse. After running around the warehouse, he came back and in a covered space where no one could see him, he transformed back.

       "Well, there's the front entrance, however, there's another door on the side." Cedric explained. With that, Eris guided the group towards the side of the warehouse relatively smoothly. Only a few of their footsteps could be heard and Eris was able to navigate towards a spot out of view. Then, they took out that same piece of wire-like metal and began to try and pick the lock. With little effort, a tiny click was heard. With hardly a sound, Eris opened the door, making sure that the hinges creaked as little as possible. Then, the group entered the warehouse.

       One wall was lined with hooks, brands, and other nasty looking torture devices that were hung from the wall. Another wall was lined with racks that were filled with armor. A third wall was lined with weapons like swords, spears, and bows. A man about fifteen feet away from the group, polishing the armor. The door they entered through was positioned between two racks, so it was difficult for anyone to see them. Cedric looked around the room through the gaps in the racks and shelves.

       "Twelve." He whispered. Eris took out their dagger. The man who was polishing armor was very close.

       "I'll take that man out, but the others will notice, be ready." Eris whispered. Eris almost seemed to glide across the ground towards the man. Then, Eris raised their dagger. In one impossibly swift motion, the man's throat was slit, and the body fell to the floor with a soft thud. Everyone in the room turned towards Eris, who stood over the dead body.

       "Now!" Zerai shouted.