Hellion's Reckoning
Chapter 43

Cries of anguish ripped through the camp, their haunting echoes drawing a curious crowd. One man’s back glistened with fresh blood, cascading down like a scarlet waterfall as he hung limp over a rough-hewn board, while two burly men mercilessly lashed him. Inias and Keira surged forward, a spark of fury in their eyes as they forcefully pushed the guards aside. With a swift stroke, Inias severed the cruel binds that held their victim captive, yet the elderly man regarded them with a shadow of resistance, subtly shaking his head in refusal.

“What’s wrong with you two?!” Keira’s voice cut through the tense air like a blade, her eyes blazing with wrath. The two guards stood frozen, their faces a mask of bewilderment. “We were following the Sage’s orders, milady,” one of them stammered, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “The man was adamant, claiming he’d rather defy the Nightfang brat than comply. Everyone heard his screaming. We tried to calm him, but he wouldn’t stop.”

“Did I order you to stop?!” Thaddeus’ voice echoed from upon one of the men’s shoulders, “Make an example of this man!” Inias growled at the mouse as Keira lifted her daggers towards the two men. They looked helplessly between the mouse and the two hellions ready to gut them. “If he’s not happy, then send him away.” Inias ordered, pointing one of his swords at the mouse. “Your highness you don’t understand-.” Thaddeus began before he found the blade at his throat, “He’s had enough, get the old man some water and send him on his way. I must speak with our prince and lady.”

It didn’t matter what he said. Both Inias and Keira planned to cage the mouse as soon as they were in the spacious meeting tent. The war tent stood tall and imposing at the center of the spacious makeshift forest fort, its dark canvas flapping in the breeze like a living thing.

As Inias and Keira entered, the scent of sweat, steel, and parchment wafted through the air, mingling with the sharp tang of burning braziers. The interior was dimly lit, illuminated by flickering torches that cast long shadows across the rows of rough wooden benches. In the center of the tent, a large table dominated the space, its surface cluttered with maps, scrolls, and intricate figurines representing troops and fortifications. Candle stubs burned low, their wax pooling on the weathered wood, casting a warm glow over the faces of the prince and lady.

Thaddeus scurried across the ground and sat on a tiny crudely carved chair; his brow furrowed in deep concentration as he studied the map spread upon the small table in front of him. “It’s a ruse,” the mouse explained, looking up at the two as they took their seats. “Once he’s beaten, he defects to Ailog, promises to open our wards, and let his army in. We needed to lure him out somehow.”

Inias clenched his jaw, his knuckles white as he gripped the arm of his chair. Keira’s eyes narrowed, a coldness flickering in their depths. “And you used torture as your method of luring him out?” she asked, her voice edged with anger. “He volunteered, milady,” Thaddeus said softly, hoping it would calm the two down. “He was among those who massacred the village. It’s weighed heavily on him since.” That explained why no one else had come to the man’s defense.

“It’s a clever move. We’ll award him the highest honor.” Inias grinned, reaching over to grab a scroll covered in blood. Upon sniffing it, he realized it was the same man. “His surrender plea?” Keira asked as Inias opened it up. Written upon it was a long apology for betrayal and then a long stream of praises for Ailog. “I realize now,” Inias read from the parchment, “that we must wipe these demons from the Vale, and it is you, my lord, whom the gods have chosen. Only by your hand will our kingdom be saved.”

“Ailog loves nothing more than groveling praise,” Thaddeus explained as he stood up and paced, “This letter will ensure he’s the one marching on us.”

Inias leaned over and narrowed his eyes at the mouse, “There are no secrets between us,” He scolded the Sage, “Share whatever schemes you’re brewing with us before you give any orders.” Keira nodded beside him. She had made Inias promise to remain open with her, and she expected the same from Thaddeus.

“My apologies,” Thaddeus answered, bowing low before them. As the tension in the war tent slowly dissipated, Thaddeus straightened up and cleared his throat, a sheepish grin tugging at his whiskers. “Well then, now that we’re all on the same page, shall we discuss the next steps in our grand plan?” he asked.

“Like your viper in the city?” Inias asked, ready to make him spill every detail before he risked his life. “Yes, a similar ploy,” Thaddeus answered quickly. “She has forged two letters from Ailog’s top generals, and he’s accused them of treason. Once he’s left the city, they and their loyal warriors will take it.” More clever tricks. Thaddeus could see the minds of his opponents and twist them to his own ends. No wonder his father placed so much faith in the little mouse.