The Dawn of Malice
Chapter 14

Through the Walls

“We’re here to observe, not make promises.”

Caerus simply nodded at Lucian’s remark as they made their way through the now busy streets, watching as the people came alive again, gathering supplies, mending armor, and sharpening tools. As they approached the cathedral, the low hum of whispered conversations filled the air. The large cathedral was dimly lit, the flickering candles casting eerie shadows on the worn faces of the soldiers gathered around a large table covered in maps and documents.

At the head of the table stood General Roderick, a weathered and determined man with a scar across his cheek, and Marseille, which surprised Caerus. As Caerus and Lucian approached, Marseille turned his attention toward them and greeted the young man with a smile, a look of amazement on his face still surprised by Caerus’s change. He must have noticed the look on Caerus’s face as he spoke.

“Surprised to see me, Caerus?” Marseille chuckled. “I used to be the chief mason after my stint as a soldier with your dad. Then retired to be a pub owner with Phoebe.”

General Roderick then turned to the new arrivals, his gaze filled with a mix of exhaustion and resolve.

“Caerus,” General Roderick greeted him with a weary smile. “And this must be Lucian, glad you could make it. I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

“We apologize for the delay,” Lucian replied. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well General. We encountered some unforeseen complications on our way here.”

General Roderick nodded understandingly. “No worries. We’ve all faced our fair share of obstacles lately. The important thing is that you’re here now.”

Caerus and Lucian took their seats at the table, their eyes drawn to the assortment of maps and blueprints spread out before them. Other prominent figures milled about the room, their eyes wandering toward the pair of newcomers. The room fell silent, anticipation building as they awaited General Roderick’s briefing.

“Here’s what we know,” General Roderick began, his voice steady and authoritative. “A separate faction known only as the scavengers is being led by a man named Julio. When the gates fell, Julio’s forces kept the city gates from falling under Laresian control. They’ve created a significant defense, drawing the majority of the Laresian forces away from the city walls and towards the gates.”

He pointed to a map depicting the city’s layout, his finger tracing the route of the diversionary attack. “Their forces are quickly dwindling and tonight they are assumed to sell the city to the enemy. Opening the gates for entry to the Laresian army.”

Caerus’s ears rang at the implications, Julio was prepared to be a traitor to the citizens of his home, some of them being his flesh and blood. Caerus’s eyes flickered red for a brief moment, Lucian held his shoulder to calm him.

“I have an idea,” Lucian spoke up. “But you’ll have to bear with this idea. And it may go against your moral code.” Intrigued, General Roderick stared at Lucian, the wrinkles in his eyes taut in anticipation.

“Go on.”

Without further provocation, Lucian let lifeblood into his veins, his eyes glowed with crimson light and his hair flared like crimson fire. The room echoed with the sound of disapproval and anger. People who’ve been seated stood in protest, their hands at the ready by their swords’ pommel. Marseille and General Roderick cringed at the sight, to which the old General spoke first.

“I thought you said Caerus was the Laresian!” General Roderick said, “Now we have two of them within our midst. You cast your favor with these monsters Marseille!”

“I did not know!” Marseille said mortified. “And for your edification, Caerus is not a monster. He is like a son to me.” Marseille glared at the old General. Caerus felt relieved and his heart filled with gratitude for Marseille’s defense.

“Now. Now.” Spoke Lucian, “There’s no need for this. What, pray to tell, is more important to you General? The salvation of your people or us Laresians?”

“Your kind brought about this misfortune to this city, Laresian!” A person from the crowd said this with such malice that Caerus shied away from the table. Marseille moved to their side of the table and placed a hand on Caerus’s shoulder.

“If you need someone to vouch for these two Laresians, General, then I am more than happy to lay my honor for them both.” Marseille said, “I failed Caerus’s father, Thomas, in the past. I will not do so again. We need all the help we can get, General, do we not? Now is not the time to bicker.”

“True.” The General said after a few tense moments. “And what is this idea that you spoke of… Lucian?”

“The dead.” Lucian replied, “They want to help.” General Roderick looked at the gentleman unconvinced. It was then that Lyla stepped out from the shadows with Caleb following suit. The General’s eyes grew as large as saucers at the sight of their pale bodies and glowing yellow eyes. The bystanders gasped and remained quiet at the sight of the reanimated dead.

“General, I–” Lyla started to say but before she could finish the General ran to her and hugged her tight.

“I thought I’d lost you, child! We saw your body crumpled at the side of the road. You were dead!”

“Lucian brought us back.” Caleb said, “We are dead. But he gave us a choice. And we chose to come back and fight of our own volition, General.”

“It’s true father…” Lyla said with slow words, Caerus could tell she was fighting back her emotions. But Caerus was more caught off guard by her relationship with the General.

“This is blasphemy, Lucian!” General Roderick let go of his daughter. “Even Mother Aurelius will not forgive us for this slight!”

“But this is an opportune moment…” Marseille’s voice shocked all who were at the table. “We don’t have enough men to cause a big enough distraction and chip away at the wall to escape.”

“It’s true.” Lucian said, “Which is why as reluctant as I am to approach you this is the only way I could see the citizens of Liliosa escaping.” Murmurs of agreement echoed in the room as the people began to choose their side. Desperation is a good motivator to choose blasphemous tactics.

The General sighed and took another look at his daughter. He nodded, making peace with the situation, understanding that there was no other way to ensure the safety of their citizens.

“Then we need to make a slight change to the plan.”

General Roderick’s gaze shifted to a section of the map near the eastern gate, where a weak point in the city wall was marked. “Our objective was to exploit this vulnerability and create an opening for our escape. Those who could not fight, and the elderly were to bring down the wall using mining tools and the help of Marseille. But now that we have your help,” The General glanced up at Lucian, “We might be able to hold the attackers long enough for the people to escape. We wouldn’t need the help of the militia and able-bodied men and women could help them escape. With some luck, we should break through the wall before the enemy forces notice.”

Lucian interjected – his voice laced with concern. “Are we certain the wall will collapse as intended? We don’t want to end up buried beneath the rubble.”

Marseille nodded, acknowledging the valid point. “The infantry engineers and some of my old mason colleagues have conducted thorough assessments, and they’re confident in their calculations. We’ll be utilizing a controlled demolition technique to ensure the wall collapses in the desired manner. The walls stand firm through the use of load stones here, here, and here.” Marseille pointed out the weaknesses in the wall. “I know exactly what these load stones look like, so I’ll inspect everything.”

Caerus glanced at the blueprints, examining the details of the load stone placement. “What about timing? How do we coordinate the destruction of the wall with the diversionary attack?”

General Roderick leaned forward, his eyes locking with Caerus’s. “Timing is crucial indeed. We have scouts positioned near the city gates, and they’ll communicate with us once the attack reaches its peak. At that moment, we’ll initiate the demolition.”

Caerus nodded, his mind racing with the weight of the impending mission. He knew the success of their escape hinged on precise execution. “What’s our role in all of this?”

General Roderick turned his attention to Caerus, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “You, Caerus, will lead a small team responsible for taking the city gates in the dead of night. Lucian here will be planting small packets of explosives at designated spots to redirect enemy forces away from your position. Your agility and stealth will be crucial in navigating these sewers undetected.” The General placed a painted stone on top of a sewer grate indicating the entry for Caerus’s mission.

Caerus felt a surge of determination wash over him. “I won’t let you down, General. I’ll ensure those gates are taken and reinforced when the time comes.”

Lucian chimed in, his voice calm but firm. “We must also consider contingencies. What if the diversion fails or if reinforcements arrive sooner than expected?”

General Roderick nodded, appreciating the need for backup plans. “Agreed. We’ll have scouts positioned at various vantage points to monitor the situation. They’ll provide regular updates, alerting us to any changes on the ground. If we need to alter our plans or replace an alternative escape route, they’ll guide you accordingly.”

The resistance members around the table nodded, a unified sense of purpose settling over the room. They understood the risks involved, but their determination to reclaim their freedom burned bright.

As the meeting progressed, the discussion delved into finer details. The team strategized and exchanged ideas, ensuring everyone understood their roles and responsibilities. They explored potential obstacles and devised contingency plans, leaving no stone unturned.

As the meeting drew to a close, a surge of renewed energy filled the room. Caerus and Lucian stood up from their chairs, the gravity of the impending mission settling heavily on their minds. They were resolute, ready to confront the imminent perils with unwavering determination, fueled by their shared commitment to reclaiming freedom.

Exiting the cathedral, they stepped back into the tumultuous whirlwind of the besieged city. Yet, their hearts brimmed with newfound resolve. The night loomed before them, a canvas painted with danger and uncertainty, yet they embraced it without hesitation. Their plan was meticulous: leveraging a diversionary attack to sow confusion while simultaneously orchestrating the downfall of the city’s formidable wall. The survival of the resistance depended on their meticulous coordination and their ability to seize the opportunity presented by chaos.

Shouldering the immense weight of their mission, they strode forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The fate of their cause rested squarely on their shoulders, and they were prepared to dedicate their all to ensure its endurance.

Gathering their undead forces, Lucian and Caerus made their way to their rendezvous point seeking to implement their plan as soon as possible.

“You have one task”, Lucian said, “Find the path of least resistance.”

“Meaning?”

“Get our ‘army’ to the gates without anyone noticing.”

Caerus looked around him, the small army that Lucian spoke of sat, crouched, stood, stooped, and limped around them, gathering their belongings, and getting ready for battle.

Under the cloak of night, Lucian, and Caerus, huddled with a few dead men around the coals of a dying campfire, the map of the city spread before them. Numerous scribbles lined the streets of the map, and several were drawn with large X’s. The scavenger’s forces had tightened their grip on the city gates, making it almost impossible to launch a direct assault. But Caerus was not one to be deterred by adversity. His mind raced with ideas, and a daring plan began to take shape.

“We can’t confront them head-on; they outnumber us,” Lucian said, his voice low but determined. “We need to replace a way to outsmart them, to slip through their defenses.”

Their companions, their rotting faces a mix of weariness and resolve, leaned in closer, their eyes captivated by the map. Among them was Caleb, a skilled hunter - formidable with a bow and arrow. And Lyla, an incredibly nimble swordswoman. Together, they formed a formidable team, each with unique talents that would be crucial to the success of this plan.

“We know the enemy patrols are strict at the main gates,” Caerus chimed in. “But there’s an old underground sewer system beneath the city. It’s been abandoned for years, but with some luck, it might still be navigable.” The two cadaver’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“That could be our way in.” Lucian said with an approving smile, “Caleb, I want you to scout ahead and replace the tunnel entrance. Caerus, you’ll lead the way through the tunnels and Lyla will guard your rear.” Lucian grabbed a can of red paint from beneath a table. “Caleb, use this to mark the way for the others. I will cover our tracks and create diversions to keep the enemy occupied.”

As the group dispersed to prepare for their mission, Caerus’s mind buzzed with the intricacies of their plan. He knew the slightest mistake could spell disaster, but he also knew that daring tactics were often the key to victory.

Under the cover of darkness, Caerus and his companions crept stealthily toward the enemy’s territory. Caleb’s cold eyes and sharp ears, moved like a wraith through the shadows, ensuring they remained undetected. When he signaled the all-clear, they approached the tunnel entrance – a hidden sewer grate at the base of a dilapidated building.

Caerus’s heart pounded as they entered the dark, damp underground passage. The tunnels were narrow and claustrophobic, but he pushed aside his discomfort, his eyes fixed on the prize that awaited them at the other end. He led the way with a torch in hand, with Caleb following closely a dagger at the ready. Lyla moved behind them cautious of any movement from the numerous passages before them. They knew that any false step could trigger disaster.

As they delved deeper into the labyrinthine passages, they encountered ancient pitfalls and obstacles in the form of cave-ins and blocked sewage. Caleb’s keen instincts and hunting expertise proved invaluable as he pointed out diseased rat nests and venomous snakes. They progressed, step by treacherous step until they reached a locked sewer gate. Caerus cussed beneath his breath; Lucian had warned him prior not to use his untrained strength. He couldn’t break the lock even if he wished to, his unrestrained strength alone could cause a tunnel collapse.

“Move aside,” Lyla whispered as she unsheathed her dagger. “The old man warned us not to let you do something stupid.” Caerus glared at Lyla to which she reciprocated with a much more vicious sneer.

Caleb grabbed Lyla’s shoulder as she squeezed past, pointing above. Dirt trickled down from the gaps between the bricks. Caerus and his companions crouched in silence, waiting. It was then that they heard explosions a distance away from where they were.

“Lucian,” Caerus whispered.

Lyla nodded and without further prompt, she squeezed through, Caleb and Caerus were forced to hug the walls, their faces smooshed into the slim covered bricks. Caerus fought back tears as the combination of smell from the sewer vapor and dead cadavers was too overpowering.

“Lyla,” Caleb whispered furiously, “I swear if we weren’t already dead, I would’ve stabbed you.”

Lyla snickered as she shoved the tip of her dagger into the gap between the lock’s body and shackle and shoved it downward. Lyla timed her actions with the explosions set by Lucian. It took her a few tries before the lock broke, and they were able to push the gate forward. As soon as the lock clattered to the floor, Caerus pushed forward, fighting back the vomit that was quickly climbing up his throat.

The group now rushed to exit the tunnels. They knew that Lucian’s attempt to distract the guards would be ineffective soon. As they reached the curve of the tunnel, they finally saw the moonlight seeping in from a sewer grate. They had reached the city gates.

One by one they emerged into the city, with armed guards patrolling the area but they luckily weren’t spotted. Caerus’s heart swelled with both relief and anticipation. They were within the enemy’s foothold, their enemy oblivious to their presence. Caleb knew to hand over his bow and arrow to Caerus. Now, it was time to execute the second phase of their plan.

Caerus had previously learned that he could jump amazing heights with lifeblood coursing through his veins. He did as Lucian had taught him, strengthening his sinew, feeling the flow of blood to his legs, the compression of muscles, and the release. Caerus seemingly flew the distance between the ground and the roof of the building above.

Lyla tossed her torch to Caerus, and he caught it just before it fell back down. Lyla shrugged off Caerus’s glare. With torch in hand, Caerus lit the tar-soaked rag tied to the tip of the arrow. Caerus knocked back the flaming arrow and released it into the night.

When Caerus dropped back down onto the street, he and Lyla carefully laid out false trails, leading away from the sewer grates that they’d emerged from. Meanwhile, Caleb skillfully created traps and snares misleading the enemy into thinking they were dealing with a larger infiltration. The ruse worked like a charm, drawing scavenger patrols away from the city gates and allowing Caerus and his companions to proceed undetected.

Shortly after the arrow launched, Lucian appeared from the rooftops. And when the muffled grunts and eerie moans started coming from the sewers, Caerus knew that reinforcements had arrived.

“I’d never have thought that an incognizant would achieve so much in so little time.” Lucian nodded at Caerus, a hint of a smile tugging at his cheek.

“Let’s go,” Caerus commanded, Caleb and Lyla close behind him. The city gates loomed before the trio, guarded by a small squad of formidable soldiers from the Laresian army.

“Julio must have let in the squad to start negotiations for the city,” Caerus said as he surveyed the situation, his mind racing with options. He had to act quickly and decisively.

With a flick of his wrist, he signaled his companions to fan out and take positions. Caerus took a deep breath, steeling himself for what came next. He sprinted forward, his movements swift and precise, drawing the attention of the guards. As they focused on him, Caleb and Lyla emerged from the shadows, striking swiftly and silently. The guards fell one by one, their bodies crumpling to the ground. Caerus drew his sword, slicing at his enemies, cutting their polearms, slamming his full weight on one of the guards, and toppling over. Lyla joined the fray, trading in her dagger for her long sword. She quickly decimated the remaining soldiers. Her body and sword moved – as if dancing – through her enemies. All while Caleb launched arrow after arrow, shooting down archers stationed at the precipice of the gate’s battlements.

Caerus reached the gates, his heart pounding with a mixture of adrenaline and anticipation. He placed his palms upon the gate, feeling the oak and steel. He pulled all the lifeblood he had into his arms and back, veins bulging with glowing fluid as his eyes glowed crimson and hair alit like a burning candle. With a mighty heave, he pushed the gates closed, their creaking protest drowned out by the chaos unfolding within the city. Lucian and his undead army were making quick work of the patrolling scavengers.

Before the soldiers outside the city noticed, the gates were closed and barricaded, and the silhouette of undead men and women climbed the battlements. The glow of their dead eyes blinking like fireflies.

As Caerus climbed the battlements to see the view, he knew their mission was far from over. But in this moment of triumph, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. They had planned meticulously, executed flawlessly, and outmaneuvered the enemy against all odds. The city gates now lay before them, the citizens of Liliosa ready for liberation.