We all stood by Edmund’s bed, going over last-minute details. Now that Roland was involved, it was decided that he go with me, though Silas fought on it initially. It would be too much to have just one of them unlock all the cells and separate all the cuffs, and that way, Silas would be there if a diversion needed to be created.
Silas removed my cuffs and gave me a new outfit—a brown long-sleeved dress and a black cloak—before Roland and I snuck our way to the Western Wing. I wished I had a bra, but the dress was tight enough at the top they were held in. He also gave me a pair of Erabella’s shoes, and I was surprised our feet were the same size despite her having a couple of inches on me. Once I was dressed, we all went to complete our tasks.
Most of the corridors were empty and silent as soldiers slept. Roland and I carefully traveled down various stone hallways, occasionally hiding behind walls when a soldier passed by.
When we got to the room with the best access to the western watchtower, Roland quietly locked the door behind us.
I slowly prowled to the large window, the one that I had been told gave an excellent view of the tower. I could see torches lit as soldiers kept watch.
I climbed out the window on to the ledge, my breathing unsteady as I looked at how far down my fall would be if I slipped.
“Can’t you just shoot a fireball or something and get it done quickly? This is…dangerous.”
“If they see a fireball coming, they’ll know they’re being attacked. We can’t have that chaos just yet.”
“Ah.”
I took the first few steps along the outside of the fortress and nearly shrieked when I slipped, grabbing onto the edge and thankfully catching myself before falling to my death.
“Shit, be careful,” Roland muttered with slight worry in his voice. “Should I follow you?”
“No, wait here. Signal to me when I am good to light it,” I whispered, nodding to the two men stationed on top. “And no more talking.”
He nodded. I carefully began scooting across the outer edge of the fort, being mindful of my footing and gripping any place on the wall that I could use to keep myself upright. The tower wasn’t incredibly far away, fortunately.
The wind began to whirl, and I froze, holding myself as still as possible until it passed. After a couple more movements, I was just below the watchtower. My best bet was igniting the catapult, Silas had told me. Considering the whole fortress was made of stone, the only other option for ignition would be one of his men, and I’m sure he wouldn’t love that.
I exhaled quietly through my nose, listening to the two men above have a conversation about returning to their families in a couple of months.
It was always strange to me, thinking of how men who could kill like it was nothing most likely went home to a spouse and children, went home like it was nothing. I suppose they had little choice, though.
I gripped the side of the tower, now looking to Roland and waiting for his signal. He kept to the side of the window, looking up at the watchtower. The wind hit again, my braid whipping around my face. A few more moments and Roland signaled to me.
Quickly, I hoisted myself up, using all my strength, and held out my fingertips, aiming for the catapult. I felt the heat, then little bursts shoot from my hand. Smoke began to crackle. Enough to cause a large fire, but not enough to give myself away.
Just as I was beginning to lower myself, the soldiers yelled, “Fire!”
I quickly scooted along the edge, my heart beating rapidly in my chest.
Please don’t get caught.
Another gust of wind hit as I made it back to the window, where Roland grabbed me by the waist and hurled me inside.
“Good job. Now, let’s get the hell out of here,” he breathed.
We rushed out of the room, though only for a moment before Roland shoved me back inside. A swarm of guards came running, heading straight for the watchtower.
One of them stopped, and I held my palm over my mouth. I was hidden behind the door.
“Do you not hear the yelling, Aubeze? There’s a fire!”
“I did—was just heading there myself.”
The guard grunted, and after a few footsteps, Roland retreated into the room and turned to me. “Light this room, and let’s go,” he mumbled.
I turned, observing the room that contained a few tables and chairs, documents, and books lining the shelves. Without a second thought, I shot fire at it all, and Roland and I rushed out. He snuck me around on our way back to the cells, having me light up a lavatory and a broom closet.
Our last stop was a maid’s room. Roland peeked in, and then we rushed inside. I noted the empty bed and raised a brow to him.
