The journey towards the Imperial capital was long and hard. The snow never let up, and quite a while went by with almost zero visibility. Going forward was tough, and eventually, the whole group came to a halt next to a large, frozen lake. A few soldiers were set to dig, and soon, a passageway revealed itself out of the snow. To Mariel’s surprise, the modest tunnel led into a massive underground cavern named the Viper’s nest. One of the officers jokingly told her that the cave had used to belong to a gigantic viper, hence the name. After a short while of settling in and distributing the foodstuffs from the stolen sleds, she and Siravin were both given time to look around and familiarise themselves with their new environment. No matter where she went, or who she met, they were all greeting her with the same smiles; weak facades that hid deep sorrow or survivor’s guilt, the only one to survive the slaughtering of their loved ones. Children played in the busy streets, but it was all done in silence, and with eyes so empty and devoid of life it seemed strange they were still alive. It made her feel cold and unwelcome, but no matter who she met, they all seemed to treat her with the greatest care and understanding.

“I guess everyone here has the same experiences.”

“They do. Great loss, pain and everything in-between… Despite it, we all joined in and worked tirelessly to create this sanctuary. It’s not much but consider it your home… We’re staying here for a few days before we leave the sleds and continue towards the capital. But before you go seek some entertainment or rest, I’d like to talk to you both under six eyes…”

With a curt nod, they both followed Evlisyn towards the largest building in the middle of the town. Made from wood, with the appearance of a tree-house, sans the tree, and made by a professional artisan rather than the creative, make-do hands of a child. The main floor of the house had a sense of military to it, with large maps hung on the walls, tables loaded with various maps, markers and stacks of reports. The smooth-cut stone floor was littered with various bundles of weapons, clothes and gear. They were led towards a big oval table and directed to stand around it.

“Before we talk business… I have a question.” Siravin Put his hands down on the table. “Why do you think we’re suited to assassinate the emperor?”

“You are as well suited as any one of us… But for starters, you seem healthy, know what’s at stake, know how to fight and have some sort of goal close to the emperor… What that goal is matters little to me, but I know it’s something important… Important enough to risk your lives for travelling mid-winter, so not exactly being shipped off to die on the demon continent.” He paused, drew his breath to refocus himself before pulling out a large floorplan from underneath a stack of maps.

“This is the inside of the Imperial palace. We will send three groups. One goes for the royal bedchambers. Group two will enter from beneath the palace, through the old tunnels.” He traced the routes for both before placing his finger squarely on the main doors. “The rest will pose as delegates and try the direct approach in the audience chamber.”

“And killing him like you said, will force the nobles into a devastating power struggle?”

“It’ll just be a matter of who manages to recall the most of their overseas military assets…” Evlisyn grinned uncharacteristically. “There are risks of course… We could all be exposed and executed.”

“I want her to stay here.” Siravin looked at her. “She’s seen enough… Keep her here.”

“What? No. I’ll go where you go.” She protested.

“Everything we have done so far, has been a gamble… But this plan, is suicide, even without knowing the exact details… I will go and uphold the agreement… In exchange, she will stay here.”

“Evlisyn threw them both a look and seemed to weigh the options. Finally, after a long pause, he agreed. “Fine. I will see us as even for the hospitality inside the town.”

“No. That’s not happening. I’m coming along.”

“I’ll bring your mother back with me when we return.”

“I’m coming too!”

“Guards… Lock her up… Keep her fed and watered.” Evlisyn shouted an order and soon two guards grabbed hold of her and began dragging her out of the room.

“No! Let me go!”