The fortress of Draxis loomed in the distance, its jagged silhouette rising from the mist like the spine of some ancient beast. Even from miles away, Alice could feel the weight of it pressing against her chest—a reminder of the task ahead, and the countless lives depending on her resolve.
She crouched among the tangled roots of an old oak, peering through a gap in the underbrush. The night was thick with fog, muffling the sound of her companions as they moved quietly through the woods. Somewhere to her left, Kaelen signaled with a low whistle—two short notes, barely audible. All clear.
Alice nodded, her heart beating a steady rhythm of anticipation and anxiety. She glanced behind her, where Toma and Lira waited with the rest of their group. Toma's sharp eyes flicked between the shadows, always searching, always alert. Lira clutched her satchel of herbs and bandages, her face pale but determined.
They had left the safety of their camp hours ago, slipping away under the cover of darkness. The plan was simple: scout the outer defenses, find the weak points, and make contact with the villagers who had agreed to help them from within. But nothing ever went exactly as planned.
Alice moved forward, careful not to disturb the brittle carpet of leaves. Every sense was heightened—the smell of damp earth, the distant hoot of an owl, the faint glimmer of torchlight along the fortress wall. She felt alive in a way she hadn't since the days before the war, when hope was something more than a whispered rumor.
Kaelen appeared at her side, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "Patrols are thin tonight," he murmured. "Draxis must think he's scared everyone off."
"Or he's planning something," Alice replied. "No one gets this careless by accident."
Kaelen grinned, his teeth flashing white in the gloom. "That's why you're in charge."
She rolled her eyes, but the tension in her shoulders eased a little. "Let's keep moving. We need to reach the eastern ridge before dawn."
They pressed on, weaving through the trees until the ground began to slope upward. The ridge was a natural barrier, its rocky face dotted with thorny brambles and gnarled trees. Alice paused at the base, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.
Toma caught up with them, his breath coming in quiet bursts. "I saw two guards at the north gate. They're barely paying attention. If we're careful, we can get close enough to listen in."
Alice nodded. "Lead the way."
They crept along the ridge, keeping low to the ground. The fortress walls were close now, their black stones slick with dew. Alice could hear voices—low, grumbling, punctuated by the occasional bark of laughter. She risked a glance over the edge.
Two guards lounged by a small fire, their spears propped against the wall. One of them was picking at his teeth with a knife; the other stared into the flames, his face slack with boredom.
Toma motioned for silence, then pointed to a narrow gap in the wall where the stones had crumbled away. Alice's pulse quickened. That was their way in.
She turned to Kaelen. "We'll wait until they're distracted, then slip through. Toma, you take point. I'll follow with Lira."
Kaelen nodded. "I'll cover the rear."
They waited, hearts pounding, as the guards argued over something—probably the last scrap of bread or a lost wager. When one of them stood and wandered off to relieve himself, Toma signaled. They moved as one, darting from the shadows and pressing themselves against the cold stone.
The gap was barely wide enough for a grown man to squeeze through, but Toma slipped in with practiced ease. Alice followed, feeling the rough stones scrape against her arms. Lira came next, her breath hitching as she wedged herself into the narrow space. Kaelen brought up the rear, his sword drawn and ready.
Inside the wall, the air was colder, tinged with the scent of mold and old blood. They crept along a narrow passage, pausing at every corner to listen for footsteps. Alice's nerves thrummed with adrenaline, but she forced herself to stay calm.
They emerged in a small courtyard, half-hidden by a tangle of weeds. The fortress loomed above them, its windows dark and shuttered. Somewhere inside, Draxis and his men slept, oblivious to the danger creeping ever closer.
Alice motioned for the group to spread out. Toma disappeared into the shadows, scouting ahead. Lira crouched by a rain barrel, rummaging through her satchel for supplies. Kaelen kept watch, his eyes never still.
Minutes passed, each one stretching longer than the last. Alice's mind raced with possibilities—what if they were discovered? What if the villagers changed their minds? What if Draxis was waiting for them, a trap already sprung?
She shook off the doubts. There was no turning back now.
Toma returned, his face grim. "I found the contact. She's waiting in the kitchens."
Alice nodded. "Lead us."
They moved quickly, slipping through a side door and into the labyrinthine corridors of the fortress. The air was thick with the smell of stale bread and spilled ale. Alice kept her hand on her dagger, every muscle tensed for a fight.
In the kitchens, a woman waited by the hearth, her face half-hidden by a tattered scarf. She looked up as they entered, her eyes wide with fear and hope.
"You're Alice?" she whispered.
Alice nodded. "We're here to help."
The woman glanced over her shoulder, then pressed a folded scrap of parchment into Alice's hand. "This is a map of the guard rotations. My brother drew it—he's one of Draxis's men, but he hates what's happening here. He'll help you, if he can."
Alice tucked the map into her belt. "Thank you. We won't forget this."
The woman's eyes filled with tears. "Just…save my family. Please."
Alice squeezed her hand. "We'll do everything we can."
They slipped out of the kitchens and back into the shadows, hearts pounding. The map was crude but detailed, showing the locations of guard posts, supply rooms, and hidden passages. Alice traced the route with her finger, memorizing every turn.
Kaelen leaned over her shoulder. "This could be our way in."
Alice nodded. "We'll need to move fast. Once Draxis realizes we're inside, he'll lock down the fortress."
Toma grinned, his eyes gleaming. "Then we'd better not get caught."
They retraced their steps, slipping out of the fortress and back into the woods. The sky was beginning to lighten, the first hints of dawn painting the clouds in shades of pink and gold.
Back at the camp, the group gathered to share what they had learned. The council listened in silence as Alice laid out the plan—strike at night, use the map to infiltrate the fortress, and take Draxis by surprise.
There were questions, doubts, and fears, but Alice met each one with calm determination. "We've come this far together," she said. "We can't turn back now. If we hesitate, more innocent people will suffer."
Lira spoke up, her voice trembling but strong. "We're with you, Alice. All of us."
A murmur of agreement swept through the camp. Kaelen clapped Alice on the shoulder. "You heard them. Let's get ready."
The rest of the day was a blur of preparation. Weapons were checked and sharpened, supplies divided and packed. Alice moved among her people, offering words of encouragement and comfort. She found herself thinking of Alex, wondering where he was, if he was safe. But she pushed the thought aside. She couldn't afford distractions—not now.
As night fell, the camp grew quiet. Alice sat by the fire, staring into the flames. Kaelen joined her, handing her a mug of lukewarm tea.
"You did well today," he said.
Alice shrugged. "We haven't won yet."
Kaelen smiled. "But you gave them hope. That's worth something."
They sat in silence for a while, watching the fire burn low. Alice thought of all the people who had come to her for help, all the lives hanging in the balance. She wondered if she was strong enough to carry the weight.
When the time came, the group moved out, slipping through the trees like shadows. The fortress loomed ahead, its walls dark and silent.
Alice led the way, her heart steady. She knew the risks, knew the cost of failure. But she also knew that this was their chance—perhaps their only chance—to make a difference.
They reached the gap in the wall and slipped inside, moving quickly and quietly. The map guided them through the maze of corridors and courtyards, past sleeping guards and locked doors.
In the main hall, Draxis sat on his throne, surrounded by his most loyal men. He looked up as Alice entered, his eyes narrowing.
"Well, well," he sneered. "The little rebel finally shows herself."
Alice stepped forward, her voice cold and clear. "Your reign ends tonight, Draxis."
He laughed, a harsh, ugly sound. "You think you can take what's mine?"
Alice drew her sword. "It was never yours to begin with."
The battle was fierce and chaotic. Alice fought with everything she had, her mind focused on the goal ahead. Kaelen and Toma fought at her side, their blades flashing in the torchlight. Lira tended to the wounded, her hands steady even as the world fell apart around her.
In the end, it was Alice's resolve that won out. She disarmed Draxis, sending his sword clattering to the floor. He fell to his knees, gasping for breath.
"It's over," Alice said, her voice ringing with authority. "Your reign ends tonight."
The fortress fell silent as Draxis was dragged away. Alice stood in the center of the hall, her chest heaving, her sword dripping with sweat and blood.
Outside, the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, painting the world in shades of gold and rose. Alice stepped into the courtyard, her people gathering around her.
"We did it," Kaelen said, his voice filled with awe.
Alice nodded, exhaustion and relief warring within her. "This is just the beginning."
She turned to the crowd, raising her sword high. "This fortress is ours now. We will make it a sanctuary—a home for all who seek peace and justice. No more running. No more hiding. Today, we begin anew."
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices echoing off the stone walls. Alice closed her eyes, letting the sound wash over her.
For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to hope.
End of Chapter 28