The Edge of Shadow by B. T. Narro

Author:B. T. Narro
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: B.T. Narro
Published: 2016-09-28T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

One thousand people took up a lot of room. They knew not to crowd around the outside of the dilapidated building, so they had to spread out and fill the taverns and bars of the poor district as they waited for further orders.

By the time Basen had gotten through his own portal, his father already had a report ready.

“Millry hasn’t seen Reela or Annah since they came by hours ago to ask about purchasing ladders and mining picks. We discussed this possibility.”

“I remember. Sneary should be ready.”

“He’s waiting for us at Millry’s.”

With Basen’s mind full of details for every contingency, he couldn’t feel the panic he knew to be buried somewhere inside himself. Sneary had agreed he would lead the team to purchase the mining supplies, but that didn’t mean he would be happy about it.

“If we don’t return in an hour…” Sneary began.

“Another team will be sent for you,” Basen concluded. They’d already covered this, as well as every possible situation, and Basen didn’t like Sneary testing his memory.

“I still think it’s not a good idea for you to leave this district, Basen,” Sneary said. “I can send out another group to look for them instead of you.”

“That will arise suspicion, and we both know where they’re most likely to be.”

The other officers had already left to investigate the locations Basen had memorized from his earlier trips around the city. It would be up to them to lead the information-gathering teams and develop a system to report back to Basen without getting caught. Soon enough, every ally would be busy. But for now, he’d let them enjoy a real meal.

“Besides,” Basen said. “I’m the only one with a fitting uniform and hat. And I’m the only one who’s tested it before.”

“If you’re caught—”

“I won’t tell them anything. You’ll find a way to win without me.”

Sneary seemed satisfied as he walked away without a word.

“Basen,” Henry said, “If you’re caught, don’t give up hope. I will find a way to get you out.”

“If anyone’s going to get me out, it’ll be myself. Don’t waste anyone’s life trying to get to me.”

Henry gave no reply.

“Promise me,” Basen pleaded. “This cause has become bigger than me, and I’m ready to accept any sacrifice.”

“That’s something I’d like to hear from any good leader, but not from my son.”

He hugged his father, then returned to the basement of the burned building to change into the enemy’s uniform.

When he was done, Alabell was waiting for him on the other side of the charred wall.

“You look annoyingly handsome in that,” she said.

Basen gave her his akorell stone. “Will you be alright?”

“I should be asking you that, not the other way around.”

“I’ll be fine.”

He kissed her. After he pulled back, he made the mistake of looking into her eyes. He almost forgot everything he was doing in that instant, as the urge to stay came over him.

“I’ll be looking forward to seeing your face when I return,” he said.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.