Chapter 451: The Plan in Motion and a New Teacher

Nathan and James stroll down the street, watching a single carriage fly past, followed by a few Royal Guards. Taking a seat on a small wall, David walked over and leaned against it, next to them. Taking out a folded piece of paper, he slipped it into James’s hand, "The incident didn’t directly involve Prince Balder. Inside are the names of the children who took part, along with their families."

Pulling his coat over himself, David left as quickly as he came, disappearing into the crowd. Taking a glance at the paper, James pocketed it and led Nathan to a nearby house. Knocking on the door, an old head popped out and eyed the two for a few seconds before releasing a series of locks and letting them in. The two were quick, and the door slammed behind them, the old man locking it tightly.

Inside, they finally saw the outfit he was wearing, the robes of a priest of Sol. The safe house they were in wasn’t hidden; in fact, it was extremely well known to the Ammary information network as a private church for those who still only believed in Sol and didn’t agree with the Pantheon. The only reason it had not yet been destroyed was that there was no perceived danger in letting it live. Everyone knew that, and many Ammary spies infiltrated to ensure that it remained harmless.

Walking the hallway, it led to a large room, where many walls had been knocked down, making a makeshift chapel. Jame secretly scanned the room and walked over to his target. Nathan sat down with him, taking a random seat and praying.

Making the symbol of Sol, James rested his hand on his lap and stared ahead, noting the man looking down at his hands from the corner of his eyes. He finally began, signing out words.

’We are acting. How many men do you have?Signing to the Templar, James peeked down at his hands. The man stayed still for a moment, looking ahead.

’Eight. Where. When.’Getting a reply, James closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Whilst he wanted to give the information now, he held off.

’Come to the tea shop. You know which one.’The Templar indicated with his hand that he knew, letting James carry on,’Midnight. Dangerous to discuss during the day.’The Templar once again moved to indicate he understood. Without anything more to say, James stared ahead at the empty wall and prayed, not wishing to arouse suspicion from the Ammary spies to his real purpose. Only after an hour had passed did he leave.

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Nathan opened the door for the Templar to come in. The tea shop was pitch black, save for the candlelight on James. The light flickered with the arrival of the Templar. Pouring his guest a cup of water, James leaned back and sighed.

"Thank you for meeting me. I know it is hard for you." The Templar smiled and sat, having a sip of water.

"I no longer am under such heavy watch these days. It was nothing." The man let out a large yawn after finishing, "Let us get to business, I am tired and wish to sleep."

"Of course." Clicking his fingers, Nathan moved quickly and grabbed the large map they had made of Brookhaven. It was rough and lacked many details, but the city’s main landmarks were still visible. "Our mission is the capture of one of the Imperial Children. Death must be avoided at all costs."

The Templar frowned at the mission but, knowing he didn’t have to kill a child, begrudgingly agreed, knowing his orders from Gabriel were to assist at all costs. James moved and traced his finger, going from the Imperial Palace towards the edge of the city. The Templar watched as James did the same path over and over, finally remembering the route by heart,

"The route rarely changes because it is an incredibly safe route. From the Palace, to the Cathedral, pass the Metis house, and the noble district, each place is heavily guarded." As he names each location, his finger stops, finally moving again and circling a single road passing them all. "Only here is there no extra security other than city guards. This is where we must strike."

The Templar watched and frowned, "Why not target them on the short road outside the city, between the academy and the city walls?"

"Too dangerous. Many nobles take that road, and it is patrolled constantly. Additionally, there is nowhere to run once you’re out there. At least in the city, we can use the chaos that the people will cause to slip away with the children." The Templar nodded in understanding.

"I assume no mercenaries or criminals will be helping if you have called upon us."

"I plan to pay off a few of the scum to cause a break in somewhere close, to draw any patrols away, but attacking the carrige and Imperial escort will be the sole job of your men." The Templar missile was happy that inexperienced allies wouldn’t hold it back. Looking at the route once again, he smiled.

"I need two carriages or something heavy and inconspicuous enough to block the road." Taking a sip of water, he analysed the map a little longer, "Have something ready on the next street past this alley, ready to collect me and my men. If you want us to keep the children, then you have to at least provide escape."

"Done." James answered instantly, "Anything else?" The Tempalr thought for a second and shook his head. He and his men already had armour and weapons ready at a moment’s notice. James smiled, the two getting up simultaneously. Reaching his hand out with a friendly smile, the Templar took it, "Have your men ready at a moment’s notice. I mean, a moment, the Imperial family is moving, and there may be a chance."

The Templar gripped James’s hand a little harder, indicating he understood, and broke away. Leaving the tea shop, James sighed and collapsed in his chair. "You are in charge of getting what he wants. Don’t get carriages, they cost a lot, let alone the horses. Buy something like fruit stalls. Vendors are always selling them. If you can’t get that, spend a little extra and buy carts. We have enough left over from the loan we took out."

Nathan nodded and watched as James stood back up, stretching. "Get some rest. We have a busy few days coming up."

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Abu slowly got Edward out of the carriage and placed him in his chair. Looking up at the Obsidian castle, he had a terrible feeling in his stomach. It was one where he knew he was in a place he didn’t belong. Looking at the ominous walls, Abu took a deep breath and pushed forward, opening the front doors without knocking.

Calling it a castle was strange. Although it had some resemblances to one, it lacked high walls surrounding the building or watchtowers for soldiers to stand in. There was no gate, but a single small door and around it the tall black stone walls with small slits for windows.

The inside was as dark as the walls outside, with candlelight barely keeping it alight. Edward froze in fear at the sight around him and looked up at Abu to signal for him to leave.

"Welcome," Horace called out with a friendly voice. Alongside him, Scarlette walked, staring at Edward with a curious gaze. "Forgive me for the lighting, it’s a waste to keep the entire place lit up. But I should have made an effort."

"Hello, Horace," Abu called out, noticeably displeased at having to be in the castle. Out of all the inner circle, the only ones Abu could never get along with were the Underwells. Looking at Horace, he wondered if the rumour was true that the Duke of Laska was actually his friend, wondering how the man could have any.

Horace smiled and walked down the steps, stopping before Edward. "For now, you can stay in your chair, my Prince, but when the time comes, I will not let you have it again." Horace knelt down and carefully patted his cheek. He tried to do it in a playful way, but as if sensing something wrong with the man in question, Edward tried to pull away.

"Observant." Jumping up, he clapped his hands, "Good. Now, my Prince, if you can understand what I mean or not, I do not care. You will hate me. You will have no fun in my care and will wish for it to end. You may come to despise your mother and father for forcing you to come here, but just know everything is to ensure you become a man who can lead the Empire, and not cower at adversity."

Horace turned around, hearing footsteps, "Amelia, please, can you take the Prince to his room. I must speak to Abu for a while." Rolling her eyes, Amellia did as told and walked down the steps, grabbing Edward’s chair. Pushing him away, Edward turned to look for Abu.

"You have something to say?" Horace noticed as soon as Abu walked in. Although he was being looked at with a distrustful gaze, he didn’t mind, understanding why Abu was acting how he was.

"Remember, you are teaching the Crown Prince. He must be taught to lead, not serve."

"I would never forget." Horace dismissed the concerns with a wave, "Besides, my lessons are not for his education but his emotions. His Majesty will handle the rest."

Abu felt even worse hearing that and frowned, "Don’t mould him into something he shouldn’t be to fuel your sick pleasures."

"Watch it, my friend," Horace’s word sounded like venom as his hand patted Abu’s shoulder, "I am a gentleman. I get no pleasure from my work other than the satisfaction of His Majesty’s praise." Abu knocked the hand on his shoulder away, "If you would excuse me, I must go and talk to the Prince."

Horace wiped his hand with a blank expression, casually strolling down the castle halls. His back slowly blended with the darkness of the building until he could barely be seen any longer. All Abu could do was stand with clenched fists, annoyed at how Alfred could dare send Edward to such a place.