Tragedy Of Rain
/ Tragedy of Rain 24 Chapter 24: Coup
Severin went over his plan to her in length, how he had earned the respect with enough guardsmen to have a shot at overthrowing the lord. With her help, and her group, they could almost certainly do it quickly. But it wouldn't be bloodless. As he explained his plan she barely paid attention. All she could think about over and over was his desire to impregnate her. His earlier confession haunted the atmosphere like an executioner at an execution. When he was finished she sighed, betraying any interest in his words, and turned away to look out the window.
The window was covered by a thick board, she moved it just lightly enough to see outside. The air was damp and cold. Insects were buzzing loudly.
A storm was brewing in the distance, she could smell it. Silver clouds glowing from moonlight filled the horizon to reveal sparks of lightning. It made her skin crawl watching as the wind grew and the rainfall begin to descend. The rainy season was almost over, fall would take its place only to be followed by the frosts of winter. It was always just before its end that the rainy seasons become the most furious.
"Everything is ready," Severin said to her as he watched from behind, "Just say the word."
She didn't want it to come to this, Zane had cautioned her extensively about it. Rain could remember a time when she would have been frightened at the idea of fighting like this. She never got over the storms though, "How many are going to die..." the question lingered in the air.
"As many as are necessary," Severin looked to Remon accusingly. It was partially his fault. Had he not intercepted her, none of this would happen, "Zane is ready to shut the gates to prevent reinforcements. And your other friend...Sparrow?" He only knew her by Zane's nickname, "She's going to let your friends in from the inside."
"How many will follow you against Erebus?" Erebus had rounded up about a hundred ex mercenaries and soldiers from the surrounding villages. Most were green but a few had fought the cult and had some experience. Only about thirty stayed inside the walls, "As captain of the guard I have won the support of roughly half of his garrison, six of them inside the castle."
She chewed her lip while listening, her back was facing him to hide her expressions. The cuirass and greaves fit her well, a thin rapier was at her hip. Her white markings covered her back creating a tapestry of curves. This wasn't the plan. Severin was supposed to ensure the guard would follow her after killing Erebus, but now he was about to do much more...for a price. Just thinking of bearing that mans child made her stomach clench, she placed her hand on her other arm to hold herself. He will not get what he wants, she decided. Well take care of him as soon as we have the castle.
She turned around to find him glaring at her, his expressions showing nothing but desire, "Are you ready," he asked.
She wasn't, but she didn't feel like she had a choice. "Let's get started."
Severin smiled, and walked up alongside her placing a cold hand on her shoulder. It sent shivers down her spine, "I shall savor this."
Severin walked out the door without making a sound, it was frightening how silent he could be. Remon had meanwhile been putting together something on the workbench. His attention was focused on it.
"What are you working on?" The room suddenly seemed more open without Severin's presence. Talking to Remon barely broke his focus. She found him to be a man that liked to work, or at least liked to work on his own innovations more than anything else.
"Ahem," she cleared her throat trying to get him to look at her.
His hands were holding a metal rod shaped object, his eyes looking down the hole through the center while speaking, "Im making another musket."
Rain had never seen anything like what he was assembling. He seemed satisfied by the barrel and fastened it to a stock of copper and wood. He was inserting bolts into carefully carved holes.
"So this is the prototype that blew up in your hands?" It was remarkable he still could use them? They were still swollen as he fiddled with one of the screws.
"No of course not, that one was beyond repair. This one..." he paused for a moment, "Actually this is basically the same one, but I'm adjusting it. It won't explode like last time...it shouldn't anyway."
A loud explosion could be heard outside followed by the creaking sounds of metal on metal. Severin had started his coup, and the gates had been bared.
"I guess it's time, you coming?" She asked him. He looked up at her as he loaded a small pack of powder followed by a lead ball down the barrel. "When this is over I'll be free?" He looked at her nervously.
"Was there any doubt?" As she answered him the sound of alarm spread, and boot steps were getting louder.
The pair opened the door and stepped outside in the frigid air. Rain felt her skin get goosebumps. The rain was growing intense, and she rushed forward toward a crowd of guards who had just arrived.
During her time since Coppermill Zane had taught her the basics of swordsmanship. She still preferred daggers, but the rapier was a suitable compromise. The first guard went down quickly, her rapier finding the weak spots in his armor and cutting deep. she had taken him by surprise, flanking him and his comrades. As he went down she dodged a blow from the man next to him and jumped back just out of range. There were five of them, all just woken up but fueled by adrenaline.
Watching one of their own get ambushed and bleed out made the others start to encircle her. More sword clashes could be heard nearby followed by other painful noises.
Ok five on one that's fair, Rain thought to herself. At least she could move quickly. A flash of light and a piercing explosion caused her to hesitate in alarm as one of her opponents suddenly fell backward, blood pouring from a wound in his chest. His armor was little more than paper against whatever had impacted him. Rain turned her head to see Remon aiming the musket, smoke pouring out the barrel.
"Gods that's cool," she uttered fascinated.
"Hurry take out the rest, It can only fire one at a time." Remon replied.
Seriously? What use is that? Before the guards could split up to apprehend him or recover, Rain unleashed her magic. White flame pouring from her back and enveloping her like wings. Remon was right, maybe having her back exposed was a good option.
The guards panicked as lightning illuminated the flaming angel before them. Two of them dropped their swords and fled, she would let them. Another fainted where he stood, his hand clutching a small talisman of protection as if that would do any good. Only one of them stood his ground, whether out of desperation or discipline he charged to meet her.
Chapter end
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