Next Late Night

As the two walks downstairs, they continue to the basement to meet with the others that are waiting. However, Xavier also joined the meeting down here late night.

"Now that everyone is here, let's formulate a plan." Algra said. "This man named Geon is coming next week, for that we won't waste time." "Xavier will give Geon and the others that are with him some hospitality. Next, Vega and Terzo will orchestrate a bandit attack which will cause chaos in and around Lyse."

"There is a possibility that there will be the same guy who injured Terzo." Vega said.

"No problem. That is where he comes in." Algra said, gesturing his arm at a space that seemed empty. At that moment, a figure comes in to the candle light to see a dark green hooded figure wearing a green long sleeved shirt with green pants. The figure wields a bow and arrow behind his back. The figure pulls its hood back to see the face of a man. That man have short brown hair, but green eyes.

"Hey y'all." Said the man.

"Glad you came, Virin." Algra said.

"Same. Hey, Terzo, when I heard you were badly injured, I came runnin'." Virin said.

"Yeah, those Swan bastards, ambushed me when I was alone." Terzo grumbled.

"No worries, we'll get them back." Virin said.

"Right. Vega and Terzo will orchestrate a bandit attack to cause chaos. When you do so, be sure to spread out the chaos within the vicinity. Be sure to cause some collateral damage along the way to make it believable." Algra said, Xavier can't help but cringe from the thought that his city would be damaged and inconvenience his locals, but it is a better price to pay than to be a pawn.

"The people inside my manor will not stay silent and head outside." Xavier said.

"That is when the assassins dressed as maids will handle them. Additionally, if there are stragglers trying to escape, Virin and Sytha will finish them off." Algra said.

"Once you succeed, Algra, Xavier, and I shall deal the aftermath if when suspicions arise." Zenna added.

In summary, Xavier will let Geon and his lackeys inside his manor and show hospitality where Danielle who is an assassin and personal maid of Xavier while other assassins under Sytha will be dressed as maids. Next, when there are no incoming White Swans nor Luster Order devotees, Virin will give a signal via whistle and Vega and Terzo break through the gates. Thirdly, Sytha and Virin hunts down the stragglers that managed to escape. Lastly, Xavier will tell the people who sent Geon that they were attacked by bandits.

"Say, Xavier. You do have a hidden passage leading to a tunnel which leads to Millund, correct?" Algra said.

"Yes, in the basement. It has a shelf where one green book is a lever for the secret passage. Behind it is a lever that closes it behind us or you wait a moment until it closes itself." Xavier said.

"Okay, cool. I'll blow this whistle if things go south. Once I do, we should get Xavier out of here to Millund." Virin said, pulling out a small white whistle. "Also sending smoke signals."

"Then that will be our back up plan if anything disastrous comes. Worst case scenario, a very powerful magic user comes to Lyse or Teraxa." Algra said.

Time goes by as they continue to discuss with the plan to further refine with the plan to deal with other variables or coming up with other plans.

"We could try attacking them while they're in the middle of travel." Vega suggested.

"Not a bad plan, but there's a possibility they'll escape before we finish. Let's herd them in far enough so we can take them out cleanly." Algra said. "Are there any questions regarding the operation?" Algra said. Xavier spoke out.

"I have one. If this plan succeeds, but our deception were to be seen through, what should we do?" Xavier asked. Zenna placed her hand on Algra's and gave him a concerned expression since it could endanger their child.

"He's right, the cover up cannot last forever." Zenna said.

"If it does get seen through, prepare for a battle. But the longer they realize, the better." Algra said.

"So, we all know what to do, right?" Virin said and everyone nodded in agreement. "So, Algra. How's your kid? I haven seen him since he was a year old."

"Had you come earlier, you would've seen him. He's five now." Sytha said.

"Don't worry, you'll see him next week." Algra said. "We start this plan at the break of dawn."

Algra had finally ended the meeting and everyone made their way up, outside the basement and to the hallway. As soon as the people open the front door, three dark figures were seen in the moonlight. Xavier gasped in horror and Danielle pulls out her dagger and three smaller throwing knives underneath her dress.

"Don't be alarmed, they're with us." Algra said.

"We have come to report." one of the assassins said.

"Speak."

"We have successfully recruited the slums in the outskirts of Iveria." the left most assassin said.

"Additionally, Geon will be coming to Lyse and Oliver Achrome, the founder of the White Swans is planning something large as they entered the emperor's castle." the right most assassin said.

"Were you able to gain further information?" Algra said.

"No, the castle was too heavily guarded even at night." the assassin replied, shaking its head.

"Their supply post in Veriza has been successfully raided. The Luster Order will struggle from the sudden loss." the middle assassin said.

"Good." Algra said. The assassins bowed and left their sight almost instantly.

"Those assassins...how were they able to enter Iveria? I hear it has very high taxes and strict laws. It also have favored the nobles there." Xavier said.

"The slums." Algra said. "If you want a detailed explanation, it'll have to wait."

"Okay, let us pray this operation goes well." Xavier said. Xavier and Danielle walks to the carriage that is orange, beige, and brown with white metal plating which is driven by two horses. They climb inside and looked at the group. "If things get peaceful after the success, how about a banquet?"

"I will accept your offer." Algra replied.

"Until next week, Lyse will fight back." Xavier said and closed the carriage door and began departing.

[Meanwhile...in Iveria, same time]

In the white stone walls that encircle the kingdom walls become defined in the pale moonlight. Iveria is home to strong knights and successful citizens, but most importantly, it is a nobleman's paradise. Iveria's distance to Teraxa takes nearly 2 days to arrive without stopping. Iveria to Lyse, the trip will last from dawn to dusk. Inside the castle of Iveria, Geon is standing before an elderly man who is wearing a white and gold robe, his hair is completely dull and gray, his face covered in wrinkles.

"You're here to tell me that Xavier Orato will accept the offer and start a banquet?" the old man said.

"That is correct, Father Palax." Geon replied in a formal manner.

"I see...then you entered Xavier's home with a false warrant." Palas said. Geon stammers, Palax has found out about the warrant being fake.

"Do not worry, Geon. I'm not mad. Your threats has shaken him and doesn't want to put his people at risk." Palax said calmly, showing a gentle smile. Geon sighed, then experienced a looming dread. Geon's blood went cold and his skin went pale, his body started letting out cold sweats. Geon looked at what's happening only to see Palax emitting a bright pale purple light around him. His aura illuminates the empty church and can be seen outside.

"Please do acknowledge that I will not tolerate failure, Geon. The reason we allied with the White Swans is because our interests were aligned, remember?" Palax said with the same tone, but with aggression behind his words. His eyes were also emitting a shining purple light. Geon knew the danger behind his words and doesn't want to anger him in any way.

"Yes, please forgive me, Father." Geon said and the purple light faded and everything went to normal.

"As long as you understand, my child. May the light guide you." Palax said.

"May the light guide you." Geon replied and left the church to return to his luxurious house that is adorned with ornate vases, potting plants, mirrors, and animal rugs. He closed the door behind him and for a few moments, anger boiled over.

"Don't screw with me you senile fossil!" Geon roared. "If it weren't for you, I would've took over Lyse long ago and reaped the rewards!" After his outburst, completely red faced, he calmed down enough to grab him a bottle of wine, poured it in a small glass cup and drank it. "One week...you will sign that contract. Just you wait, Xavier." Geon said until he became calm enough to sleep the night away.