Chapter 9: The Message

Juhtmed studied the symbol on the crossbow for a moment longer, then set it down with deliberate care. His crimson eyes flicked toward Lian and Kaldor. "This seal—we need to uncover its origins as soon as possible. Lian, do you have any idea?"

Lian crouched down beside the crate, running his fingers over the finely crafted weapon. "The weapons are undeniably of high quality. Whoever made this is a good blacksmith, they use good quality steel. This is not the work of an ordinary blacksmith. And this sign? I've never seen it before."

Juhtmed leaned back slightly, processing the information. "If Rovan's working with a smith of this caliber, he's being funded by someone powerful. Maybe kaitsja will know it?"

Outside the warehouse, Kaitsja watched as the guards scrambled to contain the fire he had started near the main entrance. He grinned as one of them shouted orders, his irritation evident. "Who's responsible for security tonight? This could have been catastrophic!"

Hidden, Kaitsja whispered to himself, "Its already catastrophic you dummy."

As Kaitsja join the group inside the warehouse. "I buy us some time," he announced. "There too much occupied with the fire outside we should be at ease for a moment."

"Thanks kaitsja, but look at that did you ever see this?" As he show the crossbow to kaitsja.

Kaitsja approached the crate. He picked up a dagger and twirled it in his hands. "I've seen good weapons before, but this is something else. Not the kind you find with bandits or mercenaries. No, this is of the same calibre or even better than that provided for knights. And this sign i definitely see it somewhere...this inverted crescent moon"

Juhtmed's eyes sharpened. "So you've see that sign before?"

Kaitsja shrugged, placing the dagger back in the crate. "Yes, but im sure this isn't something from the empire."

Kaldor, standing nearby. "iv'e never heard about a inverted moon on a weapon though."

Juhtmed's gaze settled on the crossbow in his hand. "I keep this one we may be able to learn more about this."

Lian stands up and wipes the dust off his clothes. "The fire has spread enough. We should leave before we get caught."

The group slipped out through the side entrance, the flickering glow of flames behind them casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning wood and steel.

As kaldor led the way. "I'll need to prepare a detailed report on everything about the southern port's operations."

Juhtmed nodded. "Yes its the best thing to do."

Kaitsja glanced back at the burning warehouse, a faint smirk on his lips. "Well, that should make Rovan's boil in rage. Nothing better like a bonfire to ruin a rebellion."

Lian shot him a sharp look. "This is serious, Kaitsja. Rovan's stockpile was just the tip of the iceberg. If these weapons are being distributed elsewhere, there no way we can stop it."

Kaitsja held up his hands in mock surrender. "Easy there, Lian. I'm not taking this lightly. I'm just saying—it feels good to deal a blow to the enemy for once."

Juhtmed's voice cut through the conversation, calm but firm. "Well we did do some damage, but it's a temporary one. Rovan will regroup, and they won't let this stop them."

Once back to their quarters, the group gathered around a wooden table. juhtmed places the crossbow on the wooden table and look at it .

 Juhtmed speak, gesturing to the crossbow, "We need to figure it out were this is from."

Kaldor lean forward, pointing to the crossbow. "An inverted crescent moon i will go research if this type of seal have already been produce inside the empire in case."

Juhtmed's nodded. "Fine... tell us if you find something important."

"Sure your highness," Kaldor replied.

As kaldor leave for the archives. Lian look at the crossbow, her brow furrowed. "Do you still not remember about where did you see that sign?"

Kaitsja grinned. "I still not remember but i know for sure that sign is not something made in the empire."

Juhtmed speak. "I'm going to send a letter directly to the capital to let them know what's going on and maybe they'll know more about this inverted crescent moon than we do."

Later that night, Juhtmed sat by the window of his chambers, staring out at the darkened sky. Lian entered quietly, her presence a steady comfort.

"You should rest, Your Highness," she said softly. "Tomorrow will be another long day."

Juhtmed didn't turn to face her. "I can't fall asleep."

Lian hesitated, then stepped closer. "You're carrying a heavy burden. But you don't have to do it alone—we're all here to help you."

Juhtmed finally looked at her, his crimson eyes reflecting at the light of the moon. "I know. And I'm grateful. But the consequences—."

Lian placed a hand on his arm, her touch firm yet reassuring. "You won't fail. I've seen the strength you carry, Your Highness."

Juhtmed's lips curved into a faint smile. "Thank you, Lian. Im glad to have someone i can talk freely."

As they spoke, there was a knock at the door. Kaitsja entered, his expression unusually grave. "Hate to interrupt, but we've got a problem."

Juhtmed rose to his feet. "What is it?"

Kaitsja held up a folded piece of parchment. "A messenger just arrived. It's from one of Rovan's men. Apparently, they know we're here—and they're not happy about it."

Juhtmed unfolded the parchment, scanning its contents. As he read the bold, scrawled warning: "I know about what you did to my warehouse what don't we meet to speak about it meet me at this place."

Lian stepped closer. "A meeting why he would propose that and at this location?"

Juhtmed's arbored a small smile on his face. "I didn't expect to receive this, but its a great opportunity to know more about rovan's plan and i could also put a face on his name."

Kaitsja smirked, his earlier seriousness giving way to his usual confidence. "Your Highness. Let's show him what happens when he underestimates us."

Juhtmed's gaze swept over his companions. "Ill go alone he probably what he expect and to make the meeting in this place he either want to know my reason or to put me on there schemes."

Juhtmed's declaration hung in the air like the silence before a storm. Kaitsja leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his grin fading into something more serious. "You're walking into the lion's den, Your Highness. Rovan's not inviting you for tea and biscuits. If it were me, I'd bring backup—discreetly."

Lian frowned, stepping forward. "On this one im with him. If this meeting is a trap, you shouldn't face it alone. Let Kaitsja and me accompany you, at least as hidden support."

Juhtmed shook his head, his crimson eyes glinting in the dim light. "No. If this is a setup, Rovan will expect as much. I need to face him alone."

Kaitsja clicked his tongue against his teeth. "Your Highness, I don't like this one bit. But you're the boss. At least let me shadow you—keep to the rooftops or something like that. He won't see me."

"Nor me," Lian added. Her voice was calm, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her worry. "We can keep a distance. If things go wrong, you'll need backup."

Juhtmed considered them for a moment, his gaze shifting between the two. Finally, he gave a slight nod. "Fine. Stay out of sight. I don't want Rovan him suspecting me."

Kaitsja smirked. "I'll be your shadow."

Lian stepped forward, her tone more somber. "Promise us you'll be cautious, Your Highness. This isn't just about you. I can't afford to lose you."

Juhtmed placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression softening for the briefest moment. "I promise, Lian. I'll be careful. But we need answers, and I won't let fear hold me back."