"My Lord, it is time to get up." Thorpe's voice accompanied the steady tapping against the metallic exterior of my coffin. I slowly opened my eyes, pushing the cover open with a low grinding sound that echoed through the dim silence. Blinking against the faint light, I climbed out, stretching until I heard the satisfying crack of my joints.
"Thank you, Thorpe," I muttered as I stepped forward, closing the coffin with a final clunk as it latched shut.
"It is my duty, my lord," Thorpe replied with a slight bow.
"Mhm," I acknowledged, moving toward the exit with Thorpe close behind. Emerging from the catacombs, we passed two guards stationed by the entrance.
"Good evening, my lord," they said in unison.
"Yes, good evening," I replied. "Keep up the good work."
I stepped over to the open colonnade adjacent to the catacombs door, gazing out at the horizon as the sun made its final descent. The fading light cast long shadows, soon to be overtaken by night.
"The only times I glimpse the sun," I remarked quietly, "are when it's about to rise or just before it fades never at its peak."
"My lord," Thorpe began with a reassuring tone, "I know that since the incident, things have been difficult. But I truly believe a time will come when you'll walk among us in daylight again."
His conviction wasn't lost on me. I nodded, heading toward the office as we continued along the corridor.
"Your optimism never fails to baffle me, Thorpe," I said.
"Well, my lord, your pessimism lately could weigh down the entire citadel. Someone has to bring balance, and James is of no help in that regard. He's the very picture of madness." The mention of James's unpredictability made me chuckle, as it was true. He was, by far, one of the most ruthless yet dependable men under my command. And his public face was as polished and popular as his private actions were calculated.
"Maybe you should embrace some of James's traits," I suggested, smiling. "Who knows? You might end up liking it."
"The day I take after James," Thorpe replied, clearly affronted, "will be the day I respect a Highwayman!"
"No need to be swearing oaths, Thorpe," I replied with a smirk. "I didn't know you detested the thought that much."
"My lord, James may be loyal, but he's reckless and impetuous. A swordsman must possess discipline, not whim."
"Point taken," I said as we reached the office door and entered. Inside, John was seated behind the desk, reviewing a stack of documents.
"Good evening, John. How are things?" I asked, taking a seat with Thorpe standing beside me.
"Good evening, my lord," John replied, glancing up from his reading. "Currently, I'm reviewing a proposal sent today by Count Malcray." He tapped the document thoughtfully.
"What's the gist of the request?" I inquired.
"It seems he wants our assistance in dealing with marauders attempting to lay siege to his land," John explained. "The Count is offering five thousand gold for us to target two specific castles that these marauders have taken and turned into their base of operations."
"Is it that time of year again?" I asked, recalling how the marauders grow especially active as the cold months approach. When ice and snow cover the land, the landscape starts to resemble the far northern regions, and crops become scarce. That scarcity drives the marauders to pillage without ceasing during the winter.
"It seems so, my lord," John replied.
"Thorpe," I called.
"Yes, my lord," Thorpe answered.
"Do you think we should take the job?" I asked, curious to hear his opinion.
"Yes, we should. The extra funds would support our expansion efforts," he replied, echoing my own thoughts.
"Alright, then," I continued, "when would be best to strike them?"
"My lord, what about tomorrow night?" Thorpe suggested.
I considered it for a moment. "Why tomorrow night?"
"It would give our guards time to prepare," Thorpe explained. "If we have both shifts at their sharpest, we can eliminate both strongholds simultaneously."
"Agreed. John, what are your thoughts on this?" I asked, turning to him.
"I agree, my lord. A coordinated strike would be most effective," John said, pulling a fresh set of papers from his desk drawer. Taking up his feathered pen, he began to draft our acceptance of the Count's proposal.
"Very well, my lord. I'll inform Count Malcray that we've accepted the job and will expect payment in full the morning after its completion," he confirmed as he wrote.
"Good," I said, standing up. "We would have dealt with the marauders eventually might as well get paid for it." With that, I made my way to the door. "I'll be in my office."
"Yes, my lord," John replied. "I'll stop by later with more information." the faint sounds of John's pen scratching against paper echoed behind me.
As Thorpe closed the door behind us, a thought came to mind. "Which shift did that new recruit join?" I asked, recalling the recent addition to our ranks.
"Serena has been assigned to the day infantry, my lord," Thorpe replied.
"Ah, so you wouldn't be the one to ask about her," I said, making a mental note. "I'll have to check in with Kalrick, then."
"Yes, sir. He's her commanding officer," Thorpe confirmed.
Once in my office, I heard the door click shut as I moved around my desk and took a seat. Thorpe placed my sword beside the desk, standing ready for my next instruction.
"With our focus now on eliminating the marauders tomorrow, you'll need to make the necessary preparations," I instructed. "Ensure all siege weapons are in prime condition ladders, battering rams, siege towers, everything."
Thorpe nodded, attentive. "Understood, sir. I'll arrange an inspection to confirm the condition of our equipment."
I gave a slight nod, considering our long-term plans. "In time, Thorpe. Once the expansion is complete, we'll be able to construct siege and defensive weapons from stronger materials. That will finally bolster both our defenses and offensive power."
Thorpe's gaze was steady. "Yes, my lord. The day can't come soon enough."
"In any case, prepare the men for battle, Thorpe," I instructed, dismissing him for the night. After he left, I settled in, poring over strategies and laying out the details for the impending clash. The remainder of the night was spent refining each plan, ensuring every move was accounted for and ready for execution when the time came.