Chapter 25: Maps, Fires and Patience

At the base of the watchtower, a narrow stone staircase winds upward from a small, fortified entryway. Beside the tower stand rough wooden structures in disrepair– remnants of siege equipment. The ground is uneven and rocky, with patches of dirt and scattered debris. On the other side of the tower, the terrain slopes down toward the ocean, the water reflecting the sunset in shimmering streaks. Luz’s crimson eyes narrowed slightly at Amelia’s stubborn refusal, a hint of exasperation mixing with grudging respect. The stubbornness was familiar– it was one of the things he remembered most fondly about her. “Running away keeps you alive,” he retorted bluntly, his voice returning to its commanding tone as they approach the tower’s base.

“Something I seem to recall you value highly.” His gaze swept over the watchtower, assessing its defences with practiced military precision. “This structure offers good defensive positions but limited escape routes. If we are attacked while climbing those stairs, there is nowhere to flee except down the mountain path.” The destrier’s hooves echoed ominously against stone as they entered the shadow of the tower entrance. Torches flickering within, casing dancing shadows that dance across ancient carvings of forgotten battles. Once they dismounted, Lady Escuridade comes out of the watch tower, her heavy, dark cloak flowing gracefully over the stone steps. Her face remained perfectly composed, but her dark eyes immediately registered Amelia standing beside Luz’s horse.

“Commander,” she said emotionlessly, her voice was smooth and devoid of warmth, her gaze flickering briefly to Amelia before settling back on Luz. “Mestre Escuro has been waiting for your arrival. He would like to speak strategy up in the tower.” Luz’s jaw tightened imperceptibly at seeing Lady Escuridade here. He nodded and started walking toward the watchtowers entrance. Lady Escuridade stepped aside allowing them to pass and they ascended the winding staircase spiralling upward into darkness. The spiral staircase wound upward for what felt like eternity, each stone step worn smooth by centuries of feet. Torches flickered along the walls, casting grotesque shadows that danced across ancient tapestries depicting scenes of conquest and ruin. The air grew colder, heavier with the scent of ozone and something older than stone.

Finally, they reached the top chamber where light from the setting sun streamed through tall arched windows overlooking the vast kingdom below. There Mestre Escuro stood wearing heavy black garments, layered and worn. A long, flowing robe that drapes to the ground, made of thick black fabric, so black it absorbed most of the light and giving him a shadow-like presence. The sleeves are wide and slightly frayed at the edges, and the lower hem looks ragged, as though it has been dragged through mud.  His posture was upright but heavy, as if burdened by something unseen, and in his hand was a silver chalice. “Ah, Commander,” Mestre Escuro voice echoed through the chamber like stones grinding together. “And Amelia.” Mestre Escuro looked toward her and nodded, before his gaze returned to Luz.

“We should discuss plans for the siege on Cidade dos escravos.” Mestre Escuro said and walked over to a table with a map of Cidade dos escravos. “The city guards have proven more resilient that anticipated in the past. Their commander, Sir Freed, leads a capable force.” Luz followed him to the table, his armoured boots making heavy sounds on the stone floor. “Freed fought bravely during the Northern Campaign. He will not surrender easily.” Luz’s crimson gaze tracked Mestre Escuro finger as it traced siege points along the city’s fortified walls. “Precisely,” Mestre Escuro replied, taking a sip from his chalice. “Which is why I intend to use out newest asset to break their morale.” His gaze shifted pointedly toward Luz, then back to Amelia standing near the stairwell entrance.

“My fleet will arrive tomorrow morning,” Mestre Escuro continued. “How should we proceed with the ground level siege?” Luz moved closer to the map, his armoured gauntlets resting on either side of Cidade dos escravos’s miniature fortifications. “We can breach the western gate using out heavy catapults,” he began, tracing a route with his fingers. “But Freed will expect that approach. He will reinforce the walls there heavily.” His crimson eyes flicked toward Amelia briefly before focusing back on the map. “Instead, I propose sending a diversion force north of the city. Let them make noise, draw out some of Freed’s mobile units.” Mestre Escuro leaned forward, his fingers drumming against the tabletop impatiently. “And while they are distracted?”

Amelia stepped forward to stand beside Luz and whispered in his ear. “What about the underground tunnels?” Luz looked at her confused before the continued. “I heard there were tunnels leading to the estates in Cidade dos escravos.” Luz’s crimson eyes widened almost imperceptibly as she spoke, the suggestion hitting him with unexpected force. His confusion was immediate and palpable– the tunnels had been classified information within the Santo’s Order, known only to a select few officers planning contingency operations. “Underground tunnels?” he murmured back, his voice barely audibles over the chamber’s echoing silence. “Those access points were sealed decades ago after the Sombra war. Only Sir Freed and a handful of trusted knights know their current status.”

Mestre Escuro’s red eyes sharpened with renewed interest, sensing the potential in her words. He gestured for Lady Escuridade to approach with parchment and quills. “Explain this further, if these tunnels exist and remain functional, they present an opportunity for strategic infiltration rather than brute force,” he commanded, shifting closer to the table. “I heard that many nobles trade with pirates along the coast and have the illegal goods delivered straight to their estates through the underground tunnels,” Amelia explained. “I do not know where exactly the entrance is, but I know it is somewhere along the Montaxe Dividida coast.” Luz’s crimson eyes flashed with intrigue, processing the implications of her intel. Pirates operating through secret passages would explain why Cidade dos escravos’s merchant class had remained prosperous despite recent trade restrictions.

“The Montaxe Dividida coastline is extensive,” Luz muted aloud, running a gauntleted finger along the map’s coastal region. “But if these tunnels connect to noble estates, we can target specific targets rather than levelling the entire city.” Mestre Escuro leaned forward eagerly, his face showing genuine curiosity for perhaps the first time tonight. “Pirates smuggling goods through tunnels? Excellent. Such activities require precise coordination and local knowledge.” Curiously Amelia asked, “Is that not information you could perhaps pay one of the pirates for?”