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THE TRIP THROUGH the tunnels wasn’t pleasant. It was cold, dark and there were noises, probably rats. Araldo, he prayed it was rats because who knew what else Conguise had created and set free. He’d stationed Trinity at the back of their group with Gaar and Mirra. The Tracker made the others uncomfortable in the open so it was ten times worse in these cramped quarters. Plus, Mirra was surly—not at ease in the close confines of the tunnel—and was swatting at anyone who got too close. Of course, none of that would’ve stopped him from keeping Trinity by his side, but the farther away from him the safer she’d be.
After hours trudging through the dank, nasty tunnel, there was a hint of fresh air and light up ahead. His feet moved faster. Even though this meant the confrontation was nearing, he didn’t care. He just wanted out of this place.
“At least, there weren’t any weird sounds or creatures this time,” said Tim.
“What’s up with you? I’ve never known you to look on the bright side.” Nothing soothed his nerves like bickering with the Servant.
“What do you mean by that? I’m an optimist.” Tim jabbed Hugh’s shoulder with a claw.
A laugh burst from his throat. “Thanks, I needed that.”
“I’ll never understand you.” Tim pushed past him.
He smirked as he followed. He’d ordered Tim to stay with his daughter, but the Servant had refused. Apparently, Trinity’s disobedience came naturally. He glanced over his shoulder, even though he could barely see anything in the dark. She’d better have listened to him this time, but if she didn’t, he trusted Gaar to keep her safe.
Up ahead, Tim and a few of the other Servants climbed a ladder that led out of the tunnel. Soon, they’d be above ground and in the city. Once they were all in place, they’d march on the Council Building. According to Townsend, the council members were meeting today and should all be there. He said a quick prayer this would go as planned and without much fighting. If he could capture Jason and the Council, the city would fall and the war would end. He knew the members and they were all cowards. They’d never risk their own lives for the sake of a cause. Worst case scenario, he’d have to execute one or two of them, but it wouldn’t take many before the rest surrendered. The Council Guards would fight, but they were limited in number. Years of peace had caused the Council to cut the number of Guards, and he had the element of surprise on his side. There was no way they’d anticipate him bringing this fight to the city.
He climbed out of the tunnel and into the building. He stepped over piles of drywall. He’d sent teams ahead to secure the locations where the tunnels opened. Apparently, this one had been hidden behind a wall, forgotten for years. He bent and went through the opening and into an office. About twenty Almightys were tied up and sitting off to the side. He nodded at a few of them.
“Please don’t kill us,” said a young, female. “I have children. Please.”
He glanced at the House Servant who had secured the facility.
“I told them they’d be fine. That we don’t want to hurt them, but they don’t believe me,” said the Servant.
He strode over to the female. She lowered her head, cowering before him.
He squatted, lifting her chin with his finger and forcing her to look at him. “I’m not going to hurt any of you.”
Her eyes were wide and filled with fear.
“I promise.”
She nodded but didn’t seem to believe him. In time, she’d learn he spoke the truth. Suddenly, she scrambled backward until she hit the wall. There was more than fear in her eyes now, it was full-fledged panic. He turned and grinned as Mirra brushed the dirt off her fur. Trinity climbed out of the tunnel behind the Tracker, followed by Gaar. Trinity’s eyes roamed the room until they fell on him. She smiled slightly and his gut clenched. Araldo, he loved her. He’d do whatever he had to in order to end this war and be with her.
He stood and faced his troops. “Any questions before we depart?” There were a few murmurs but no questions. He had a good team. Some were eager, some afraid but all of them were brave. “Let’s do this then.”