Chapter 541
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When Rafael saw them, his heart jumped into his throat.
Where had these people suddenly come from? Also, some of them seemed to have average martial arts skills, needing hooks and ropes to scale the high wall. Who were they? What were their intentions for infiltrating the garrison in the dead of night? If these people made a commotion, Rafael's rescue plan would be ruined.
Though the place where Rafael, Everett, and Jacob had landed and hidden was in the shadows, they had to remain quiet, even as these new arrivals moved quickly along the wall and approached their hiding spot.
There wasn't anything Rafael and the others could do about it at this point. The guard change was nearly over, and they had to act swiftly.
Thomas and his group also noticed the three men hiding ahead. But since they were hiding in the shadows and dressed in black clothes, Thomas couldn't tell who they were, even though their faces were not covered.
It was unclear whether these people were friends or foes. However, seeing them move swiftly in the same direction, Thomas and his group were stunned.
Could they be here for the same reason?
But it was unlikely. Although they could no longer make contact with anyone from Starhaven, they knew the new marshal was Oliver.
Thomas knew Oliver well-he was his brother-in-law, a general who had not seen the battlefield for some time, adept at theoretical strategy. That didn't mean he was without skill, but his arrogance and self-interest meant he would choose the less troublesome path when faced with decisions.
When it came to choosing between negotiations and rescues, Oliver would undoubtedly select the former, not both.
Regaining his composure, Thomas gestured for his group to proceed with their infiltration.
The garrison was large, with twelve buildings in total. The dungeon was located between Building 11 and Building 12, in a hut that stood alone. From that hut, one could descend into the dungeon.
That place was surely heavily guarded. However, since every area was undergoing a guard change, they managed to make their way to Building 11 without incident.
They pressed against the wall of Building 11, planning to stealthily approach and assess the number of soldiers at the dungeon entrance. Just as they moved a few steps forward, they bumped into the three figures from earlier, who were also pressed against the same wall, hiding. One of them cautiously peeked out.
Since they were now close to the dungeon, lights had been set up around the area. The location where they hid was somewhat dim, as the shadow of a large tree nearby created a shaded spot. Still, the dim light now was better than the previous darkness. Thus, Thomas was able to recognize one of the figures-it was Rafael, the Hell Monarch.
He gasped, covering his mouth in disbelief that the prince himself had come. His heart raced with excitement. He knew Rafael was the marshal who had reclaimed the Southern Frontier but had been reassigned to the capital.
His presence here at this moment could only mean one thing-he was here to rescue Law.
As the other men were all concealed in the shadows with only their eyes visible, it was impossible for Rafael to identify them, though they were all pressed against the same wall. He noticed one figure's eyes were filled with tears, and that look of
emotion made him pand
cautiously move closer.
Thomas pulled down his black mask, revealing his face. Although he and the Hell Monarch had never fought side by side, they had met several times before. He hoped Rafael would recognize him, so he smiled joyfully at the prince.
However, Rafael scrutinized the scruffy, tanned-skinned face and was unable to place him. The sight of him smiling tearfully made the prince's mind race with a thought. Was it possible?
Thomas raised his fist and held it high three times a signature gesture of the Sinclair Army. Before every battle, the Sinclair Army soldiers performed this gesture and repeatedly shouted for victory.
When the rest of Thomas' group saw this gesture, they were moved to tears and mimicked the action. As they raised their fists high three times, they nearly shouted "Victory!" aloud.
Rafael watched their gestures with mounting excitement, his heart racing in his chest.
He silently mouthed, "Who are you?"
"Thomas Farrell," the man mouthed in return.
Rafael was stunned.
They were here to rescue Septimus, whom they had assumed was
Thomas. But if Thomas was
standing here in front of him, thepet
who was being held prisoner? It must still be one of their people, because Thomas and his group were clearly also here for a rescue mission.
There was no time for further questioning. Everett had already raised his hand to signal a swift advance.
Rafael placed a hand on Thomas' shoulder and whispered as quietly as possible, "Stay here and distract them at a critical moment."
Thomas nodded vigorously, tears of excitement nearly falling. With Rafael's presence, their chances of success had just increased significantly.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.