Prolouge

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(Excerpt)  I sank down onto my cushions, wondering if I'd be able to get up again to undress and climb into my bed.  My hand clattered the cup and saucer as I poured – and then froze when I heard a slight noise come from my bedroom.

I froze, not breathing.

The tapestry stirred, and then, looking two steps from death, Azmus came forward and sank down onto his knees a pace away from me.  (End excerpt)

"He's taking over Remalna," he wheezed.  "Flauvic Merindar.  Tonight."

I stared at him a moment, not fully able to comprehend what he was saying right away.  After that brief moment, I jumped up from the cushions, every muscle in my body straining after being so used up.

"How?"

"He's secretly been gathering troops for, oh, months now.  He's already taken complete control over the army.  Most of them were coerced willingly to his side, the others did so out of fear and lack of alternatives."  He paused.  "He's about to take over the palace."

"When?"

"Two hours."

My eyes widened with comprehension and fear.  "Shevraeth!  We have to tell Shevraeth!"

Azmus shook his head regretfully.  "Flauvic has already arrested him.  He's setting up to arrest the rest of the courtiers.  My lady, I think it would be best if you were to leave Athanarel.  Now, this moment.  Flauvic seemed to take a…particular interest in you."

I shuddered, remembering the kiss he gave me by the Merindar House.  "But, Azmus, I can't just leave!  What about Bran, and Nee?  I can't abandon them!  Besides, what does it matter if I run away?  Where is the honor in that?"

"Countess, if you'll allow me to speak plainly…?"  I nodded, signaling for him to continue.  "A Resistance needs to be organized as soon as possible, something to counteract Flauvic Merindar's rule.  A noble should lead it, and you would be perfect."

"Me?  Azmus, can't you remember the last time I tried to start a rebellion?"  I was tired of people thinking I was some kind of heroine. 

"This is different.  We're not fighting an open war, we're organizing a secret resistance to undermine the government."

"But why should I lead it?"

"Because you're the best.  Because you're a noble, and that gives you respect, and because you don't look down at people just because they aren't noble.  And I saw the way you helped Count Branaric plan last year.  You're the best, and maybe the only, one who can do this."

He glared at me then, as if daring me to disagree with him.  I watched him for a moment longer, then sighed.  "Alright, alright, I'll do it.  I suppose the first order of business is to flee the capitol.  Mora!"

Mora came in right away, leading me to believe she'd been listening at the door.  "Mora, I need you to pack all my riding clothes and some food, as fast as you can.  Get one of the stable hands to saddle the fastest horse."  Mora nodded and turned to carry out my orders.  "Oh, and Mora!"  She turned.  "Be discreet."  She nodded again, a dark look in her eyes, and left.  I turned back to Azmus.

"Alright, I'm leaving.  I'll go to Ara's.  I need you to start working on finding people to join the resistance.  I don't care what their station is; just get it done.  Get Mora to help you with the servants, I'm sure almost all of them will join.  Try to get as many soldiers and guards as you can, without being obvious about it.  Find out what Flauvic plans to do with the courtiers and Shevraeth.  Come meet with me in two weeks, but earlier if he starts killing off the courtiers.  See if you can't get some prison guards to join as well.  And Azmus?"

"Countess?"

"Whatever you do, don't get caught."

He grinned.  "Come, now, Lady.  Whom do you take me for?"

I was prevented from responding by Mora's entrance.  "All is ready, Milady."

"Thank you, Mora."  I nodded to Azmus and Mora, both of whom bowed deeply.

Ten minutes later I was flying down the streets of Remalna City, hooded and cloaked, wondering if I was making the biggest mistake in my life.