WebNovels

Chapter 19 - Through the Hidden Gate

One year had passed since the fall of the King.

The kingdom had changed, but peace had not returned. Whispers of rebellion crawled through the capital like smoke, and the shadows of the mountains grew thicker with secrets.

Deep within a forest-covered mountain, a vast cave breathed faintly with the scent of damp earth and stone. Vines clung to the jagged walls, and the wind from the valley carried the sound of rustling leaves inside. In the dim glow of a lone lantern resting on a flat stone, a figure stood — motionless, regal, and calm.

It was Wilson (35).

He wore a finely tailored white coat trimmed in gold — the kind of clothing reserved for nobles of the court, though it now looked out of place in this wilderness. His eyes reflected the flickering lantern light, sharp and thoughtful.

The faint echo of footsteps reached him.

A man in a black suit entered the cave, his face hidden beneath a dark cloth. His movements were silent, measured, and heavy with purpose.

The air shifted between them — the quiet of the cave now held weight.

The man slowly reached up and pulled away the dark cloth that covered his face.

The dim lantern light revealed his features — Captain (28).

He wore a black military suit, the kind once reserved for elite officers of the royal army. The uniform's high collar was fastened with silver clasps, and a long dark coat draped down to his knees, swaying gently as he walked. The material was thick, reinforced with fine leather across the shoulders and sleeves — both elegant and practical, meant for battle and command alike.

At his waist, hanging from a leather belt, rested his sword — sheathed in a polished black scabbard marked with faint engravings of the old kingdom's emblem. The hilt gleamed faintly, its worn grip a silent memory of countless duels fought and survived.

Caprin's eyes lifted, calm but burdened. "Sorry I'm late," he said, his voice steady but edged with exhaustion — the kind that only war and leadership could bring.

Wilson turned to face him, his expression unreadable. "No worries," he replied quietly, his tone holding the authority of experience. "You're here now — that's what matters. Let's talk about the situation... and our future plans."

The lantern flame flickered, casting long shadows across the cave walls.

Wilson exhaled deeply, the weight of his words heavy in the cold air.

"I can't buy you any more time," he said finally, his tone low but firm. "You have to protect the third prince. You know the second prince was officially crowned last month. Almost every province has accepted him as king—except a few."

The Captain, standing with his hands behind his back, nodded slowly. His eyes reflected the dim lantern glow.

"Don't worry," he said quietly. "I've already sent some trusted people there."

Wilson's brow furrowed. "Trusted people or not, they must be careful. If the new king discovers this, he won't just go after the prince. He'll come for us too."

"I know," the Captain replied, his voice steady, calm as a blade drawn in silence. "Don't worry. I've only sent two people — not enough to draw suspicion, but enough to make a difference. Their mission is simple: protect him from dying."

Wilson stared at him, eyes narrowing. "Only two? Don't you think that's too risky?"

A faint smirk appeared on the Captain's face.

"If there's any risk," he said, "it's for the enemies. The people I sent… are not ordinary soldiers."

The lantern's flame flickered again — briefly revealing the Captain's sharp eyes, calm yet ruthless. Wilson knew that look well. Whatever men the Captain had sent, they were the kind that didn't fail.

Wilson listened for a moment longer, then the tension in his face eased slightly. The corner of his mouth lifted into a faint, knowing smile.

"Alright then," he said quietly, his voice carrying both trust and exhaustion. "I'll trust you."

The Captain nodded respectfully, the lantern light glinting on his sword. Outside, the wind howled through the mountain pass, carrying a quiet tension before the next storm.

Far to the north of the kingdom lay Muran City — a place once known for its golden fields and calm rivers. The scent of wheat still hung in the air, but the roads were quieter now, patrolled by armed guards and the uneasy silence of watchful eyes.

Muran was one of the most agricultural cities in the country — its farms stretched endlessly across the plains, and narrow canals glimmered under the faint sunlight. At the heart of the city stood a castle — not as grand as the royal palace, but sturdy and proud, built from pale grey stone. Its towers overlooked every street and field, a silent reminder of the authority that ruled within.

In a small forest just outside the city gates, two figures crouched low among the bushes. Both were wrapped in dark cloaks, their faces hidden beneath hoods. They watched the gate silently, observing the movement of guards and traders passing in and out.

The wind rustled the leaves gently, carrying the faint creak of wagon wheels and distant voices from the marketplace.

As they watched in silence, a royal carriage stood a few meters away from the city gate. One of its front wheels had splintered slightly against a stone, and the guards were busy repairing it. The horses stamped impatiently, their reins held tight by a soldier as others fastened the wooden spokes with iron bands.

From where the two cloaked figures hid, the golden crest on the carriage door was visible — the royal insignia of the capital. It was clear the carriage would pass through the gates the moment the repair was done.

The shorter figure whispered, barely moving her lips, "This might be our only chance."

A nod answered her, the taller one's hand brushing the hilt of his sword.

"Yes… I think so too. But we need to wait until they look away, then we can hide." came the low reply.

A few minutes later, the guards finally stepped back, dusting their hands as the wheel settled firm onto the dirt road. The driver climbed to his seat, flicked the reins — and the carriage began to move forward.

In that instant, both cloaked figures moved with silent precision. They darted out from the bushes, swift as shadows, and slipped beneath the carriage just before it gained speed.

Beneath it, there was just enough space — a narrow wooden beam running along the base where supplies or tools could be strapped. They gripped the frame tightly, their bodies pressed flat against the undercarriage. Every jolt of the wheel rattled through their arms as the carriage rolled forward toward the city gates.

Dust rose around them. Above, the sound of the guards' boots faded as the carriage entered Muran City, carrying with it two hidden passengers — unseen and unknown.

The carriage rolled through the crowded streets and finally came to a halt before the castle gates. Guards carried the royal family stuff out and entered the castle, surrounded by attendants. Moments later, the carriage turned and made its way toward the stables near the outer wall.

It was parked in a quiet corner beside other royal vehicles, and one by one, the guards and workers left to attend to their duties. Soon, the area fell silent.

A few minutes passed. Then, from beneath the carriage, two shadowed figures quietly emerged. They moved swiftly, brushing off dust from their cloaks. Their eyes turned toward the towering castle ahead.

They had studied the castle's layout for days — every patrol route, every blind corner, every weak point. Without a sound, they slipped through the narrow streets surrounding the fortress walls.

At the far end, near an old stone wall covered with ivy, they stopped. It was the weakest point in the castle's defenses, barely watched and easy to scale. With precise movements, the taller one climbed first, pulling himself up using the cracks in the stone, while the other followed close behind.

Within moments, both had crossed over and dropped silently into the courtyard below.

They were inside the castle.

They moved swiftly through the dim corridor, footsteps silent against the cold stone floor. The faint sound of armored boots echoed ahead — two guards were approaching from the corner.

The figures exchanged a quick glance. Timing was everything.

As the soldiers passed, the two shadows struck — quick, precise blows to the neck. Both guards collapsed before a sound could escape their lips.

Working fast, they dragged the bodies behind a pillar and tied them securely with rope torn from their own belts. Within moments, the infiltrators stripped off the guards' armor and cloaks, disguising themselves perfectly in royal uniform.

Their identities hidden once again, they stepped back into the corridor — their eyes fixed on the northern hall, where the third prince was being held.

In a quiet corner, the two figures removed the dark cloaks that had hidden their faces and bodies.

It was Roxy (23) and Cedric (20). Roxy wore a deep blue tunic fitted at the waist, with leather straps across the shoulders holding small pouches and a dagger. Her trousers were dark brown, allowing freedom of movement, and her boots were soft-soled for silence. Cedric wore a dark blue tunic, reinforced lightly at the chest with leather, and sturdy brown trousers tucked into worn boots. Both outfits were practical, built for agility and stealth rather than show.

They found an empty room and quickly changed into the armor of the unconscious guards, tucking their own clothes beneath. Once dressed, they covered their faces with dark cloths, the standard disguise of castle soldiers.

Now fully disguised, they stepped back into the corridor, moving silently. As soldiers within the castle, they blended perfectly, their eyes scanning the halls for the third prince.

Finally, they reached the room where the third prince was being held. Two guards stood in front of the door, weapons ready.

"Why are you two here? Go to your positions!" one of them barked.

Roxy and Cedric didn't answer. In a blur of motion, they struck — precise blows to the guards' necks and sides. Both guards crumpled silently, unconscious before they could cry out.

Without hesitation, they stepped inside the room.

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