King of Darkness and The White Flame

Chapter 19

Jessie, Hunter, Bear and I discuss a way forward. We decide that the best way to win this war might be to split up. We'd each lead a team of soldiers and attack from four different sides. That way, we might have an advantage over Mole City and be able to rescue our people. 

"Hunter, will you be ready to sneak into the city walls, passed the guards and free the people?" 

"Yes, we'll be ready. The plan is that the team will be split, one team will go ahead to neutralize the target. Team two will be the lookout in case there are approaching targets, they will surround and secure the perimeter, team three will enter and gather the people, they will lead the people out of the city with teams one and two following behind to make sure we aren't attacked or separated." Hunter explains

"Sounds foolproof," I say.

"A lot can go wrong, but I try not to focus on that," I know what he means. If we dwell on every possibility of failure, we might never enter the city. 

Bear and Jessie explain their methods of attack, one team will create a diversion and the other will attack. "Hopefully, we all come back alive," Jessie says. 

Lilith gives her brother a hug, "I've decided to stay with the other women, and before you start making a big deal out of nothing, I just want you to know that I love you and you better come back to me in one peace because I am NOT ready to rule a kingdom by myself." 

Jessie's eyes grow wide, "I never thought I'd see the day where my little sister would actually decide to stay with the women and not lead the march into the fire." he chuckles. 

"Ok, haha, very funny. Look, Someone needs to stay behind and defend the helpless," she says.

"Yes, you're right. Maybe I should have Bear stay with you." Lilith swats his arm and he laughs, playfully defending himself. 

Hunter says his goodbyes to everyone and gives Lilith a long hug. I watch their interaction. They say nothing to each other. A wordless communication passes between them. He holds her hand and gently squeezes. Her eyes fill with tears and he hugs her again. When they pull away, neither of them look back at each other. The exchange makes me uneasy and I make a mental note to ask her about it. Hunter goes to his team and I watch as he divides them into the teams according to his plan. 

We're all set to go. Wives embrace their husbands and send them off to fight and rescue their families. I keep thinking about how it didn't need to come to this. I knew that Mole City had attacked because they thought we were outmanned. When they had surrounded us the other night, it was to do recognisance. They needed to make sure that they would win, but that was before the others had caught up. 

Bears' team had the furthest to walk, they leave first. Hunter's team was next and then Jessie. My team and I finalized our final move. I had been deliberately avoiding bumping into Lilith the whole time everyone was saying their goodbyes. I didn't want us to have an awkward exchange, nor did I want to become emotional at the thought of possibly never seeing her again. 

Lilith runs up to me at the very last second. Without saying a word she pulls my head towards her and kisses me deeply. I hold her around her waist and pull her closer. Suddenly, I no longer want to go. I want to be the coward that I am and stay with her. She grips the back of my neck and I feel her fingers twirl the hair at the nape of my neck. It sends goosebumps across my skin and I lift her up. I hear someone clear their throat near me. It brings me back to the present. 

We pull apart abruptly. "Come back to me," she whispers. I nod. I'm too afraid to say anything more. If I do, I might never leave. She hands me a piece of cloth. She puts it in my hand and then brings my hand up to my nose. It is the scent of her perfume, the combination of fresh forest and vanilla. I take another deep breath in and hold onto the smell of her for a minute longer. I put the piece of cloth in my pocket and give her one last hug.

I pick up my bag and run to catch up with my team. All the while, thinking of Lilith and the gift she gave me. My one hand was in my pocket, feeling the fabric of the gift. In my other hand, is a torch, that I would later light. My secret weapon. Just in case I needed it.