Chapter 61: Secret Stir

Chapter 61: Secret Stir
Tension remained in the town. Half of the warriors were injured. The remaining healthy ones took turns patrolling and guarding the town. Almost everyone, even ordinary residents, was careful. This was the first time the town faced such a big attack.

Aslan was busy. I hardly saw him. He left in the morning and returned late at night. Sometimes he didn’t sleep at the mansion at all. He stayed at the borders and campsites with the warriors. Days passed but I still couldn’t tell him my worries. Maybe I had something to do with what was happening in the town. I knew who might be behind the attacks. I feared Aslan would find out the truth.

If only I could talk to that person, the man who knew everything. The outsider. I tried to find him again. He had said he would wait for me there last time but he wasn’t at the place he mentioned. I had no choice but to leave quickly, it was too dangerous. I worried. Was he caught? Or did he return to his town? I hoped it was the latter.

The next day, after visiting the border, I heard from Miss Farrah that some outsiders had been caught by the warriors. They had entered through the north border. We were having breakfast when I heard it. I nearly dropped my cutlery. I stopped eating.

“North border?” I asked.

Miss Farrah nodded. “According to Kieran, there were at least three to five people.”

“Where are they being held?”

Miss Farrah hesitated. I knew it was odd for her to hear me ask but maybe one of them was the man I had spoken to.

“They’re in the warriors’ quarter at the back of the town hall building.” She looked troubled. “Why are you asking?”

“I… just curious,” I said.

“Don’t worry too much, Cosette. What’s happening in a town like Elwood is natural,” she said.

I tried to smile. I wanted to say sorry for causing all this. I knew both she and Aslan were struggling. They were the last of the ruling family. They stood in the front when chaos hit. I didn’t want them to be harmed because of me.

After breakfast, I told Aunt Neela I had somewhere to go.

“This is dangerous, Cosette. It’s better if you stay at the mansion,” she said.

“It’ll be quick, Aunt Neela,” I replied. “I’ll be back soon.”

She wanted to say more but sighed and nodded.

“Be careful,” she said.

I left the mansion in a car. Days had passed since the attack but the town was still not normal. The peaceful atmosphere I loved was gone. Fear filled the streets. Outsiders would never understand this. These people might seem like monsters, with extraordinary skills but they feel pain, fear, and the need to protect themselves. They are human. Their skills may protect them but it doesn’t erase their suffering.

I arrived at the place Miss Farrah mentioned. It was the warriors’ quarter. Most meetings and important town business happened here. The building was two stories, old, and secluded from downtown. The nearest landmark was the town hall.

I parked in front of the building. It was my first time here. I realized there were many places in town I hadn’t visited. Warriors were scattered around the area. High concrete walls surrounded the compound. I knew Kieran and Aslan weren’t here, they were patrolling the borders.

The warriors noticed me and came to meet me as I got out of the car.

“Miss Cosette, what are you doing here?” one asked.

“Can I see the detainees?” I asked.

They hesitated.

“Right now, no civilian is allowed to visit prisoners,” another said.

“I’m not a civilian,” I said firmly. I had no time to waste. I needed to know quickly if my suspicions were correct.

“But Miss Cosette…”

“I’ll tell Aslan later. I just need to know something now.”

Mentioning Aslan made them reconsider.

“Then follow us,” they said.

A warrior led the way inside. I followed. The hallway was dim and quiet, except for our footsteps. At the end, we found an underground staircase. The warrior led the way down. Outside light disappeared. Vintage lamps and torches lit the hall, almost everything old.

At the bottom, two warriors guarded a barred door. They bowed when they saw us and opened it.

I entered a narrow hallway. Only one person could walk freely. The warrior stopped at the end and faced me.

“They’re here,” he said.

I froze. I was afraid to confirm my suspicion. Was he here? Who were these people in the cells? Who was behind the attacks on the town?

I stepped forward slowly. Soon I could see inside the cell. At first, I saw only silhouettes but the torchlight revealed their faces. They blinked and stared at me. I searched for his face but didn’t recognize anyone. They seemed to recognize me, whispering quietly.

“He’s here,” one said.

“He looks just like his father.”

“Definitely a Zedler,” another whispered.

Some bowed slightly, as if greeting me. I widened my eyes and stepped back. What were they doing?

A warrior blocked my way and led me back upstairs.

“Miss Cosette, it’s better if you return upstairs. One of us will escort you,” he said.

I went back up. The door closed behind me. One warrior approached and started talking while we walked but I couldn’t think of anything else except what I had seen.

“Miss Cosette,” he said.

Before I knew it, we were outside. The sudden sunlight hurt my eyes.

“I’ll take you back,” he said.

“No need,” I replied.

I got into the car. My hands were shaking as I searched for my keys. The warrior asked if I was okay. I assured him I was fine, then drove away from the compound.