Return to Jorgaldur Volume IV: Reunion

Betrayals

Nilgha arrived at the meeting point. The higher-ups wanted to speak directly with her, which wasn't strange after the disaster of the mission. Not only had they not achieved their goal, but everyone had died except her. Of course, she was also a spy for the rebels, so in reality none of Engenak's real agents had survived.

She entered the tavern. It was the only one in that mining town on the outskirts of Frojlnei county, and it was quite full. She went directly to a corner, where there was a table with two individuals with their faces hidden.

"Can I sit? I would appreciate company a little more refined than those miners," she requested.

"Of course. What winds bring you here?" one of them responded.

"Distant winds, full of misfortunes and disappointments," she said.

Those phrases weren't coincidental, but the password to confirm her identity.

"Number thirty-four, I guess. Can you confirm the report you sent?" the other asked.

"Is it safe to talk here?" she responded, suspicious.

"The sound is isolated," her interlocutor assured.

Nilgha nodded and sat down.

"They set a trap for us. They were waiting for us. I suspect they had themselves started the rumors that Eldi Hnefa was there. It was too well-prepared. When they arrived at the scene, there was a huge explosion. They all died," she summarized.

That was enough to confirm the report. If they wanted details, they would ask.

"How did you escape?" he questioned her.

"I was in charge of monitoring the group that had informed us, so I didn't advance with the others. As soon as the explosion occurred, they attacked me. Luckily, I always set a protective trap. It gave me just enough time to activate the dungeon's emergency exit," Nilgha explained.

"So, it was a small commando?" he asked.

"I only saw five. There could be more hidden," the undercover agent explained.

"I see. You're going to have to come with us. They want to talk to you too at the palace," he ordered.

Nilgha frowned. That wasn't a normal procedure, nor even acceptable. An alleged murderer like her wasn't accompanied anywhere.

"I'm afraid I can't accept. If they want to talk to me, we can set a communicate procedure," Nilgha refused and stood up.

At that moment, all the so-called miners stood up too. Their movements showed that they weren't simple miners. In addition, they were armed, and were looking at her threateningly. Nor were the establishment staff simple staff.

"It would be better if you don't cause problems and came obediently," the woman suggested.

"I guess they are all 'special' agents. Wow, what an honor for me alone, you've gone to a lot of trouble" the disguised rebel said with irony.

"Well, we have to observe and direct a special operation in the county. Since we were here, it was convenient to receive you," the man responded, smiling.

He had taken off his hood. He no longer needed him. It had only been necessary to maintain the farce.

"I see. So, there're no innocents. That makes it easier," she said out loud, although she wasn't addressing those present.

"What do you mean?" the woman asked, suspicious.

Nilgha didn't have to respond, the facts spoke for themselves. Suddenly, enemies began to appear everywhere. They entered through the front door, through the windows and through the kitchen.

"Rebels! Kill them all!" one of the supposed miners shouted.

Nevertheless, they soon realized that they were vastly outnumbered. None of the agents were weak, but neither were the rebels. Furthermore, there were two of them especially lethal, a man and a woman with identical black-edged swords.

"Shit! The twins!" one exclaimed.

Lidia and Liodon were the most wanted rebels, and also the most feared. They synchronized and synergized with an ease that seemed impossible. Furthermore, since they had acquired those swords, their combat power had increased.

As soon as they entered, the Twin Shadows clashed and six blades of light emerged from their black edges. They created destruction in their wake, thus dealing a severe blow to the morale of the agents, and even killing a few.

It didn't take long to eliminate them all. They had been caught by surprise, which gave them a great disadvantage. The attackers had skills and spells prepared, ready to be cast, while the defenders needed time to prepare theirs. Along with the difference in numbers, Engenak's agents had been quickly decimated.

"With this, the forces sent to the county are left without a link. Maybe, we can take their place," Nilgha proposed.

"We'll talk about that later. Now, we have more important matters to discuss," Lidia said. She had just arrived next to her. "Liodon, don't let her escape."

"Of course. This time, the excuse that 'there's a lot of work to do' won't work," his brother threatened.

"Oh, come on. Don't be like that. There'll be time," Nilgha sighed.

"NOW there's time. You were with dad and his friends for days. We want to know ALL the details," Lidia demanded.

"Assume it. You have no escape," Liodon stared at her.

"But... We have to clean this and..." she wanted to protest.

"We'll take care of it. You tell them what they want to know. They'll be unbearable if not," one of the rebels intervened.

Nilgha looked at the woman with thin body and long neck. She wanted to complain to her for her betrayal. However, another rebel intervened.

"Do you know what it's like to have them nervous and in a hurry all day because they want to finish early to talk to you? Please don't delay it any longer," he urged.

"We weren't unbearable!" Lidia protested.

"Ha, ha, ha!"

"They weren't unbearable!? Ha, ha."

"What're you still doing here? Finish your gossip, so we can work in peace!"

"They didn't even realize... Ugh..."

One after another, the rebels mocked their leaders, and urged Nilgha. The siblings felt somewhat humiliated, but above all ashamed. Furthermore, they knew that their mother would be watching the scene.

"We better get out of here," Liodon proposed.

"Good idea. They're so grumpy," Lidia accused them, about to stick her tongue out at them.

Nilgha followed them. Well, she was more like dragged. The rebel knew that during the next few hours she would have to tell them about her experiences with Eldi and her companions. Nilgha sighed. There was no escape. She knew it. She knew them too well.

Thus, while the rest of the rebels erased all traces of what had happened, she explained and answered the two siblings' questions. She couldn't help but smile at their childish attitude when it came to their father.

Nonetheless, she couldn't blame them. They had been wanting to find him again all their life, and now he was so close. Only Lidia had met him, but even she found it insufficient. Even worse was Liodon, who was hugging his sword while listening. After all, it was a gift from his father.