Chapter 196
With the two guards dealt with, I quickly dragged their bodies into a thick, thorny bush bordering the clearing, hoping the darkness and the dense foliage would conceal them until I was long gone. I then stripped one of them of their uniform, the rough fabric itchy against my skin but a necessary disguise. It was a bit too large, but in the dim light, I hoped it isn’t too obvious.
My next targets were the patrols near the borders. I moved stealthily through the shadows, using the terrain to my advantage. I located at least ten more guards, their figures silhouetted against the faint moonlight. I approached them from behind, silent as a ghost, and dispatched them quickly and efficiently, repeating the same method I’d used before. No witnesses, no alarms raised.
With the perimeter clear, I made my way towards the gate. It was a large, reinforced structure, manned by a single guard.
"Show me your I.D.," the Rogue said, his voice gruff, as I approached. He eyed my uniform with a hint of suspicion.
I pulled out the identification card I had bought from the underground market earlier and handed it to him.
"I was sent here requested by Kara Lughen," I said, adopting a slightly weary tone, as if I’d traveled a long distance.
The Rogue examined the ID, then looked back at me, his suspicion deepening. "The new guards were supposed to come tomorrow. How come you’re the only one who’s here?" he asked, his hand resting near the hilt of his weapon.
My voice became authoritative. "I’m here early because I’m a supervisor sent by Sir Neeve Lughen," I replied casually, letting the name of a higher-ranking figure drop into the conversation.
The Rogue’s demeanor shifted slightly at the mention of Sir Neeve. He handed me back my ID, a flicker of deference entering his eyes. "I’m sorry for not recognizing you immediately, ma’am," he said, then, with a creak of hinges, he opened the gate.