Chapter 80: Ambushers or Victims?
Lara and Aramis moved swiftly, their steps silent against the forest floor. Before long, they reached a clearing where over two hundred soldiers were waiting in ambush.
Aramis frowned, his gaze sweeping over the emblem on their banners. These weren’t Estalis troops. They were from Northem.
"They’re not from Estalis," he murmured behind Lara.
"Are they rebels?"
"Yes."
"But why are they rebelling? The king rules Northem fairly."
Aramis glanced at her. "You don’t know Northem’s history?"
Lara shook her head.
"Fifty years ago, General Kromwel overthrew King Voltaire Rosen, a tyrant. Instead of executing the royal family, Kromwel exiled them to the borders of Zura. The great general did not believe in making the innocent pay for the crimes of others. The Rosens have lived as commoners ever since."
"So, the rebellion is led by the remnants of that fallen dynasty?" Lara asked. "And they’re working with Estalis, the bandits, and Zura?"
Aramis didn’t answer, but his silence was enough.