The unease in the camp was palpable. The disappearance of Captain Dalen had sent ripples of uncertainty through the ranks. Some whispered that he had abandoned his post, others speculated he had fallen victim to an ambush. But Arianne, Kael, and Rian knew the truth—Dalen had been silenced before he could expose their secret.
Arianne couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at her. They had taken drastic measures to protect their identities, but had they crossed a line? Rian assured her it had been necessary, but doubt lingered in her heart.
A Silent Storm
The days that followed were tense. Patrols doubled, and the soldiers were on edge. General Rian had been more vigilant than ever, subtly watching for signs that someone else might know their secret. But Arianne could sense the burden he carried—protecting her, protecting Kael, and ensuring the camp functioned as it should.
Late one evening, Arianne found herself by the training grounds, watching the embers of a dying fire flicker in the darkness. She heard footsteps approach and turned to see Rian.
"You shouldn't be alone out here," he said quietly.
She offered him a faint smile. "I needed some air."
Rian stepped closer, his expression unreadable. "I know this isn't easy for you."
Arianne shook her head. "We did what we had to do, but I still feel like something isn't right. What if there are more like Dalen? What if the king finds out before we're ready?"
Rian exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. "That's why we have to be cautious. If anyone else suspects, we need to know before they act."
Arianne looked up at him. "And if they do? What then?"
His jaw tightened. "Then we handle it."
The Test of Loyalty
The next morning, an unexpected visitor arrived at the camp—a royal envoy, dressed in the king's colors. He dismounted his horse, scanning the gathered soldiers with keen eyes before speaking.
"I am Sir Edric, sent by the king to inspect the recruits," he announced. "His Majesty wishes to ensure that all soldiers in training are fit to serve. I will be speaking with each of you in turn."
Arianne's blood turned to ice.
She felt Kael stiffen beside her. The timing was too perfect. Could it be a coincidence, or had Dalen's disappearance raised questions back at the palace?
Rian stepped forward, his composure steady. "Sir Edric, we welcome your presence. My men will cooperate fully."
The envoy nodded, but his gaze lingered on Rian for a fraction too long. Arianne sensed the unspoken challenge. This was not just an inspection—this was a test.
The Interrogation
One by one, the soldiers were called for questioning. Arianne and Kael knew they had to be careful. When her turn arrived, she took a steadying breath and stepped inside the tent where Sir Edric waited.
He studied her for a long moment before speaking. "Your name?"
"Arin," she answered smoothly.
"How long have you been here?"
"Several months."
Edric tilted his head. "You fight well for a recruit. Where did you train before joining the army?"
Arianne met his gaze evenly. "My father was a soldier. He trained me before I came here."
Edric's expression remained impassive. "Interesting. And your family?"
She hesitated for only a heartbeat. "Gone. The war took them."
Edric nodded slowly. "You seem well-prepared for this life, Arin. Almost as if you were meant for it."
Arianne forced herself to hold his gaze. "I do what I must to survive."
Edric regarded her for another moment before waving a hand. "You may go."
She walked out, careful to keep her pace steady. When she reached Kael, she whispered, "He suspects something."
Kael's expression darkened. "Then we need to make sure he finds nothing."
The Final Gambit
Nightfall brought no relief. The presence of Sir Edric loomed over them, and Arianne knew they had little time before he uncovered the truth.
As she sat near the fire, Rian approached, lowering his voice. "We need to act before he reports back. If the king receives word that something is amiss, it will be too late."
Arianne nodded. "Then we need to mislead him. Make him believe his suspicions were wrong."
Kael smirked. "I like the sound of that. But how?"
Rian's gaze was sharp. "We give him something to find. A false trail. Something that explains the inconsistencies without revealing the truth."
Arianne considered it. "A forged document. Something that suggests a noble's son fled to the camp under an assumed identity. If Edric believes he's found what he's looking for, he won't dig deeper."
Kael grinned. "I can make that happen."
They had one night to pull it off. If they failed, the king's wrath would be swift and merciless.
Arianne only hoped their deception would be enough to keep them safe.