Chapter Twenty: Gathering Shadows
Edward dismounted his horse, and Tula took the reins to lead the animals to the stable, while Edward and Lillian walked inside. Edward turned to her and said in a calm tone, "Lillian, prepare some simple food for us... Tula and I will be going out shortly to attend to some important matters, and we will return late."
Edward left her and went up to his room to change. Tula had prepared a luxurious formal suit and a black mask that covered his features completely, hiding his identity from prying eyes. Once finished, he went down to find Tula waiting for him in front of the mansion beside the carriage.
The carriage was not empty; Silas himself was driving it, having come to take them to the auction. As soon as Edward got in, he asked in a sharp tone, "How are things going, Silas?" Silas replied respectfully, "Everything is moving as you ordered, Master. All arrangements for the auction are ready."
Edward looked out the window and said with a firmness Silas had never heard before, "How many men under your command are capable of fighting? And how many can be present and move right now, immediately?" Silas replied, surprised by the gravity of the question, "We have a hundred fighting men, Master. All of them are trained and ready to die at your signal."
Edward said forcefully, "Then summon them immediately! And let us stop at the tavern first; I want us to discuss tonight's plan together. This auction will not just be a purchase; it will be the beginning of the fall of the great heads." Silas felt a shiver run down his spine, realizing that the young heir was no longer that broken boy, but a leader planning a real war. The carriage sped through the London fog toward the tavern, while Tula watched his master from behind his mask with a proud, demonic smile