Her Graceful War Song

Aurora was very angry at Cynthia's words, but she knew her own skills were indeed not as good as the others'. To argue would only make her look foolish. Since they didn't need her to keep watch, she could bear a little insult without complaint.

Travis and Bun had originally planned to take turns keeping watch between just the two of them. But Carissa thought everyone was tired, and with five people sharing watch duty, they could all rest a bit more.

Carissa was the first to stand guard. She sat by the door, leaning against the wall with whip in hand. The broken door could not be locked, so it was left slightly ajar. Outside, the night was pitch black and deathly silent.

Dust covered the floor of the old house, which had not been lived in for some time. Still, they were prepared for hardship, so even Violet didn't complain. She simply lay down on the floor and fell asleep.

Though tired, Carissa was not sleepy. Her mind was sharp, and she stayed very alert.

She knew Arthur was somewhere in Fawnrun City, but didn't know exactly where. She had to avoid meeting him at all costs. His fate should not be tied to the people of Starhaven.

Carissa understood well that Arthur's presence in Fawnrun City was part of a tangled web of court politics and plots. She had to ensure she didn't get involved. To do so would anger one side or the other and bring trouble to Starhaven.

She kept watch for an hour but didn't grow sleepy. So, she didn't wake Travis for his turn and instead stayed on guard herself. When she thought the time was up, she woke everyone up.

"Why didn't you wake us to keep watch?" Travis rubbed his eyes, only realizing she had been on watch the entire time when she said it was time to go. "You didn't sleep at all? How is that okay?"

"I wasn't tired. I was meditating earlier to clear my mind and relax, so now I feel wide awake and full of energy," Carissa said.

Aurora yawned and rolled her eyes, then muttered quietly to Barrett, "Always trying to be so strong, as if she's so great."

Her voice was soft and unclear, and even Barrett barely caught the words. So, she thought no one else heard her. But those who practiced martial arts could hear even the slightest sounds outside. There was no way Carissa missed her words.

Violet took a deep breath. After the mission was done, she would teach Aurora a lesson. If she didn't, she would be bringing shame on the entire Spencer family!

Carissa gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, then looked around at the others. "Let's talk about the plan. It will take about an hour to get to the supply depot from here. This is the time when the guards are most tired, so our chances of success are much better."

She lit a lamp and found a dusty patch on the floor. With her finger, she drew lines representing the four corners of the supply depot.

им

"Split into three teams of two, and I'll go alone. We'll enter from the southeast, northwest, northeast, and southwest corners. Both the east and west sides have piles of wood. You pour the oil on the wood and set it on fire, then retreat immediately sneak into the supply depot with two buckets of off. Once I set fire to the grain, I'll leave quickly too. After we're all out, meet back on the mountain. Don't linger in Fawnrun City, and don't wait for me."

"You're going alone? That's far too dangerous. We'll leave together," Violet protested, shaking her head.

"No need," Carissa replied calmly. "When the fire starts, most of the guards will rush to put it out. That's the best time for you to escape in the confusion. I'll slip inside then. Don't worry. I'll leave at once after setting the fire. They won't catch me."

Violet frowned. "So, we wait here in this old house for you?"

Running back up the mountain was too far. If anything went wrong, they would be too late to help.noveldrama

"No. Once the grain is burning, the whole town will be searched. We cannot stay here. Trust my plan." Carissa blew out the lamp, leaving only a few glowing sparks to light her determined eyes. "Believe me."

"It's too dangerous," Travis said after a moment. "I'll go into the supply depot. You all leave first."

"No. Your skills are not as good as mine," Carissa refused.

Aurora couldn't help but chuckle. "Sounds like you've got everything planned perfectly. But if that's the

only one

case wont you be the ne

getting the credit? After all, you'll be the one burning the supply depot. But are you really going alone? I wouldn't be surprised if some others show up to help once we're gone."

Carissa was not amused this time. "Fine, then. You can burn the supply depot and

earn merit."