To Defend A Bride (Entangled with the Enduar #3)

Chapter 34

Chapter 34

RA’SA

T he smell of ice and pine blankets the air as I walk through the dense underbrush with my boots sinking into the snow. The derelict cabin, a sanctuary for the rebellion’s clandestine nighttime gatherings, comes into view. I grasp the leather straps of the heavy sack slung over my shoulder and quicken my pace.

A soft glow breaks free from beneath the door as I approach, signaling the presence of the rebels already assembled within. With a cautious hand, I rap on the weathered wood in the coded rhythm we've all committed to memory. Three short taps, a pause, then two longer, heavier knocks. The door creaked open, revealing Rodrigo’s stern features, softened momentarily by relief upon recognizing me.

"Ra'Sa, good," he murmurs, ushering me inside. "We were about to begin."

The cabin's single room was cloaked in shadows, save for the flickering dance of candlelight across the faces of the gathered. Some men perch on makeshift stools; others stand, their expressions etched with determination. I nod to each person before setting down the sack with a muted thud.

Rodrigo has his dirty fabric map spread across the floor. He reviews the plan we had begun to form the last time we met. I know it all by heart—had thought about it while chopping and working. Burn, liberate, escape.

It sounds so simple.

I’d fought before and studied the art of war, but my confidence wanes as I consider the task before us. My king had sent me here for this exact purpose—Melisa had gotten information from Eneko. She’d met with a king. I’d learned all that I could while living and working with the slaves. I’d found and joined the rebellion, and now, there was a real possibility for thousands of slaves to be freed.

If I think about it all too much, pressure sits heavy on my chest.

A lull in the conversation has me swallowing hard. I look up, catching Tomás’ face. I recognize him from the last meeting.

“The poisonings have been working, yes?”

Tomás nods. “They write it off as seasonal sickness. They have no idea.” Then he pulls out a small note. “I have some good news. It seems Eneko has already departed and will be arriving tomorrow. He brings important papers for King Rholker.”

My heart swells. Papers.

Not just his memories. Papers could be stolen.

“Are you sure?” I ask, trying not to betray just how hopeful I am.

He nods. “My contact confirmed it.”

I feel like I could fly away from here. If we just need to steal that information, then I’ve finally figured out how to spare Melisa from joining him in his room.

"Well then, our time here draws short. What else do you need from me?" I say, skin still buzzing with excitement.

El Lobo, who has been silent to this point, shifts. “Let’s see what you’ve brought.”

With deliberate movements, I unpack loaves of bread, bundles of dried meats, and containers of fresh water. We’d decided to send the women, children and elderly to this meeting house, and these provisions will help sustain those not fighting.

“Well done,” Rodrigo says. “Where did you steal this from?”

I cast him a wary look. He doesn’t need to know that I was rifling through Eneko’s house when Hibsej stepped out. They also don’t need to know that I was looking for any information Eneko could’ve left behind.

Everything was empty, but I saw the room where he slept. Ever since then, that visual has weighed upon my heart. Melisa was ready to go to him.

I can’t wait to tell her she doesn’t have to.

“I am good at finding things,” I murmur.

El Lobo laughs, and the cabin grows still, save for the rustle of fabric.

“Every day, I am more grateful that you are on our side.”

I smirk and finish removing the last supplies.

“Tomorrow,” I finally say, my voice firm. The word hangs between us like a sacred vow. "We begin our escape."

Heads lift, and eyes that held sparks of their own meet mine. We risk discovery. We’ve used our precious time debating strategies and anticipating obstacles. It’s time our meticulous schemes now be put to the test.

“Tomorrow, we will reclaim what has been taken from us," I continue. "Our freedom and our dignity."

A murmur of agreement ripples through the group.

“Do your part, my friend,” El Lobo says. “Call on me when it is time.”

I nod, but the pressure in my chest intensifies. I can only think of one thing: Melisa.

The need to see and touch her prickles along my skin. I need to kiss her, to ask her something important.