Silent shock gripped us for a fleeting moment, the weight of Jean's revelation hanging in the air like an impending storm. The significance of this information settled upon us like a heavy cloak.
"Tonight," I said aloud as if it was reverberating in my mind. It was happening.
"We need to move," Darius's voice cut through the stillness, a command laced with urgency. "Gather what's necessary. We don't have time to waste."
His words spurred us into action, a synchronicity born of shared determination. In a flurry of movement, we dispersed, each seizing upon a variety of tasks. We didn't have much time to waste.
As we each darted around The Den, we grabbed only what was necessary. A few materials to use in an emergency such as Hollow Marbles and various powders. We had been blessed with the experience of taking Fritz Haand on not so long ago making it much easier to figure out our weaknesses in such encounters.
In the frenetic haste that enveloped The Den, a sense of urgency gripped us all. The impending night, pregnant with danger and possibilities, demanded swift action. I darted to the corner where I kept my Huntsman uniform, but before my fingers could touch the fabric, Fleur's voice cut through the commotion.
"Elias, disguises would be wiser," she asserted, her gaze locking onto mine. "Our usual black attire would scream suspicion amidst the crowds. We need to blend in."
That made sense. King may know of us coming but there might be other figures that we should be hiding our presence from.
Lucas approached, his quick strides betraying his urgency. "Savile Row Tailors supplies our uniforms. They could provide the necessary outfits if necessary," he suggested to Fleur.
She nodded decisively. "That sounds like a plan. Lucas, head to the tailors quickly. Pick out varied outfits for each of us. Savile Row should already have our measurements as well. I'll get Darius to pick up the bill later."
His departure was swift, leaving us to organize the rest of the unfolding chaos.
"Fleur," Darius's voice resonated with authority, "the layout of the markets. Enlighten us."
Her eyes glazed over momentarily, a depth of knowledge seeping into her words. "It's expansive," she began, her voice an echo of familiarity. Fleur, with a mastery borne of familiarity, outlined the labyrinthine layout of the expansive underground markets.
"We will also need an escape plan. After getting ahold of the pages, there are multiple exits that only a few people are aware of. Thankfully I have been aware of them for a long time. They should still be available." she emphasized, her knowledge of the markets extending beyond mere layout.
Her extensive knowledge intrigued me. Fleur's proficiency in navigating the markets suggested either a history entwined with its depths or a frequent visitor. Her hidden past or expertise? I couldn't discern.
As Fleur charted the hidden pathways, Lucas returned, three tailored outfits over his arms like a banner of fabric.
"For me," Lucas presented a distinguished blue three-piece suit with a brown jacket. "For Fleur," he revealed a sleek black suit adorned with a crimson jacket, an emblem of sophistication. Then, turning his attention to me, he offered a more inconspicuous ensemble—various browns woven into a relaxed outfit with a trench coat. It resonated with a familiarity that mirrored my past style.
Having a more unspectacular outfit to the others would aid in moving eyes away from me and onto them. It worked out perfectly.
Caius, perplexed by the absence of his own outfit, voiced his confusion. "Why not one for me?"
YOU ARE READING
The Time Keeper
FantasyElias Ashborn is a highly intelligent and studious young man who has always been a dedicated student, pouring all of his time and energy into his academics. However, his single-minded focus on his studies has left him with little experience of the w...
