Chapter 24: The Rebellion
Claudia spread a map of Katazonia across the table, “Alright you two, we need a plan. We can’t just run in this time.”
Cass nodded, “First, we need to figure out how bad the security is around the tower, then we can start planning.”
“How do we plan to figure that out?” Arctyle asked.
“If you asked for help, that might be easier.”
They all turned to see Macros walk into the room, still wearing PJ’s and holding a cup of coffee.
“We’ve got this.” Claudia responded curtly.
“He knows the most about the city though.” Cass said, giving Claudia a confused look.
Claudia obviously didn’t like being challenged on her decision and grabbed Cass’s hand, “A word please?”
Cass looked to Macros and Arctyle for help but they just shrugged as she was dragged off by her wife. While those two were talking, Arctyle turned to Macros and handed him a card.
“You said you knew about the guards around the tower?” It said.
Macros read it and nodded, “Yup, I’ve tried to break into that place more times than I care to remember and I know it like the back of my hand by now. I’ve actually got maps and the shift schedules for the guards.”
With that, he walked over to a barrel full of large rolls of paper and rummaged around in it before pulling out one of the rolls. He walked back to the table and spread out the map. In the center was the layout of the castle surrounded by hundreds of tiny dots in little clusters. On the side of the paper were 10 sets of times and their assigned guard faction.
“Beaumont does a good job at making sure his little tower is nearly impenetrable.” Macros gave Arctyle a mischievous look, “the key word is nearly.” he pointed at one of the clusters of dots, “The group of guards back here are usually much more relaxed compared to the other groups. Since they’re at the entrance facing the poor district, they don’t exactly expect anyone from there. That’s where we’ll make our entrance. There’s two plans of action here. Number one is that we’ll take out four of the guards going to take this group's place and then pretend to be said guards. Plan two is to just sneak in during the switch.
“It’s gonna be tight but if we play our cards right, we’ll be able to pull this off hopefully without any problems. Now all we need to do is convince my cous’ that I’m not gonna’ sabotage this or betray you guys.”
“Why doesn’t she trust you?” Arctyle asked.
Macros hesitated slightly before answering, “We… Had a disagreement when we were much younger. I lied to her about something and she hasn’t forgiven me yet. I just wish I’d told her the truth I guess, it would’ve made things a lot easier.”
Arctyle just nodded, looking back at the map. His wordless sign of understanding seeming to make Macros more relaxed. They both sat in silence after that, analyzing the map while they waited for the other two to come back.
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“Claudia, why are you being so rude to him?” Cass began, folding her arms with an annoyed look.
Claudia sighed and ran her hands through her hair, “It’s- I don’t know, it’s just… Complicated, I guess.”
“Well then uncomplicate it and help me understand why you’re so mean to your own family!” It was quite obvious this was something that was bugging her.
“Alright, alright.” Cass said, “I understand why you want to know.” she thought for a moment, “I guess it started back when I was in my early teens. Macros and I weren’t exactly close but I still know him fairly well. That was until he started getting into… Interesting groups. He got with a lot of really sketchy people. They even got into trouble with the law a couple of times. It worried me but never enough to get involved. That was until his ‘friends’ started coming to hang out over at his house. I used to spend a lot of time at his house since my parents were busy and needed me to stay somewhere.
“When his ‘friends’ started coming over, they brought their trouble with them. Nothing was too bad at first, just nabbing a couple things here and there. Then it started getting worse. They’d make huge messes around the house and I’d get in trouble for it, they started stealing more expensive things, all sorts of stuff. I tried telling Macros to cut them off and kick them out but he didn’t want to lose people he thought were cool. Eventually, I gave up on trying to help him and just convinced my parents to let me stay with someone else. Macros and I didn’t speak after that, but I never forgot how nervous I felt whenever I saw him. I guess the point I’m trying to make is that I don’t know if he’s changed yet and I don’t want something to happen to you guys.”
Cass looked shocked, “Oh my gosh…” she shook her head and gave Claudia a hug, “Claudia, I’m so sorry, I should’ve trusted you.”
Claudia returned the hug, “It’s alright, you had every right to be confused. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”
“Well,” Cass responded, breaking away from the hug to look at Claudia, “now that that’s settled, ready to go see how the boys are doing?”
“I think I could manage that.”
They walked back into the room where Macros was halfway done with constructing a perfect model of Beaumont’s tower. He was telling Arctyle everything he knew about the tower while reading some of the cards the small prince handed him. He then proceeded to move several small guards away from an entrance.
“Tonight, at exactly 8:00 P.M, a huge celebration is planned to take place. During that period of time, we can sneak into the tower, breaking the chain for good.” Macros concluded.
“And why would they be holding a celebration?” Claudia questioned.
Macros jumped at the sudden interruption before composing himself again, “Apparently, it’s a holiday of sorts. Not exactly sure what it is about but either way, it would be the best time to strike.”
“And are you absolutely sure that we can make it past the guards or any security systems that the tower may hold?”
Macros sighed, “Claudia, I know we have been distant but please trust me this once. I just want to put a stop to this.”
Claudia looked at Cass, who was staring at the map, before staring at him cynically, finally sighing as well, “Okay then, what do we need to pull this off?”
And with that, the wheels of destiny have been put into motion.