Preparations for Liquidation
The midday sun shone somewhat brightly in Divinity’s Reach, but Aleyanna didn’t really have the time to appreciate the weather. Instead, she was at her manor in the Salma District, overseeing something somewhat unusual. But given the state of Kryta and how one little spark could set the whole powderkeg that was the kingdom ablaze, she was not taking any chances. Thus, she was working with a couple of Order of Whispers demolition teams to get her house and bakery ready to be liquidated in the event things went south. Of course, to not attract suspicion, they were going in under the guise of doing repairs or renovations.
Aleyanna looked to the norn who was busy getting the master trip switch set up at the workshop in the manor. She smiled and asked, “So, what compound is going into the explosives?”
“It’s a peculiar mix, ma’am. Can’t divulge it, but it’ll take down the house and any fool unfortunate enough to be inside it when the blast goes off.”
“And is it going to minimize collateral damage? There’s plenty of houses nearby, and I don’t want my neighbors to be too terribly affected if they have to shelter in place.”
“Not to worry, ma’am. Part of the team here is reinforcing the walls to lessen the chance of errant debris flying every which way.”
“Good. I’m sending the last bit of gear from here that can be carried out west to the war room at Olivia’s Refuge. It will definitely be secure there, thanks not only to its relative remoteness, but to the security work of Agent Flixxa.”
“Good to hear. And I assume you’ll also be getting what can be taken from the shop out west as well?”
“Correct. That does remind me, before you finish your work here, the security system here should be dismantled, and have one of the Creators come by to see if they can’t install it at my new house there.”
“Will do. It seems like you’re definitely expecting not to return home for the forseeable future, Lightbringer,” the norn remarked as he double checked to make sure the trap was ready to go.
“I’m simply erring on the side of caution is all. Besides, hypothetically, if the White Mantle had attacked now before I did all this work, there stood a chance of a few of our own being compromised or worse. Even with the security in place, someone would have gotten lucky eventually. By doing this, we’re removing any risk, you know.”
“Good. And when you and your team are done, feel free to stop by the bakery and have some free food. You all more than deserve that.”
“Thank you, ma’am. The master trap should be up shortly. We’ll just have to get the bombs placed appropriately. Any concerns we should know about?”
“Just that my sister resides here, and mainly uses the dining room, kitchen, and main parlor in addition to the secondary bedroom. I can send word for her to stay at the Priory for now if you want.”
“That won’t be necessary. Unless she fiddles around with the bombs or steps into the workshop here, she won’t set anything off.”
“Glad to hear that. I’m still going to send word to my sister so she knows what’s going on.”
“Good idea. I’d hate to see this good work be set off prematurely on someone who didn’t deserve it.”
“Agreed. I’m going to check on the bakery team and get what I can from there.”
“Take care, Lightbringer.”
Aleyanna nodded and grabbed her satchel before starting the journey over to the Rurikton square. Deep down, she was hoping she didn’t have to bear witness to her home and her shop going down in flames. But she knew that with those places being Order safehouses, no chances could be taken. And if the Mantle by chance got in, then a rude awakening would befall them.
