The squad and the chief gathered around a map made on the soil. The chief began to explain their current situation.

  “We have a tunnel taking us directly to the city. But our last attack failed. Although they haven’t found it out, it is risky to attack together. They have defenders on the walls as well…”

  Felmer looked at the soil map. He understood it slightly.

  “Do they have these rifles?” Felmer asked the chief, pointing at the rifles.

  “Not that we have seen…”

  Felmer again began to think of a strategy.

  “The wall is ruined, so you can enter easily, right?”

  “Yes…” The chief nodded.

  After some thought, Felmer got a plan. “The seven of us will infiltrate from the tunnel. We have rifles and speed, so we can act quietly. We will clear the tower and wall defences. And on our signal, your men will attack. I will go inside the castle and confront the queen.”

  All of them thought about the plan. It was a solid, fast-paced plan. The chief, after thinking for a while, agreed on the plan. The squad wanted to object to the solo confrontation of Felmer, but the last battle kept them quiet.

  “Fine…We will go by your plan. One of my men will take you to the tunnel.”

  The chief signalled his men to prepare for the attack. Then he called a man.

  “He will take you to the tunnel…”

  The squad checked their ammunition and swords. Elna and Lelis took more arrows from the locals, and after some time, they were ready for the infiltration.

  The man led them to the tunnel and removed the bamboo cover from it.

  “Rifles loaded?” Felmer asked.

  “Yes…” The squad asked in unison.

  “Benny, you will stay close to Lelis. Sister Elna, you and Lelis will clear the towers and engage in long-range battles. The remaining three men will handle the ground forces. The queen is mine…” Felmer ordered.

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  “1…2…3…” Felmer counted aloud. “GO!”

  The squad acted on the signal and began to run towards the other side of the tunnel. They ran, rifles pointing ahead.

  After some time, they arrived at the other end. There was a small door. Felmer opened, and Melfer bashed inside.

  “Clear!” He confirmed.

  The squad followed him inside. There was another door in front of them. Another to their right led inside the castle.

  “Good luck…” Felmer opened the door and went towards the castle.

  The remaining six opened the door and went outside. They were inside enemy territory. The chief was right about the queen’s army not finding the tunnel.

  Melfer peeked from a small gap in a wall. On his signal, Lelis, Benny, and Elna rushed towards the walls and towers.

  Melfer, Flexin, and Irnik advanced deep into the territory. They spotted two guards on watch. Melfer charged his sword with magic and created a golden rope. When they drew near, he threw the rope, pulled the guards towards them, and threw them close to Irnik and Flexin. Irnik broke the neck of one, and Flexin stabbed the other in the heart.

  They moved deep inside. Avoiding the eyes of the tower guards, they arrived at a busy area. It seemed like a military garrison. They moved inside a ruined house and hid.

  “We wait for the signal of the ladies…” Melfer said.

  On the other side, Lelis, Elna, and Benny headed towards the towers. Lelis surrounded the rifle’s nozzle with a warm, thick piece of cloth.

  “Why that?” Elna asked.

  “Reduces the sound…” Lelis replied.

  Lelis looked around and looked at where the guards faced. She understood who was easy to hit and who was not.

  Lelis aimed and fired. The bullet rushed through the air and pierced the head of the guard. Smoke rose from the barrel. The sound was low enough to hide them. She immediately loaded the next bullet and killed the one near them.

  “Get on the towers…We will give the signal.” Lelis said. “Benny, stay with me…You will defend me from anyone trying to get on the tower.”

  “I know how to use a bow…” Benny replied.

  “Then use it well…”

  They got up the tower, and Elna climbed the other one. Elna aimed her rifle at the sky and fired. The signal had been given.

  The local archers hiding in the bushes attacked the tower guards. Melfer, Flexin, and Irnik rushed at the soldiers in the garrison. The war had begun.

  In the castle, Felmer stood in front of the door that led to the throne hall. He had killed the guards guarding it. He heard the gunshot and the fight breaking out.

  He took a deep breath and opened the door. His rifle was on his back, and the sword in his right hand.

  It was dark inside. On the throne sat the Twilight Queen. A beautiful queen wearing a long white frock and a red robe over it. She was eating grapes. Her crimson eyes shone brightly in the dark.

  She stopped and stared at Felmer, smiling. It was the first time someone had infiltrated here.

  “Who are you?”

  Felmer exhaled.

  “A pesky little human…” Felmer’s right hand on his chest, left arm extended leftwards, upper body bent forward, eyes fixed on the queen. “…Who has come to pay his homage to her highness.”