The operatives were lying down at a respectful distance away from the barracks.

Even though ‘Bird’ was there for almost an hour, there was nothing incoming.

“Incoming!” Until the bored operatives were warned by Rapier 1.

30-40 seconds later they started hearing a whistle. They had just enough time to lie even deeper than they were, and cover their ears.

‘FWOOSH’

If someone was observing the barracks, they would say that something dived into the roof of the building, and a moment later, the ground shook.

KABOOM KABOOM

KABOOM

KABOOM

Screams of terror filled the surroundings. The civilians and the soldiers were horrified by the sudden explosions, here, in the middle of the capital, behind several layers of walls and an army.

What was once the stone building with an underground floor was reduced to four craters filled with shattered stone and rubble.

“S*, that’s some loud bangs.” (R3)

“Let’s get the hell away from here…” In the middle of the chaos, the two operatives fled unnoticed.

Meanwhile, in the Safehouse C.

‘BOOM’

‘The hell was that…?’ (R8)

‘Arta.’ [Short for Artillery] (R7)

‘H*yaryat po polnoy…’ [They f* them up mercilessly...] (R8)

‘Ti nashego h*yar’.’ [You better f* up our guy.] (R7)

If one was to draw a line of the bullet trail, it would cross the central square, and head all the way to a balcony of the palace, ending up at the center of mass of a fat official.

Not long ago they received the final information from Beril-Main, including the information she obtained on the photographed officials and guests.

This one was just a minor military officer, a small fry for the sniper. The big game is yet to arrive.

Since 5:00 they were lying here motionless, all for the sake of one-shot-and-run.

‘Attention, I have a movement.’ (R7)

A male passed by a window not far away from the targeted point. Soon the chief military official of this city, the supposed occupation administration governor, showed up at the balcony.

The finger moved to the trigger.

“Team C, orders changed. Observe but take no further action.” Rapier 8’s teeth were clenched so hard, that he’d bite a pencil in two.

‘Codename ‘Koch’ is in sight. Clear shot.’ (R7)

“Stand down.” (R1)

‘Are you f* insane?!’ (R8)

“Orders are orders. Team C, take out the VSSs, tonight you are to establish an observation post near the entrance to the central keep. And yes, you’ll have to carry that thing around too.” (R1)

‘F*…’ Orders are orders. The AM rifle was packed, so was the entire safehouse.

A. Belov’s POV

It was already evening when I was called to Valencio for some important reason. It was so urgent, that I was even driven there on a horseback.

When I entered the commander’s tent, the entire military council was already there.

“Sir Belov, stand there, please.” Valencio showed me to an empty spot by a table.

On the table were figures representing the forces, and the map of the capital and its fortifications. The planning of the siege was still not finished.

Valencio and his officers continued planning the siege for a while, and after they were done, the duke looked at me.

“Can we expect those powerful weapons you yield to help us with taking down the defenses?” (V)

“But of course. Though I think we better to wait and strike hard right before the assault.”

“Do your magic then. All we would need is to know when you want to start the assault, if you are done with your preparations. For us, it matters little if you annihilate everything inside. We are in no hurry.” (V)

“Got it. Was that all you called me for?”

“Khm. The meeting is over. Count Bottford, count Maldreft, and baron Hendichson, captain Belov, please, stay for a moment.” None of the familiar faces stayed behind, except for the duke.

The five of us silently looked at each other, until Valencio spoke.

“That coward surrendered the city within the first day of the siege. He surrendered half of the country, and let the king of Gulon roam safely. Now, it is the time for judgement.” Valencio knocked the table, making all of the figures fall.

“That pitiful excuse of a human is still alive and well, while we ate grass and dirt on the frontline. Captain, let me be the most honest. It is the coup d’etat. If you do not wish to participate, then let us all forget about this meeting. However, should you agree to help us, we will be forever indebted to you…” Valencio walked around the table, and stretched out his hand to me.

The man’s face was dead serious, but his eyes were showing anticipation, hope, and concern.

“We are going to kill the king.”