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Finishing up their lunch, the ladies made their way to the herbalist down the road. The village had a quaint charm: a small stream ran adjacent to the main road with little bridges crossing. Overgrown elm trees littered the area, casting a shadow over the sleepy town.

The herbalist was a quiet young woman with dark green hair and dark grey eyes.

She watched them move around her store. The shelves were lined with balms, tonics and dried plants, roots, and mushrooms. Lilith found the small purple tonic that healed her before: Gertwood. She grabbed a few vials and paid.

“Do you know where we would be able to find the famous Tilton herb?” Danai asked the green haired woman.

“It grows in a meadow behind here. However, its bloom is most potent in the spring.” The herbalist drew them a small map and then drew a rough sketch of a few more herbs that would be of interest. “Interesting that you came now. Most of the herbs are out of season.”

“Unfortunately, it was the only time we could get away from our master. We’re hoping to take a small sample and propagate the herb back at home.”

The herbalist grabbed a little paper pouch.

“If you are not in luck with your search, I have a sample here.” The ladies inspected the seeds and then thanked her.

They set off towards the meadow and searched for any hidden routes or paths leading into the village.

All they had to do now was wait, mingle with the locals, and paint the idea that they were harmless visitors.

The two days went fast. The room was cosier than the dorm, which caused the women to sleep in and laze about until the targets arrived.

Visitors were not uncommon to Tilton. Many people flocked during the spring for a local flower festival and to harvest the special herbs.

The fall festival was starting this week, so they expected a spike in tourists.

They made themselves scarce during the day, hovering on the outskirts of town.

They had identified the first target the night before.

He came in on a horse and stayed at a local's house.

Lilith was able to identify most locals, as they made introductions whilst eating at the inn or restaurant.

This local that housed the visitor did not stand out in any particular way.

He was not loud, nor did he discuss politics when they chatted in public.

But behind closed doors, they chatted all night long about the planned rebellion, and the shared hate they felt towards those that stood in the upper echelons of society.

Throughout the day, more new visitors made their way to the village.

There were stalls being set up for the fall festival.

Locals were busy preparing goods. Some people from nearby towns came with wagons full of items. Danai had learned of a large private party reserving the restaurant that evening.

“We may have to split up this evening. One of us has to remain at the inn in case the meeting is held at the private room; the other has to monitor the gathering at the restaurant,” Danai recommended.

“I will stay here. If I hear nothing, I will join you at the restaurant. If anything turns south, I’ll have our packs ready on our sheep. ”

Lilith nodded. They both put on their finest dresses to play the part of partaking in the festival.

Danai wore a dusty peach coloured dress with tight sleeves and a high neckline.

She looked regal with the matching scarf draped around her head.

Lilith put on her dark velvety green dress with long flowing sleeves and a wide neckline.

It made her feel like a divine creature of the forest. Her black hair was styled down her back with intricate braids.

Lilith casually made her way out towards the small restaurant across from the herbalist. She wandered around the festival stalls and acted like a cheerful visitor.

She allowed herself to be surrounded by a sea of faces, and without drawing attention to herself, slipped into the shadows.

The restaurant had a large outdoor space with tables and chairs organized under the cover of strings of lanterns.

So far she spotted a few men entering. They dressed for the occasion.

Many people were out in their finest for the festival.

However, these were lower ranked noblemen.

Their suits looked expensive and they wore arrogant expression on their faces.

She crept closer, immersing herself in the shadows, and found a small window.

With a quick incantation, their voices became clearer.

“Do we know when the others will arrive?” said one of the men.

“They will be coming shortly. Is everything ready?” replied another. Lilith risked taking a quick peek and spotted a tall man with brown hair. Lilith wondered if this could be Sir Prichard. He fit the description well.

“Thank goodness. I am tired of making small talk with these town folk. We need more civility,” a pompous sounding voice answered.

Another voice gave a fake sounding laugh. “Oh, Henvik how you jest. Everything is ready for the move. The help knows what to look out for and we paid them a handsome sum to keep the goods safe.”

Lilith became frustrated. This conversation was vague enough to put doubt in her mind. Maybe the meeting is at the inn? She waited for the other members to join.

Servers dispersed out flagons of ale, as more people drifted in. Lilith edged closer, still cast in darkness. She could smell the delicious food wafting through the air .

“Excellent, we are all here,” the tall man said to another visitor. Lilith peeked to get a look at everyone. She spotted the herbalist was in attendance.

“Shall we commence?” The tall man called everyone to attention.

“Thank you for making the journey here. We have confirmed that everything is ready. We shall make stops in Creekside and River Run. Those fanatics will make contact with us there.” Lilith noted that these were towns that ran south from Tilton towards the encampment.

They were trying to cut off supplies to the military front.

Who were the 'fanatics?' Lilith questioned.

The voice that spoke became muffled. Have they used some sort of magic to silence their conversation?

Lilith moved to another spot and after a frustratingly long time she heard the voices again.

“We should meet again in a fortnight.” Several people started talking.

Their speech was hard to understand. They dispersed and mingled.

Lilith spotted the tall brown haired man in the far corner speaking with two other men.

Where is Danai? Lilith thought. Clearly this was the meeting they were here for.

Danai should have been here. Lilith gave one more scan around the room making note of what the men looked like and any names that were spoken.

She backed away into the darkness. She should look for Danai.

Stepping into the shadows of the elm tree she turned and started for the inn.

A faint rustling sound came from behind her.

Large hands grabbed her and smothered her face with a dampened cloth.

Lilith struggled, but managed to electrify whoever was grabbing her.

She ran into the shadows, her vision blurring.

She heard a person cursing, followed by quick footsteps.

She made it to the edge of town before collapsing.

A different pair of large hands enclosed around her.