Inside the fortified city, tension filled the air as the guards scrambled to find the elusive spy who had once again managed to slip through their fingers after sabotaging the city's food storage.
"Find him!" The guards' voices echoed through the narrow alleyways of Tetherswest, followed by the clatter of armour and dozens of footsteps.
Their eyes frantically searched for the spy. Every corner, every shadow became a potential hiding place. After multiple failures to capture the damned rat, the guards become desperate as their lives are at stake.
"He's not here!" shouted one search party.
The shout was met by the other party, "Not here either!"
"Damn it!" cursed the leader of the search operation. "I'm so dead."
The spy leader, on the other hand, swiftly darted through the labyrinthine streets before melting into the bustling crowd. His heart was pounding with adrenaline.
He had managed to slip away once again, leaving the guards frustrated. He cast quick glances over his shoulder, scanning the faces of the guards searching for him.
Slowing his pace to match that of the crowd, the spy leader overheard snippets of conversations around him.
Citizens whispered in hushed tones about the ongoing pursuit, sharing speculations and rumours about the spy.
"Have you heard? Another sabotage on food storage has occurred," one citizen murmured.
The other citizen grumbled in response. "It's becoming more frequent lately. What the guards are doing? Would there be enough food for us to hold on? The enemy outside show no sign of giving up on the siege."
"The number of our troops is reducing too. A few days ago, the duke announced another round of conscription." informed the citizen.
"Would this time make any difference though? They still can't break the siege. Sooner or later, we'll run out of able bodies to fight the war." said another one with scepticism.
The spy's lips curled into a small smile, proud of the impact he had caused on the city.
All the shortages and accidents will gradually wear down the city's resilience, sowing seeds of discontent among both the defenders and the populace.
Originally, he was tasked by General Braun with the job of finding a way to open the city gate from within. But, his initial attempts had failed, causing a lot of his fellow operatives to get caught.
Since then, security has increased dramatically. He sees no way of slipping in without drawing the attention of the guards.
Now, with the guards on high alert, the spy leader knew he had to change his strategy. Instead of targeting the gate directly, he decided to slowly chip away at the city's ability to sustain itself during the siege.
This was the best he could do to so assist Blande in the war and possibly end it a bit faster.
....
Late at night, the spy leader skillfully scaled the walls of the Tetherswest mansion under the cover of darkness.
He believed now would be the best time to rescue his friend as the guards' minds were mostly likely preoccupied with his other attempt of sabotage.
It is safe to say that more and half of Tetherswest's manpower has been diverted elsewhere. His few days of observation on their forces allocation patterns suggested so.
Slipping through the shadows, the spy descended deeper into the hidden chambers beneath the mansion. He is fully aware of the location his fellow operatives were being held captive.
He moved silently through the maze-like hallways, avoiding the guards' prying eyes as they patrolled the area.
As he reached the chamber, his fellow operatives came into his sight. A sudden wave of horror washed over the spy leader as he laid his eyes on them.
His fellow operatives were tightly bound with thick iron chains. Their bodies bore the marks of torture accompanied by bruises that marred their skin. Exhaustion and anguish were visible on their face.
The spy leader paused, assessing the situation first before making any move. However, the sound of approaching footsteps foiled his plan. He quickly hid himself as the see three figures approaching his location.
"How is it that we have not captured the remaining spy yet?" Theodore's voice carried a hint of frustration.
The advisor hesitated before replying, "We have increased the manpower, Your Grace. But they are cunning and elusive."
"I am sick of hearing your excuses. You said the same thing over and over again but show no result. Should I consider putting you on the front line instead?" Theodore threatened.
The advisor's face paled but he manage to compose himself.
Sigh-
Theodore's voice grew grave as he continued, "And how much food do we have left? The siege has been relentless lately."
"Your Grace, our supplies are depleting faster than anticipated. We estimate that we have enough provisions to sustain the city for another month, perhaps less."
Theodore's brows furrowed in concern as he was told about the gravity of the food situation. "So, we have until the end of May, huh?"
The siege had been relentless lately and their depleting food supplies may threaten their ability to withstand the enemy's onslaught. Not to mention, the acts of sabotage only exacerbated their plight.
The spy's eyes shine as he eavesdropped the conversations. It seems like his trip here was not in vain. Now, he has an estimation of the amount of food left in the city. His mind was to ponder his next move, considering the best course of action to maximize the impact of their sabotage.
He continues to listen to the conversation between the duke and his advisor.
"Maybe we should seriously consider requesting help from King Ryntum." urged the advisor for the nth time. "There's no shame in asking for help."
Theodore sigh, "Maybe you're right. Let's wait until the end of this month first."
The advisor's smile faded, reflecting his growing concern. The duke's excessive pride could lead to the fall of this city. Inwardly, the advisor plan to secretly send a letter to the kingdom.
"Anyway, begin the interrogation now. I am certain they still possess valuable information," Theodore commanded.
For the next few hours, the spy leader watch his fellow operatives subjected to brutal torture. The chamber was filled with agonizing screams and cries.
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