The Decoder - Chapter 29

Avery

Avery sat on a fallen log at Yvyle Forest, gazing at the wooden fences that marked the borders between Rayard and Hathage. When was the last time he gazed at those fences? Three months ago? A half a year ago? He couldn’t recall. Now, he sat at the very same spot and stared at the fences. Memories of the past came rushing at him like the ocean wave. He often wondered what Lord Noel was doing now, wondered what he was planning, wondered if he ever searched for his long-lost younger brother, wondered if he regretted his actions that night eleven years ago. Anger brimmed to the surface and he clenched his jaw and fisted his fists. Soon, very soon.

The nature of this assignment required Avery’s supervision on preparations for ‘Operation Z’, ensuring adequate supplies, squad formation, ambush and defense strategy and emergency plans. They had built a base in Yvyle Forest, far from Hathage’s suspecting spies, though Avery wasn’t entirely convinced that this very spot in the southern part of the forest is sufficient to keep those spies away. “This operation needs to be a success. Hathage will soon be ours.” The High Commander had said, and Avery intended to see it through, intended to see his brother suffer. The High Commander’s words brought Avery back to their conversation before he’d departed for this assignment:

“Did you manage to uncover the contents of the message from Edith?” The High Commander asked, his expression was stern and unsmiling. Avery had been speechless for a moment as a stab of guilt lanced through his conscience. He had managed to reconcile his relationship with Edith, and she was unaware of this assignment the High Commander had issued. He could not afford to betray her trust.

“No. She has yet to decode the message.”

“Why is she taking so long?”

“I believe she’s trying to understand the codes from her father’s journal, as it is not the usual coding system we are accustomed to.”

The High Commander was silent for a moment as if contemplating his words.

“Her father is impressive, eh?” The High Commander smirked, and Avery felt a chill coursing his entire body.

“Did you mention her father’s journal?”

“Yes.” Avery said and this was not going to be good. He felt it in his bones and instantly regretted mentioning Sir Alcoft’s journal.

“Well, retrieve that journal as well.”

“Pardon?” Avery feigned innocence, though he understood the High Commander’s intentions very well.

“Retrieve that journal from her. With that intelligent brain of yours, I’m positive you will be able to do it.” The corner of the High Commander’s lips curved into a smile, a smile that sent shivers down Avery’s spine all over. His suspicions of the High Commander were increasing, and he couldn’t help but wonder what his motive behind all of these was. What is he hiding? He couldn’t put Edith in jeopardy. He wouldn’t. However, a part of him was aware if he did not accomplish this mission, his would lose his ‘promised’ position and lose his chance for revenge against his brother.

“I…” He hesitated, at war with himself.

“Are you saying you can’t do it?” The High Commander raised his voice, a hint of irritation laced in his tone.

“Yes, I can accomplish this task.”

“Good.”

“But, is there a need to look into her father’s journal?” Avery couldn’t help but ask. His suspicions were beginning to get the better of him.

“It is none of your concern, Avery. Just do as I ask. You’re excused.” The High Commander lowered his gaze to the documents on his huge desk, dismissing Avery’s presence in the office. Avery gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, the anger building within him was growing at an alarming rate. It will serve no good to further question the High Commander.

He pondered over Sir Alcoft’s journal. Edith had mentioned that the journal contained mostly on Sir Alcoft’s findings on nature. At the thought of Edith, he wondered what she was doing now. He hoped she was doing well and healthy. He missed her, missed her warmth, missed her chatter, her smiles. He had instructed Teo to continue keeping an eye and protect her while he was away and report to him if there were any unusual occurrences by way of mail. And there was her knowledge on this operation. He thought it would do her no harm knowing about this operation, but he’d rather keep her in the dark because he did not wish to taint her thoughts of war. The less she knew about their assignments, the better. Thoughts of Sera LeMay had often crossed his mind as well and had instructed Teo to watch out for her and her assistant, Nate.

“Avery.” The familiar gentle voice broke his reverie and he glanced up at the beautiful woman standing before him, dressed in her Militia uniform. Black breeches fitted her shapely thighs and a black double-breasted coat was buttoned up over a midnight-blue collared shirt, a big beige ribbon tied around the collar. A sling cast enveloped her left arm. Her golden hair was pulled into a tight ponytail, highlighting her heart-shaped face.

“Ira, what brings you here?” Avery asked.

“I saw you sitting here, alone. So, I thought of accompanying you.” Ira said and lowered herself onto the log next to him.

“Thank you. How are you coping?” Avery wasn’t sure why Ira had decided to participate in this assignment when she was recuperating from her broken arm. She wasn’t fit to travel far even. But Ira had been insistent and her father, the High Commander had finally given in. She had claimed that she wished to oversee the entire preparation for the operation as well.

“I’m doing good. In fact, it lightens my mood when I’m out and about instead of staying cooped up in the Militia.”

“You are recovering from your injury.” Avery said dryly.

“You haven’t been visiting me.” Ira said quietly. Suddenly, the surroundings of the forest seemed too quiet around them. Avery wasn’t sure what to say because it was true. He had not been visiting Ira because his attention was elsewhere, particularly on his childhood best friend.

“You fancy your childhood friend, Edith.” Ira said bluntly which caught Avery off guard.

“I don’t understand—"

“Don’t pretend, Avery. I know. I’m aware. I’m not blind you know.” Ira interjected before he could complete his sentence.

“I’m sorry…”

“You love her.” Ira said it with a straight expression, but Avery could hear in her voice, a hint of sadness. He understood and sympathise with her because he understood it very well when one’s feeling was not reciprocated. He didn’t bother denying it. Better to be honest than tell a lie. He did not wish to hurt Ira further.

“I love you, too, Ira. But not in that way. I love you the way I would toward a sibling.” Avery said, fixing his gaze at the wooden fences once more. A flutter of cold wind blew, dry leaves rolled on the ground, following the direction of the wind.

“Thank you for being honest with me.” Ira said softly and lowered her gaze to the ground. Avery glanced at her and felt a pang of guilt. Her shoulders were slumped, dejected. He reached out and pulled her into his arms, her head resting against his broad chest. He heard a sniffle, but all he could do was offer her comfort. It was beyond his ability to return her feelings when his heart already belonged to another a long time ago.

They sat in silence as Ira’s soft sobs filled the quiet surrounding for a length of time in the fading light before Avery spotted a glimpse of a shadow behind a tree not far to their right. He immediately released Ira and stood, not breaking his gaze from the tree.

“Avery?”

“Stay here. We got company.”

“What?” Ira stood and pulled out a white handkerchief from her coat pocket. She hurriedly dabbed at her swollen eyes.

“Please stay here.” Avery started towards the tree, keeping his footsteps light. He drew a dagger from the hidden crevices of his right boot as he neared the tree. The hooded figure suddenly slipped out of the tree and ran with all high might, away from Avery.

Avery was quick to jump into action and chased the hooded figure like a wolf would chase its prey. The hooded figure was no match for him in strength, and Avery lunged towards him, throwing himself onto the hooded figure. They landed on the heap of dried leaves with Avery atop him. They struggled for dominance for a moment before Avery rolled the hooded figure onto his back and pinned both of his wrist with his iron grip. Avery immediately recognised the figure as Mr. Roan, the man he’d plotted to save from the Hathagian refugees’ fate, the man Edith had been meeting at Eder Street.

“Roan.” Avery furrowed his brows.

Mr. Roan had stopped struggling beneath him and was now silently staring at him, as if studying every inch of his face.

“Young master Avery Sykes?” Mr. Roan whispered, unblinking.

Avery flinched at the mention of his full name, his true family name. Of course, Mr. Roan would recognise him. He was afterall his father’s right-hand man. Mr. Roan had been in charge of his education and upbringing as a royalty, as instructed by Avery’s father.

“So, you’re alive afterall. I have not been wrong.” Mr. Roan said.

“Do not mention that family name to me.” Avery said bitterly, grimacing.

“I don’t understand…” Mr. Roan’s expression twisted in confusion. Avery wasn’t surprised. Mr. Roan had not been present at the scene when his brother had accused him and gifted him with this hideous scar. Avery had no idea where Mr. Roan was at that time and it now occurred to him why Mr. Roan hadn’t been by his father’s side when he was stabbed in the chest. Avery recalled there wasn’t a single soul in his father’s office when his father was murdered.

“Where were you when my father was murdered?” Avery asked in a low voice as he remained atop of Mr. Roan, not releasing his grip.

“I was knocked in the head when I stepped out of your father’s office to brew tea. The next time I woke up, I was in the dungeons.” Mr. Roan frowned.

“What?” Avery puzzled. Whoever killed his father must have planned it for some time. He willed forth the memories of that night. From the time he discovered his father’s limp body to Noel marching into the room and accusing him of the murder.

“You’re a disgrace to the royal family! Get out of my sight this instant!”

Avery remembered being hauled out of the office by the guards and left to die in front of the palace’s wrought-iron gates, weak and bleeding heavily. Before he knew it, a dark void consumed his mind and the next time he regained consciousness was at the Alcroft’s house in Falborg Forest.

“Young master, you’re hurting my wrists. Could you let me go?” Mr. Roan’s voice broke his thoughts and Avery realised he had tightened his grip on Mr. Roan’s wrists, to the point of breaking his bones. Avery loosened his grip and rolled away from Mr. Roan. Avery’s breathing was labored and sweat lined his brows.

“Are you alright?” Mr. Roan asked as he sat up and rose to his feet.

“Do you remember who was in my father’s office before you left?” Avery asked, ignoring Mr. Roan’s question.

“I recalled High Commander Ekker was in the office.”

The High Commander? Avery took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves. He needed to think logically and definitely not in his hazy state of mind. He had his suspicions on the High Commander was quite a while now and the information he was receiving only strengthened his suspicions.

“Avery?” Ira’s voice broke the silence near them.

“I need to go.” Mr. Roan was startled and took a step back.

“What are you doing here in Yvyle Forest, Roan?” Avery quickly rose to his feet, towering over Mr. Roan by a few inches.

“I was just taking a walk.” Mr. Roan took another step back.

“I don’t believe you for a second, Roan. I can smell a lie when I spot one.” Avery advanced toward him and grabbed his wrist.

“And what are you doing here in the forest? Are you working for the High Commander now when you are Lord Sykes—"

“Silence!” Avery raised his voice, cutting Mr. Roan effectively.

“I told you not to bring up that family name. As of eleven years ago, I’m no longer of royalty. I’m who I’m today.” Avery said hoarsely, his throat suddenly felt dry.

“Whatever has happened to you, Avery?” Mr. Roan shook his head in disapproval. Of course, he wouldn’t know. He was thrown into the dungeons afterall. How did he escaped? Oh, how he has so many questions for the man before him.

Before Avery could answer, Ira stepped forward and placed a hand on his arm.

“Whoever are you?” She narrowed her eyes at Mr. Roan.

“You are coming with us, Mr. Roan.”

“No!” Mr. Roan tried to shake his wrist free from Avery’s grasp.

“Why would I release a spy who is spying for Hathage?” Avery laughed without mirth, his expression twisted into one of conceited anger and he could see the blood drained from Mr. Roan’s face.

He had saved Mr. Roan’s life from a certain fate, but he’d done it partly for Edith. And now, he would have his leisure time interrogating this man who was once his father’s righthand-man turned spy, no doubt for his brother, Noel. And who knows, if he was lucky, this man could provide some information on Sera LeMay and Nate Cashore as well.

Oh, this is going to get interesting.

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