The Decoder - Chapter 37

Avery

It had been two days since the incident and Edith had yet to regain consciousness. The physician had treated her injuries and informed Avery that she needed ample rest. He had expected her to regain her consciousness the next morning after the incident with Captain Lynch, but her eyes did not flutter one bit, and he was beginning to worry. He was certain this was not normal.

“Why isn’t she waking up?” Avery asked as he sat on the bedside and held Edith’s limp hand in his, gently stroking her knuckles with the pad of his thumb. Her hand felt cold to the touch and his worry was escalating. The bandage had been changed and he absently wondered when the injuries at her palms would recover.

“Is there a possibility that Captain Lynch…drugged her?” Lucien said from his position at an armchair not far from the bed. They were at Avery’s private apartment in Bren Street. A spacious apartment with two bedchambers, a spacious lounge, a kitchen and a bathroom. Avery rarely used his private apartment as his work required him to stay at the Militia most of the time, and he had acquired the apartment three years ago, when he felt the need to have some privacy from the Militia.

“Drugged her?” Avery felt his blood boiling. Lately, it was rather difficult for him to keep his anger and temper in check, especially where Edith was concerned.

“It’s just a possibility. We do not know what precisely he did to her…”

“The mention of that imbecile is getting on my nerves. Where is he now?”

“At the Militia’s dungeon. I bribed the guards there to not say a word about his presence there.” Lucien said.

“As expected of you, Lucien. Is there a way to retrieve an antidote from him if the possibility of her drugged is true?” Avery asked, he averted his gaze from Edith to Lucien.

“Yes. Leave it to me.” Lucien smirked and rose to his feet to his full height. He and Avery were of the same height and they were considered the tallest among the soldiers in their regiment.

“We will need to resort to plan B.” Lucien continued and flexed his hands.

“Yes. Tonight.” Avery said. Since plan A, which was to convince Ira to talk to her father to abort the whole of Operation Z, did not end in success, they would need to resort to plan B. Avery couldn’t afford to delay any further, especially when the operation was to commence on the day after tomorrow.

“I will meet you at the main entrance tonight.” Lucien said and moved to the door.

“Thank you, Lucien. I really appreciate your help.” Avery said, his mouth curved into a small smile. Really, if Lucien hadn’t been there, Avery could picture him lost in the darkness.

“Thank me once all of this is over.” Lucien gave his rakish smile before exiting the room, closing the door softly behind him.

Avery returned his attention to the unconscious Edith, lying still on his bed as if the world around her had stopped.

“Edie…Please wake up soon.” Avery murmured and raised her hand to his lips to place a gentle kiss on it. If she did not wake up by tomorrow morning…

Suddenly, there was a knock on the main door, breaking him from his thoughts, and Avery wondered if Lucien had come back to retrieve something he left behind. He let go of Edith’s hand, stood and strode out of the bedchamber, to the main door.

“Did you forget something—"

Avery stopped mid-sentence when he came face to face with Edith’s childhood friend, Sera. She had visited the day before yesterday and Avery, although reluctant, had allowed her to see Edith. He decided though they hadn’t gotten off on a good start, at least he could sense that Sera did not mean to inflict serious harm to Edith. She was not a threat, just like how Edith had mentioned to him.

He had recalled on the night of her visit, her tale and friendship with Edith. Avery had found it odd that Edith did not mention about Sera during their childhood days, and he guessed that she probably did not wish to bring the past up. Just like him, she had secrets.

What he found even more odd was the sudden acquaintance he shared between him and Sera, his enemy at the beginning, someone whom he viewed as a threat to Edith and the kingdom. And, they were now sharing confidences. How odd.

Until she had brought up about his elder brother.

“You’re Lord Avery, the second prince of Hathage.” Sera had said.

“Yes, I am.” There was no point in hiding his identity when she had known from the start. She was afterall his brother’s spy, according to Edith.

“Your brother, His Majesty wishes to see you.”

“Don’t jest. He hates me. To him, I’m our father’s murderer.” Avery had retorted.

“That’s not true, at least not anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Avery had stood from his seat at that time, eyes wide and he felt hope simmered deep within him.

“You will find out soon.” Sera had smiled and left him alone with Edith.

And, now she had returned, a bright smile plastered on her pretty features.

“How are you and Edith holding up?” Sera asked as Avery stepped aside to allow her into the lounge.

“Not very good. Edith is still unconscious.” Avery made to close the door, but was stopped by Sera’s assistant, Nate. The big hulking of a man was a head taller than Avery and he momentarily wondered how Sera and Nate had met. Nate side-stepped a little, as if making way for someone, but Avery did not see anyone.

When he was about to speak, a familiar figure stepped into his line of vision. Shocked, he stared at the figure of his elder brother gazing at him, their emerald eyes locked onto one another. Avery could not believe his eyes and he had to blink several times to ascertain what he was seeing was real. No matter how many times he blinked, Noel stood at the doorway, a small smile forming on his lips.

“Hello, brother.” Noel said. He was dressed in full black with a dark grey cloak around him, the hood lowered, revealing the face he recognised very well, albeit Noel had matured into a full-grown adult, his face held the same attractive features as Avery, a strong jaw, high cheekbones and aquiline nose. His hair was longer than Avery’s, almost touching the shoulders.

“Noel.” Avery muttered in disbelief, still couldn’t quite bring himself to accept that his brother was here in Rayard, to see him. Speaking of which, how did he enter Rayard? How did he step past the guards at the border?

Noel stepped into the threshold of his apartment and Nate closed the door, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention.

“How have you been doing?” Noel asked, his gaze never leaving Avery’s.

“How…?” Avery asked as he took several steps back. Before, his hatred had fueled his desire for revenge toward his brother, but now, upon looking at the very man himself, the desire for revenge was gone like a puff of smoke. Part of it had to do for his new anger towards the High Commander as well.

“Miss Sera there told me of your location. She convinced me that you are still alive and well, so I had to see with my own eyes. As in how I crossed the borders unnoticed, well, you’d like to reexamine the flaws.” Noel said nonchalantly as he took a step forward.

“The credit should go to your childhood best friend, Edith. She wanted me to pass on the message of your well-being to His Majesty and reconcile the relationship.” Sera said and leaned against the wood paneling of the wall, crossing her arms at her chest and looking relaxed.

“Edith told you to do that?” Avery paled, his deep voice barely a whisper. He couldn’t believe it. Though part of him understood her good nature and did not meant any harm or malice, the other part of him was enraged for involving herself in his family business. And, all behind his back. He gritted his teeth and fisted his fist so hard the knuckles turned white.

“Don’t be mad at her…She only wants to help.” Sera said. Avery took several deep breaths. Losing his temper now would not do any good.

“I can see you’re not happy to see me, Avery. But I wanted to see you nevertheless…I…want to apologise for my rash actions eleven years ago…” Noel said and took a step toward Avery.

Avery looked at his brother then, eyes wide as saucers. He had never expected this, never in his lifetime he would listen to his brother’s apology.

“I know what I did was wrong, and I regret it ever since. I know it will take a long time for you to forgive me. But right now, I wish to amend my mistakes. Miss Sera has told me the details about High Commander Ekker and Operation Z.” Noel continued, his expression was one filled with guilt and Avery felt a throb in his chest. How much has Sera told Noel? He guessed everything that Edith told Sera. Damn

He felt a slight pang of disappointment towards Edith for not sharing her plans with him. Weren’t they in this together now? Why exclude him?

“What are your plans, Noel?” Avery asked after several moments of silence. Tension was growing in the room and he felt uncomfortable. His brother had apologised, and a big part of the burden he carried was gone just like that. He guessed in the end, he never did have the heart to kill his brother here and now. He took a long moment to look at his brother, actually look at him. Noel looked haggard and disheveled. Dark circles were visible under his eyes and he wondered how much his brother had to endured from the High Commander.

“Stop Ekker before this dratted operation takes place. What are your plans?” Noel clenched his fists.

Avery paused for a few moments, contemplating if he should reveal his plans to his brother. Now that Noel was here, it doesn’t hurt to enlist his help. He knew the debacle with the High Commander will not be as simple as it is. He even foresaw some fisty-cuffs.

“I’m sincere, Avery. I wish to help.” Noel emphasised when Avery had gone silent for too long, his expression determined, never breaking his gaze.

“I will confront the High Commander tonight with a close friend of mine.” Avery said and dropped onto the armchair placed at the centre of the lounge.

“That’s dangerous. We never know what the High Commander will do.” Noel said, taking a step forward.

“That’s the only plan I have. I will even kill him if need be. He murdered father afterall.”

“Then I’m coming with you.” Noel said.

“Are you sure?”

“I’m determined. As you said, he killed our father and I wish to avenge our father’s death.”

Avery looked away and focused his gaze on the door that led to his bedchamber where Edith laid.

“It’s set, then.” Sera said and uncrossed her arms. She moved to the bedchamber, intending to see Edith and Avery allowed it. Wordlessly, Noel chose at that moment to settle himself down on the couch opposite of Avery and rubbed at his right eye. It was then, Avery noticed that his brother’s eyes were red-rimmed and tired.

“I will brew some tea for you.” Avery stood and crossed to the kitchen. That was the least he could for his brother at the moment. The desire for revenge towards his brother no longer apparent, and if he were truthful to himself, part of him wanted to reconcile with his brother as well.

“Thank you, brother.” Noel called out.

* * * * *

That night, Avery stood at the entrance of his apartment, pacing the street and pulling on his leather gloves and straightening the lapels of his overcoat. He donned his Elite uniform, so that the guards at the entrance would let him past without any suspicions. He had tasked Sera with looking after Edith while he was away. He couldn’t leave Edith alone, not when she was vulnerable. He needed her to wake soon, to feel her in his arms again, and to see her smile again.

“Are you sure about this?” Noel asked at his side.

“Yes. Let’s go.”

The two brothers climbed the hill to the Militia, feeling the cold wind against their cheeks. The streets were empty and quiet as it was midnight and the citizens have long gone to bed. The New Year celebrations atmosphere still lingered in the air, as if uncaring a war was about to break out soon if Avery and Noel did not put a stop to this operation.

But Avery had a long chat with his brother earlier in the day. His brother had confessed that he does not wish to start a war, though he was preparing an army should an invasion from Rayard happen. Avery instantly felt guilt pooling deep within him. Had Edith not revealed Sir Alcoft’s coded message and the High Commander’s intentions, he would have led Operation Z against his brother. Noel had even sent his best spies, Sera and Nate to survey the situation in Rayard. Avery had never once doubted Sera and Nate’s capabilities and he understood why Noel had trusted them with the task.

What surprised Avery even more was Noel’s search for him the night after the incident. Noel had admitted that he acted out of emotion and without a thought, but he soon realised his actions were rash and had caused dire consequences. When he couldn’t find Avery anywhere in the palace and the city, he was led to believe that Avery had died. Ever since then, Noel had lived in guilt, though the person himself did not admit it, Avery could see it in his eyes.

“Imagine my bewilderment when Sera said you’re alive. I had to see you immediately.” Noel had said. Avery had looked away, feeling ashamed that he’d once wanted to exact his revenge on his brother.

They arrived at the Militia’s entrance and upon seeing Avery, the guards allowed them past after stopping Noel for a brief second to record his visit in a logbook. Avery had created a lie to convince the guards as the Militia does not take to visitors easily.

“This man here committed a crime in the streets tonight. He was accosting a woman. I brought him here to be kept in the dungeons to repent for his crime.” Avery said while gripping Noel’s hands in a death grip.

The guards had allowed their entry and Avery felt triumph, another benefit of being an Elite.

“That was easy.” Noel whispered once they were out of earshot from the guards.

“One of the perks of being a Captain.” Avery smirked as he led them to the Administration Building where the High Commander’s office was located, heading to the right from the main compound. Deep down, he should take up his brother’s advice in reevaluating the security measures in the Militia and the whole of Rayard because he himself admitted it was too easy. At the entrance of the Administration Building, Avery spotted Lucien sitting on the low wall sill, his head bent in deep thought. Avery prayed he managed to obtain the antidote from Captain Lynch.

“Lucien.” Avery said as he approached his close friend. His head snapped up at the sound of his approach.

“Good to see you again, Avery. And, who is this?” Lucien eyed Noel who stood behind Avery.

“This is my brother, Noel. Noel, this is my close friend, Lucien.” Avery said.

“Nice to meet you.” Noel gave a small smile as he stepped forward and extended his gloved hand. Lucien’s ice-blue eyes widened with surprise at the introduction. He gaped for a few seconds longer before closing his mouth and taking Noel’s hand and shook it though Avery could see Lucien was tempted to bow before the king of Hathage. The Crown Prince of Avreles Empire bowing before the King of Hathage.

“My name is Lucien. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.”

“Did you manage to obtain the antidote?” Avery asked once they were done with the pleasantries.

“Yes. Took me several tries. That bastard of a man is resilient. He denied having drug Edith, but eventually admitted that he did drug her.” Lucien clicked his tongue and held out a small vial in his hand.

“Excellent. Could you return to my apartment and give the antidote to Sera to administer it to Edie?” Avery said, his expression twisted into one of relief. Edith will be able to gain consciousness in time. Avery would very much love to give Captain Lynch a good beating of his own after he was done with the High Commander.

“Sera?” Lucien asked, dumbfounded.

“It’s a long story. I will head to the High Commander’s office with my brother now.”

Lucien’s gaze darted from Avery to Noel and back to Avery.

“I will be fine.” Avery assured and patted Lucien’s shoulder.

“I will protect him.” Noel said with determination. Avery felt warmth at his brother’s words.

“Thank you.” Lucien said finally and strode to the main entrance of the Militia.

The two brothers did not delay any longer and made their way to the High Commander’s office on the third floor of the building. The hallway was spacious, the floorboards were covered with red patterned carpet and the dark blue wallpapers were decorated with framed pictures of painted sceneries.

As Avery neared the double-doors of the High Commander’s office, he felt a sense of dread and anxiety. He never had a good feeling walking this hallway and now as he walked along the carpeted floor, anger burned in him with every step he took. He could hear his brother’s muffled footsteps behind him. They neared and stood before the dreaded doors.

“I wish to see the High Commander.” Avery told one of the guards at the door who stood as stiff as a tree log. The guard nodded, opened the door an inch and slipped through. He could hear the guard announcing his presence to the High Commander and the muffled “see him in.”

Avery glanced at his brother who stood to his left, his jaw clenched and his hand fisted. Noel gave him a brief nod of assurance that said, “we can do this together.” Avery smiled briefly and nodded in return before the guard pulled the door inwards, allowing Avery and Noel entrance into the spacious office. The sconces on the wall were lit, casting the room in a bright glow and the curtains behind the High Commander were pulled close. The man himself was seated behind his huge mahogany table, which were filled with documents, books and his rapier, neatly arranged.

“What brings you here at this late hour?” the High Commander Ekker asked, never lifting his head from the document he was perusing.

Avery and Noel stopped at the centre of the office and Avery steeled himself. He was not going to back down now. For all the schemes the High Commander had pulled, he will not allow him to get away with it. It’s payback time.

“Call off Operation Z.” Avery said in an icy tone. The High Commander lifted his head at Avery’s words and glared at him for a moment before landing his gaze on Noel who had pull down the hood of his cloak. At the recognition, the High Commander stood abruptly from his seat, his eyes wide with surprise.

“Hello Ekker. Long time no see.” Noel said mockingly with a smirk.

“How did you…?”

“I will blame your faulty security system.”

“Avery, what is the meaning of this?” the High Commander moved to the front of his table. He was dressed in his white tunic shirt and black leather breeches tucked into his leather boots.

“It is what it is. Call off the operation. I will not fall for your schemes anymore, you murderer.” Avery cast a death glare at the High Commander, a hint of a threat laced his icy tone.

The High Commander clenched his fist and stood silent for far longer than a minute, his grey eyes silently accessing Avery and Noel. Avery waited for his response, calculating his next words and moves. His trainings in the past eight years had taught him to calculate his enemy’s moves, contemplating, observing before striking.

“So, you knew. Tell me, what does the coded message from Sir Alcoft contains?” The High Commander finally spoke, his voice dripping with anger.

“The truth. You wanted to conquer the lands and you used me.” Avery spat.

“Well, I had no intentions of killing your father, but he was getting in the way. As much as his affections go to Lord Noel, he still cares for you. What I had miscalculated on that night was your arrival at the scene, but your brother’s outrage gave me the opportunity.” The High Commander spoke calmly as if it was a normal thing to murder a living being. He walked closer to the duo, eyeing them like a trained soldier would before launching his attack.

“Why do you want to conquer the lands so badly?” Noel asked.

“Why, power of course. I have conquered most of the nearby lands, but the trophy is Hathage. I admire your resilience, Lord Noel.” The High Commander smirked, walking back to his table and reached for the handle of his rapier. He pulled the rapier from its sheath and pointed the tip of the blade at Avery.

“If you think I will simply call of the operation, think twice. You’re only a captain.” The High Commander sneered.

Avery clenched his fist so tight that the leather of his glove creaked in protest. He knew this will not end easily. He reached into his boot and pulled out a dagger. He left his stiletto tucked behind his belt, hidden by his overcoat. Not revealing all your weapons strapped to your body could be an advantage.

“People like you should be thrown into the dungeon and left to rot, High Commander. You killed our father and you even dare to inflict harm to my childhood best friend. For that, I will never forgive you.” Avery said, his voice low, anger boiling in his veins. Next to him, he could hear Noel unsheathing his rapier as well and moved in a battle stance, ready to engage. Two versus one.

“This ends tonight.”

---