---- 366.


    UNFORTUNATE COINCIDENCE NARRATOR HOURS EARLIER, IN DUKE THESIOS LANDS...


    "Aldo, Gordon, and I will go inside to speak with the foreman.


    Well keep him distracted for as long as possible.


    This is your chancedont waste it.


    One of the men sent by Elliot murmured beside the burlyborer.


    Around a campfire, they ate fresh bread and sipped steaming hot chocte.


    Only the best to bribe themand to make them betray Duke Everharts side.


    "Alright.


    Tomas and I will carry the crates we set aside earlier and take them to the designated spot.


    Dont take too longthey ll notice we re missing right away," Aldo replied, taking a bite of his bread.


    His sharp eyes constantly scanned the otherborers nearby, who were also chatting and eating before continuing to unload the goods.


    Today was the day.


    They had been given the rare opportunity to ess Thesiosndsthey were on his side of the river.


    The goal was to steal the crates from here because once they crossed the river, they were immediately transported far away, out of reach for the regrborers.


    Aldo and the others knew exactly what was being transported from Duke Everhartsndsfood.


    All kinds of grains, stolen crops meant to starve Everharts people into rebellion while also fattening Thesios Duchy.


    ---- But what was inside the crates being moved from here to the other shore? "Tm sure they re carrying crop gues.


    I heard tiny insect legs scratching the wood when I got close to one of them," Tomas told Aldo through their mental link.


    "Whatever it is, those two crates we separatednow that everyone is eating, we need to move them quickly into the woods, then straight to the boat waiting for us.


    We have to cross the creek to reach Everhartsnds safely." Aldo and Tomas spoke through their minds, their strategy set.


    The firelight flickered across Aldos pensive face.


    He had expected to see Elliot in person, yet he was pleasantly surprised by how swiftly help had arrivedand by the efficiency of these men.


    Elliot was a mystery to Aldo.


    Who was this man, really? "alright, it''s time.


    Gordon, lets go." Alvaro stood, dusting off his pants, and called over the other undercover soldier.


    For a moment, he locked eyes with Aldo, who gave him a subtle nod.


    Everything had already been said.


    Alvaro moved forward, followed by Gordon.


    He saw the foreman enter therge tent stationed in the clearing where Duke Thesios men ate and gathered.


    "Halt! What business do you have here?" The guard at the entrance stopped them.


    "We''d like to speak with Mr.


    Garibaldi.


    We have valuable information wed like to share with him." Alvaro said confidentlv.


    his face full of