Chapter 1364
Thomas had received word from his scouts: several mysterious groups had gathered outside Nerovia, heading toward Valken. He'd also received a prior report from Jacob, warning that Yuvan might feign surrender, luring them into a trap. Thomas understood Yuvan was merely a pawn in Nicholas's game. Years of experience in intelligence and espionage allowed him to synthesize the available information and formulate a strategy.
Homer and Felix, initially stationed in the capital, had unexpectedly joined him outside Valken. This surprised Thomas; the capital seemed the more dangerous location. Felix explained that Carissa's mentor, Adrian, leader of the Pathfinders Guild, had arrived in the capital with numerous martial artists. This relieved Thomas; while martial artists typically avoided political affairs, they intervened when peace was threatened.
Thomas knew Adrian well—a wise, brave man, highly skilled within the Ingenium Order, renowned for their mastery of mechanical devices and weaponry. Adrian's presence in the capital significantly hampered Nicholas's plans.
Two days later, as Jacob predicted, a voice called from Valken's walls. "General Farrell, we've captured the traitors, Prince Yuvan and Prince Harvey. Many officials and soldiers were misled; they never intended to rebel. They wish to atone. We request you enter the city to discuss terms."
The speaker was Samson, Fiona's brother. Through his telescope, Thomas saw Wayne beside Samson. Yuvan and Harvey were bound, blades at their necks, guarded by formidable soldiers. They appeared disheveled, their injuries seemingly staged. Thomas, a master of disguise himself, recognized the ruse. He showed Felix, who confirmed its artificiality.
"Mr. York was right," Homer murmured. "How is he so sharp?"
Thomas chuckled. "Mr. York is clever, but their internal unity is crumbling. Prince Nicholas seeks to absorb Yuvan's power."
"Despicable," Felix sneered. "To take advantage without lifting a finger. Should we enter the city? Even a feigned surrender demands action; inaction suggests rejection."
Homer added, "General Murray has stationed troops near the main road. An attack from both inside and outside is a fool's errand."
Thomas announced, "If they surrender, bring them out of the city. We'll detain them. His Majesty's orders are clear—leniency for those who surrender."
Entering the city was necessary, but not immediately. Yuvan likely anticipated reinforcements. However, fighting had likely already begun elsewhere.
Samson refused immediate prisoner handover. "We'll hold the traitors until you receive a royal edict, General Farrell. Then, we'll hand them over. To show sincerity, we'll open the gates."
Thomas countered, "I'll send for the edict, but first, you must hand over Prince Yuvan. How can I trust you won't trap us? He must be in our custody before we proceed."
On the city tower, Yuvan frowned. "He's not falling for it. What now?" he whispered to Wayne.
"I'll talk to him," Wayne replied.
Yuvan hesitated, a flicker of doubt surfacing. He couldn't explain it, but something felt wrong. Yet, years of planning with Wayne, bolstered by Nicholas and the Spencer family, outweighed his unease.
"Find a neutral location and convince him," Yuvan finally agreed. "It must be quick. We need to trap them in Valken for a fight. If they scatter, we'll face endless trouble."