Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)
Chapter 709

On the ground lay bundles of arrows and several crossbows. There were also rows of knives and swords, along with a selection of bows. A few large barrels were stacked in one corner.

As Rafael approached, the pungent scent of gunpowder wafted toward him. The barrels were sealed tight and covered with several layers of material. Yet, the unmistakable smell of gunpowder lingered in the air.

The area where the barrels sat wasn’t illuminated. The only source of light was at the entrance to the dungeon.

Rafael turned around just as Eleanor’s household soldiers arrived. Their eyes widened in shock at the flickering light illuminating the dungeon. Many stood frozen, momentarily forgetting to confront the

assassins.

Rafael stepped forward with his sword drawn, taking down several household soldiers in quick succession. It was then that he spotted Barrett entering with a handful of capital guards.

Barrett barely had time to take in the scene before he charged toward the so–called assassin, weapon raised.

Rafael exchanged a few blows with Barrett, who was momentarily distracted when they locked eyes with each other in the dim light. Seizing the opportunity, Rafael darted up the stairs, ascending three steps at a time and leaving the dungeon swiftly.

Barrett paused, taking in the surroundings wide–eyed, his heart pounding with shock. He took a deep breath and exchanged glances with the other capital guards.

“Find Lord Brown!” he exclaimed, shaking off his astonishment. “Lord Lewis, the Garrison Unit’s chief, is here too. Locate them, quickly!”

The dungeon door slammed shut behind him.

Eleanor descended, her gown trailing behind her, a sword clutched in her hand. She raised it, pointing it at the capital guard attempting to rush out to replace Michael.

In a cold and commanding voice, she declared, “No one is allowed to leave.”

The capital guards stepped back, looking apprehensive.

“Kill them,” Eleanor coldly ordered her household soldiers as she walked further into the dungeon.

Only five capital guards, including Barrett, faced nearly thirty household soldiers. While these soldiers had proven ineffective against Rafael, they were more than capable of handling Barrett and the four other capital guards.

The household soldiers raised their weapons, aiming at Barrett and his men. However, many in the room had never encountered anything like what lay within the dungeon. Such items were strictly forbidden for any residence to possess privately, and doing so would be tantamount to treason.

The household soldiers felt fear–not just of this being exposed, but also of Eleanor’s potential to silence them permanently once this was over.

As Barrett saw the dungeon door close, he realized Michael might not replace the entrance in time even if the latter stormed the western courtyard. They could all very well die here.

That man in black had to be Rafael. He had exposed the secrets in Harmony Palace. How dare he run off and leave them to face the consequences?

Anger boiled within Barrett.

“Go! Kill them!” Eleanor shouted, her voice laced with fury. “What are you waiting for? If they live, you will all die! This is a crime punishable by death and confiscation of your family’s properties!”

The household soldiers let out battle cries, weapons raised as they advanced.

Barrett knew he and the four capital guards with him weren’t particularly skilled. He took the lead, swinging his blade with a loud clash as it met another weapon, sending a shockwave through his hands.

Knowing several of his opponents were tough, he took a deep breath. If he wasn’t careful, this could be the end of him.

“It’s useless!” he shouted amidst the chaos. “The capital and garrison guards are here. They’ll be here any moment. You’re unaware of the danger you’re in! Don’t cause your own demise!”

“Kill Barrett first!” Eleanor barked, gripping her sword tightly.

che was of

She held the sword with incredibly steady hands. At this moment, too aware that fear was pointless. She had always been ruthless, and even death held no terror for her. She wouldn’t give in until the very last moment.

Only one thought consumed her–if she survived this night, she would stop at nothing to kill Rafael and

Carissa.

Barrett was being besieged, and the other capital guards were already wounded. Though he fought valiantly and injured three household soldiers, the remainder focused solely on him.

A sense of foreboding crept over Barrett–he might die here today.

Yet, this fear ignited a fierce courage within him. Recent troubles at home had driven him to hone his martial arts skills, and he had made notable progress

He fought like a lone wolf, tapping into his most ferocious and valiant aspects.