Chapter 40: Omens of the Storm
The following morning, the spy Edward had sent to track the "France Squad" arrived. He provided a detailed report, revealing that the group's leader had an old friend—a Baron ruling a small village near the border. This connection made it easy for them to settle and live there undetected. Furthermore, the Baron had agreed to join Edward's network after the leader assured him he had nothing to lose; in the worst-case scenario, he could flee and live out his life elsewhere, backed by the gold they possessed.
Edward was pleased with this news; having a Baron on his side meant legal cover in France. He took advantage of this relative calm to continue his education and his physical and mental training under Toula's supervision, preparing for the day he would face his rivals head-on.
Quite some time passed, and while Edward was immersed in his studies, an urgent message arrived from Silas. The words were written in a trembling hand, and the content carried an uncharacteristic tone of terror: "Edward... there is a major problem that has exceeded all our expectations. You must come to the tavern immediately; this matter cannot wait."
Edward was astonished and wondered, "What could make a man like Silas, who spent his life in the filth of the underworld, tremble like this?" He didn't waste a second; he brought his horse and mounted it swiftly, lightning in his eyes. He shouted loudly, "Toula! Hurry... we are going to London now!"
Edward and Toula dashed through the fog, questions gnawing at Edward's mind: Had the Ravencroft family discovered the Shadow Army? Or had Morgan made a mistake that exposed everything