Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever get used to the pressure of moments like this. Everyone looks at me like I know everything, but in reality, I'm just trying my best.
We were on the outskirts of the camp, I was adjusting the strap of my armor, and I wrapped my red scarf around my neck, and underneath it was my necklace. Sophia was already rechecking her equipment, and Crimzo… well, he was ready and looking at the sky strangely.
"Are you ready for this?" Andrew's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, I nodded and focused on the mission ahead of me.
We had 20 soldiers under our command. A mix of intermediate and well-trained soldiers.
Andrew spoke again. "So, what is your plan for the route we will take? Commander?" The hint of teasing in his voice didn't escape me, but his question was serious.
I crossed my arms, already thinking about the route we'd take. " We'll just take the path we agreed upon with Daniel.
Sophia nodded. "I heard there are patrols near the southern border."
"We'll be moving in the shadows," I replied, then looked at Crimzo. "You will stay behind and cover us. If we come across a patrol, we'll avoid engagement unless absolutely necessary."
Crimzo nodded slightly. "Fine. Less noise, less trouble."
One of the soldiers, stepped forward hesitantly. "Sir, what if there are reinforcements nearby? Should we prepare a backup plan?"
I looked at him. "If it comes to that, we will retreat into the forest. I think the terrain will be in our advantage, and we can regroup from there."
Andrew smiled. "It sounds solid enough. Let's go."
"Okay, let's get moving," I finally said, tightening my gear belt.
As we started walking, I saw Crimzo watching me out of the corner of his eye, and I still don't know why he volunteered for this mission, it's strange.
We moved cautiously along the narrow path through the rocky terrain, The fog was dense, the group moving silently through the ancient forest, the horses' footsteps crunching roots and fallen leaves.
The trees were tall and bent, their trunks covered in cracks and moss. Dry leaves and broken branches covered the ground, and the forest was silent except for the occasional rustle of movement.
Everyone wore protective masks, their filters humming softly. The radiation in the air was weak, but it was still safer to be careful.
Crimzo and his soldiers advanced slightly, ready for any sort of engagement.
I walked at the front of the group, my gaze fixed on the horizon while maintaining my calm.
We approached a high ridge overlooking the valley. I raised my hand, signalling everyone to stop.
"This is the place, let's wait here."
Time passed, and then Crimzo leaned low, looking through the scope of his bow. "There is movement ahead," he whispered. "It seems the guards are many."
I nodded. "We will stay here for now. Crimzo, send one of your men to scout closely. Tell him to avoid detection at all costs. I need to know their numbers and position."
Crimzo pointed to one of his soldiers, a thin guy. The soldier nodded silently and left, disappearing into the rocks and shadows as he approached the target.
The minutes felt like hours as we waited, and the tension was thick in the air. Sophia leaned slightly toward me and whispered, "What's the plan if they're heavily guarded?"
I didn't look at her, but replied calmly, "We will see, but for now, we're gathering information. We won't waste lives in unnecessary danger."
After a moment, the soldier returned, breathing heavily. "I counted 26 guards, all armed, and some of them appear to be really strong. The princess is traveling in a heavily reinforced, covered wagon. The convoy's holding position at the base of the valley, maybe taking a break, or even maybe waiting to regroup with more forces."
I thought for a moment before speaking, my voice low. "Crimzo, place your soldiers in a circle around them, so they think we are many. I want clear shots, when you see me moving aim for the archers first. Sophia, take your team and prepare to block the northern path. Andrew, you will surround the back to cut off any retreat."
"What about you?" Sophia asked.
"I will handle the distraction. Once we are in position, await my signal to engage. Remember, the priority is to capture the princess, not slaughter the convey." My tone made this clear, this was not up for debate.