Chapter 14: Whispers in the Dark

The wind howled outside the tent, threatening the canvas with rattles that sent a chill through the camp. The air was heavy with the smell of damp earth and wood smoke. Inside the command tent, David sat at the rough-hewn wooden table, maps sprawled before him, illuminated by the flickering glow of a single lantern. The weight of the night was upon him; the tension of the forthcoming days weighed upon him like a physical force.

Across the table, Jano relaxed in his chair, crossing his arms as he watched David trace silently over the maps with his finger.

"They're going to try to flank us here," David muttered, his brow furrowed. "It's the only path that gives them the advantage."

Jano cocked his head. "If you know that, won't they know that you know?" His voice was light, teasing, but there was a truth buried in the jest.

David sighed and leaned back, rubbing his temples. "That's the problem, isn't it? It's always a game of guessing who's ahead."

Jano smirked. "Well, at least you're good at games.".

David gave him a look but couldn't help the small grin spreading on his face. "This isn't chess, Jano."

Jano shrugged. "No, but it's not far off. You just need to think two steps ahead, and you're good at that."

Before David could reply, the flap of the tent rustled, and Ivane stepped inside, immediately commanding attention. He shook the rain off his coat and approached the table with a grim expression.

Sire," Ivane said, his head inclining to a slight bow. "We've got word from the scouts."

David straightened in his seat, his fingers tapping the edge of the table. "What did they learn?"

Ivane's face puckered in distaste. "The Seljuk forces are larger than we thought. They've reinforced their numbers overnight. They're moving quicker than we'd anticipated."

David exchanged a look with Jano, who furrowed his brow—the levity in their earlier conversation quickly fled.

How many?" David asked in a low, even tone.

"Near ten thousand," Ivane returned, his voice tight with foreboding. "They will be upon us in two days if they maintain their pace."

David felt his stomach lurch, but he didn't let it show. "And we have what. five thousand, at best?"

Ivane just nodded. "Barely.".

There was silence, like a pall, the news settling over them like a storm cloud. David stared down at the maps again, his mind racing through the problem, searching for a solution, a way out.

"We can't hold them with half their numbers," Jano said quietly, the first to break the silence. "Not without an advantage."

David's eyes flashed to the mountains sketched on the map, then back to Ivane. "Is there anything stirring on the western pass?"

Ivane shook his head. "Still clear, but too narrow to give us any real manoeuvre.

David pointed a finger to the map, hard in thought. "No, but it could serve another purpose. If we make them believe we are going to retreat that way, we can attract a part of their forces."

Jano raised an eyebrow. "Bait?"

David nodded. "Bait. We leave a minor force in the pass to make some noise, attract their attention, and when they split, we hit the main body with whatever we have."

Ivane stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It's risky. If they don't take the bait, we'll be outnumbered."

David's jaw clenched. "We're outnumbered either way. But if we don't act, they'll crush us in a straight fight. This gives us a chance."

Jano leaned forward, looking at the map. "Who do you trust to lead the bait force?"

David's eyes hardened. "Someone willing to stake their life against all the rest of us."

Ivane waited a moment, then spoke again. "I'll go."

David shook his head immediately. "No. I need you here with me. You're too valuable in the main battle."

Ivane opened his mouth to argue, and David cut him off with a stern look. "I won't lose you on a distraction, Ivane.

Jano sat back, folding his arms. "I'll go."

David raised an eyebrow at him. "No. You're not—"

"I'll go," Jano said again, his voice firm. "I'm not some irreplaceable commander like Ivane. And you know I can handle myself. We've done worse with less before."

David glared at him, his mind at war with himself over the decision. He knew Jano was capable and knew he could trust him to lead the force. But send your closest friend on such a dangerous mission. It felt like a knife was twisting in his chest.

"David," Jano said quietly, leaned forward. "Let me do this. You know it's the right call.

David's throat tightened. He dropped his eyes to the maps again, his vision blurring the lines and figures for a moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, resigned.

"Okay," he said, his hand knuckling on the rim of the table. "But you come back. Whatever happens."

Jano smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll try.

The silence between them was palpable, words not spoken hanging in the air. But there was no time to dwell on it. War was imminent, and decisions needed to be made.

Ivane cleared his throat. "I'll make the preparations, Your Highness. The men will be ready by dawn."

David nodded, his expression hardening once again. "Good. We move at first light."

As Ivane left the tent, leaving David and Jano to themselves, a heavier silence fell between them. David eventually stood, crossing to his friend and laying a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't like this," David whispered.

Jano looked up at him; his face was grave but set. "You don't have to like it. You just have to win."

David swallowed hard and yanked Jano into a short, hard hug. "Be careful."

Jano smiled as he backed away. "I always am."

But as he departed the tent, David couldn't help but feel that maybe for the first time in his life, this battle, this war, they could ill afford to lose.

Alone, looking at the maps, his heart heavy with the weight of command, David was consumed by the fear of what was to come as the tempest outside grew in strength.

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