章 64: Scouting

Two men are riding their horses through the countryside. They are quiet, but the tension between them is palpable.They are both anxious and intent on the road ahead of them. One can sense their resolve and focus as they ride silently and quickly. It was easy to get the impression that they are ready for whatever could come their way, clearly motivated to complete their task successfully.

Conradin has sent the two men as scouts to report on their surroundings. They are silent, but focused on their work. They've been told to scout ahead and report back with any new information.

They were focused and determined to provide Conradin with the greatest information available. They are well aware of the significance of their mission and were prepared to go to any length to do it. They were both cool and composed, clear proofs that they were seasoned and capable scouts who will do all in their power to provide Conradin with the best information possible. They were motivated and focused on doing whatever it took to assure the success of their reconnaissance expedition so that Conradin with the information he would acquire from them, could prepare his next big move.

One of the two scouts was a veteran of doing such tasks; he had even served Conradin's father during his war against the Neapolitan rebels, and as such, he was no green player in matters of war. Ha was aware of the dangers and challenges that come with scouting, and was careful not to let his guard down. He knew that it was important to stay vigilant and to always keep his eyes out for any dangers or threats that might be lurking around. He had a lot of experience in scouting, and as such was skilled at quickly spotting any threats and obstacles that could be in their way. The veteran scout was assigned as a partner to a newbie who had less experience in war and battlefield intelligence. This makes sense, as it would allow the veteran to pass his knowledge on to the newer scout, and it would give the newer scout an opportunity to learn from and benefit from the more experienced scout's knowledge and experience. It was a good way to help pass on knowledge and expertise, and it was also an opportunity for the younger scout to learn from and benefit from the veteran's guidance and expertise.

The veteran scout was silently riding through the landscape, focusing his eyes toward the horizon for any sight of a possible hostile force. This was a serious job, and the man understood the importance of his task. This was reflected in the zeal he was putting into his research, but nonetheless, the newbie did not share his work ethic, trying to engage in some activity with his comrade to pass the time. The newer scout tried to make small talk but was shut down multiple times, realizing that the veteran was not looking to socialize and chat during this time but rather was focused on his job and the task at hand. This made it clear that this was no time for levity or idle chatter, and it also unconsciously made the other scout be more focused and on point with their task.

After a few hours, such monotonous activities were unbearable for the newcomer, and he was desperate for something to occupy his time.

''Are you going to cut it out? Do you believe we're going hiking? Get serious, about a blunder of ours, and the entire army will suffer!'' Such a carefree attitude irritated the veteran, and he wasted no time in expressing his displeasure. ''Do you not realize the gravity of our mission and the significance of our role?" While the veteran was speaking, the newbie lifted his hand, signaling him to stop, and with the other hand, he pointed to the veteran's back. When he turned around to look behind him, the veteran,whose name was Gorch , noticed some glittering in the horizon.

The rookie could see that Gorch was irritated at being interrupted, as such after informing Gorch the rookie instantly became silent. Both Gorch and the rookie scouts were now aware of the mysterious glinting on the horizon, and they both began to stare in that direction to see what they could make out. However, it wasn't long until the shimmering in the horizon began to grow, prompting the scouts to realize they had just discovered the Milanese army. Without wasting any time, the two scouts began riding into the trees, where they then blocked the horse's mouth with a muzzle to avoid making a neighing sound and alerting the enemies.

They waited until they could see the enemy's number before attempting to estimate it. It was, in their opinion, a medium force of 3,000 to 4,500 men, an army that would be a welcome addition to Charles' army if combined with his. After the army had passed them, the scouts began riding back to their base. They were tasked with obtaining intelligence about the Milanese soldiers and their strength, and they were to report that the Milanese planned path was correct. The rogue scouts, Gorch and Simeon, began riding toward a second path so as not to be noticed by the Milanese; their urgent job was to inform the generals of the results of their scouting.

After a few hours, the scouts finally arrived at the temporary base. Conradin, along with 4,500 men, was hiding near the forest between the bridge that would allow an army to pass through the Po River and get to Piacenza. (look at the comment for visual help) Conradin had foreseen that the Milanese would take this bridge to pass through the river since the other bridge was just down from Pavia and so was in hostile territory. Conradin was amazed by the fact that during wartime no guard station was put in such an important place. This mistake, however, was Conradin's treasure, and it was sure that he would capitalize on it.

While Conradin was dozing off, Frederick came near him and informed him of the report of some of the scouts he sent ahead. '' Two scouts have sighted the enemy army; it is estimated their numbers to be between 3,000 and 4,500 men; the path they have taken is the one we had foreplanned; in a few hours they should be getting here''. This was a relief for Conradin, for he had been there for four days already and was starting to become anxious that he had made a mistake and humiliated himself in front of the coalition. Frederick's news that his scouts had sighted the enemy army and that it was as he had planned was a huge relief, it helped to calm down his worries and concerns and give him back his confidence and self-assurance. It was clear that the plan was working; it was been a well-calculated strategy, and the results were starting to be seen.

''Reward the scouts appropriately for their findings." Conradin reminded Frederick to acknowledge them for their work. Since it was customary to reward the soldiers who brought good achievements,rewarding the scouts appropriately for their findings was not only a way of recognizing their achievement and efforts but also a way of incentivizing their performance and of motivating them to do their best in any future endeavor. ''Tell the men to get ready, put the muzzle into the horse's mouth so as to not raise any sound, not open up fires until ordered, and by god to be prepared for their first proper battle."

Conradin said to Frederick: who then headed off to relay the order for the men to get ready and to put their muzzles into the horses' mouths so as not to make any sound. He also informed the men that the king ordered them to be ready and prepared for their first land battle, knowing that this was an important and decisive moment in the war. While Frederick was in his way, Conradin turned back and started to look at his men; some were polishing their spears, swords, and shields, while others were tending to their horses. Conradin watched his men at their tasks, and he felt a sense of pride starting to rise inside of him. These were clearly good and capable men who were ready to lay down their lives in the fight for their king's cause. He was proud of them, and he knew that he had the power and responsibility to lead them into battle and to decide the course of the campaign. He felt the weight of the responsibility as he looked at his men, and as a consequence he was determined to succeed and to show them that he was worthy of their confidence and faith in him.

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Ps: Is the image clear? And please review the novel for it helps getting visibility

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