Chương 3: "Into the Thicket: Veiled Shadows(Revised)
288AC
Locating the guards was easy. As Darke soldiers, they were stationed at one of the many posts scattered around the keep, part of their standard training regimen. While they lacked any extraordinary skills, their sheer grit made up for it. It helped that their armor was superior—an investment I had made personally. This had not gone unnoticed; jealousy flickered in the eyes of the other guards who had served longer.
"Oy! Guys! Come with me; we've got something to do!" I called out, my voice cutting through the idle chatter.
The two soldiers exchanged glances, a shared smirk tugging at their lips. One raised his hand in a casual wave, the motion languid but tinged with anticipation. "Okay, coming right up," he said, as if the words had been spoken a hundred times before, though a glimmer in his eyes betrayed something more.
The other guard grinned, his expression widening as excitement bubbled just beneath the surface. "Whenever he calls, it's a chance to make an impression—better move fast if we don't want to miss it!" His voice carried a note of eagerness, barely masked by his casual tone.
I could see it in their postures—the subtle tension, the way their eyes flicked toward me. This wasn't just another duty. For them, it was an opportunity. A chance to prove themselves, to rise above their station, to catch the notice of their lord. And who could blame them? That kind of ambition fueled the engine of places like this.
Good. Their enthusiasm would make my task easier. Though they might hope for rewards, I would ensure they received one—just not the one they expected.
"Make sure to inform the others to cover your post," I said, my tone firm but not unkind. "We can't afford any gaps."
They nodded quickly, their footsteps brisk as they darted off. The energy in their movements matched their urgency. They were already halfway gone before my words had fully settled in the air.
The Road Ahead
After meeting with Ser Merwyn, I noticed he had gathered six mounted guards to accompany us. They were decently armored, though no more so than my own men. Merwyn smiled, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth.
"I thought you wouldn't bring guards, so I brought some for you. This might be a little much for a small bandit group, but it never hurts to be prepared. We ride."
The squadron moved as one, the rhythmic clopping of hooves a constant accompaniment to the lively chatter among the men. They exchanged stories of past battles, close calls, and victories both real and embellished. Their laughter and camaraderie helped ease the tension, but I remained silent, my focus on the path ahead.
Even surrounded by loyal guards, I could not afford to let my guard down. My instincts, honed through years of training, prickled with unease. Something about the dense forest ahead felt wrong—too still, too quiet.
The trees grew thicker as we approached the edge of the woods, their gnarled branches weaving a canopy that darkened the path. I broke my silence, my voice slicing through the chatter like a blade. "Should we leave the horses here?"
Merwyn, riding just behind me, tilted his head curiously. "We could," he said, his tone careful. "But why? The horses are our lifeline out here. It'd be foolish to leave them too far behind."
Arthur, a seasoned guard with silver streaks in his beard, chimed in. "The horses are faster than us. We'll need them if things go south."
I nodded, considering his point, but my resolve remained firm. "That's why we leave them behind. If we bring them into the forest, their noise will alert anyone watching. If we're up against a prepared enemy, it could cost us dearly."
I let the words sink in, the silence growing heavy as the men absorbed the implications. "The terrain here is dense—roots, uneven ground. If one of the horses stumbles, the noise alone could betray us. Worse, if they bolt, we'll be stranded without them."
Merwyn's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "You make a fair point," he admitted. "Horses are faster, but they're also liabilities in this terrain. Better to move quietly than risk an ambush."
One by one, the men dismounted, their movements precise and practiced. They tied the horses to nearby trees, ensuring the knots were secure yet loose enough for a quick escape.
As they worked, Merwyn approached me. His eyes, sharp and calculating, lingered on my face. "You've been quiet, my lord. I can tell you're thinking. What's troubling you?"
I met his gaze, my voice low. "Everything about this feels off. The villagers claimed they saw bandits, but I'm not convinced. They're too organized, too bold. This isn't just a raid—it feels like a setup."
Merwyn frowned. "You think they're expecting us?"
"Maybe," I replied. "If they are, they're good. Too good for simple thieves. We need to be ready for anything."
Nearby, Lukas, one of the younger guards, overheard. His brow furrowed. "If it's a trap, what's the plan?"
I turned to the group, my voice steady. "We move cautiously, spread out, and keep our distance. Don't give them an easy target. If anyone sees anything suspicious, we regroup immediately. No heroics, no rushing in blind. We wait for the signal."
Arthur grunted. "And if we're surrounded?"
"Then we fight," I said flatly. "But only as a last resort. These woods are dense, easy to get lost in. Our best chance is to remain unseen and keep them guessing."
Merwyn nodded approvingly. "Smart. But even the best plans can go awry. Trust your men, and we'll get through this."
"I trust them," I replied. "But trust alone won't save us if we're not sharp."
As the men finished their preparations, I turned my gaze to the dark expanse of trees. The forest seemed to breathe, its shadows shifting like restless spirits.
"How certain are you that this informant isn't working with the bandits?" I asked Merwyn quietly.
He hesitated, tying his reins to a tree. "I can't say for sure. But it's a risk we have to take. The villagers are terrified, and I can't see why they'd lie. Still, we've been misled before."
"Then we stay alert," I said firmly. "And if it is a trap, we'll be ready."
With a final nod, the squadron stepped into the shadows, the forest swallowing us whole.
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