Ponder and deliberate before you make a move
-Sun Tzu
As the rooster's crow broke the silence of dawn, Mengus woke up, feeling the weight of responsibility slowly settling upon him like a heavy cloak. Rising from his humble bed with Lysa by his side, the chill of the morning air washed over his skin.
With each movement, the armor equipped on his body made loud noises and echoes through the tent.
Outside, the camp was full of life and energy. Men wearing armor moved with a sense of purpose, with different expressions on each of their faces some sharpened swords, and the rhythmic scrape of metal against stone echoed through the camp. Others tightened straps or checked the condition of their shields, making sure that everything was ready for the battle.
Breakfast was a simple meal - hard bread, dried meat, and a sip of water from a canteen. There was little time for feasting when battle loomed on the horizon. As Mengus ate, he stole glances at the men gathered around the tables. Each one knew the risks that lay ahead, get they stood ready to face them with courage and honor.
After breakfast, Mengus gathered other captains for a council of war. Spread out before them was a map of the surrounding countryside, marked with lines and symbols that represented the terrain and the positions of their forces. They discussed tactics, talked about risks, and made a plan of attack that they hoped would lead them to victory. Each man knew his role, and each manuever carefully planned to maximise their chances of success.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Mengus formed ranks and began the march. Dust billowed behind them as they headed towards the enemy lines.
Along the road, villagers watched cautiously from behind shuttered windows, their faces covered with a mix of fear and curiosity. Some stood by the road watching them, offering prayers for their safety as they passed by.
"There is a castle, Ingird, we should arrive there in 10 hours or so, that's our first goal to capture. To create a stronghold there for easier access to enemy territories."
"And it took you guys so much time to plan just that?" Lysa laughed a little. "You could've just asked me, I could tell you the same thing."
"We are talking about 200 lives here, this is not a game (unfortunately) we need to think about our options."
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"I know... I'm just..." She stopped for a second and looked at Mengus. "And don't you dare laugh!" She warned him. "I am nervous...You could even say that I'm scared a little." Lysa admitted to him.
Mengus got a little surprised hearing that, Lysa was always acting tough and strong. It was weird seeing this side of her.
"I understand, I am scared as well "
Hours passed, the landscape changed, and a freezing hell welcomed them in its embrace. But finally, as the shadows lengthened again and the sky began to darken, they reached their destination. The enemy's stronghold stood before them, a small fortress on a small craggy hill. Torches flickered along its walls, shadows danced around them.
With a silent signal, they halted their advance. Tomorrow, they would clash with their foes. But for now, as the evening settled around them, they prepared to rest, knowing that tomorrow, hundreds of lives hung in the balance of the coming battle.
As night fell, Mengus got into his tent, Lysa following him behind. Outside, the campfires crackled and spat, casting long shadows across the tent walls. Within, the flickering light cast strange patterns upon the map spread out before Mengus.
Mengus, once again, studied every detail of the map. Each hill, each valley, each river, lake, and forest. He traced the path of their planned assault with his finger, mentally rehearsing each movement, until it became second nature.
But like hungry wolves, the more he thought about it, doubts gnawed at the edges of his mind. What if their intelligence was wrong? What if the enemy has reinforcements they know nothing about?
"What if...No." he told himself. "There is no room for doubt, no time for hesitation. Tomorrow, we will face whatever challenges the gods saw fit to throw our way, and we will emerge victorious."
"Come sleep, leave that map alone." Lysa with a sleepy voice confirmed to Mengus that it was definitely time for rest.
With a weary sigh, he rolled up the map and tucked it away. Outside, the camp had grown quiet, the sounds of laughter and conversation replaced by the soft murmurs of sleep. Mengus envied his men for their rest, and their ability to cast aside their worries and fears with ease. But such was the burden of command - to carry the weight of battle on your shoulders, even as the rest of the world slept.
Mengus stripped his armor and settled next to Lysa, the rough fabric of his so-called bed scratched against his skin. Sleep did not come easily, nor did it come peacefully. Instead, his mind was filled with visions of battle - of clashing swords and screaming men, of blood, death, and glory.