The wind howled through the barren trees as the party trudged through the enemy territory, their breaths visible in the cold air. Each step was labored, their worn boots sinking into the muddy ground. The tension hung heavy around them like a dark shroud, suffocating any semblance of hope.
"Damn it!" Mila cursed under her breath, wiping sweat from her brow. "We need to pick up the pace, or we'll lose the traitor for good."
"Agreed," Darius muttered, his dark eyes scanning their surroundings for potential threats. "Every second we waste here puts the kingdom at greater risk."
James's mind raced with grim thoughts, his heart pounding in his chest. As a former US Marine, he knew firsthand the importance of acting swiftly in dire situations. He clenched his fists, feeling the rough leather of his gloves against his skin. The weight of responsibility pressed down on him like a crushing force, but he refused to let it break him.
"Listen up, everyone," James called out, his voice firm and resolute. "We need to move faster if we want to catch the traitor before they escape." He looked at each member of the party, seeing determination reflected in their eyes. "Remember what's at stake here – our families, our loved ones, our entire kingdom."
"Leona, keep your eyes peeled for any signs of the traitor's accomplices," James instructed. "Your archery skills might be our best chance at stopping them."
"Understood," Leona replied, her stormy gray eyes narrowing with focus.
Cassandra, sensing the mounting anxiety within the group, offered a reassuring smile. "We'll get through this together," she said softly, her healing hands glowing with a warm light that seemed to refresh each member of the party.
Felix, ever the bard, strummed a few chords on his lute, attempting to lighten the mood. "Just think of the songs they'll write about us when we save the kingdom!" he exclaimed, his mischievous grin shining through the gloom.
James couldn't help but crack a small smile at Felix's enthusiasm, but his thoughts quickly turned inward, weighing their options and planning their next move. The urgency of their mission consumed him, every fiber of his being focused on capturing the traitor and preserving the safety of their realm.
As the party pressed on, the cold wind biting at their faces, James knew that time was running out. The stakes had never been higher, and failure was not an option. With steely resolve and unwavering determination, they moved forward through the enemy territory, each step bringing them closer to the confrontation that would decide the fate of their world.
The wind howled through the trees, sending a shiver down James' spine as he surveyed the tense faces of his companions. He could see the weight of their responsibility etched into each of their expressions, and it fueled his own determination to succeed.
Taking a deep breath, the seasoned warrior stepped forward, planting his feet firmly on the ground. "Listen up," he commanded, his voice carrying over the wind. His stern expression demanded attention, and his brown eyes burned with an intensity that made it impossible to look away.
"Every second we waste here brings the traitor closer to escaping and our kingdom closer to ruin," he continued, words laced with urgency. "I know you're all tired and scared, but I need you to dig deep because the safety of our homeland and our loved ones depends on us capturing the traitor swiftly."
As he spoke, James' mind raced with images of his friends back in the capital, their smiling faces urging him onward. His heart ached at the thought of them in danger, and he knew each member of the party carried similar burdens.
"Think of your families, your friends, the people who depend on us to protect them," he implored, his voice growing more passionate with each word. "We cannot let them down. We must prioritize this mission above all else, even our own fears and desires."
Felix's fingers stilled on his lute as he considered James' words, his mischievous grin replaced by a determined nod. Thartis clenched his fists, the muscles in his massive arms rippling as he prepared for the challenge ahead. Mila's gaze met James', her analytical mind no doubt calculating their odds of success, while Cassandra's healing hands glowed brighter, lending strength to the group.
"James is right," Mila finally spoke, her voice steady despite the uncertainty that flickered in her eyes. "We must focus on the task at hand and trust in our abilities. We've faced great challenges before, and we will overcome this one as well."
"Agreed," Cassandra chimed in, her warmth offering reassurance. "Together, we can do anything." Even Thartis grunted his assent, his imposing presence a reminder of their collective strength.
James' persuasive leadership had galvanized the team, rekindling their resolve despite the exhaustion that clung to their bones. With renewed determination, they prepared themselves for the arduous journey ahead, each moment bringing them closer to the confrontation that could decide the fate of their world.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape as James led the party at a punishing pace toward the capital. Sweat dripped down his brow, muscles aching with each step, but he refused to slow down. The urgency in his chest felt like a physical weight, stifling his breath and tightening around his heart.
Cassie "Are we going to make it?"
"Of course," James replied, forcing a smile even though his mind was reeling. "We're going to catch that traitor, and we'll protect everyone back home."
"Alright," Cassie said, her bright blue eyes filled with trust as she looked at her leader. She then turned her gaze forward, scanning the path ahead with determination.
Leona, her silver hair flowing behind her, notched an arrow in her bowstring as she scanned their surroundings, her stormy gray eyes missing nothing. Felix strummed his lute softly, a melody that wove between the urgent rhythm of their footsteps, offering a semblance of comfort amidst the chaos.
"James," Mila called out, keeping pace alongside him, her raven black hair damp with sweat. "I know time is of the essence, but we should be prepared for any ambushes or obstacles. We can't let our guard down."
"I couldn't agree more," James replied, aware of how much they were all sacrificing to push onward. "Cassandra, keep an eye on everyone's condition. We need to make sure we're in fighting shape when we reach the capital."
"Understood," Cassie said, her blonde hair pulled back into a tight braid as she nodded, her soft blue eyes filled with concern yet unwavering in her resolve.
As they neared a dense forest, Thartis growled, "This place reeks of danger," he warned, his tan skin glinting with perspiration.
"Keep your eyes sharp and your weapons ready," James ordered, his voice a low growl that matched Thartis' intensity. "We can't afford any delays."
The party plunged into the forest, each sound magnified by the stillness. Every snap of a twig or rustle of leaves set their nerves on edge as they pushed forward, adrenaline coursing through their veins. The scent of damp earth and decay filled the air, mingling with the acrid tang of fear.
"Stay close," Mila murmured, her piercing green eyes scanning the darkness as she tightened her grip on her sword, prepared for battle at a moment's notice.
"James," Leona's voice came across the faint rustling of leaves, her keen eyes narrowing on something ahead. "There's movement up ahead."
"Everyone, get ready," James commanded, feeling the tension coil like a serpent within him. They all had one goal in mind: reach the capital and capture the traitor before it was too late.
"James, I need a word with you," Mila said, her emerald eyes filled with concern as she approached him, her raven black hair pulled back in a battle-ready braid.
"Of course," James replied, pushing away from the tree and facing her squarely. He sensed the weight of her words before they even left her lips.
"Look, I know we're in a race against time, but have you considered using a distress flare to call for reinforcements?" Mila asked, her voice low and measured. "We're all running on fumes here, and if we continue at this pace, we'll be too fatigued to face whatever awaits us in the capital."
James' jaw clenched, and he looked down at the ground before answering. "I understand your concern, Mila. But if we use a flare, we risk alerting the enemy to our position. We can't afford to let the traitor slip through our fingers."
"Damn it, James," Mila hissed, frustration seeping into her tone. "This isn't just about capturing the traitor anymore. This is about ensuring the safety of everyone involved, "Believe me, I'm just as concerned about our stamina" James replied, rubbing his hand over his beard-stubbled chin. "But if we don't capture that traitor, countless more lives will be put in danger. We need to stay focused on the mission."
Mila's eyes flashed with determination, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "Fine. But if we're going to see this through without calling for help, we need a solid plan."
"Agreed," James said, nodding. He respected Mila's instincts and knew that her strategic mind would be invaluable in navigating the challenges that lay ahead.
Together, they began to devise a strategy for their journey to the capital, their minds working in tandem as they weighed every possible scenario and plotted each step with care. The stakes were high, but their resolve was unwavering. They would see this mission through to the end, no matter the cost.
"Alright," Mila finally said, her voice filled with confidence. "We have our plan. Let's make sure everyone knows their part and move out as soon as we can."
"Thank you, Mila," James replied, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before returning to the task at hand.
As the party continued their journey, Mila's frustration grew with each passing moment. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that James' decision to not use the distress flare was a mistake. The weight of their mission bore down on her shoulders, and she knew she needed answers before they could move forward.
"James," Mila called out, her voice strained as she struggled to contain her emotions. "I need you to explain your reasoning further. Why are you so adamant about not using the flare?"
James came to a halt, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of resolve and understanding. He sighed, rubbing a hand through his short brown hair, looking around at the treacherous terrain surrounding them. The darkness of night seemed to close in on them, a stark reminder of the enemy lurking nearby.
"Listen, Mila," he began, his voice steady despite the fatigue that weighed heavily upon him. "I understand your concerns, but using the flare would be like lighting a beacon for our enemies. We'd be exposing our position, giving them the chance to intercept us and allowing the traitor to escape. Or at worse it maybe part of a greater plan of the spys that they need us to use the flaire"
Mila clenched her fists, her piercing green eyes narrowing as she wrestled with her own thoughts. She thought back to her days as Captain of the Dawn Guard, recalling the countless times she had relied on reinforcements to turn the tide of battle in their favor. It felt wrong to discard that option now, when so much was at stake.
"Can we afford to take that risk?" she questioned, her voice wavering slightly. "What if we're ambushed? Our exhaustion is already taking its toll, James. If we don't call for help, we might not make it out of this alive."
James looked down at his worn boots, remembering the countless challenges he had faced during his time as a US Marine always in a far away land. He had learned to do more with less, often relying on his resourcefulness and knowledge to see him through the most harrowing of situations.
"Trust me, Mila," he said quietly, meeting her gaze once more. "I've been in situations like this before, where calling for help would've only made things worse. We need to rely on our own skills and instincts right now. I know it's difficult, but it's the best chance we have."
As James spoke, Mila's frustration bubbled within her, threatening to spill over. She wanted to believe him, but her instincts as a leader told her that they needed reinforcements. The thought of failing their mission and letting the kingdom down was unbearable, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that James' decision was misguided.
"Alright," Mila conceded, her voice heavy with resignation. "I'll trust your judgement, James. But if anything happens, if we lose anyone because we didn't call for help... I won't be able to forgive myself."
"Understood," James replied solemnly, aware of the weight his decision carried. "And neither will I. But let's focus on making sure that doesn't happen."
The tension between them remained palpable as they pressed onward, the urgency of their mission driving them further into the heart of enemy territory. Each step brought new challenges, but they faced them together, united by their determination to capture the traitor and save their kingdom.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows that stretched across the landscape like grasping fingers. James surveyed the horizon, his steely eyes narrowed in determination as he considered their next move. He could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him, and the rapidly fading light served as a stark reminder of the urgency of their mission.
"Listen up, everyone," he called, gathering the party around him. "I know we're all tired, but we can't afford to waste any more time. The traitor is still out there, and every moment we delay brings them closer to delivering vital information to our enemies."
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Leona shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her stormy gray eyes reflecting the worry that hung over the group like a dark cloud. "But how do we find them before they escape? We've already covered so much ground."
"By staying focused and working together," James replied, his voice firm yet reassuring. "We need to trust each other's instincts and use our individual strengths to bring this traitor to justice."
Mila, her green eyes still tinged with frustration from their earlier disagreement, nodded reluctantly. "James is right. We have no choice but to press on. The fate of our kingdom hangs in the balance."
"Indeed," Thartis added, his dark eyes flickering with cunning. "Remember, the enemy isn't just some faceless threat – they are responsible for the pain and suffering of countless innocents. We cannot allow their plans to succeed."
Cassie stepped forward, her soft blue eyes filled with resolve. "We'll do whatever it takes to stop them," she declared. "No matter the cost."
Felix strummed a few chords on his lute, a determined smile playing on his lips. "Let's make sure they never forget the day they crossed paths with us."
As the group steeled themselves for the challenges ahead, James felt a small hand slip into his. He looked down to see Silva, her bright blue eyes brimming with determination. "I'll help too," she whispered, her voice full of conviction that belied her tender age.
"Thank you, Silva," James replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "We're going to need everyone's help."
With renewed determination, the party set off toward the distant capital, their footsteps echoing like the steady drumbeat of a heart racing against time. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the cold shadows crept forward, swallowing the landscape in an inky embrace. But despite the encroaching darkness, the fire of their resolve burned bright, fueling them onward as they chased after the traitor who held their kingdom's fate in their treacherous grasp.
In the face of adversity, they would rise together, united by the urgency of their mission and the knowledge that the stakes had never been higher. The success of their kingdom hinged on their ability to capture the traitor, and they would not – could not – fail.
The moon cast an eerie glow upon the treacherous path, each jagged rock and twisted branch casting sinister shadows as the party pressed onward. The wind whispered through the trees, its mournful song a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurked within the darkness. James scanned the terrain with sharp, calculating eyes, his mind racing to stay one step ahead of the relentless pursuit that hounded their every step.
"James, we've got company!" Mila's voice cut through the night, alerting him to the approaching danger. He turned to see a group of dark figures emerging from the shadows, their intentions clear in their predatory gazes.
"Get ready, everyone!" Darius barked, unsheathing his sword and moving swiftly to intercept the attackers. "We can't afford any delays!"
Leona notched an arrow, her stormy gray eyes focused on the enemy as she let loose a flurry of deadly projectiles. Felix strummed his lute, the haunting melody weaving a protective barrier around them, while Cassie stood at the ready, her healing magic pulsing gently in her hands.
"Brace yourselves!" James shouted, drawing his own weapon and charging into the fray. The sound of steel clashing against steel filled the air, sparks flying as the party fought off their assailants with fierce determination.
As James parried a vicious blow, his mind raced with potential strategies. He needed to find a way to end this skirmish quickly – they were already losing precious time. A sudden flash of inspiration struck him, and he called out to Mila. "Mila, aim for their leader! If we take him down, the rest will falter!"
"Understood!" Mila responded, her raven-black hair whipping around her face as she deftly maneuvered through the chaos. With a fierce battle cry, she leaped high into the air and plunged her sword into the enemy's commander, his lifeblood spilling onto the cold earth.
As their leader fell, the attackers hesitated, fear and confusion clouding their eyes. Seizing the opportunity, James urged his companions forward. "Push them back! We can't let them slow us down!"
Driven by the urgency of their mission, the party fought with renewed vigor, their combined efforts driving the remaining attackers to retreat. The sounds of battle faded into the night, leaving only the ragged breaths of the exhausted heroes.
"Is everyone all right?" Cassie asked, concern evident in her soft blue eyes as she moved among them, her healing magic soothing their wounds.
"Never better," Felix replied with a weary grin, his fingers still strumming lightly on his lute. "But we should keep moving. Time is not on our side."
"Let's go," he said quietly, offering her a reassuring smile as they resumed their march toward the distant capital. The weight of their mission pressed heavily upon them all, but together they moved forward, determined to overcome whatever challenges awaited them in the shadows of the night.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange-red glow across the sky, James paused to survey the landscape before them. The passage of time weighed heavily upon his shoulders, each day blending seamlessly into the next as they pushed forward relentlessly. He thought back to their previous encounters with enemies and knew that their window of opportunity was rapidly closing.
"James, look at those clouds," Mila called out, her green eyes focused on the distant sky. "A storm's coming, we must find shelter."
"Agreed," he said, scanning their surroundings. His keen eye spotted a cluster of trees in the distance, providing the promise of protection from the impending deluge. "Over there should do."
The party moved towards the trees, their bodies aching from days of relentless travel. As they huddled beneath the canopy, Thartis shared his concerns. "We're running out of time, James. If we don't catch the traitor soon, everything we've fought for will be lost."
"Let's not get lost in despair," Felix chimed in, strumming a few chords on his lute, attempting to lighten the mood. "We've come a long way, and we're closer than ever to reaching the capital."
"Indeed," Leona added, her stormy gray eyes fixated on the darkening sky. "Each sunrise and sunset brings us closer to our goal."
"Is everyone all right?" Cassie asked, her gentle voice filled with concern. "I know this journey has been grueling, but we must stay focused."
As the storm raged around them, the party huddled together for warmth. They shared stories of home and loved ones left behind, fueling their determination to see their mission through.
"James," Cassie said quietly, her blue eyes searching his face, "do you truly believe we can succeed?"
He hesitated for a moment before responding, his thoughts filled with memories of battles fought and lives lost. "I do," he finally whispered, his words a mix of conviction and hope. "We've faced incredible odds before, and we're still standing. We'll capture the traitor and save our kingdom."
"Let's get some rest," Mila suggested, her voice laden with exhaustion. "Tomorrow is another day, and we must be ready to face whatever challenges it brings."
As the fire crackled softly and the wind howled outside their makeshift shelter, James couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. The days had blurred together, but each passing moment only served as a reminder of their dwindling window to catch the traitor.
Closing his eyes, James allowed himself to drift into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with visions of the inevitable confrontation that awaited them in the capital.
The first light of dawn crept across the horizon, casting a golden hue over the exhausted party. Beads of sweat glistened on their foreheads as they trudged onward, their eyes hollow and haunted. With each step, their limbs protested, begging for rest, but they knew they could not afford any delays.
"James," Mila rasped, her voice breaking through the silence. "We need to stop soon. We're risking injury if we keep pushing ourselves like this."
"Agreed," he replied, his jaw clenched with determination. "But just for a moment. We can't give the traitor any more time to escape."
With weary sighs, the group collapsed in the shade of a towering oak, its gnarled branches providing a temporary reprieve from the scorching sun. As they caught their breath, their exhaustion became palpable, hanging in the air like a heavy fog.
"James," Thartis said, his dark eyes piercing through James' resolve, "we need to reconsider our approach. If we continue at this pace, we might not have the strength left to confront the traitor when we reach the capital."
"Any delay brings us closer to failure, Thartis," James countered, his hands balled into fists. "Their escape is a greater danger than our fatigue."
Cassandra stepped forward, her soft blue eyes pleading. "James, we understand the urgency, but we must also be realistic. Our bodies have limits. Pushing ourselves beyond them will only lead to disaster."
"Fine," James relented, his frustration evident in the terse bark of his voice. "We'll rest for fifteen minutes and then we must continue."
As the party drifted into a fitful half-sleep, James sat with his back against the oak, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the traitor or their pursuers. He silently cursed the situation, knowing that he was pushing them to their limits but unable to see any alternative.
"James," Leona's quiet voice broke through his thoughts. "You did the right thing."
"Did I?" he wondered aloud, his gaze still fixed on the distance. "I'm not so sure anymore, Leona. What if we're too late?"
"Then we'll have given everything we had," she replied, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "And that is all anyone can ask of us."
Despite her words of comfort, James couldn't shake the gnawing worry that tightened its grip on his heart. The weight of the kingdom rested upon their shoulders, and as each moment passed, the sense of impending doom grew ever heavier.
"Time's up," he announced, rousing the party from their brief respite. "Let's move out."
With groans of protest and lingering stiffness, they rose to their feet and pressed onward, each step fueled by determination and an unshakable sense of urgency.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow on the once-verdant landscape now marred by the scars of battle. James surveyed the scene, his heart heavy with the weight of responsibility. The party's faces were lined with exhaustion, and their eyes held a haunted look that spoke of their unspoken fears.
"Alright, everyone," he said, clapping his hands together in an effort to rally them. "We've got a long night ahead of us. Let's make sure we're prepared."
"James, I can prepare some healing salves for our injuries," Cassie offered, her voice soft yet determined. "It won't be much, but it should help."
"Thank you, Cassie. That would be great," he replied gratefully, watching as she set to work, her skilled fingers deftly mixing herbs and concoctions.
"Leona, Felix, can you two scout the area for any signs of danger?" James asked, turning to the others.
"Of course," Leona nodded, her stormy gray eyes focused and alert.
"Leave it to us!" Felix chimed in, strumming an upbeat tune on his lute as they headed off.
As the team divided into smaller groups, each attending to their designated tasks, Mila approached James, concern etched into her features.
"James, we need a plan," she said, her green eyes searching his. "We can't keep pushing ourselves like this. We need to find a balance between urgency and self-preservation."
"Agreed," James admitted, rubbing his temples as he considered their options. "But we can't allow the traitor to escape, either. Every moment counts."
"Then let's make each moment matter," Mila said, determination burning in her eyes. "We'll rest when we must, but we'll be relentless in our pursuit. We're stronger together, and we won't let anything stand in our way."
"Right," James said, his resolve strengthened by her words. "Let's regroup and strategize. We'll need everyone's input on this."
As the party gathered, united in purpose and driven by the urgency of their mission, they shared ideas and suggestions, combining their unique skills and knowledge into a cohesive plan. Though the road ahead was perilous and fraught with challenges, their unity and unwavering determination became an unbreakable bond that lent them strength.
"Alright, team," James announced, his voice firm and steady. "We know what we have to do. Let's capture that traitor and save our kingdom."
With renewed vigor, they set off into the night, their collective drive to succeed fueling their every step. And in the darkness, they found solace in one another, bound together by adversity and a shared destiny.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a blood-red glow upon the capital's towering walls. The weariness in James' bones seemed to deepen with each step as he and his companions approached the main gate. Their arrival had been a long and arduous journey, but the end was finally in sight. As they drew closer, the gravity of their mission weighed heavily on each of them, the tension almost palpable.
"Alright, everyone," James said, his voice steady but strained. "This is it. We confront the traitor, get the information we need, and save our kingdom."
Mila nodded, her green eyes fierce and unyielding. "We've come too far to let them slip away now. We'll do whatever it takes."
"Indeed," Thartis agreed, his dark eyes surveying the group. "Remember, our priority is to capture the traitor alive. If they're harmed, we might not be able to extract the information we need."
Cassie sighed softly, her blue eyes reflecting both determination and concern. "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that."
As the party passed through the main gate, the city streets bustled with activity, seemingly unaware of the impending confrontation. Yet beneath the facade of normalcy, James could sense an undercurrent of tension; whispers of war and betrayal hung heavy in the air.
"Where do you think they'd be hiding?" Leona asked, her stormy gray eyes scanning the crowd.
"Somewhere inconspicuous, I would imagine," Thartis replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "But close enough to keep an eye on things."
"Then we should split up," Mila suggested, her gaze fixed on the distant palace. "Cover more ground that way."
"Agreed," James said, his mind racing with possibilities. "Darius, Cassie, and Leona, you search the western district. Mila, and Felix, take the east. Thartis and I will head for the palace."
"Stay in contact through our enchanted stones," Darius reminded them, holding up a small, smooth stone imbued with magic. "If you find anything, let the others know immediately."
With swift nods of agreement, the party members went their separate ways, each driven by the urgency of their task.
As James and Thartis made their way toward the palace, the former Marine's eyes darted from one shadowy corner to another, his senses on high alert. His thoughts raced, attempting to anticipate every potential danger, every possible outcome.
"James," Thartis rumbled quietly, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. "I know we must focus on finding the traitor, but remember, we have allies here too. Do not hesitate to call upon them if needed."
"Thank you, Thartis," James replied, his jaw clenched with determination. "I won't forget that."
As they approached the palace grounds, a sudden movement caught James' eye. A hooded figure slipped from behind a pillar, disappearing around a corner. The sinking feeling in his gut told him this was no coincidence.
"Thartis," he whispered urgently, "follow me."
The pair stealthily pursued the mysterious figure, winding through narrow alleys and darkened streets. Finally, they cornered the hooded individual in a deserted courtyard, lit only by the flickering glow of a few torches.
"Reveal yourself!" James demanded, drawing his sword and leveling it at the figure.
"Or face the consequences," Thartis growled menacingly, his massive form looming beside James.
The hooded figure hesitated, then slowly pulled back their hood, revealing a familiar face twisted with fear and desperation.
"Please," the Duke stammered, their eyes darting between James and Thartis. "You don't understand."
"Start talking," Mila's voice rang out from behind them. The rest of the party had arrived, surrounding the courtyard with weapons drawn.
"Tell us everything," James ordered, his grip tightening on his hammers handle. "And we might just spare your life."
The courtyard was a tableau of tension, each member of the party poised for action, their breaths shallow and eyes locked on the traitor. The very air seemed to crackle with an electrifying energy as they awaited the words that would determine the fate of their kingdom.
"Alright," the Duke began, voice trembling under the weight of their betrayal. "I'll tell you everything."
"Speak quickly," Mila warned, her emerald eyes ablaze. "We're not known for our patience."
Then the Duke raised to his full height and seemed to shrug off the show of being weak as guards with long bows filled the courtyard. The Duke walked over to James well what do you have to say, James took a deep breath "Thank you, Sir, I brought the spy as fast as I could." The team seemed confused as they were about to collapse from the strain of the last days. Here is the spy they should be plenty tired so they will not be able to fight, James turned to his confused team and spoke the words "The Hammer and Eagle"