“How many?” Zyra asked sharply, her hand already posed on the hilt of her blade.

“As far as the map says, I counted over fifty, coming from two different sides.”

“What?” Alynna said. “We’ve never faced so many. They send groups of two or three to spy on us. Last time they attempted a raid they were repelled.”

“They don’t want the humans to get involved,” Lariel explained. “They are still supposed to protect us, but a major escalation is still off limits.”

“And even if we warned the humans I really doubt they’d come,” Zyra hissed.

Zyra, standing near the campfire, didn’t take her gaze off me. Her face was impassive, calculating as always. “Are you sure it’s enemy units?”

I hesitated, glancing back at the map still hovering in my vision. The red marks of the enemy units moved like ants across the terrain, converging on our location. I realized I could focus on them, as if I had access to a camera. As my vision closed in on them, I confirmed. They were definitely not ours. I could see black robes, others wielding axes, swords, and wearing crude armor.

“I’m sure. The system doesn’t lie. I see mages like the ones we fought with Alynna… and others, with weapons.”

“Mercenaries,” Zyra said with disgust.

Lariel, let out a sigh. “Well, I guess fifty sounds better than a hundred. But they’re not here to play nice. I guess I better start stringing my bow.”

“Alright,” I said. “Let’s send someone back to warn the settlement, as soon as possible. I can see them veering off, coming on from two different points. I am not yet sure if there are more units coming, but if they’re planning a debilitating attack, it’s very likely.”

“Wait!” Zyra interrupted me. “Are you planning to engage them?”

“Then what, retreat? We’ll have to address them before they possibly come to the village, won’t we? They’re planning a surprise attack and intend to overwhelm them. We have the chance.”

I was surprised I was even saying all that. What experience did I have with leading troops? Even, wouldn’t the regular old me simply try to parlay with the enemy and not get into a fight?

“Let me think,” I said, pointing at the tall elf I had greeted at the camp. “You, Nidar. Your stamina is great, isn’t it? I need you to go back to the settlement and give warning. I’m sure they have emergency procedures in place. Get them to work, and if possible bring reinforcements. We can create a good bulwark.”

It all felt impossibly natural. Ridiculously natural, like it was all second nature.

Nidar cast a glance at Zyra. He faced me again and lowered his head.

“I’ll be on my way, sir.”

Zyra cleared her throat behind me and walked up to me. She didn’t look happy.

“Connor! I am in charge!” Zyra shouted.

I paused.

What had I done? I stepped back. She was right. Even If I was as good a strategist as I felt, the hierarchy had to be followed. For the sake of things going well.

“Give the order, then,” I replied to her. She hesitated.

Nidar hesitated beside us.

“You need to know more about our organization. And to be honest, we have very few units,” she said. “Considering that there are less than six hundred people in our village. The towns downstream make up at least five thousand, but they’re far. About three hundred of ours are trained and equipped. And, we’ve never had to deal with this. Technically, the Alabenians should defend us, but they haven’t…”

I shrugged. “It sounds like they let our enemies through, or at least, they didn’t care.”

“If so, that’s very disappointing,” she replied. “But we’ll face them head on!”

I nodded, determination seeping through. Despite the words that constantly flew out of my mouth, I had no experience. And the possibilities echoed in my mind. Even if we repelled them, they could inflict heavy losses on us.

I barely knew my enemy. The ones we’d face along with Alynna were not that dangerous, but could still do a lot of damage if they caught us off guard.

Thoughts raced through my mind, and they flowed freely.

We were in the perfect place for guerilla warfare.

I evaluated my units from the map, walking up to Nidar again.

“Nidar,” I said. “If we get reinforcements, tell them to send us at least ten archers. The enemy will be in this spot in about an hour.”

Nidar nodded. Zyra confirmed the order, and the soldier took off immediately.

Our elven comrades, along with Lariel and Alynna approached with concern in their eyes.

I faced them, while simultaneously checking on my display map.

“Lariel, Alynna. I can see a hill west of here. Do you know it? Please. They’ll be passing there shortly. There are twenty enemy units moving there. The other group is still far enough. I believe they were trying to pincer us. We’ll pincer them instead.”

“What about the other unit?” asked Zyra. “What’s going on?”

I gritted my teeth. “If we get there in time, and deal with them in time. We’ll be able to come in from behind.”

“But if we don’t,” Zyra countered. “The group we’ll ambush might send a flare or signal to their comrades and come to support them.”

“I think this is the best chance we got. It’s a gamble, but we can’t expect to face them all head on.”

“Do we have flares?” I asked Zyra. “Wait. I think I can prompt you with my system. So please, accept me.”

She sighed, hesitant, but suddenly, I could finally feel that closeness that she had denied me for long.

This was crazy. All those words were coming out of my mouth.

Alynna and Lariel nodded and raced across the forest. I could see them moving toward the area. Zyra and I took a group of five elven infantry units and we made our way, following the riverbank.

And then, I realized something.

It was as if they’d known what we were doing. The unit to our right, which we were trying to ambush, started veering off course, joining the group at the left. Could they see our movements in real time?

“Shit,” I hissed through my teeth. “They can see us. They’re changing their strategy.”

Zyra’s voice rang out with concern. “How? It can’t be.”

“I’ve no explanation. Unless they have a spy that can communicate over miles.”

“I’d say we should go back to the city,” Zyra said.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

“It’s far,” I replied, hand on my chin. “What about that stone fortress behind us? We’d have a bit of the high ground. If only we had the time to dig some ditches.”

I concentrated… Suddenly, something else burst into my mind, a possibility. I felt like it could work. Shutting my eyes, I felt for Lariel, reaching for her mind and letting my thoughts through.

Letters displayed in front of me, as if I had access to a chat window.

Connor: Lariel, can you hear me?

Lariel: Connor? Is this really you? What’s going on?

Connor: I think Aria gave us a group chat.

Lariel: A group what?

Connor: A window to share our thoughts. And I’ve got you something to tell you, to share it with Alynna. I need you girls to come back immediately. I’m pretty sure they can see our positions.

Lariel: What?

I looked at Zyra:

“They’ll adjust their positions no matter what we do. Let’s wait for reinforcements and meet them there.”

She hesitated, her hands rolled into fists. “This is dangerous. Since when can they do it?” Zyra asked with suspicion. “I had never heard about that.”

“I have no idea. He'll. Do we have any magic? You know, like what those evil wizards do, but not evil.”

Zyra shook her head. “We haven’t had a Mage of Justice in a while. They can cast magic spells. We have only Ina as a healer.”

I gritted my teeth.

“We’ll go to the stone fort. I have a feeling they don’t just plan to take on the village. They’re after us.”

***

We retreated to the stone fortress, the heavy footsteps of our small unit pounding against the earth. The wind carried a sense of urgency, a cold breeze sweeping through the trees, rustling leaves and creating an eerie whisper that filled the air. Zyra kept pace beside me, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The elven infantry units followed in formation, their bows and swords at the ready.

The stone fort came into view, and we picked up our pace. The elves moved swiftly, fanning out to secure the area as we approached. The structure was worn, with moss-covered walls and a few cracks, but it still stood strong.

Once inside, I signaled for Nidar using the chat system. There was a brief pause, then his voice rang in my mind.

CONNOR: Nidar, are you there?

NIDAR: Yes, sir. I’m about to reach the village. Have you made it to the fort?

CONNOR: We have. But the enemy is onto us. I need you to do something. After warning the settlement, send us ten more archers, if possible. We’ll need every advantage we can get. And make sure the village has a defensive plan in place. We’re dealing with more than just a raid here.

NIDAR: Understood. I’ll get the message across. Stay safe, sir.

The connection faded, and I turned to Zyra. “He’s going to send more archers. We’ll need them.”

Zyra nodded, her lips pressed in a thin line.

“We have stones here on the fort,” I said, looking at the elves, who watched me curiously. “Use them when they get too close.”

I cast a glance at my group of elves. They seemed tense, of course, with the prospect of battle, but also ready.

The little girl, Ina, hadn’t said much. She sat on a stone on the inner edge of the fort, reading a leather bound book. It was like she wasn’t really there.

No matter, I had no time to waste. I looked out from the broken ramparts, scanning the treeline for any signs of movement. The enemy had regrouped, and I could see their dark shapes shifting in the corners of the map, too far to engage but close enough to make my skin crawl. This wasn’t a simple raid. This was a hunt.

“We’ll make them regret ever setting foot on your land,” I said.

Lariel and Alynna posted themselves each on one end of the fortress. Luckily, they were surrounded by high trees and thick bushes. Our entire group would take the high ground and engage.

On the map, I could see the enemy trying to come over from the corners, but it’d be difficult considering that the creek circled the fortress. They either had to pass through us or take much longer to circle it.

Just a few miles before the enemy were due to appear, Nidar appeared with his contingent of archers. They were a mighty sight, all with long shields that seemed lithe despite their size, beautifully carved bows, replete quivers and curved swords at their waist.

“Excellent,” I said, and proceeded to divide them among sections of the forth.

Knowing that they could also read our movements sucked. How did they even do it? Did they have an evil goddess of their own? As far as Alynna and Zyra had told me, they hadn’t had that ability before.

“Zyra,” I said to her. “I have an idea. I need you to take half of our [Infantry Units], and take them below the fort to the corners. that section right there, to our right. I hope they can’t see the elevation. I need you to hide at our level. The rest, I’m sure you know.”

Zyra nodded. “I see what you’re planning. All I can tell you is, may the Goddess protect us and may you be right.”

“Take cover!” I shouted, looking over, my instincts kicking in. There were two figures moving faster than the rest. They started emerging north of the map.

Lariel’s words appeared on the group chat. She had moved to the right corner of the fort.

Lariel: I see them! A mage and three barbarians. The rest are coming in slowly. They’re dispersing but I have a good view. Can we open fire?

Connor: Do you have a good shot?

Lariel: Yes.

Connor: Mages first, please.

Lariel: Of course!

I watched from the live map. It was like being in two places at once. Lariel nocked her arrow, an eye closed, pulling the string with precision. The arrow shot right toward the mage’s neck.

Sadly, I didn’t get to shout victory. The arrow bounced off as if it’d been shot toward a wall.

They’d been waiting for us and used his magic in time.

The mage and their mercenaries charged toward the fort. Running wildly across the bushes, advancing in tight formations, the mages holding their hands up high to keep their magic shields on.

“Shit,” I hissed through my teeth.

Lariel: Sorry about that.

Connor: We have to wait until the mages attack to break the shield, don’t we?

Lariel: Yep. We can shoot at the corners, to see if a few of them are out of range for their shields. Can I try? I still have enough arrows.

Connor: Feel free.

Their march continued undeterred, carrying hooks and ropes, preparing to climb our fort.

Alynna crouched beside Lariel, pulling a long arrow from her quiver. Her bow had the color of bone, with beautiful designs and engravings, and it tensed visibly. It was of bone and not of wood, like a Mongolian bow.

She nocked the arrow. I saw it fly toward one of the mercenaries who’d walked a little too far from the group, a tall man with sandy hair and a long moustache. It went straight into the man’s eye, and he collapsed backward, screaming in pain.

Health bars displayed over both of them.

[MERCENARY: -5 HP]

[5/10]

Alynna didn’t hesitate and dug another arrow into his skull.

[MERCENARY: -5 HP]

EXP + 6.

Alynna clenched her fist in celebration.

“Well done,” Lariel said, patting on her shoulder.

Other arrows from our comrades weren’t that successful. The mages and their mercenaries kept a tight formation. Our comrades had begun to throw stones.

There was only one thing we could do.

Connor: Zyra, what do you say? Is it a wise idea to attack from the flanks? I’ll distract them with the stones.

Zyra:...

Connor: Zyra, are you there?

Zyra: It's risky, but it's our best shot. We need to catch them off guard.

I turned toward Lariel and called out again. “Lariel, keep them pinned! Don’t let them get too comfortable. We need to delay them as long as possible until Zyra is in position.”

Zyra gave a short nod, and readied his bow, his sharp eyes following every movement below.

Zyra motioned to Alynna, who had already gathered a small group of elven warriors. They were swift and light on their feet, their faces grim and determined. Alynna caught my eye, and I gave her a quick nod of approval.

Connor: Alright, everybody. Can you hear me?

Nidar: We can.

Lariel: Loud and clear.

Connor: They’re coming. Keep distracting them with the stones. Second line of archers, be ready. To my signal.

The mercenaries marched in the forest beneath. The mages hadn’t started their magical blasts. Not yet, but arrows began buzzing in our direction, flying overhead. They were in a difficult position to actually hit us, but their actions would prove bothersome.

I clenched my teeth.

And then, they emerged from the foliage. Zyra, advancing along with five elven infantry units. They focused specifically on the mages. Naturally, I watched how a mercenary with a large scimitar leapt in front of Zyra, swinging with the intent to kill.

Zyra sidestepped, faster than lightning and slid her blade into the mercenary’s gut, piercing through the chainmail.

I could see numbers and health bars displayed on top of both friend and foe. The mercenary in question had only 12 HP points, and Zyra’s pulled her blade right out of her belly. His health bar dissolved.

Two of Zyra’s soldiers pressed forward, their mage was now vulnerable. They had to reach her before other units stepped in to protect him. Zyra’s other warriors charged against the horde, each singling out a mage and their soldiers.

She tackled the mage. That, apparently, could not be stopped by the magic shield. The mage stretched his hands, summoning a vortex of energy, but Zyra slipped easily and slashed at the mage’s stomach.

[MAGE: HP -6]

[HP: 0/6]

The enemy soldiers charged against Zyra’s men, outnumbering them eight to five.

I watched in worry as a mounted mercenary swung a wild axe at one of the elves. I worried he wouldn’t be able to dodge.

At that very moment, a buzz whirled in the air, piercing into the mercenary’s neck. He lost control, immediately, another arrow pierced into his stomach. Then, our elven soldiers dragged him down from his horse.

They were now vulnerable to the arrows of our people. They seized the moment immediately, shooting and downing or wounding a handful.

Lariel and Alynna didn’t make themselves wait. Arrows flew, killing and maiming our enemies as the elven infantry made its way.

A handful of mercenaries, the group that had reached the wall, managed to throw their hooks, toward the battlements another group threw a large staircase toward us, their respective mages hurling magic at us, denting sections of the wall. Of course, each time they tried that, whilst their defenses were down, our archers were especially efficient. There were only six mages remaining, and the barbarian troops were in disarray.

Still, the battle was far from won. Three hooks clung to the sides of our tower. As expected, my troops responded by grabbing rocks and hurling them down. Not this time, as their magic shield bounced our stones and arrows.

I reached in, to lift up the hook and throw it back, thinking myself smart. But as soon as my hand touched the iron I pulled it back in pain. It was as hot as a skillet.

We would have to fight them here.