By the time the sun has fallen, followed by the chilling freezing autumn air blowing angrily at nightfall. The four groups of red, green, blue, and yellow have each gone their separate way, stationing themselves in each of the four nearby hills as their base of operation. It was nighttime, yet none were restless and sleeping.
A campfire ensued on a tall hill, with men in arms numbered exactly 50 gathered around. At one side, nearest to the campfire sat Thormond. With his powerful figure, he stood out like sore thumb, but even though his size revealed his uncontested physical strength he was never seen as troubled as now. Thormond have both his hands clasped on his head, deep in thoughts.
It was clear for all to see that Thormond is attempting to devise a strategy for this test. Though he's certain individually strong, a coordinated group is only as strong as the leader's ability to command them. This is also why in large-scale warfare, commanding knights, strategy makers, and military advisors are so valued.
Murmurs of doubt and discomfort arose from those who are witnessing the scene. Though earlier, they felt glamourous and victorious when they marched up the hill to their base of operation, excited and confident at the prospect of winning easily. Never had they thought Thormond might be inept in military strategies.
But in all honesty, the group didn't expect anyone to be even half-decent in this area. Real-life and imagined tactics often turn out very different from the intended effectiveness. Perhaps the only person decent in this area might be commander Deryk with his years upon years of experience and serving under the wing of the long deceased Knight Alfhard.
"How shall we proceed, comrades?" Thormond asked, rather disgruntled at his lack of ideas other than charging straight at the enemy bases and stealing their flags.
But, he had no other choice than to admit his shortcomings. After all, the result of this test concerns more than himself, it also matters to everyone in his group. It would be irresponsible to be so selfish and egotistic about his ability even though they're incapable of leading them to success.
"Well, perhaps we should wait out the battle and focus all our energy to protect our flag?" A knight suggested rather light-heartedly, not expecting any support.
But instead, another knight chimed in at this suggestion. "That's right, the other groups are bound to start fighting once morning comes. If we are not the first to get eliminated, that would be much more beneficial for our final ranking."
The people hearing this nodded, showing their clear agreement to this thought process.
However, some within the group also showed their concerns. A condescending voice spoke up. "That idea may lead us not to be first eliminated, but our Lord might not approve of such cowardice."
The group was divided into two when men heard of such a divisive voice. The group turned their head to the origin of the voice. A charming red-headed knight with a rather pointy nose, exhibiting an aura of confidence.
The men that were discontent with sitting back nodded their heads upon this. They had to show some spine and display what they are capable of to their lord.
The knight at the forefront of suggesting a direct attack recognised the support he wavered, with momentum on his side, he exaggerated the next few words before sending the final straw. "How are we men if we do not fight with valour and dignity?"
"How are we to come victorious if we behave like turtles?"
This time, Thormond finally spoke up. "You want us to charge straight into enemy camp?"
The redheaded knight dismissively shook his head, all whilst keeping a charming smile. "No no no. What I am suggesting is the need for a balance between enemy confrontation and tactical ingenuity."
"No one suggested charging straight into the enemy camp, Thormond."
"Quit it, Redwald. If you have something to say, say it to my face."
The two men had a spark off. Thormond stood up abruptly, staring into Redwald face in outrage.
Although almost taller than Redwald by a head's length, The redhead showed no fear and only replied with this ever-charming smile, though it is widely known how much of a hypocrite he really is. "Calm down big guy, I was just trying to help the group."
"Help? You're doing nothing but causing me trouble." Thormond bellowed, all the whilst his hand grasped tightly into a fist. Redwald can see Thormond is reaching his temperament, he innerly know how much he could push the boundaries and when to stop.
Much to his amusement of course. It is always entertaining playing with the muscle-head.
Redwald turned and walked away from the irritated Thormond. He brushed his vibrant red hair aside as he flaunted them to his joy. The group can only show reluctance to stop the conflict from arising.
It was long known that Redwald and Thormond, the two elites of the Hestanar knights, have a heated rivalry with each other. Perhaps a clash between personalities or simply a discontent to be on equal standing with one another.
Though some wanted to stop the conflict from escalating further, they know it is futile. Furthermore, they don't even want to offend them. The weak respect the strong. Even more concering was the fact that those two might become their superiors after the end of the test. No one could afford to get on either big-shot's bad sides.
Redwald sat on the other side of the campfire, directly opposite Thormond. "Guys, instead of defeating the other teams by stealing their flags. I believe it is best to tackle the challenge to our lord's desires."
"Our lord's desires?" A knight spoke up in confusion.
Redwald shown his benevolent smile before further explaining. "Our Lord must have a further reason to test our ability with this specific game. If he purely wanted to identify the strongest person in his ranks. He would've ordered us to fight one another."
People nodded hearing this.
"But he specifically prepared group battles instead. I believe it is not the results that matters in this test, but the cooperation, communication, leadership, military tactics that is shown by us."
"What we need not is to defeat all the other groups. But a brilliant spectacle on our group's ability to work together."
"I have a plan. Care to listen?"
.
Thormond stared at the haughty Redwald, outraged beyond all imagination. The ginger man is stealing subordinates right in front of his face.