Alfred looked at the two moons in the sky. He had been unable to sleep since the battle. "You should sleep." Isra's quiet voice whispered in Alfred's ear. He turned his head and smiled softly before looking at the sky. She took a seat next to him. "You did well out there for your first battle."
"It's weird." He took a look around him to check if they were alone. "You've heard my past. I'm not like you; I've never been in war, never killed a man until I came to this world. But this whole war has me feeling excited. There is a nervousness inside me, but these feelings crush it."
Isra couldn't understand Alfred's problem. Some feeling alone awoke in people after they experienced something for the first time. She didn't think it was weird for him. She was the same. She feared going to battle until she did it for the first time. "Don't think too deeply about it. It helps you, so use it. Would you rather be a nervous wreck or excited for battle?"
"I get what you're saying, but this isn't me. I'm not a battle junkie. I don't wish to kill." Isra gave a soft nod in response.
"So Micheal has finally arrived." Snowid smiled as he waved the scout away. "Konrad." The knight, with an angelic smile, walked into the tent. "I need you to keep watch of the Kingdom's camp. Any movement inside of it, report back to me right away." Konrad bowed, leaving the tent.
Two days passed. The situation in the Commonwealth camp hadn't changed. The air around the soldiers was relaxed. "Chris." Chris sat with bandages around his chest. He tried to stand to give his respect but was quickly stopped by Alfred. "How are your injuries?"
"They look worse than they are. Don't worry, Your Highness." He gave a quick chuckle before groaning in pain, grabbing his chest and betraying his words.
"The Commonwealth hasn't made a move yet. It's suspicious. We sent a raid yesterday, and although it can be seen as a failure, there was no reaction." He sighed, grabbing his head, "I don't know what's happening. I can't see a way to break the stalemate without taking a massive risk. We've had scouts sent out to inspect the surroundings, but I don't know anymore." His voice was tired.
Chris looked at Alfred with sympathy. He was the supreme commander of the battlefield, and every decision he made had to be correct. He could see Alfred no longer had the confidence he had at the start of the war. Chris chose to remain silent. Knowing it was dangerous, he feared anything he said might influence Alfred's choice. The situation wasn't bad. They still had the advantage, was all Chris could think. "Just remember, My King. You can't let them see you like this."
"ah. I know Chris. Don't wor-"
"My King, you have to come. Quick." A soldier under Raven ran into the tent. His panicked appearance put life into Alfred. The soldier turned quickly as they jogged away, forcing Alfred to leave.
Alfred was led across the camp. The smell became worse as they entered the treatment area. Littered around Alfred were people who could hardly be classed as alive. Groans of agony cried out towards him. His mind raced as his eyes darted back and forth between the different patients. He couldn't let his surroundings get to him. He showed a stern face, only being betrayed by the bead of sweat rolling down his face.
"He's there, my King." The soldier pointed into an area that had been hastily separated by cloth. Soldiers stood outside guarding. Alfred nodded, walking into the tent. Raven and William stood above a scout covered in blood.
The two gave a quick bow. Alfred nodded at them before indicating at the body, wanting to understand. "He died shortly after arriving. We tried to keep him alive until you arrived." Raven broke as Alfred knelt next to the body. "He came from the forest."
"The northern forest?" Alfred shot the question, receiving weak nods. His eyes opened wide as he paced back and forth, hand covering his mouth. "I knew it." His current appearance betrayed how he looked with Chris, his eyes glowing like a madman. "Did he tell you how large the force was?"
"Between 100-300, he was quickly spotted when trying to calculate how large the force was. He did say something interesting, however?" William and Raven smiled. "' I spotted Prince Micheal.'"
The words repeated in Alfred's head. He broke into a wide smile. "Snowid. You sneaky bastard." He gave a small chuckle. He stood in silence, thinking about the next step. The two didn't interrupt him. "I have a plan. It's risky, but it is better than being surrounded." They became interested as they moved closer to Alfred, who spoke hushedly. "I need 50 men, preferably those who understand the forest. They also need to be good at archery and be able to move quickly. Snowid obviously will see the movement in our camp and charge the hill. William, I will hand over control to you here. You are the only one qualified enough to take charge."
"Forgive me, but you can't be thinking about engaging them with only 50 men. That's suicide, my King." Raven raised his voice, getting two threatening stares from the two. He quickly fixed himself, realising his mistake. They had no idea who was listening right now.
"It won't be a pitched battle, but I'm the only one who can understand my plan. I need your trust for this, and I need to be able to trust you here." His voice was full of power and confidence. William and Raven looked at one another, giving knowing looks.
"We understand. I will round up the men for you. Give me an hour." Raven answered for the two before slipping out of the tent. Alfred smiled to himself as he wondered how the war would play out.
"We've rounded everyone we could who fit your qualities. Charles, come here!" Raven called out to his brother. "This man right here will know the forest better than anyone." Charles smacked his chest in response to Raven.
"Good." Alfred walked up to Charles. The man looked down at the small king. His eyes eyeing him up. Raven watched with displeasure, seeing his brother's actions. "Lead the way." Alfred put his arm out. Charles nodded as they took the two leading horses. William couldn't help but sigh at losing 50 horses for his coming battle, but he knew he had to trust Alfred.
"There's movement, my King." Knorad's words made Snowid break into a smile.
"Good. Get the men ready for tomorrow."