Suddenly, Baalkaroth's voice cut through the monotony, "We're getting farther away from the dungeon now."
I nodded, acknowledging the information. Leaning forward, I pushed the carriage window down and stuck my head out, feeling the cool breeze against my face.
"Make camp here," I declared, withdrawing my head back into the carriage just as I noticed the approaching figure of Roy, his face adorned with a frown.
Roy reached the carriage with an air of confusion "Young master, why are we stopping here? Shouldn't we push on until we find a safer spot?The horses can still go and the sun is still up" he questioned, his brows furrowed.
"No, we will make camp here," I declared firmly, my gaze sweeping over the surrounding area. "We'll first scout the outskirts of this area. If we don't find anything by the next two days, we'll break camp and move up north." I spoke with a practiced ease, concealing the fact that I already knew the location of the dungeon, shrouding it with a bullshit reason conjured on the spot.
Roy, still on horseback, questioned the decision. "Shouldn't we first search the area where the monsters were sighted?"
I descended from the carriage, my eyes locking onto Roy's. Plan a failed, let's go with b
"Remind me, Sir Roy, who did Father appoint as the leader?"
"He appointed you, sir," Roy replied, "but he also said you should listen to us veterans....."
"Should not have to , they have a difference in meaning you see , in short, what I want to do, we do. You understand, Sir Roy?"
"Yes, sir," he answered.
"Then get off that fucking horse before I lose my cool," I commanded, turning around to survey the campsite.
The area stretched out as mostly plains, the landscape interrupted sporadically by trees. The open expanse made it an unusual and somewhat challenging choice for a campsite. While the trees provided cover to potential ambushes , the vast openness of the plains exposed the camp to potential threats from all directions. However it did not matter as we would stay here only one day.
Yeah, it might not be the smartest spot, but these soldiers were pros, no doubt.As soon as I gave the order there wasn't any confusion or playing around as each did something to build up the camp.
Some got busy setting up these rock-solid tents, staking them down like they were preparing for a tornado . Others scrounged up enough dry wood for our campfire. After all we gotta keep us warm all night, right?
Even with this setup, there was this cool vibe among the guys as they hustle together, which made you immediately understand that this guys were the elitè of the county. As in less than in an hour and half the camp was done, fires were started , and military rations were opened.You could even catch a few laughs and jokes floating around, meaning that these guys were calm even in the wilderness.
How much would I love to lead these men in a battle....just to see how much their discipline is truly worth.
I found a makeshift seat in our camp, the glow of the campfire flickering in the darkness. Roy was nearby, munching on some crackers, enjoying a brief respite after the camp setup hustle.
Turning towards him, I said, "Roy, we're scouting tonight. Get ready."
Roy, mid-cracker, turned wide-eyed in my direction, caught off guard. He coughed, almost spitting out the crackers, and managed to choke out, "Scouting tonight? Are you sure?"
"Yeah, it will be just me and you," I replied casually, twirling a stick through the fire.
Roy looked genuinely concerned, "Young master, with all due respect, I cannot let you. It's night, visibility is practically nil, and tracking monsters in the dark—"
"I fear you misunderstood me, Sir," I interrupted, my tone firm. "I wasn't asking; I was ordering. I could easily judge you for insubordination and execute you. It's well within my rights. Besides, you mentioned the lack of reports in this area. So, what's there to worry about? Is it truly worth risking your life for?" I swung the stick, breaking a piece of coal, and its ashes dispersed into the night air.
Roy attempted to negotiate, "At least let me prepare more, me—"
"I said me and you, no more people and no less. You've got 15 minutes. Get ready," I ordered, rising from my spot and making my way to my tent.
''Fucking kid....''
I could hear Roy still grumbling but I gave it no heed, as after all the image I was trying to project was exactly that, all that I needed was to be alone with him, as the only thing that remained was convincing him of the bullshit I was preparing, and holy hell if it was a big stretch.
Inside my tent, the flickering light of a small lantern cast dancing shadows on the fabric walls. I settled in, the air within the tent carrying a mix of anticipation and determination. It was time to call upon the demonic guidance of Baalkaroth.
"Baalkaroth," I called out,
The air within the tent seemed to thicken, and then, the demonic presence made itself known. Baalkaroth's voice echoed in my mind, "What do you want?"
I leaned forward, a low whisper escaping my lips, "Guide us towards the dungeon. We're scouting tonight. Keep us on the right path, and warn of any dangers."
A moment of silence passed before Baalkaroth responded, "Very well, just remember what I want''
''Of course if the plan works, I will fill you with souls , so many that it will count like a feast....''
After all in a few weeks, hell would descend upon this county, and unfortunately for me I would be knee-deep in that shit...