Chereads / King of the Forgotten Coast / Chapter 27 - Shadows and Secrets

Chapter 27 - Shadows and Secrets

Miguel, his face painted with camouflage and a glint of steel in his eyes, addressed the small team assembled for the reconnaissance mission. Each warrior, handpicked for their skills and unwavering loyalty, stood cloaked in darkness, their faces grim with the weight of their responsibility."The map," Miguel stated, his voice low and firm, "points to a weakness in the Bruneian eastern flank. A hidden ravine leads directly to General Zara's strategy tent. Our objective is to infiltrate the encampment, verify the map's accuracy, and possibly gather additional intel."He gestured towards a weathered scout named Jiro, known for his uncanny ability to navigate unseen. "Jiro will lead us through the treacherous mountain passes. We move under the cover of night, silent as shadows. Remember, our success hinges on stealth. Any misstep could alert the Bruneians and turn this mission into a suicide run."With a curt nod, the team set off, swallowed by the dense foliage that cloaked the mountain slopes. Jiro, a phantom in the darkness, led them through a labyrinth of hidden trails and treacherous cliffs. The air grew colder with each step, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat of the lowlands.Hours melted into an eternity as they navigated the treacherous terrain. Fatigue gnawed at their muscles, and the silence was broken only by the rustle of leaves and the occasional cry of a nocturnal bird. Finally, as the first rays of dawn painted the eastern sky a pale rose, they reached the edge of the Bruneian encampment.The sight that greeted them was a sprawl of tents and fortifications, a hive of activity as soldiers prepared for the day ahead. Miguel scanned the scene, his gaze searching for landmarks that matched the map. Relief washed over him as he spotted the distinctive rock formations and a large command tent that could only belong to General Zara.The ravine, their point of entry, lay hidden amidst a cluster of tents. Jiro, ever the strategist, pointed out a hidden tunnel entrance barely concealed by loose rocks."This leads directly to the ravine," he whispered. "But be warned, it is said to be an ancient burial ground. Proceed with caution."Miguel, a firm believer in practicality over superstition, nodded curtly. The success of their mission outweighed any supernatural fears. He divided the team, assigning Taka, a skilled archer, to remain on guard while the others ventured into the tunnel.The air inside the tunnel was thick with an oppressive stillness and the musky scent of damp earth. The flickering light of their torches cast grotesque shadows on the uneven walls. Each creak of a loose stone and each rustle of unseen creatures sent shivers down their spines.The tunnel seemed to stretch on forever, the silence broken only by their ragged breaths. Just as doubt began to creep in, they emerged into the cool darkness of the ravine. The Bruneian encampment loomed above them, a maze of flickering lights and bustling activity.Using the cover of the ravine's jagged walls, they crept closer to General Zara's tent. Miguel, his heart pounding in his chest, peered through a gap in the canvas wall. Inside, hunched over a map, stood a tall figure unmistakably adorned with the insignia of a Bruneian general.Relief washed over Miguel. The map was accurate. But just as he was about to signal his team, a chilling realization struck him. General Zara wasn't alone. A cloaked figure stood beside him, their back turned, engaged in a hushed conversation.A cold dread gripped Miguel. Could this be Daruk? Or was it someone else entirely, someone playing a far more sinister game? Before he could ponder further, a guttural voice boomed from inside the tent."Enough talk! Prepare the men for a surprise attack at dawn. We'll crush these Skylark insects once and for all!"Miguel's breath caught in his throat. The Bruneians were planning an attack of their own! He had stumbled upon a critical piece of information, but at what cost? He had to get back to Anilao and warn him before it was too late.With a frantic gesture, he signaled his team to retreat. But as they turned to leave, the cloaked figure at General Zara's side suddenly spun around. A single, piercing gaze met Miguel's eyes. In that brief moment, Miguel saw a flash of recognition, a flicker of something akin to betrayal.Before he could react, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the night. Taka, their lookout, lay sprawled on the ground, an arrow protruding from his chest. The Bruneians were alerted!