*Nemesia's POV*
The crisp morning air was filled with the bustle of preparation as we readied ourselves for the journey. Our destination: a secluded port town nestled beyond the mountain pass, a crucial step in our unfolding strategy against the Lycan kingdom. The camp, usually a place of stern discipline, hummed with a rare energy today.
Murphey, Evar and I were deep in discussion over the maps spread across a makeshift table, our breath visible in the chilly air - the autumn came faster than expected and was getting colder with each passing week.
"Make sure we have alternate routes planned out," I instructed, my finger tracing the terrain on the map. "The usual path might be watched." No one knew what we were talking about but I didn't trust others like I did trust Evar... in a way. So I might've told him more about my plans than my companions knew.
Evar nodded, his eyes scanning the dense foliage that bordered our camp. "Oh... and by the way... I'll lead the advance scout. We need to ensure the path is clear." He said when once again, I told him about my worries that we need to make sure the path is safe and no one finds the camp here.
Murphey came beside him to a halt, looked over the map and added, "I've arranged for additional scouts to flank our procession. We can't be too careful."
As they spoke, I turned my attention to the younger members of our team. James, Alice, and Tom were overseeing the packing of supplies. Provisions, medical supplies, and weaponry were being meticulously checked and loaded onto the sturdy pack horses.
"Double-check the herb packs, Alice. And make sure the bandages and healing oils are packed," I called out to her. Alice nodded vigorously, her hands deftly sorting through the medical supplies.
Tom and James were busy with the weaponry, ensuring each blade was sharp and each bowstring taut. "Remember, those arrows are not just sticks; they are what might save your lives," I reminded them, earning a pair of solemn nods.
Rowan was there too, trying to help by hauling small, manageable bundles. His determination to be useful was adorable, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness towards him.
"Stay close to me during the journey, Rowan," I instructed, kneeling to meet his eye level. "It's going to be a long ride, and we need to keep you safe."
Rowan's chest puffed out slightly with pride. "I will, Nemesia. I can be brave," he asserted, his voice tinged with the excitement of adventure. Some people thought it was unwise to take him with us, saying it would be better to leave him in the camp... he was once left in a camp... not going to let him go through this again.
I ruffled his hair affectionately, then stood to oversee the final preparations. Once satisfied that we were ready, I gathered everyone for a brief meeting.
"We leave within the hour," I announced, my voice carrying over the murmur of the camp. "Stay vigilant and stick to the formation. We're not a small team, but we must move as swiftly and quietly as possible. We don't want to make the road to the camp visible or to let anyone find out where it is."
Evar joined me at the front, brushing my hand with his, a small smile on his lips.
"Let's move out," he said, the usual lightness of his tone replaced with a serious one.
One by one, we mounted our horses, the animals snorting and stamping in the cool morning air. The rebels who had been assigned to our mission—a mix of seasoned fighters and keen young scouts—formed up around us.
As we set out, the camp fading into the background, the weight of leadership settled heavily on my shoulders.
"How long has it been since we last had to lead such a big party to a fight?" Athena chuckled as if it was actually making her feel good.
"Don't even ask... way too long" I smiled at her.
"And Jaguars? Oh... I hate them. I hope you'll let me rip to shreds at least a few of them." Her bloodthirsty nature came into view, so I just pushed her to the back of my head with a short chuckle, asking her to behave as I had to concentrate on the road.
The path through the forest was shrouded in mist, the towering pines and rugged terrain forming a natural fortress that had shielded our movements for years.
The journey was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts or vigilant of the shadows that danced between the trees. I rode at the front with Evar who came back from scouting, our eyes constantly scanning the path ahead. Behind us, Murphey conversed in hushed tones with Alice and Tom, likely offering last-minute advice and reassurances.
"We need to reach the port by nightfall," I said quietly to Evar, who nodded in understanding.
"The scouts reported the route clear, but we'll take no chances," he replied, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
As the hours passed, the forest gradually gave way to rocky outcrops and the sound of distant waves crashing against the shore reached our ears—the first sign of the proximity to our goal.
The terrain grew more challenging as we neared the port town, the path winding dangerously close to steep cliffs. I could see the tension in everyone's posture, their focus absolute.
"Watch your step," I called back to the group, my voice firm. "Keep your horses steady."
The final leg of the journey was tense, each step bringing us closer to our destination. When the port town finally came into view, nestled between the mountains and the sea, a collective sigh of relief was almost audible.
We halted on a ridge overlooking the town, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the rooftops.
"This is where our mission truly begins," I murmured, turning to face our group, my voice louder this time. "Let's not draw too much attention."
Nods and murmurs of agreement met my words. As we descended into the town, the shadows lengthening around us, I felt the familiar stir of anticipation.
As twilight melted into the deeper blue of night, our group quietly moved through the shadows of the port town, the distant murmur of the sea mingling with our hushed tones. The streets were dimly lit, the soft glow of lanterns casting long shadows on the cobblestones beneath our feet. Our mission was cloaked in secrecy; even the chill ocean breeze seemed to carry our whispers away swiftly.
"We need to blend in as much as possible," I murmured to Murphey, Evar, and the others as we approached the docks, where our vessel, the Whispering Wind, was moored discreetly among other ships.
Evar nodded, his eyes scanning the area with practised caution. "The less attention, the better. We're just traders and travellers here for business."
The captain of the Whispering Wind, a sturdy figure with a grizzled beard and eyes accustomed to the sea's caprices, met us at the gangplank. Murphey stepped forward, offering a nod and a softly spoken passphrase, "Under the cloak of night, we sail towards dawn."
The captain's stern features softened into a brief smile as he responded, "And with the morning light, we find our strength." This exchange confirmed his cooperation with our cause. "Welcome aboard, friends. Let's get you and your cargo stowed away quickly."
We moved efficiently, our steps muffled by the wooden planks of the dock as the crew, well-versed in silent operations, helped us load our supplies, weapons, and horses onto the ship. Every action was measured, and every gesture was calculated to avoid drawing undue attention.
Once everything was secured, the captain ushered us below deck. "Your quarters are prepared—nothing lavish, but you'll find them comfortable enough for the journey."
The cabin for my team was compact, with several bunks and a small porthole that admitted a sliver of moonlight. Other rebels get to sleep with the crew. It felt cramped yet oddly secure, a temporary sanctuary as we prepared to cross the waters in secrecy.
"As soon as the tide is in our favour, we sail," the captain informed us, his voice a low rumble. "The island isn't far, but we'll arrive by first light to avoid prying eyes."
The voyage through the night was quiet, the ship slicing through the dark waters with a steady grace. I stood at the rail for a time, watching the stars reflected in the undulating waves, their calmness belying the storm of thoughts in my mind.
"Checking out if you're a Sea Wolf?" Evar's chuckle came softly from behind me. He joined me at the rail, his presence reassuring despite the tension that lay ahead.
I laughed lightly. "I don't think so. Athena has been quiet for a while now. From what I recall she's always been uncomfortable when travelling on water."
"She's wise... I mean... I know we are wolves and all but what if we can't swim even in a doggy style? What a macabre!" He tried to sound serious and even made a worried face. It made me laugh even harder than before, tears showing in the corners of my eyes.
"Don't worry, you and Ragnar are safe with me. If we sink I will make sure to carry you to the land in my arms and make sure you stay dry princess" I couldn't stop myself from making fun of him, which he enjoyed, looking at his reaction.
We continued to laugh and talk freely without a care. I almost forgot about everything... again. He made me feel free - from pain, from responsibilities and from the boundaries I'd set years ago.
Evar became quiet for a moment, looking at me with a cheeky smile, stars reflecting in his eyes.
"Your plan may be difficult but I'm here to help. Don't worry your pretty head," he winked at me and I chuckled again. I liked it more when he was acting this way. With the rebels he was stiffer, not trusting them completely.
"I know," I replied with a small smile, my voice just above a whisper. "If we can manoeuvre correctly, we can use our supposed allegiance with the Jaguar Clan to our advantage. It's all about subtlety and timing now. I just hope the team will listen to me... and that First Prince doesn't know what happened at the capitol... about me and... you know..."
Our talk slowly died out as we just kept each other company, before going to rest in the cabin.
As dawn broke, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink, the outline of the island began to take shape ahead of us. We gathered in the cabin, maps spread out as we plotted our final approach.
"Our first task upon landing is to secure a meeting with the First Prince under the guise of aiding him in his and the Jaguar Clan's fight with the Bear Clan," I explained, pointing to a secluded part of the map where our spies told us, his base should be. "It's crucial that we maintain our cover until I deal with him and also get a way to talk with the Bears."
The ship docked in the early morning light at a quiet part of the port, away from the busier trading posts. Our disembarkation was swift, our appearances those of simple merchants and their entourage.
As we moved through the town, the sounds of distant conflict were a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles that lay deeper within the island - some people crying and lamenting, some arguing with anger about the Bears. Our path, however, lay cloaked in diplomacy and hidden agendas.
"We need to establish our credibility quickly," Murphey whispered as we secured rooms at a local inn that served as our temporary base. "Every move we make must reinforce our cover."
The inn was modest, nestled on the outskirts of the town, providing the perfect vantage point for observing the comings and goings of various factions without drawing attention to ourselves.
As the day unfolded, we prepared for the next phase of our mission. Each of us knew the role we had to play, the stakes higher than ever. In the quiet of my room, I reviewed every detail of the plan, Athena's steady presence in my mind a constant source of resolve. Of course, only Evar knew all of the details of my plan, but I gave some parts of it away for Murphey, Alice, Tom and James. I needed their help, and even if they didn't understand everything perfectly well, they promised to follow my each command.
"Well then... David... First Prince of the Lycan Kingdom. Leading Commander of Lycan Troops... Shall we start this dance?" I whispered to myself while looking through the window of the inn, with a small smile on my lips.