Chapter 18 Shadows of Strategy
The air was cool as Elias and Riven settled into the makeshift camp deep within the forest. The soft rustle of leaves surrounded them, offering an uneasy peace as they prepared for the next steps in their plan. Elias felt the weight of the recent ritual still lingering—Riven's presence beside him was a reminder of the bond they had forged, one that was both promising and precarious.
"What's our first move?" Riven asked, his gaze scanning the surroundings with the sharpness of a seasoned strategist. Elias felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety, knowing that Riven's experience would guide them.
"We need to gather intelligence on the smaller bandit camps," Elias replied, his voice steady. "I want to know their numbers, their leaders, and any potential weaknesses we can exploit." He paused, eyeing Riven. "Can you handle that?"
Riven chuckled softly, the sound low and confident. "You may be the one with magic, but I've spent years dealing with bandits. I can scout their locations without raising an alarm." His tone shifted to seriousness. "But it won't be easy. You need to ensure your undead are ready for combat. I'll lead them, but I expect you to contribute."
Elias nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "I'll work on that. The undead are strong, but I need to ensure they're coordinated under your command." He leaned forward, a plan forming in his mind. "Let's assign specific roles to each of them. We can use them to create distractions, draw attention away while we strike from the shadows."
"Good thinking," Riven replied, impressed. "The key to ambushing is to make them think they have the upper hand. If they underestimate us, we'll take them down before they even realize what's happening."
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows through the trees, Elias felt a sense of urgency build within him. "We'll set out at dawn," he said, his voice resolute. "By then, I want you to have a solid plan in place for how we'll approach the first camp."
Riven smiled, a mix of mischief and respect in his expression. "You're learning, kid. This could work."
As the night deepened, they continued their discussion, sharing stories and strategies. Elias learned more about Riven's life as a bandit—his past was filled with tales of ambushes, narrow escapes, and the complex web of alliances that characterized the criminal underworld. In turn, he shared his own journey into necromancy, the struggles of wielding power that few could understand.
As dawn broke, they set their plan into motion. The forest was alive with the sounds of morning, but Elias remained focused, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He commanded his undead to gather around him as he began to outline their roles.
"Riven will lead you," Elias instructed, looking at his undead. "You will follow his commands without question. Remember, our goal is to create chaos and confusion among the bandits. When the time is right, we strike."
Riven stepped forward, his demeanor commanding. "Listen up! We're going to cause a stir. I'll be coordinating your movements. If I tell you to create a distraction, do it. We need to keep them off balance, and you will obey."
The undead remained motionless, awaiting their commands, a haunting reflection of the obedience Elias had instilled in them.
Once ready, they made their way toward the first bandit camp, navigating through the underbrush with care. As they neared the camp, Riven pointed to a clearing ahead. "There they are. It looks like they're planning to move out. We need to act quickly."
Elias watched intently as the bandits prepared their gear, laughter and shouts echoing through the air. He could feel his heart racing, adrenaline pumping through him. "Now's our chance. Riven, you take charge."
Riven nodded, his expression determined. "Let's do this. Remember, keep your distance until I signal."
Elias took a deep breath, channeling his magic. He felt the familiar pull of the undead at his command, waiting for their moment.
"Now!" Riven shouted, his voice echoing through the trees.
With a wave of his hand, Elias conjured a Fireball, the flame swirling at his fingertips before he hurled it into the camp. The ball of fire exploded on impact, igniting the ground and sending bandits scrambling in panic.
"Focus!" Riven called, his voice sharp. "Don't get distracted!"
Elias shook off the adrenaline, turning his attention back to the battle. He knew he had to stay alert and support Riven as they fought to secure their dominance over the bandits. Together, they pushed forward, the camp falling into disarray around them.
As chaos erupted, Elias commanded his undead to charge into the camp, the shock of their appearance adding to the confusion. Riven led the charge, directing the undead with precision.
Elias stayed close behind, observing the scene unfold. Riven maneuvered through the disarray, expertly taking down bandits and coordinating the attacks.
Suddenly, a bandit turned toward Elias, brandishing a weapon. In that split second, Elias acted on instinct again, conjuring another Fireball and launching it at the bandit. The fireball struck true, engulfing the bandit in flames and forcing him to stumble back, screaming in panic.
As the last of the bandits fled into the woods, Elias surveyed the scene, breathing heavily. "We did it," he said, exhilaration coursing through him.
Riven approached, wiping blood from his blade. "Not bad for your first real fight. But this isn't over. We need to ensure they don't regroup and come after us."
Elias nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of their next move. This was just the beginning, and with Riven at his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.
As they gathered the spoils of victory, Elias couldn't shake the feeling that this partnership with Riven would reshape his path. Together, they would carve out a place for themselves in the shadows, and he intended to rise to power—one camp at a time.