Chapter 19 Plans in The Night
Elias sat by the flickering campfire, the warmth a welcome comfort against the chill of the night air. Across from him, Riven sharpened his sword, the rhythmic scrape of metal on stone mingling with the sounds of the forest. The distant calls of night creatures echoed around them, creating an ambiance that felt both serene and eerie.
"Are you sure about this?" Elias asked, breaking the silence. The weight of their impending mission hung heavily in the air. "Attacking a bandit camp... it feels risky."
Riven looked up, his green eyes glinting in the firelight. "Every plan comes with risk, Elias. But if we want to make a name for ourselves—and if you want to gain strength—we need to take bold steps. The bandits won't expect us to strike, especially not in the dead of night."
Elias nodded, though doubt lingered in the back of his mind. He had faced bandits before, but this was different. They weren't just hunting down some petty thieves; they were targeting a full camp, likely filled with skilled fighters.
"We can't let fear hold us back," Riven continued, sensing Elias's hesitation. "You have your undead at your command, and I'll be right beside you. Together, we can overwhelm them."
Elias felt the grip of determination tighten around his resolve. "What's the plan, then?" he asked, eager to shift his focus to action.
Riven sheathed his sword and leaned closer, his voice low. "We'll approach the camp quietly and strike at their weakest point. I'll take out any sentries while you send your undead to create chaos. Once they're distracted, we'll slip in and eliminate their leaders. This should make them easy pickings."
Elias considered the strategy, adrenaline coursing through him. "And after that?"
"After we've taken out the bandits, we'll search their camp for supplies. We might find something useful—gold, weapons, information. Whatever we can use to further our goals." Riven paused, a glint in his eye. "And we'll take their ears as proof of our kills to turn in at the guild. Even if it's not an official quest, it could lead to a promotion opportunity."
"Let's do it," Elias replied, a surge of adrenaline rushing through him.
They quickly gathered their equipment, ensuring their weapons were ready for the fight. Riven cast a final glance around their camp, assessing their surroundings before they set off into the darkness.
The journey to the bandit camp was fraught with tension. The moon hung high in the sky, its light filtering through the canopy of trees, casting ghostly shadows on the forest floor. The only sounds were the crunch of leaves beneath their feet and the distant rustling of nocturnal creatures.
As they approached the bandit camp, the glow of several campfires became visible through the trees. Elias felt his heart race as he glimpsed the silhouettes of bandits moving about, their laughter and shouts echoing in the night.
"Remember, stay low and quiet," Riven whispered, gesturing for Elias to follow him as they crept closer to the edge of the clearing.
Elias took a deep breath, feeling the power of his summoned undead thrumming in the back of his mind. He had three zombies and two ghouls at his disposal, each one waiting for his command.
"On my signal, I want you to send your undead toward the sentries," Riven instructed. "I'll take the one on the left; you handle the one on the right."
Elias nodded, adrenaline surging as he focused on the nearest sentry. The bandit stood with his back to them, unaware of the danger lurking just a few paces away.
"Now!" Riven said, his voice a sharp whisper.
Elias raised his hand, summoning his ghouls to lunge at the unsuspecting bandit. "Attack!"
The ghouls sprinted forward, their movements swift and silent. The sentry barely had time to react before they were upon him, claws raking through flesh. The bandit let out a strangled cry as he fell, struggling against the onslaught.
You have gained 5 EXP!
Elias felt a thrill of power as he watched his undead at work. His heart pounded in his chest, and he focused on the second sentry. "Go!" he commanded the nearest zombie.
The zombie shambled forward, its movements slow but relentless. The second sentry turned just in time to see the approaching threat, panic flashing in his eyes. Before he could draw his weapon, the zombie grabbed him, and Riven struck from the shadows.
You have gained 5 EXP!
"Clean kill," Riven remarked, stepping back as the bandit fell.
Elias grinned, the fear that had gnawed at him before replaced by exhilaration. "Let's move," he said, stepping into the camp.
Chaos erupted as they entered. Bandits shouted in confusion, their attention drawn to the sudden violence. Elias signaled for his remaining undead to join the fray, and they surged forward, ready to wreak havoc.
"Stay together!" Riven shouted, moving to engage a group of bandits who had gathered near the fire. His sword flashed in the dim light, cutting down one foe after another.
Elias followed close behind, adrenaline fueling his every movement. He targeted the nearest bandit, his sword slicing through the air as he engaged in the fray. The bandit swung wildly, but Elias sidestepped, striking back with precision.
You have gained 5 EXP!
As more bandits converged on Riven, Elias saw an opportunity. He summoned his last zombie, sending it toward a cluster of bandits trying to regroup. The sight of the undead staggered them, and confusion reigned as the living bandits struggled to comprehend the onslaught they faced.
"Push forward!" Riven shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "We need to find their leaders!"
Elias pressed onward, cutting down another bandit and feeling the exhilaration of the fight consume him. The air was thick with the smell of sweat and smoke, mingling with the metallic scent of blood.
You have gained 5 EXP!
With each bandit they defeated, Elias felt the weight of their mission beginning to lift. The tide of the battle had turned in their favor, and he could sense victory drawing closer.
As the fight intensified, Elias spotted a group of five bandits huddled together, trying to coordinate their defense. His heart raced as he charged into the fray, swinging his sword with determination.
"Get ready, undead!" he shouted, directing his ghouls to flank the group. "We'll take them down together!"
With a combination of his undead and his own attacks, they overwhelmed the bandits, slicing through their defenses. Elias struck the first bandit, cutting him down before quickly turning to the next.
You have gained 25 EXP!
The combined efforts of Elias and his undead proved devastating. Each bandit fell one by one, leaving the group disoriented and panicked. Elias felt a rush of adrenaline as he dispatched the last of them, the thrill of victory surging through him.
You have gained 25 EXP!
With the camp now in disarray, Riven dispatched the last of the leaders, leaving only the scattered remnants of the camp behind them. "We did it," he breathed, panting from the exertion.
Elias couldn't help but grin, a rush of adrenaline still coursing through him. "We actually did it."
But their victory was short-lived. As the dust settled, Elias's heart sank as he noticed a figure slipping away from the chaos—a bandit, attempting to escape.
"Stop him!" Elias shouted, racing after the fleeing figure.
The bandit glanced back, eyes wide with terror, but Elias was faster. He summoned his remaining undead, sending them after the fleeing man as he sprinted forward, determined to prevent any word of their attack from reaching other bandit camps.
As the chase continued, the forest closed in around them. The underbrush snapped beneath their feet as they pushed through, adrenaline spurring them onward.
"Get back here!" Elias yelled, pushing himself harder. He could see the bandit gaining distance, desperation driving him forward.
Elias called upon the last of his energy, channeling it into his legs as he surged ahead. With a final burst of speed, he lunged forward and tackled the bandit, both of them crashing to the ground.
The bandit struggled beneath him, panic in his eyes as he fought to escape. "Please! Don't kill me!" he gasped, fear evident in his voice.
Elias held him down, panting as he caught his breath. "What's your name?" he demanded, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Jareth! I swear, I'll do whatever you want! Just let me go!" the bandit pleaded, desperation spilling from his words.
Elias hesitated, glancing back toward Riven, who had caught up to them. "What do you think?"
Riven approached, studying Jareth with a calculating look. "We could use him. He knows the camp, the routes, and he could be a valuable asset moving forward. Plus, if we decide to keep him alive, we could turn him into a prisoner... or even a slave. Perhaps we could ransom him later."
Elias considered this, a plan forming in his mind. "Alright, Jareth. You're coming with us. But any tricks, and I won't hesitate to kill you. Understood?"
"Yes! Yes, I promise! I won't cause trouble,"