The next day, Kael and Thorn assembled a group of centaurs for the raid. The selected warriors were a mix of eager young centaurs and experienced fighters, all eyeing Kael with a mixture of respect and suspicion. Kael could feel the weight of their expectations resting heavily on his shoulders.
As they rode out at dawn, the morning mist hung low over the plains, giving everything an ethereal quality. Kael took the lead, riding slightly ahead of the group as he scanned the horizon for any signs of human activity.
"Stay close," he instructed. "We will split into two groups once we reach the edge of the human camp. Thorn, you'll take the left flank. I'll go right. Our goal is to create chaos and then regroup at the northern ridge."
Thorn grunted, still bristling with resentment. "Just don't get in my way."
Kael ignored the jab, focusing on the task ahead. As they neared the human camp, the sounds of voices and clanking metal grew louder. The camp was a modest affair, with a few tents and a makeshift palisade, but the number of humans within was concerning. There appeared to be at least twenty soldiers, and several more were off to the side, tending to horses and supplies.
"Get ready," Kael whispered as they drew closer, signaling for the group to slow down. "We'll attack on my mark. Remember, aim for their supplies first. Destroy what they need, and they'll have to scramble to recover."
The centaurs nodded, their expressions serious as they readied their weapons. Kael could feel the adrenaline coursing through him. This was it—a chance to show the tribe that they could fight smart and win.
"Now!" Kael shouted, and they charged forward.
The element of surprise worked in their favor. The humans were caught off guard as the centaurs burst from the tall grass. Kael led the charge, his heart pounding with exhilaration as he swung his weapon, a crude but effective stone axe, at the nearest human.
The chaos erupted. The centaurs struck hard and fast, targeting the supplies and the horses. Screams filled the air as the humans scrambled to defend themselves, but Kael had already planned for this. Thorn's group executed their ambush perfectly, catching the humans between them and causing disarray.
Kael's instincts guided him as he dodged a human swinging a sword at him. He felt the rush of battle invigorate him, and he moved with a newfound confidence. As he fought, he couldn't help but glance at Thorn, who was holding his own against multiple humans, his skill as a warrior undeniable.
"Keep pushing!" Kael shouted, urging the others forward. "Don't let them regroup!"
But just as victory seemed within reach, a loud horn blared from the far end of the camp. Kael's heart sank as he realized reinforcements were on the way. More humans were coming, and they would be heavily armed.
"We need to retreat!" Kael yelled, raising his voice above the din of battle. "Fall back to the ridge!"
Thorn shot him a sharp look but complied, rallying the warriors to retreat. The centaurs turned and fled, but not before Kael caught a glimpse of several humans pursuing them. A few of their own had fallen, injured or overwhelmed.
As they galloped away, Kael felt a mixture of triumph and dread. They had caused chaos, disrupted the human supply lines, but they had also lost several centaurs in the process. It was a bitter victory.
When they reached the northern ridge, they regrouped, panting and glancing back toward the camp. The fires still burned, and shouts echoed in the distance. Kael counted their numbers—nine had returned. They had lost three centaurs, a heavy price for their raid.
"Kael!" Thorn barked, his eyes fierce. "What kind of leader sends his warriors into a fight without ensuring they could get away?"
Kael felt the weight of Thorn's accusation but stood firm. "We achieved our goal, Thorn. We disrupted their supplies. They'll think twice before moving against us again. But I will take responsibility for our losses."
The tension hung in the air, thick as the smoke from the campfires. Kael could sense that Thorn's resentment had only grown, and the tribe's faith in him was now on shaky ground. But he had to focus on what mattered—gaining their trust, learning from his mistakes, and solidifying his position.
As they rode back to their camp, Kael reflected on the battle. The centaurs had fought bravely, but they needed to be smarter. They had to learn to strike and vanish, not just engage. The raid had been a lesson—a test of resolve, for both him and the tribe.
And now, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Kael knew that he had to plan for what came next. The fight for leadership and the survival of the tribe was only beginning.