As the morning fog began to lift, the remnants of the battle from the previous night slowly became visible, scattered across the village. The corpses of the fallen attackers were being gathered, and the survivors were trying to regroup. It was clear that the village had taken a heavy toll, but the real challenge lay ahead: the next wave.
Captain Aidan, the leader of the reinforcements, had already begun organizing the villagers and soldiers into groups for repairs and defensive preparations. The man, tall and broad-shouldered with a weathered face, approached Raymond. The deep lines etched into his face told of years of experience in the field, but there was an edge of worry in his eyes as he nodded to Raymond.
"It's going to be a long day," Aidan said quietly. "We need to figure out what comes next. I don't think last night was enough to drive them off. They'll be back."
Raymond, still wearing his full armor, glanced at the village. The atmosphere was heavy, but his expression was unreadable behind his helmet. "I agree. They'll be back, but not just for revenge. They'll return because they see Eldemor as a stepping stone."
Aidan's gaze sharpened. "A stepping stone?"
Raymond nodded, his voice low but firm. "If they manage to capture this village, their next target will be the capital. Eldemor lies on the direct route between the forest and the kingdom's capital. If they control this village, they control the main path leading straight to the heart of the kingdom."
Aidan paused, processing Raymond's words, his face growing darker. The implications were clear. Eldemor was not just a random target. It was part of a larger strategic plan to open the path to the capital, a vulnerability that could lead to chaos and devastation.
"We can't let that happen," Aidan said, his voice hardening with resolve. "But how do we stop them? We've already seen their strength. We can't just keep fighting wave after wave and expect to win. Not without more help."
Raymond's mind was racing, considering the situation from every angle. The enemy wasn't just a mindless horde; they were coordinated and clever, using tactics that suggested more than just brute force. Their leader—or whatever entity was directing them—had a clear objective: take Eldemor, then move on to the capital. The problem was that, despite the desperate fight they had just fought, they were still vastly outnumbered and outmatched by the attackers' numbers and tactics.
"We need reinforcements, Captain," Raymond said, his voice flat but resolute. "And not just from this village. You need to send someone to the capital, immediately. This isn't just a village problem anymore. This is a threat to the kingdom itself."
Aidan frowned, then turned his gaze back to the villagers and soldiers working to reinforce the barricades. "I'll send someone. But I don't think the capital will send us much more than we already have. The kingdom's resources are stretched thin with all the other crises. We may not get the help we need in time."
Raymond clenched his fist, the armored gauntlet making a soft clang as he did so. "Then tell them, tell whoever needs to hear it, that this is about more than just Eldemor. This village is the gateway to the capital. If they let this fall, they'll be inviting an enemy right into the heart of the kingdom. The capital will be next. How can they not see that?"
"I don't know," Aidan admitted. "But if we don't get more help soon, we'll be fighting a losing battle. We'll need to push them back, find their leader, and neutralize whatever's behind this. If we can do that, maybe the rest will scatter."
Raymond's gaze darkened beneath his helmet. He had no doubt that the attackers were being led by something more than just a band of wild beasts. The way they had fought, the armor they wore, the tactics they used—it was all far too organized to be the work of mere beasts. There was something, or someone, pulling their strings.
"I agree," Raymond said. "But the key lies in knowing who or what is behind all of this. If we don't figure that out, we'll just be putting out fires without ever getting to the heart of the problem."
Aidan sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "You're right. We've seen enough of these attacks to know it's not just about numbers. It's about something bigger. But we can't just sit here and wait for more reinforcements. We have to act now."
Raymond looked around at the village, noting the positions of the remaining defenders, the tired faces of the villagers, and the scorched earth left behind by the previous night's battle. He couldn't afford to wait either. They needed a plan—one that would force the attackers to reveal their hand.
"Have you spoken to the villagers about fortifying the area more?" Raymond asked, his tone businesslike. "There's no way we can hold this place indefinitely if they attack again tonight. The barricades need to be reinforced, and we need to secure the perimeter. If we can make it harder for them to get in, it might buy us enough time for the reinforcements to arrive."
Aidan nodded, gesturing to the soldiers and villagers. "We're working on it. But we'll need more materials, more manpower. It's going to take time."
"We don't have time," Raymond said, his voice low and firm. "But we'll make do with what we have."
Aidan met his gaze, silent for a moment. Then, with a sharp nod, he said, "I'll get someone to the capital. I'll make sure they understand the gravity of the situation."
Raymond's expression softened, just slightly. He didn't trust the capital to act quickly, but it was their only option. If they didn't act fast, the capital would be vulnerable. The kingdom's defenses were built for defense at the walls of cities, but the capital had left itself open to attack from the surrounding countryside. Eldemor was a crucial waypoint, and they were about to learn the consequences of leaving it unprotected.
As Aidan turned to prepare the messenger, Raymond's mind lingered on a troubling thought. Why had the kingdom not seen the value of defending Eldemor? Why had they left it so exposed, given its proximity to the capital? It was a key piece in the kingdom's defense, yet it had been treated as little more than a sleepy, inconsequential village. The more Raymond thought about it, the more he began to suspect something far more sinister was at play. Was the kingdom's neglect of Eldemor just incompetence—or had it been intentional?
He shook the thought from his mind. Now was not the time for doubt. They had a battle to win, and only one path forward: survive, regroup, and prepare for the next attack. After all, the stakes were far higher than just the survival of this village. If Eldemor fell, so would the capital. And if the capital fell, the kingdom would crumble.
Raymond's voice rang out, commanding attention as he turned to address the villagers and soldiers. "We have one priority now. Defend this village. Reinforcements will be on their way, but until they arrive, we hold the line. Anyone who can help reinforce the barricades, get to work. We'll make this village as unwelcoming as possible."
A murmur of agreement spread through the crowd, and the villagers began moving to follow his orders. Sonya, who had been listening quietly, walked over to Raymond, her expression still a mixture of concern and determination.
"You're sure this is the right call?" she asked quietly.
Raymond met her gaze, his eyes burning with resolve. "It's the only call we can make. Eldemor is the key. We can't let it fall. Not just for the village, but for the entire kingdom."
Sonya nodded, though she didn't seem entirely convinced. "I trust you, Raymond. Let's make sure they don't get a chance to take it."
Raymond gave her a brief nod before turning back to oversee the preparations. The battle for Eldemor wasn't over—it had only just begun.