As nightfall descended, the wind howled through the dense forest, its gusts tugging at the branches, which creaked with unease. A mounted messenger, cloaked in a tattered cape, leaned forward, his body pressed against the horse's neck as he galloped forward. His legs were tightly gripping the horse's sides, his hands firmly holding the reins. Sweat mixed with blood as it trickled down his cheek, yet his eyes were sharp like an eagle's, focused intently on the open ground ahead.
The dense forest began to thin, the terrain gradually opening up. As the hooves struck the valley, he spotted a faint glow in the distance. The light of torches. His heart raced, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes. The firelight grew brighter, revealing the silhouette of a vast army marching along the mountain path, their torches stretching out like a river of stars. He knew it was the reinforcement force sent by King Leon.
"I've caught up!" the messenger muttered to himself, pulling the reins with force and urging the horse to speed up.
Once the hooves hit the open ground, the messenger shouted, "Urgent military report from Duke Horace! Urgent military report from Duke Horace!" His voice echoed through the valley, startling the guards ahead. A team of fully armored soldiers quickly formed a line, surrounding him. Their long spears pointed at the horse's head, and the leader of the group barked, "Who goes there? What is the meaning of shouting in the dead of night?"
The messenger gasped for breath, raising his hands to show he meant no harm. He shouted, "I am the messenger of Lord Lian's forces, with urgent military information for General Oscar! It's an order from Duke Horace!"
The soldiers exchanged glances and, sensing no immediate threat, slightly relaxed. But the captain remained cautious and ordered a check of the messenger's belongings. After confirming there was no danger, he gestured for the troops to clear the way and led the messenger to the heart of the army.
At the center of the camp, General Oscar was in the midst of consulting with several of his subordinates regarding the reinforcements. Clad in silver-white armor, his gaze was as sharp as a blade, exuding an imposing aura that sent chills down one's spine. When the messenger was brought before him, he did not speak immediately. Instead, he scrutinized the man from head to toe with a piercing gaze.
"Who are you?" Oscar's voice was low, steady, yet commanding.
The messenger knelt swiftly, saluted with urgency, and replied, panting, "General, I am the messenger of Lord Lian's forces, with urgent military information to report."
Oscar nodded, signaling him to continue.
"The tribes of Airtulan have attacked Strongson's eastern borders, destroying outposts and supply lines. Duke Horace has personally gone to the east to meet with Lord Lian, and has sent me with orders to convey this message to you. According to reliable intelligence, Airtulan may be setting up an ambush along the Eldenia border, intending to trap the reinforcements on their return!"
The messenger's words were like a stone thrown into deep water, creating ripples. The atmosphere around them became immediately tense, and Oscar's brows furrowed. After a moment of thought, he raised his head and asked, "How is Duke Horace so certain?"
"According to the intelligence, Airtulan's movements are suspicious. They've been active along the border, and scouts sent by Duke Horace have discovered multiple signs of possible ambushes. Moreover, Duke Horace believes there may be more complex forces behind this war, and we must proceed with caution." The messenger then pulled out a sealed letter from his cloak and handed it to Oscar. "This is a secret order from the Duke."
Oscar took the letter, quickly unfurled it, and confirmed the Duke's seal. His gaze flicked over the text, and his expression shifted from stern to even more serious. After reading, he closed the letter and took a deep breath, his eyes scanning the faces of his subordinates.
"It seems we can't march as planned," Oscar said slowly, his voice low but full of authority. "Issue my orders: increase reconnaissance for the vanguard, slow down the entire army's pace, and step up night patrols. We must ensure the safety of the reinforcements, or we risk falling into a deadly quagmire."
The messenger raised his head, his eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and fear. He knew the information he had conveyed could determine the fate of the reinforcements, and all he could do now was pray that General Oscar's decisions would be wise enough.