Meanwhile, while the high-ranking officials of the state were addressing pressing issues at the council, Vitald had already received his reward after delivering the head of the goblin king. He replenished his supply of potions and was heading to the western part of the city, to the tavern where he had stayed before.
"Well... they all looked at me like they'd never seen a goblin head before. I'm not used to this kind of attention," Vitald muttered under his breath, leading his horse across the cobblestone streets. "And they didn't even pay me for clearing out the village! 'It was abandoned anyway,' they said. So what? Hah, cheapskates."
Engrossed in his thoughts, he didn't notice when he arrived at a three-story building with a sign reading "The Black Cat Tavern." Above the entrance hung a faded but carefully repainted sign, and near the porch lazily stretched a cat that looked exactly like the one depicted on the sign.
"Oh, here it is. Still in business," he thought, leading his horse to the stable.
Entering, Vitald glanced around briefly. The tavern was sparsely populated: three men sipped ale at a distant table, an old woman sat reading a book, and a young woman with fiery red hair, as vivid as a blazing flame, sat by the window. The sunlight streaming through the window danced on her hair, making it seem as though she might ignite at any moment. Resting her chin on her hand and crossing her legs, she gazed thoughtfully into the distance. She wore a neatly fitted green corset, a blouse, and brown trousers tucked into boots of the same color.
For a moment, Vitald froze, unable to look away. But the woman, as if sensing his gaze, turned and met his eyes. Vitald quickly looked away and approached the bar, where a man dressed in black stood.
"Good day. I'd like to rent a room for a couple of days. 'We'll see from there,'" he said, leaning on the bar and placing a couple of gold coins on it.
"Of course, traveler. Your room is on the third floor—here's the key," the tavern owner replied, handing over the key. "Would you like something to eat?"
"I wouldn't say no to that."
"What would you like to drink?"
"A mug of ale, please."
"Very well, sit wherever you like."
Vitald glanced back at the table where the red-haired woman had been sitting, but she was gone, as though she had vanished into thin air. He frowned but said nothing. After his meal, he went up to his room and decided to take a nap before meeting with Olgerd.
He woke up drenched in cold sweat.
"Mother... Mother, please, don't touch her," he blurted before fully waking. "Damn it, what a nightmare…"
His heart pounded as if trying to leap out of his chest. Sitting up, he ran a hand over his face, then stood and began dressing. Before long, he entered the "Cliffside Tavern," where Olgerd, Paul, and a large bald man awaited him—someone Vitald had not seen before.
"Well, you came after all," Olgerd said, looking up. "This is Paul—you probably remember him. And this bearded giant is Commander Gerdman."
"For friends, just Gerd," the man added, extending his hand.
"Pleased to meet you," Vitald replied, sitting down at the table.
Olgerd waved to the innkeeper. "Bring us another barrel."
When the ale arrived, Paul poured it into mugs. Olgerd raised his.
"Well then, since we're all here, let's drink to our meeting. Bottoms up!"
"Bottoms up!" the others echoed in unison.
Once the mugs were emptied, Olgerd set his down with a loud thud.
"All right, no more delay. The council has decided on a reconnaissance operation into the enemy camp," Olgerd began, his voice steady and commanding as he looked around the group. "We'll split into three teams of five to minimize risks." He paused, his eyes sweeping the room, ensuring his words were understood.
"Paul, your team will handle sabotage. Your task is to destroy as many supplies and weapons as possible. Remember, don't overdo it, and don't take unnecessary risks. We can't afford to lose people."
He turned to Vitald and nodded slightly. "You and I, Vitald, will infiltrate the camp and gather the necessary intelligence. We'll need enemy uniforms to blend in with their troops. Once inside, we'll split up and try to uncover their plans. All actions will be coordinated using magical bracelets. They provide silent and secure communication."
After finishing his explanation, Olgerd leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
"All clear? Any questions?" His eyes glinted coldly as he awaited a response.
The room fell into tense silence as everyone processed the plan. Vitald, holding his mug, broke the stillness.
"And what if someone screws up?"
"If someone screws up," Olgerd said grimly, "the whole operation collapses, and we'll either die or be captured and tortured."
"Got it. Well then, let's drink to the operation's success," Vitald said, raising his mug.
"To success!" the others replied.
The sun had not yet risen when Vitald approached the northern bridge. The reconnaissance team was already gathered. Olgerd, leaning against the stone wall, was deep in conversation with the same red-haired woman Vitald had seen the previous day in the tavern.
"Well, here comes our reveler!" Olgerd exclaimed with a grin upon seeing Vitald. "You really went all out yesterday! How much ale can you hold?"
"Oh, don't remind me," Vitald replied, scratching his head in embarrassment. "I barely got up this morning—felt awful. Had to drink a health elixir."
"Ho-ho, I'll tell you on the way what you were up to," Olgerd laughed. "Oh, by the way, meet Lissa, our mage."
Vitald turned his gaze to the woman. Her pale, freckled face was framed by fiery red hair. Her brown eyes shone with a confident spark.
"Pleased to meet you, Lissa. I'm Vitald," he said with a slight nod.
"A pleasure, Sir Vitald," she replied, slightly blushing.
"What element do you wield?" he asked, narrowing his eyes curiously.
"I'm Astral," Lissa said, straightening slightly. "It's a rare type of magic. I control fire and earth."
"Astral," Vitald thought. "I've never met someone who can wield multiple elements. That's incredible," he said sincerely. "I've never met anyone like you, Lissa."
Her pale, freckled face flushed red as her eyes dropped. A fleeting smile crossed her lips.
"All right, enough chit-chat," Olgerd interrupted, shaking his head. "Vitald, let me introduce you to the others."
He took Vitald by the arm and led him toward two men in uniform standing near their horses. Lissa giggled quietly, watching Vitald as he walked away, then turned to prepare her horse.
"These two you already know," Olgerd said. "Odenberg and Edgar."
The two turned to face Vitald. Edgar, young and good-natured, smiled warmly and greeted him enthusiastically, while Odenberg, older and more severe, regarded him with cold disdain.
"Sir Vitald, I'm glad you're with us!" Edgar exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm. "Captain Olgerd told us about your accomplishments. Honestly, I was really nervous—this is my first major mission—but knowing someone like you is here gives me confidence."
"Tsk, Edgar, stop showering him with praise," Odenberg muttered gruffly, his eyes narrowing. "We've trained hard too, and we know what we're doing. There's no need to idolize outsiders."
"That's enough, Odenberg," Olgerd cut in sharply. "You're not a child anymore. We're a team, and we stand together. Got it?"
Odenberg's lips tightened, and he nodded curtly, saying nothing more. Edgar flushed slightly but offered an apologetic smile.
"All right, everyone," Olgerd continued, his tone softening slightly, "you've got five minutes. I need to discuss the route with Gerdman. Prepare yourselves—we're moving out soon."