Day 22
The camp stirred early, the tension in the air heavier than usual. The arrival of Silas and his revelations about the Baron's forces had added urgency to their preparations. Settlers worked tirelessly, reinforcing defenses, sharpening weapons, and ensuring the camp was ready for whatever came next.
Alexander Maxwell stood near the barricades, his dark eyes scanning the bustling clearing. The settlement had grown in both numbers and strength, but the Baron's shadow loomed larger with each passing day.
"We need to act before he does," Alexander muttered to himself.
Elias approached, his sword resting against his hip. "You look like a man with a plan. Care to share it?"
Alexander turned to him, his expression unreadable. "We strike first. A small raid to disrupt his supply lines. If we can weaken his forces before they march, we'll have a better chance of holding them off."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "Bold. But dangerous. How many are you thinking for this raid?"
"Five," Alexander said. "Me, you, Tyrell, Silas, and Lyra. A small team will be faster and harder to track."
Elias nodded slowly. "Alright. When do we leave?"
"Tonight," Alexander replied. "We move under the cover of darkness."
Preparing for the Raid
The chosen team gathered near the edge of the camp as the sun began to set. Tyrell and Lyra checked their weapons, while Silas studied a crude map of the Baron's territory.
"The supply convoy will pass through this road," Silas explained, pointing to a narrow path flanked by dense forest. "They use it to move goods between their main camp and outposts. It's lightly guarded—ten men, maybe twelve."
"Do they always follow the same route?" Lyra asked, her tone sharp.
Silas nodded. "The Baron doesn't expect anyone to challenge him, so he hasn't bothered to vary his tactics. Arrogance will be his downfall."
Alexander stood, his spear resting against his shoulder. "We'll hit them at the chokepoint. Take out the guards quickly and disable the convoy. No hesitation, no mercy."
The group nodded, their resolve clear.
The Ambush
The forest was shrouded in darkness as the team made their way toward the convoy's expected route. The only sounds were the rustle of leaves underfoot and the faint chirping of crickets. Alexander led the way, his movements silent and deliberate.
When they reached the chokepoint, a narrow stretch of road flanked by rocky cliffs, the team took their positions. Lyra climbed a tree for a vantage point, her bow ready, while Tyrell and Elias crouched behind cover near the road. Alexander and Silas waited in the shadows, their weapons drawn.
The faint sound of wheels creaking and horses' hooves echoed through the forest. Moments later, the convoy came into view—two wagons loaded with supplies, flanked by armed guards.
Alexander raised a hand, signaling the team to hold. He waited until the wagons were directly in the chokepoint before giving the signal to attack.
"Now!"
Lyra's arrow flew first, striking one of the guards in the throat. The man crumpled silently, his weapon clattering to the ground. Tyrell and Elias surged forward, taking down two more guards before they could react.
Alexander and Silas moved in from the other side, their strikes precise and lethal. The guards, caught off guard, fell quickly under the coordinated assault.
Within minutes, the convoy was secured.
A Grim Discovery
As the team searched the wagons, Lyra's sharp gasp drew their attention. She stood near the back of the second wagon, her expression grim.
"Alexander, you need to see this," she said.
He approached, his grip tightening on his spear as he peered into the wagon. Inside were crates filled with weapons—swords, spears, and shields—but what caught his attention were the chains and manacles scattered among the supplies.
"Slavers," Tyrell muttered, his tone dark. "The Baron's not just moving goods—he's trafficking people."
Alexander's jaw tightened. "These weapons weren't meant for his soldiers. They were meant to arm the slavers."
Silas stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "This is worse than I thought. The Baron's reach is spreading."
"We can't let these supplies reach their destination," Alexander said firmly. "Burn the wagons. Take what we can carry, but destroy the rest."
The team worked quickly, piling the weapons they could use into sacks before setting the wagons ablaze. The fire roared to life, illuminating the forest as thick smoke billowed into the night sky.
Returning to the Camp
By the time the team returned to the camp, dawn was breaking. The settlers gathered to hear the news, their expressions a mix of shock and anger as Alexander recounted what they had found.
"The Baron isn't just a tyrant," Alexander said, his voice steady but cold. "He's profiting from the suffering of others. This changes everything."
Gareth stepped forward, his fists clenched. "What's the plan now?"
"We prepare for war," Alexander replied. "This settlement will not only stand—it will fight. We'll take the fight to the Baron before he has the chance to strike again."
The settlers erupted into a chorus of agreement, their voices filled with determination.
System Notification
As the camp mobilized, the system chimed softly in Alexander's mind.
[Objective Complete: Strengthen the Settlement]
Reward: Unlock Second Idea for Path of Fortifications.
[Path of Fortifications: Second Idea Unlocked]
Idea 2: Bastion Design Active
Personal Buff: +15% efficiency when designing advanced defenses.
Territory Buff: Structures gain +10% durability and resistance to damage.
The notification faded, but its impact was immediate. Alexander felt a renewed sense of focus as he turned his attention to the next steps.
"This is just the beginning," he murmured, his gaze sweeping over the bustling camp.
Foreshadowing the Conflict
Far to the south, within the Baron's fortress, a messenger knelt before the towering figure of the Baron himself. The man's armor gleamed in the torchlight, his cold eyes fixed on the trembling courier.
"They ambushed the convoy," the messenger stammered. "Destroyed everything."
The Baron's lips curled into a sneer. "They think they can defy me?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Send word to my captains. Assemble the troops. We'll crush them like the insects they are."
The messenger nodded hastily, retreating from the room as the Baron turned to gaze out the window.
"They'll learn the price of rebellion," he muttered, his voice dripping with malice.