Chapter 33: Encounter on the Battlefield
Dawn had just broken, the sun shining softly on the tents of the Everia family troops. Inside the main tent, Eric stood in front of a large map spread out on a table, surveying the positions of their troops and Ferelden. The tension in the air was palpable, but Eric's composure never wavered.
The Seventh Elder entered with steady steps, bringing the latest report from the scouts. "They are on the move, Marquis Ferelden sent a small group of soldiers to approach the border. This is not an attack, more like a reconnaissance or tactic to test our response."
Eric nodded, his eyes still focused on the map. "He wants to see if we'll panic. We can't afford to give any openings."
The Fifth Elder, who was standing in the corner of the room, crossed his arms. "If we just defend, it will give them time to strengthen their position. Are you sure this strategy is enough?"
Eric looked at him sternly. "Defending doesn't mean staying still. We have to take advantage of their every little move to gather more information. Seventh Elder, make sure our scouts keep an eye on their movements."
"Understood," replied the Seventh Elder before leaving the tent.
Outside, the Everia family soldiers were preparing. They were repairing their weapons, arranging their formations, and preparing themselves for possible battle. Leon, who was walking among them, seemed to be giving instructions in a loud and passionate tone.
However, as he approached the main tent and saw Eric, his expression turned cynical. "You think too much, Eric. If we keep waiting, they'll think we're cowards. Do you even know how to lead troops?"
Eric didn't react to the provocation. He just glanced at Leon for a moment before returning his gaze to the map. "This isn't about who can attack faster. It's about who can control the flow of the war."
Leon snorted, but before he could reply, Duke Alaric entered the tent, his powerful aura immediately making the atmosphere more serious. "That's enough," he said in a deep voice. "You two should focus on our main goal: ensuring the Everia family survives and preserving our honor."
He walked to the table, looking at the map with a serious expression. "I have sent word to the other families in the kingdom. If Marquis Ferelden starts this conflict without a valid reason, we will make sure he has no support from the kingdom."
Eric nodded. "That is a wise move, Father. But we must also prepare for the worst. Ferelden is not the type to back down just because of political pressure."
Duke Alaric looked at his son, his eyes full of caution. "I know. That's why I'm counting on you, Eric. You've proven that your mind can be a valuable asset to this family."
Hearing that, Leon looked even more annoyed, but he chose not to say anything.
---
Meanwhile, in the Marquis Ferelden's camp, an equally heated discussion was taking place. The Marquis Ferelden sat in his majestic chair, surrounded by his advisors and officers.
"Their troops are holding their ground, but I can sense that they won't last long," one of the officers said.
Marquis Ferelden smiled faintly. "It's only a matter of time. The Everia family has always been proud of their honor. If we continue to provoke them, they will eventually strike first, and when that happens, we will catch them in our trap."
One of the advisors stepped forward. "What about Aldebrand? Has there been any news from our envoy?"
Ferelden sighed. "Not yet. But I'm sure he won't side with Everia. We just need to make sure our position looks more favorable to him."
He stared at the table in front of him, his fingers tapping a slow rhythm on the wooden surface. "Tell all our officers to remain ready. I want every movement of the Everia family reported immediately."
---
On the other side of the battlefield, the Everia family scouts reported something suspicious to the Seventh Elder. "There is strange activity on the west side of the Ferelden camp. They seem to be moving some heavy objects, perhaps weapons or war supplies."
The Seventh Elder immediately conveyed the information to Eric. "What should we do? If they bring heavy weapons, it could be a serious threat to our position."
Eric thought for a moment before finally giving the order. "We send a small team to infiltrate there and find out what they are carrying. But make sure they are not detected. We must not let Ferelden know that we are watching them."
The Seventh Elder nodded. "I will arrange the team immediately."
Eric looked at the Seventh Elder who was still standing in front of him. "Also, make sure our team has a path of retreat. Don't let them get trapped in enemy territory. The success of this mission depends on our speed and cunning."
The Seventh Elder lowered his head. "I will make sure everything goes according to plan."
After the Seventh Elder left, Eric returned to the large map in front of him, strategizing his next move. Duke Alaric stood by his side, his eyes filled with pride and a little worry.
"You have made many important decisions, Eric. But remember, every action you take will have consequences that may not be foreseen."
Eric smiled faintly. "I know, Dad. But I believe, as long as we move carefully, we can overcome whatever they have planned."
Outside the tent, Everia's army continued to prepare itself, the sound of swords being sharpened and commands being shouted creating an atmosphere of excitement. Meanwhile, in the distance, the shadow of the small team sent by Eric began to sneak toward the Ferelden camp.
However, unbeknownst to them, a Ferelden spy had been watching their every move. He smiled faintly before disappearing into the shadows, heading towards the Marquis of Ferelden's camp to report his findings.
The threat is becoming more real, and war is no longer avoidable.
Eric studied the map again carefully, noting the lines that separated Everia and Ferelden. "We have one opening," he muttered softly, mostly to himself. "If they plan to bait us with scouts, then the narrow road to the north will be the key to victory."
Duke Alaric heard the murmur. "Narrow road? You want us to take that route to attack them from an unexpected direction?"
Eric nodded. "But not the main force. That would be a route for sabotage teams. If we can disrupt their logistics supply, they won't have enough resources to hold out for long. We can force them to retreat without major bloodshed."
Alaric was silent for a moment, then smiled slightly. "You're becoming more like your mother. She often thought of clever solutions like this too."
Eric didn't respond to the compliment, just stared at the map with determination. "I'll lead the team myself. The Seventh Elder can organize the main force here. We have to move quickly before they realize our plan."
Duke Alaric wanted to protest, but he knew that his son had already made up his mind. "Fine. But make sure you bring enough protection. We cannot afford to lose our leader in the middle of a war like this."
Eric just smiled faintly, then went out of the tent to start preparations. Outside, soldiers who had been specially trained for the secret mission began to gather.
---
On the other hand, in the Marquis Ferelden's camp, the spies who managed to escape Everia's army knelt before the Marquis. "My lord, they are planning something. I saw several small groups moving toward the north. I think they are trying to take advantage of the narrow road."
Marquis Ferelden smiled coldly. "Good. If that's true, then we'll wait for them there. Let them think they have the advantage."
A military officer spoke up, "Should we mobilize the entire army, my lord?"
Ferelden shook his head. "No need. Send 300 men to ambush them. That's enough to capture them alive. The rest stay here to keep watch."
He then stood up, staring at the map in front of him. "Eric Everia... I want to see how far your ingenuity can take you."
That night, both sides moved with their respective plans, unaware that their moves would bring the fight to a decisive climax.
---
Eric stood in front of the small line of his troops, the cold night wind prickling their skin. In silence, they moved towards the narrow path to the north, lit only by the pale moon hanging in the sky. The road was winding, surrounded by deadly cliffs.
The Seventh Elder looked at Eric anxiously before finally saying, "We only have one chance at this. If they find out about our plan early…"
"We will keep moving forward," Eric cut in firmly. "Because retreat is not an option."
Meanwhile, the Ferelden troops assigned to ambush Eric had set traps at several points. With a sly smile, their leader muttered, "Let's see how these rats get out of our traps."
However, no one realized that Eric had anticipated their move. As his team approached one of the trap points, Eric gave a hand signal. From behind, the Fifth Elder and several additional troops appeared, surrounding the Ferelden troops hidden behind the rocks.
"Attack!" Eric shouted, drawing his Everia sword that glinted in the moonlight.
The clash of weapons and the cries of battle echoed through the night air. In a short time, Eric's strategy proved successful. The Ferelden army, caught by surprise by the sudden attack, had no time to regroup. They were pushed back, while Eric and his troops continued to their main objective—the Ferelden supply base.
But despite this initial success, Eric couldn't shake the trepidation that crept into his heart. He knew that this small victory was just the beginning. A great battle lay ahead, and his decisions would determine the future of the Everia family.
But while this victory brought some relief, Eric knew that this was only part of a larger game. This small victory on the battlefield did not mean the war was over. He gripped his sword Everia tightly, his eyes looking far ahead, toward the Ferelden supply base that was getting closer.
The Seventh Elder approached with a serious face. "This is just the beginning, Eric. They must have considered the possibility of us attacking. They will not stay silent."
Eric nodded, realizing that. "Ferelden will respond more strongly. We must prepare for a fiercer battle. All the plans we have made will be tested."
The Fifth Elder interrupted, "And we have to be careful. If we rush too much, we might fall into a bigger trap."
Eric was silent for a moment, considering the Fifth Elder's words. This was a game of strategy full of risks. One careless move could ruin the entire plan that had been carefully laid out.
"Prepare the troops," Eric said finally, his eyes gleaming sharply. "We will press on, but this time, we must be smarter."
As they continued their journey to Ferelden's supply base, Eric felt a weight on his chest. Every step they took brought them closer to the inevitable, a battle that would change everything. This war was not just about who was stronger, but who was smarter and who was more able to control their destiny.
The victory they had just achieved might be temporary, but Eric knew one thing for sure—this was a war that would determine who would survive.
End of chapter