Chapter 24: The Path to Strike

At once the troops and knights are gathered. It isn't the full capacity of the army that can be summoned, but rather two or three attack forces together with the knights making up the bulk of the party. After addressing the troops and bringing everyone up to speed with the situation the king turns the troops over to Prince Winston and Vincent who everyone knows is the prince's right hand.

They ride out as soon as everyone is ready and by horseback they reach the eastern edge of the forest by night time.

"We're going to make camp here at the forest edge. We'll set up a perimeter and post guards. That way we can checkout the situation in town and plan accordingly.", Prince Winston tells Sir Rollrick and Vincent beside him.

"While at the same time keep our own numbers canceled.", Vincent guesses.

"Right.", Prince Winston says acknowledging him.

"Sounds like a good plan, sire. I'll let the troops know.", with a nod Sir Rollrick turns and gives the order to make camp.

"We need to start planning. If we do this right it can be relatively quick and easy.", Prince Winston says to Vincent by his side. They meet with Sir Rollrick and two other knights in the makeshift shelter where Prince Winston will sleep.

Vincent in reality isn't sure if he should be attending, for his mind is already busy worrying about those who he knew at the convent and working out ways he could make sure they would be safe.

He decides on getting them out of the town, but the question of how still remains. At the same time he also knows he has to be their for the knights and Prince Winston. Therefore during the attack is out of the question. As they prepare to enter the shelter Vincent pushes his thoughts to the back of his mind and focuses on doing what he can do as a knight in the meantime.

The two other knights and Sir Rollrick are gathered around a table with one empty seat meant for Prince Winston and a light in the center of the table when they enter. Vincent feels a little excited and anxious as he walks in with Prince Winston. This is the first time Vincent has sat in on a planning section like this. He looks to Prince Winston who he knows has never been in something like this before either, but would have still been exposed to them.

"The first thing we need is a layout of the city.", Sir Rollrick begins when everyone is present. Vincent stands by Prince Winston, for the only reason he is here and not helping make camp is because he is here as Prince Winston's right hand as well as a knight.

"The scouts can take care of that tonight.", speaks one of the other two knights present. He is the one over the scouts that would be going into Gordowe.

"That won't be necessary.", speaks Prince Winston. The older individuals look to him. "Vincent is from Gordowe. He knows this town and its layout already.", Prince Winston speaks. Everyone's attention then goes to Vincent.

"Is that so?", Sir Rollrick asks surprised.

"Yes, in fact if we put together what we learn from tonight with what Vincent knows we should be able to outmaneuver even the bandits.", Prince Winston suggests. Prince Winston looks to Vincent inviting him to speak.

"Even more sire no one knows how to travel the town better than me not even the older towns people.", he says. It becomes apparent to the three older gentleman by this time that Vincent and Prince Winston are undaunted by the age difference present.

"There is not that many high places in the town. The tallest building in fact is the convent located at the northernmost part of town. There is also one marketplace compared to the capital for instance and located in the eastern part of town. That is the second most open space in the town. The most space being on your way to the convent. The buildings are all stone built with thatch roofs with most having a narrow passageway between them."

"However, not all of them are accessible even by a child. Therefore, the chance of ambush and or attacks from above are low, yet depending on how smart the bandits are there is a place where structures could be built if they were to militarize the town. The buildings for this would be Sir Marvin's bakery and the merchant housing district located in the northwest portion of the town." Vincent runs down a load of valuable information to everyone present.

"Gordowe sounds as if it lives up to its reputation as a wealthy town.", comments the third older knight. Vincent nods in agreement.

"Yes and as far as turning it into a fortress isn't too hard to do. The forest does not go up to the town. There is a space between the first buildings and the forest. Not only that but the only way in where we are now is through alleyways. Most people go in and out through the south and east because that is where the main roads lead.", Vincent explains.

"If we just come through the west our forces would be slaughtered as they come. What we need is a diversion at one of the main entrances.", Prince Winston says.

"But they could know about the alleyways in the western part of town and think we won't come that way.", Vincent counters.

"In either case we best put the bulk of our force in the west.", Prince Winston concludes.

"If we may add on to this; I suggest a preemptive strike.", Sir Rollrick speaks breaking into the two friends flow of ideas. The two turn to him. Vincent becomes embarrassed about how they seem to exclude the others in the room.

"That could work. Especially if we turn the scouting mission into a preemptive strike mission as well.", Prince Winston says.

"They can target key points such as any towers that could have been built.", Vincent adds.

"As well as guard post and armories.", Prince Winston offers.

"Don't forget we can thin out their men a little two. The faster your father can get word that the town and region is under control the quicker he can be at ease.", Vincent goes on.

"Can you do that?", Prince Winston asks addressing the knight over the scouting mission. The knight has a look of surprise and overwhelment at the two fourteen year old boys.

"Of course. What about entry?", he responds.

"We will have to wait and see what tomorrow brings. Only one person from the scouting mission will be returning while the rest stay behind and be at the point where the main fighting force will enter.", Prince Winston replies.

"Maybe where the diverging group enters would be better? To ensure that those men make it.", Sir Rollrick suggests.

"He has a point and also make it to where? The western part of town is mostly storage buildings and homes. The fighting can't stay there; it's too restricted.", Vincent says.

"The marketplace and convent aren't good places either though. Not if we are too keep the people safe.", Prince Winston replies.

"What about the center of town?", the third other knight purposes.

"That depends. What's considered the center of town?", Prince Winston asks Vincent.

"That would be where the main road divides the town. If we could contain the fighting there that would be favorable.", Vincent answers.

"It could be there the forces meet.", Sir Rollrick says.

"That is what we will aim for then.", Prince Winston concludes. After finalizing the plans and making the objectives clear Sir Rollrick and the other knights leave the shelter. When Vincent is about to leave Prince Winston stops him.

"I have something to talk to you about.", he says. Vincent faces his friend, but desperately wishes to depart and continue to look for a way to help Mother Margaret and the others.

"I'm going to help you get those you care about safe. I want you to go in with the scout group, find them and get them to safety.", Prince Winston tells him.

Vincent is caught off guard by his friend's words. In truth he didn't suspect to get the answer he needed from his friend which was foolish of him to think now that he thought about it. He laughs silently at himself and looks to Prince Winston with bright eyes of gratitude.

"If you're sure you can get along without me I'll happily take your proposal.", Vincent responds jokingly.

"I'll do my best to manage.", Prince Winston responds humorously.