7

Kelton smiles. "Excellent question, squire. If we're outnumbered, we try to flank them and work to our strengths. Lady Ayo and I are two fully armored knights. If they've sent the average militia against us, even just the two of us will have no problem dispatching them."

Lady Ayo laughs confidently.

"On the other hand," Sir Kelton continues, "if they have for some reason sent a dozen of the best knights of Illan to raid our border, we will need to make a tactical retreat and report back to the Queen. Our strategy will adapt to the situation at hand."

"Understood, sir."

"Good. Now there's not much more we can do to plan before we see what we're up against. So prepare yourself mentally. Be relaxed and ready. Keep your mind alert. Try to observe the terrain as we get closer."

"Yes, sir," Fizza and you bark.

Lady Ayo leads the group through the wheat fields and into the foothills, where the forest grows thick and darkens. In the beginning of your journey, the birds sing and the breeze blows down the mountains, and you can look back at Jubai spreading out below you. In the distance, rivers press into the landscape and glint in the sun between farms, roads, and buildings. Everything is at peace from this distance, and you hope it will stay that way.

Along the way, you have some time to chat.