Uncovering and Destroying II

-So here's the plan...-

I put down a map I stole on the table of our tend

-This area... Is where we got lead into-

I circle the old dried river bed between the two mountains

-Obviously a strategic place to trap us... But we already stated it before.

Their new base should be near on a range from 1 to 20 Li, if we take the last case as an example, which leads to... Approximately this area-

I mark the map with a few objects liying on the table

-It should be 40 Li per side... But I suggest we examine 60 for precaution, Now...

I must go explore the area as soon as possible and I cannot bring anyone momentarily or they might spot us and kills us all immediately-

-What about just me?- asks Qin Luo with crossed arms staring down on my bent figure

-You... If you promise to not be a problem, I can take you with me-

-State what a problem is for you... That is not yet clear to me- he rolls his eyes, dropping on the chair behind him before taking a big gulp from a bottle of rice wine

-You should be able to defend yourself from anything we coukd find on our way... And be extremely silent-

I meet his eyes as a smirk approaches him -At least this much I can do it... If it happens to be too troublesome for me, wouldn't it be for you too? Your abilities can cover us up then-

I straighten up crossing my arms -Are you underestimating me or overstimating yourself?-

He chuckles -So, what's the next phase of your plan?-

I smile with closed eyes, before joining my hands behind my back walking around the tend

-Since this is clearly a trap and the enemy are less than us they will use all their troupes on the battlefield...

The plan from their side is quite obvious, they will attack from the sides of the mountain when our Army will be passing by the dead river's bed...

And even tho it is so obvious, our army cannot avoid going since this is the only chance our Enemy gave us to win...

Our Generals are counting on the fact that we outnumber the enemy even if it is a clear trap.

So...

As the enemy camp will be empty, I will drive my squadron on it and you will attack the Enemy camped on the mountains from behind-

He claps his hands slowly standing up

-Nice... If more men were as enterprising as you the war would have already been won- He places an hand on my shoulder

-This is again a possible betrayal... It's up to our Generals the decision.

I don't want to stop you, of course, but the more you keep acting on your own the more they will get tired of it and feel the pressure on themselves...

They might even report you for mutiny and others readons. For how much good a man can be, no General likes it when their men don't follow their orders... Even less if they are successful and shadows them-

-I know... But I'm ready for the consequences as long as I know that I am doing my part- I cleanch my fists -Even if I get thrown out of the Army-

-Are you sure?- he stares into my eyes -Can you really end a war alone if you get kicked out?-

-Do I have any other choice? Knowing our men could die and that there's an actual chance would you backward? Just because there will be consequences?

Listen... Too many times I hid and bit on my tongue, letting others make stupid choices for me and playing right into their fantasy... Pleasing them all.

But I stopped doing it now, I know that I have something to offer to this country for how arrogant and silly it sound, especially from just a woman. But I'm not allowing anyone to shut me down just because they don't like it... Not even the Emperor himself-

A small voice echoes in my head...

"Not even a God...?"

And I just bite my lips... Not even a God?

I shake this question off

-So tell me... Would you backwalk?-

-I wouldn't- replies Qin Luo

-Perfect... Because we'll depart after dinner-

...

We take two horses trying not to be spotted and slip out of the camp...

When enough distance is gained we can mount and head to our destination.

...

-This should be the place...

We can examine this area first and then proceed to climb the mountain, we will be having a better view there-

-Sure- he proceeds to move with his horse, holding the reins tight

-What are you doing?-

-Going to explore...?-

-Alone?- I rise an eyebrow before shaking my head -Like hell that I'll let you, come- I say pointing toward another direction

...

-I'll climb that, you take my horse- I hop down and dash to a tall tree before starting to climb, as I push myself higher I keep my senses on alert,

Since I had to find a better observation point I cannot keep an eye on Qin Luo, and I better ear everything malicious he might miss...

The trees around this area are really tall, it takes a while before I reach a decent clear point to look around.

The night is clear but somehow the moon fails to enlighten the land...

I move my eyes to every side of the valley and mountains but there's no sign of movement nor of light

Even the stars seems to fade away

"How can they be so well hidden? No guards or fire to keep them warm...? Nothing?!" I think getting quite irritated as the time passes, waiting for some sign...

On the side of the mountain by the end of the valley seems to be something moving.

More than a human or beast it looks like the air around a fire... When no matter how you look through it, it will keep on distorting the scenery...

I straighten myself to regain my focus

"There's actually nothing, but I did saw something... I shall go examine there"

I begin descending the tree in the silent night...

Too silent

I search for any small noise in the background but I don't hear anything, nor the horses breathing nor anything else...

Reaching the ground something catches my ankles, sending me to the ground to face the sky, which soon disappear as a dark shadow falls upon me covering my mouth with a cloth

-Leave... Me! Mmh- I try to say as my consciousness seems to slip away, my hands get tied behind my back as they try to stop me from moving

The sky begin clouding, or is it my mind...?

A few more moments and I lost my will

I feel so sleepy and drunk...

The cloth is removed and a bend gets tied around my mouth -Mmh... I...-

I can hear a rumble from the dark sky as the "man" hisses me on his shoulders

-I will... Save us...!- I try to say but probably I'm just thinking those words in my mind

And I'm asleep.

"Kidnapped....? Qin Luo..."

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