A Hidden Fire setting ablaze

And after a while, Adam finally reached Elara's tent and hurriedly entered. However, he was taken aback by an unexpected sight. There stood Elara, in the midst of changing into her nightgown. Her flowing, untied hair cascaded down her back, and her figure, reflected in the mirror, was captivating. The air between them grew tense as Elara locked eyes with Adam, who stood frozen in shock. Though the moment lasted mere seconds, it felt like an eternity for both of them.

Suddenly, Adam's mind snapped back to reality, and he quickly apologized, turning away from Elara. The Commander, visibly upset, began to voice her frustration in an aggressive and dominating tone. "Recruit Adam, what audacity do you have to storm in—" Before she could finish her sentence, Adam interrupted with a calm but firm voice, "It's a trap."

Elara was taken aback by Adam's unexpected declaration but sensed the seriousness in his tone. Hastily, she grabbed a nearby coat and wrapped it around her body, concealing her almost nude figure. Adam continued, "Ser Ostfried has switched sides, just as you suspected." Elara's confusion lingered, and she questioned the validity of Adam's statement, rightfully seeking proof. "And how do you prove it?" she asked.

Adam, knowing he lacked concrete evidence, responded, "I spoke with some men-at-arms who serve under Ser Ostfried. They confirmed his alliance with the opposing nobles. He has made a pact with the Lord of the city, planning to launch an attack against you in a week's time, once his levies are assembled. Their strategy is to strike from the forest line behind us."

Elara fell into a pensive silence, her response a mere "Huh" that conveyed the weight of Adam's revelation. Adam remained still, waiting for Elara's guidance. After a moment, he gathered the courage to ask, "What is your plan, Commander? Shall we retreat from their camp?"

Elara, uncertain but determined, lowered herself onto her chair and gazed at the ceiling of her tent. With a thoughtful expression, she began to speak, carefully choosing her words. "Retreating would expose our knowledge of the trap," she mused aloud. "We cannot simply move our troops either, as it would raise suspicions. To reposition ourselves within their camp, we need a legitimate reason."

"Perhaps a fire in the woods," Adam suggested. "If we ignite the forest, it would pose a genuine threat to our camp, and Ser Ostfried would struggle to deny it without revealing his treason towards you."

Elara pondered the idea in silence, weighing its potential advantages and risks. Finally, she responded, her voice resolute. "I will assign two men to accompany you. Choose one more from our ranks. Together, the four of you will set fire to the forest, allowing it to burn out of control. Waste no time, I will gather them while you locate your tent mate."

As Adam became more familiar with their new campsite, he navigated the surroundings with greater ease, locating his tent in just 30 minutes. As he entered the tent, he was met with Maximillian's familiar outburst, "YOU FUCKER, CAN'T YOU SEE-?" However, Maximillian's words trailed off as he noticed the distressed expression on Adam's face.

"Get up, dress yourself, and come out," Adam instructed Maximillian sternly, interrupting any further protest. Confused, Maximillian started to question, "But wh-" only to be cut off by Adam's forceful shout, "NOW!" Complying with Adam's command, Maximillian hastily dressed and emerged from their tent within 30 seconds with a woman leaving just behind him.

"You know you owe me two favors by now," Maximillian quipped, following Adam as they made their way to Elara's tent. As Adam entered the tent without uttering a word, Maximillian looked at him with a perplexed expression. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Maximillian asked, concern evident in his voice.

"COME IN," Adam responded aggressively, gesturing for Maximillian to join him. Inside the tent, Elara had already selected the two additional soldiers for the mission. She began speaking, her voice commanding, "The four of you will embark on a mission of utmost secrecy. You will be provided with two backpacks and your task is to ignite the forest behind us. This mission must remain undisclosed. Do you understand?"

Adam and the two chosen soldiers saluted in unison and replied, "Yes, Commander." Maximillian, still perplexed, stood there, trying to comprehend the situation. However, he was quickly pulled along by Adam as they made their way towards the forest.

The four men ventured deep into the forest, their mission clear in their minds. They strategically set trees ablaze and ignited multiple fires designed to spread the flames rapidly. It didn't take long before the forest was engulfed in fire, catching the attention of the camp. The sound of bells ringing echoed through the air as a signal of the unfolding chaos.

And so, with a sense of urgency, the men tossed the backpacks into the fire, watching as the flames consumed them. Adam and Maximillian, still in a state of uncertainty, separated from the other two soldiers whose names remained unknown to them. Maximillian, grappling with his confusion, attempted to extract information from Adam, but he remained tight-lipped, resembling a sealed book. Not a single word escaped Adam's lips, adding to the mounting questions that gnawed at his soul.

As the forest burned, the four men remained focused and resolute, silently completing their mission. Not a single word was exchanged among them, their actions speaking volumes. With the distant sound of the bells growing louder, signaling the growing awareness of the fire, they made their way back to the safety of Elara's camp, their duty fulfilled.

Unable to bear the weight of silence any longer, Adam turned to Maximillian on their way back and spoke with conviction, "Just trust me, okay? With me by your side, you won't die." Maximillian's anxiety only intensified at the cryptic statement, but he responded softly, "Okay, Adam..." Both men continued their journey back to their tent, their minds consumed by a sense of urgency.

Upon reaching their tent, they immediately engaged in packing, mirroring the frantic pace of their fellow soldiers that combined with their cursing and shouting. The urgency to pack swiftly stemmed from the fear that the advancing fire might encroach upon their camp. Their movements were swift and purposeful, driven by the shared determination to ensure their safety and the preservation of their belongings.

The atmosphere within the camp grew increasingly tense as the crackling sound of the spreading fire reached their ears. The urgency and collective effort were palpable as soldiers hurriedly packed their belongings, knowing that time was of the essence. The flickering glow of the approaching flames cast an eerie light upon their faces, a stark reminder of the imminent danger that lurked just beyond the camp's borders.

Amidst the chaos, Adam and Maximillian worked in synchrony, their movements fluid and efficient. Although uncertainty lingered in the air, their unspoken bond and mutual trust provided a glimmer of reassurance. They moved with determination, aware that their swift actions could mean the difference between safety and peril.

As they packed their belongings, their focus remained steadfast, blocking out the growing commotion and the crackling of the encroaching fire. Time seemed to blur as they methodically secured their possessions, their shared purpose driving them forward. Each item carefully folded and stowed, they aimed to leave no trace behind, a testament to their commitment and resilience in the face of adversity.

And so, their tent was once again packed onto a wagon, ready for the journey ahead. Adam and Maximillian, their muscles weary from the day's arduous labor, positioned themselves at the front, prepared to pull the weight of the wagon once more. Despite the physical strain and fatigue that threatened to slow their pace, they remained resolute, determined to keep pace with the convoy.

With each step forward, they found solace in the knowledge that their efforts were integral to Elara's strategic plan. The camp had been relocated, a calculated maneuver designed to disrupt the intentions of the cunning Lord of the City and the treacherous Ser Ostfried Zangenberg. Their unwavering commitment propelled them forward, keeping them in perfect alignment with the rest of the camp, neither falling behind nor colliding with other wagons.

As they moved in unison, the weight of the wagon bearing down on them, their shared determination formed an unbreakable bond. Together, they pressed onward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their steadfastness mirrored the resilience and indomitable spirit that defined Elara's camp, a force to be reckoned with in the face of adversity.

And so, with synchronized steps and unwavering resolve, they joined the convoy, a vital part of Elara's ever-evolving strategy. Their journey continued, guided by the relentless pursuit of their mission and the unwavering loyalty that bound them together.

And so, the convoy came to a halt in a wide, open meadow, carefully chosen by Elara as their new campsite. The bustling activity of unloading and setting up camp commenced, with Maximillian and Adam among those contributing to the effort. Despite their weary arms, strained from the day's labor, they persevered, refusing to let the weight of their tent defeat them.

For thirty minutes that felt like an eternity, they worked tirelessly, assembling their shelter and arranging their beds. As they gently placed Maximillian's bed in its designated spot, exhaustion washed over them. Maximillian, turning to face Adam, couldn't help but tease, "So, when will you finally pay for those two prostitutes, Adam?" His laughter filled the air, expecting a witty response.

To Maximillian's surprise, a small bag of coins was thrown in his face, eliciting a momentary complaint as he rubbed his forehead. "Why didn't you just hand it to me? That really hurt, you know," he grumbled. Adam, chuckling mischievously, retorted, "It wouldn't have been as amusing as seeing it hit your face. Besides, a few bruises might do you some good." Laughter erupted between the two that can be called friends by now, a testament to their camaraderie and shared banter.

Maximillian, still grinning, expressed his gratitude, "Thanks, by the way. Next time, I'll treat you to one." Adam, his voice soft and sincere, replied, "No, thank you, Maximillian. It's not something I have a need for." Their laughter subsided, replaced by a moment of understanding and mutual respect. Side by side, they lay in their beds, the weariness of the day finally catching up to them. The camp settled into a peaceful stillness as the night embraced them, offering a moment of respite amidst the challenges that awaited.

Before Adam could succumb to the realm of dreams, Elara intruded upon their humble tent. Exhausted and on the verge of collapse, Adam glanced at her and inquired, "What is it, Commander?" With a silent sigh that betrayed her weariness, Elara beckoned him to rise. Reluctantly, Adam commanded his fatigued body to obey, mustering the strength to stand. "Follow me, recruit," Elara commanded, and Adam complied wordlessly, trailing behind her outside the camp.

They settled on a hill overlooking the camp, a quiet sanctuary away from the bustling activity below. Elara began to speak, her voice carrying a weight of responsibility. "Tomorrow, I will order the men to gather lumber and construct palisades along the outskirts of our camp. We won't be able to accommodate everyone's tents inside, but it will provide added protection. What is your opinion on this?" Adam pondered for a moment but before he could respond she continued, "Make sure to request assistance from Ser Ostfried. You will understand why during our meeting with him tomorrow." Curiosity lingered in his eyes as he asked the inevitable question, "Why did you call me here, Commander Elara?"

In response, Elara gently brushed her hand against Adam's cheek, just as she had done when testing him. Surprisingly, Adam remained impassive, prompting her to answer, "Your reaction meets the standards of a commander." A hint of sorrow could be detected in her words, but Adam remained unaffected, rising to his feet. "Commander, may I see your sword?" he requested, his curiosity longing to witness the blade unsheathed.

Without hesitation, Elara drew her sword and placed the handle in Adam's hands. Swiftly, Adam pulled Elara closer, the sword resting delicately against her throat, as he whispered in her ear, "If the Commander continues to tease me, I might be tempted. And one should never hand over their sword—" In that very moment, Adam felt the cold touch of a knife against his side, and Elara whispered back, "You'd better return my sword, recruit, or I may have to execute you for treason." Reluctantly, Adam released his grip, unaware of the slight flush upon Elara's face. Unfazed by his own actions, he returned the sword to its rightful owner, noting its remarkable craftsmanship.