Stealing Glances among Horses

As both men stepped into the tent, they were taken aback to find Elara already geared up with a backpack on her back. Maximillian's brows furrowed in confusion, and he shot a questioning look at Adam. "Didn't you just say it's gonna be just us?" he whispered, careful not to let their commander overhear.

"I thought so too. At least, that's what she said," Adam replied, equally perplexed. The two soldiers exchanged puzzled glances, trying to make sense of the unexpected change in plans. Their hushed conversation ensured that Elara remained unaware of their confusion.

As Elara finished speaking to a soldier, she turned towards Adam and Maximillian, extending a warm greeting. "We will ride with horses now, follow me," she commanded with a hint of determination. Both men nodded in acknowledgment, following their commander as she led the way.

Despite their lingering bewilderment, Adam and Maximillian obeyed, trusting in Elara's leadership and experience. After all, she held the title of War Princess. They mounted their horses and set off on the reconnaissance mission, riding alongside their enigmatic commander, who had now become a part of their venture.

As they rode their horses, Adam couldn't help but voice his concern to Elara. "Isn't it suspicious? Won't the soldiers feel unsafe without you in our camp?" he inquired, his eyes reflecting a genuine worry for the safety of their comrades.

Elara flashed a reassuring smile and replied, "Don't worry. I told them I will go hunting. In their eyes, it should be fine, considering we're in the midst of starving out a city." Her confidence in her explanation put Adam's mind somewhat at ease.

As the trio continued their journey, the landscape around them passed by in a blur. They ventured deeper into unfamiliar territory, guided by Elara's steady lead. The rhythmic sound of hooves on the ground echoed through the air, enveloping them in a sense of both anticipation and purpose.

With every mile that stretched out before them, Adam's initial concerns began to dissipate. He couldn't deny that having Elara on the mission bolstered his spirits. Her presence brought a sense of stability and confidence to his endeavor, instilling trust in their abilities and judgment.

In a sly, understated manner, Maximillian sidled up next to Adam, ensuring only they could hear his words. "I think there's a flicker between you and Elara, Adam," he whispered, a grin stretching from cheek to cheek as he tried to gauge his friend's feelings while teasing him.

Adam's initial reaction was to deny it outright, responding with a sharp remark that Maximillian should mind his own business. Yet, deep down, he couldn't ignore the truth in his friend's observation. There was something, a connection that seemed to transcend their military roles.

As they journeyed further, Adam found himself stealing glances at Elara, her hair gracefully dancing in the wind. For a brief moment, his heart skipped a beat, captivated by her beauty. However, reality quickly set in, reminding him of the boundaries imposed by their positions in the ranks and the gravity of their mission.

He chided himself internally, recognizing that such thoughts were a distraction.The last thing he wanted was for his forbidden feelings, if they existed, to jeopardize their mission or strain their difference in status unnecessarily. In the face of the challenges ahead, he needed to maintain focus and a clear mind. The state of the mind that a soldier should always maintain.

Pushing aside his fleeting emotions, Adam refocused on the task at hand. He couldn't afford to let personal sentiments cloud his judgment or compromise their mission's success. The flicker of connection he felt needed to be extinguished, or at the very least, pushed to the back of his mind.

After riding for a while, Elara slowed down her horse, and Adam and Maximillian followed suit. She glanced over at both men, her eyes sharp with determination. "Even though they think we're on a hunt, Ser Ostfried Zangenberg will probably get a bit anxious. We need to move swiftly. Did both of you manage to get enough rest?"

The exchange of glances between Adam and Maximillian spoke volumes, silently acknowledging the shared ordeal of their hangovers. Despite the lingering discomfort, they knew they couldn't let it hinder their mission. With a resolute nod, Adam replied, "Yes, Commander, we're prepared, and we've had sufficient rest."

Elara nodded in approval, knowing that the strength of her team lay not only in their combat skills but in their resilience and dedication. "Good," she said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. "We can't afford to waste any more time. Let's continue."

With that, the journey resumed, the trio galloping through the countryside with a newfound sense of urgency. The rhythmic sound of hooves on the ground echoed through the air as they ventured deeper into unfamiliar territory. The landscape transformed around them, the rolling hills and dense forests presenting an ever-changing canvas.

As the day's light began to wane, casting long shadows across the landscape, the trio finally reached their destination – the outskirts of Silverbrook, the village where the enemy lord and his army were last seen. Dismounting their horses, they prepared to proceed on foot from that point forward. Elara took the lead once again, her commanding presence guiding their every step.

With the sun setting behind them, the village ahead appeared shrouded in an air of mystery. The trio advanced cautiously, their senses heightened, and their eyes scanning for any signs of enemy presence. The urgency of their mission weighed on them, knowing that their actions could shape the outcome of the impending conflict and the lives of hundreds of men.

Elara moved with a fluid grace, her every movement purposeful and deliberate. Her keen eyes darted from shadow to shadow, her mind assessing potential threats and strategic advantages. Adam and Maximillian followed closely behind, their trust in their commander unwavering.

As they traversed through Silverbrook, the silence of the night enveloped them, broken only by the soft rustling of leaves underfoot. Elara's presence brought a sense of reassurance to the otherwise tense atmosphere, instilling in her comrades a feeling of confidence and unity.

The village streets were deserted, the residents having sought refuge in their homes, unaware of the soldiers moving among the shadows. The trio made their way past quaint houses and dimly lit taverns, drawing ever closer to their objective.

Elara's leadership was a guiding light, her intuition leading them along the most inconspicuous routes. She knew the importance of remaining undetected, gathering crucial information while avoiding any confrontation that could jeopardize their mission.

With each passing moment, Adam and Maximillian felt their respect for Elara deepening. Her skill as a commander and her unwavering dedication to their cause served as a powerful inspiration, fueling their determination.

As they cautiously made their way through the village and bypassed the stationed soldiers, the trio eventually ascended a hill that offered a vantage point overlooking the village. What they saw from that vantage point was both astounding and disheartening – a massive war camp, easily twice the size of their own.

The sight of the enemy's vast encampment sent a shiver down their spines. Even Elara, known for her unwavering composure, couldn't hide the lifeless expression that washed over her face. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon her, realizing the formidable challenge that lay ahead.

With the sight before them, the trio was stunned. Elara knew they had little time, and so they swiftly made their way to their horses and saddled them. Like a gust of wind, Elara rode her horse faster than ever before, while simultaneously sending out a pigeon she had brought along for her second-in-command. The message conveyed the urgent need to ensure that nobody in their camp indulged in drinking for the next few days.

As they rode through the night, the distress on Elara's face was evident. After they had put a safe distance between themselves and the formidable war camp, Adam couldn't hold back his concerns any longer. "Elara, you have to call upon your favors," he urged, his voice filled with empathy. "Even if we defeat Ser Ostfried Zangenberg and manage to infiltrate the city for protection, we'll still be starved out, and we'll lose many men in the fighting."

Elara stopped her horse, her tearful gaze meeting Adam's. "I know, Adam, I know," she replied, her voice heavy with sorrow. "They'll die without help, but I have nobody to ask. Nobody I could trust to owe a favor to. Nobody who would readily heed my call. I don't have the luxury of nobles lining up to support me like my brothers do. If I owe them a favor, they'd make me pay dearly, and i will bleed the blood of thousands, if not tens of thousands of men."

Seeing Elara in such distress, Adam knew he had to act. He dismounted his horse and pulled out a tactical map, a product of his earlier life's training and experience. He proposed a strategy to win the fight with the least casualties, his mind racing with solutions.

"Also, how many barrels of ale do we have?" Adam inquired, knowing that a strategic use of resources could turn the tides in their favor.

Elara shook her head in uncertainty. "I don't know, Adam. I'm sorry," she admitted, feeling the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders.

"It doesn't matter," Adam declared, his mind racing with a plan. "We'll offer Ser Ostfried's troops free ale as a gesture of celebration for a successful hunt. Once they're all drunk and their guards are down, we'll launch our surprise attack. We still prohibit our men from drinking. Hmm, but what excuse could we use to discourage their celebration?" Adam pondered. In that moment, Maximilian rode up beside the map, finally catching up, and spoke from atop his horse, "They didn't train. They all collectively need punishment because they didn't keep their comrades in check. That would work, wouldn't it?"

Elara's eyes widened, impressed by Adam's and Maximillian's quick thinking and resourcefulness. She nodded in agreement, recognizing the potential of their plan to create an advantageous situation for their forces.

With determination in their hearts, they continued riding, and Maximillian observed in awe the rapid and strategic thinking Adam demonstrated. His admiration for his friend grew, realizing the invaluable qualities Adam brought to their mission.

Through the darkness of the night, they rode onward, driven by the desire to protect their camp, defeat Ser Ostfried Zangenberg, and return victorious. The weight of their mission settled upon their shoulders, but with Adam's strategic plan and Elara's unwavering leadership, they faced the challenges ahead with courage and determination.

As the night gradually faded, the early dawn cast its light upon Elara, Adam, and Maximillian as they returned to their camp. Elara instructed Maximillian to proceed with his training, while she asked Adam to accompany her. They made their way to her tent, the flap opening with a soft rustle, and Elara called for her second-in-command, Leldur, to join them.

Leldur entered the tent and immediately kneeled before Elara, his display of loyalty and respect evident. Annoyed by the gesture, Elara instructed him to rise and swiftly got down to business. "How many barrels of ale do we have?" she inquired, her tone firm yet purposeful.

"We currently have 78 barrels," Leldur promptly replied.

"Good," Elara proclaimed, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "Give them all to Ser Zangenberg and tell him it's a gift, a token of appreciation for the successful hunt we've had. Prepare the men, but do it subtly. Say it's a training exercise, as we've been stationed here for so long and as a punishment."

The excitement in Elara's voice was palpable, a spark of hope igniting within her. Adam stood there, watching her with admiration as her radiant smile filled the tent, illuminating the space around her like a guiding light. In that moment, he couldn't help but feel drawn to her, her genuine happiness hitting him like an arrow in the chest.

Elara's determination and strategic thinking impressed him yet again. Her ability to navigate complex situations and leverage available resources was truly remarkable. Adam recognized the depth of her leadership and the unwavering commitment she had to their cause.

As Leldur left the tent to carry out Elara's orders, Adam and Elara were left alone for a moment. Her infectious smile had captivated him, leaving him speechless and in awe of her strength and resilience.

Elara turned her gaze to Adam, her eyes sparkling with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "We'll make this work, Adam," she assured him. "We'll outsmart Ser Zangenberg and emerge victorious. Thank you for sharing your insight earlier."

Adam felt a surge of reassurance, knowing that with Elara leading them, they had a chance at triumph. In that moment, the bond between them grew stronger, a connection forged in the crucible of their shared mission and the trust they placed in each other.

As the day unfolded, the camp bustled with preparations, yet a sense of quiet determination prevailed among the soldiers. Adam and Maximillian trained rigorously, honing their skills and ensuring they were fully prepared for whatever lay ahead.

As the sun reached its zenith, the barrels of ale were loaded onto a cart, ready to be sent as a "gift" to Ser Zangenberg's camp. The tension in the air was palpable, but a glimmer of hope shone through, fueled by Elara's unwavering spirit and Adam's quiet determination.

And so, with their plan set in motion, the hours passed like seconds. The time for action drew near, and Adam found himself drawing strength from the memory of Elara's smile, carrying it like a guiding light through the impending darkness of the battlefield.

With the impending battle drawing near, Adam and Maximillian readied themselves side by side in their tent. They fastened their scabbards to their belts and carefully sheathed their swords. As Adam secured his leather harness, Elara entered the tent, her presence commanding attention.

"We three will be in the vanguard," she declared, her voice resolute. "Get ready. I trust my life upon you both. If we fail today, you two will probably be hanged as traitors to the kingdom for serving me, while I will be married off. So, if we fail, we are all in dire straits." The weight of her trust bore heavily upon them, but Adam and Maximillian nodded in understanding, their determination unwavering.

The anticipation of the coming battle hung in the air, and adrenaline coursed through their veins. Each man understood the stakes, knowing that their actions on the battlefield could shape the outcome of the entire conflict.