Chapter 85: The Echo of the Storm

That night, the city seemed to be plunged into an unusual calm. The stars twinkled in the clear sky, and the wind from the backlands, which during the day was harsh and dry, now blew softly, like a whisper through the streets. But Rodrigo knew that this tranquility was only the calm before the storm.

He was in the command room, along with Olavo, Sebastião and other local leaders. Maps of the region were spread out on the table, marked with notes and strategies for the next attack, which everyone knew was approaching.

Olavo broke the silence, his voice full of concern. "The spies reported movement in the enemy camp. They are preparing for something big."

Rodrigo, standing by the window, watched the shadows dance under the candlelight. "They know that our city has received reinforcements, but still, they do not retreat. That means they have something else in mind."

Sebastião, with his arms crossed, agreed. "And that's why we need to be ready for anything. We can't underestimate what they're capable of." Rodrigo stepped away from the window and approached the table. He pointed to an area on the map, north of the city, where the defenses were weakest. "This is the most vulnerable point. If I were the enemy, I would attack from here, where they can create a breach in the walls and infiltrate." Olavo frowned. "But we have troops positioned there. Do you think it won't be enough?" "It's not a question of numbers," Rodrigo replied calmly. "It's a question of strategy. If they make a direct attack, our defenses can hold up. But if they create a distraction somewhere else, and then attack here with everything they have, it could be devastating." The room fell silent as everyone pondered Rodrigo's words. He was right, and everyone there knew it. The next attack would be decisive, and any mistake could cost the city its survival. "So, what do you suggest?" Olavo asked, his eyes fixed on Rodrigo.

Rodrigo looked around the room, staring at each of the leaders. "We need to reinforce this point, but without showing the enemy that we are doing so. We will move troops to this area discreetly, sending small groups throughout the night. We also need to be ready to respond quickly to any distractions they may create."

Sebastião nodded, already beginning to mentally plan how to move the soldiers without attracting attention. "I will organize the troops. This needs to be done with precision."

Rodrigo continued, his voice firm and resolute. "In addition, I want everyone to be ready for an eventual infiltration. Civilians must be prepared to defend themselves, and we need scouts spread throughout the city, monitoring any suspicious movements."

Olavo and the other leaders agreed, and soon the room was filled with detailed discussions about defense plans. Rodrigo knew that every detail counted and that victory depended on his ability to predict the enemy's movements.

As the night wore on, the city quietly prepared for the coming battle. Rodrigo's orders were carried out with precision, and the troops began to move, reinforcing the most vulnerable areas without attracting attention. In the back of his mind, Rodrigo knew that the true test was yet to come. But with each preparation he made, he felt that the city was one step closer to surviving the storm that would soon descend upon it. And when dawn finally arrived, bringing with it the first signs of movement on the horizon, Rodrigo was ready, along with everyone else, to face the enemy head on. They knew the fighting would be fierce, but they were determined not to let the city fall. The storm was coming, and this time, Rodrigo was prepared to face any challenge that came his way, with the courage and wisdom he had acquired throughout his life. The battle was about to begin, and he knew that the fate of many depended on what would happen in the next few hours.