Chapter 86: The First Flashes

The dawn brought with it an unexpected cold, a sensation that contrasted with the typical heat of the backlands. Rodrigo was standing by the wall, observing the darkness in the distance, trying to capture any movement. The city was in absolute silence, as if even the wind had stopped to listen to what would come next.

Sebastião approached silently, handing Rodrigo a canteen of water. "Everything is ready," he murmured, his voice low so as not to break the tense silence. "The troops are positioned, and the scouts are already at their posts."

Rodrigo took a sip of water, keeping his eyes fixed on the horizon. "They will come soon," he said, more to himself than to Sebastian. "The enemy always attacks when he senses that the prey is on the verge of despair."

Sebastião nodded, realizing the depth of Rodrigo's experience in each word. "But we are not desperate. We are ready."

Rodrigo smiled slightly. "And that's what they don't expect." Suddenly, a flash of light broke through the darkness in the distance, followed by another and another. They were lit torches, appearing on the horizon like burning stars, advancing towards the city. The enemy was finally moving. The warning bells began to ring, breaking the silence of the city and alerting all the residents. The doors of the houses opened, and the civilians, already prepared, headed for the refuge points. The city's defenses were activated, and the soldiers took their positions, ready for battle. Rodrigo remained calm as he observed the enemy's movements. The torches spread out, forming a line that advanced towards the walls, but something seemed wrong. "Sebastian," he called, without taking his eyes off the horizon, "do you notice anything strange?" Sebastian narrowed his eyes, trying to understand what Rodrigo was seeing. "The torches... They are very spaced out, it's not a mass attack." Rodrigo nodded. "This looks like a diversion. They're trying to force us to concentrate our forces here while the real attack comes from somewhere else." Sebastian swallowed hard, realizing the truth in Rodrigo's words. "We need to find out where the real attack will come from." Rodrigo was already ahead, making the decision that could save the city. "Send a small detachment to deal with this diversion, but keep the bulk of the troops on high alert. We need to be prepared for an attack at any other point on the walls." Sebastian rushed to give the orders, while Rodrigo continued to watch the torches advance. His instincts told him something bigger was coming, and he couldn't afford to miss. The city depended on his ability to anticipate the enemy's movements. As the detachment advanced to deal with the diversion, Rodrigo heard a distant, almost imperceptible sound that made his heart race. It was the sound of footsteps, but not of soldiers marching. The footsteps were light, quick, almost as if someone were running through the shadows.

"Sebastian!" Rodrigo called again, and his companion appeared at his side. "Listen," he whispered, pointing in the opposite direction of the torches' attack. "Can you hear that?"

Sebastian was silent for a moment, then his eyes widened. "Infiltration," he murmured, understanding what was happening. "They're trying to enter from the rear, where the defenses are weakest."

Rodrigo nodded, already formulating a plan. "We need to act quickly. Gather the most agile men and we'll intercept them. We can't let them enter the city."

The battle was just beginning, and Rodrigo knew that every move he made in the next few hours would be crucial to everyone's survival. With determination, he and Sebastian prepared to face the invisible threat that was approaching, ready to fight until their last breath to protect what they loved so much.