Chapter 87: The Sound of Shadows

Rodrigo led the small group that followed the dark trail, where the shadows of the walls seemed to lengthen and swallow everything around them. Each step was cautious, and the sound of their boots on the dry earth was barely audible. They knew the enemy was close, but the darkness was an uncertain ally, hiding both their movements and those of their adversary.

Sebastião was close behind, his hand firmly gripping the hilt of his sword. He kept his eyes alert, but the silence around him was oppressive. "They could be anywhere," he whispered, his voice just a thread in the air. "We need to be quick."

Rodrigo gestured for the group to stop. He tilted his head, listening carefully. There was something in the air, a faint noise, like leaves being moved by the wind. But the wind was still. He squinted, trying to make out what his ears were picking up. "They're getting closer," he said, his voice low but urgent. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, moving too fast for anyone to react in time. One of the soldiers beside Rodrigo let out a muffled scream as he was attacked, and soon the sound of metal on metal echoed through the night. "Formation!" Rodrigo ordered, not wasting a second. The soldiers quickly grouped together, forming a defensive circle as more enemies emerged from the darkness. They were fast and silent, moving with a skill that revealed years of training in infiltration and combat. Sebastian fought beside Rodrigo, his sword cutting through the air with precision. "There are too many of them!" he shouted, as another enemy advanced on him. "We must retreat!" Rodrigo knew retreat was not an option, but the battle was intensifying in an unexpected way. "Hold on!" he ordered, his voice firm and resolute. "We cannot let them get through." The sound of battle filled the air, the clash of swords and the shouts of combatants reverberating off the walls. Rodrigo moved with surprising agility for his age, blocking blows and counterattacking with deadly precision. Each enemy he felled seemed to be replaced by two others, but he did not retreat, determined to protect the city at any cost. Sebastian, fighting beside him, was beginning to run out of steam. "Rodrigo, we need reinforcements!" he exclaimed, as he struck another opponent. Rodrigo nodded, realizing that the situation was becoming untenable. "Send a signal," he said, still blocking attacks. "We need the main troops to come here immediately." Sebastian drew a small flare from his waist and lit it quickly, launching it into the sky. The red glow lit the night for a brief moment, before disappearing into darkness. The signal was clear: the battle was becoming desperate, and everyone needed to unite to face the enemy.

The enemy, realizing that reinforcements were on the way, intensified their attacks, trying to break through the defensive formation before it was too late. Rodrigo and his men fought with everything they had, knowing that they could not give ground.

Finally, the sound of trumpets and the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the night. The main troops were arriving, led by Olavo, who shouted orders as he approached. "Hold on! We are here!"

The enemy, realizing that reinforcements had arrived, began to retreat, disappearing into the shadows as silently as they had appeared. Rodrigo, breathing heavily, watched as the last of them disappeared into the darkness, leaving no trace.

Sebastião approached, still panting, but with a smile of relief on his face. "We did it, Rodrigo. They retreated."

Rodrigo, still alert, looked around, making sure there were no more hidden enemies. "For now," he replied seriously. "But this was just the beginning. They will return, and next time, they will be even more prepared." Olavo approached, his face showing both weariness and determination. "Rodrigo, your leadership saved us tonight. But you are right. We need to prepare for the next attack. We cannot underestimate the enemy's strength." Rodrigo nodded, already thinking about his next steps. The city had resisted this attack, but he knew that the real battle was yet to come. And when it did, they would need to be more united and prepared than ever. The dawn was breaking, and the echo of the coming storm hung over them all.