Preparing for war

The dawn light filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow over the clearing as Jasmine, Caden, and Orin gathered around the remnants of their campfire. The night had been long, filled with heavy decisions and lingering doubts, but the new day brought with it a sense of purpose. Jasmine's resolve, cemented in the quiet hours of the night, now fueled her every thought. There was no more running. They were going to fight back.

Orin stood tall, his arms crossed over his chest, as he looked down at the map spread out on the ground before them. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp with determination. "We'll need supplies," he said, his voice measured. "Weapons, food, medical gear. More than what we have now. And we'll need allies."

Jasmine nodded, kneeling beside Caden, who still looked pale from the blood loss but more alert than the night before. "Where do we even begin?" she asked, her eyes scanning the crude map. It showed the border, the enemy encampments, and the forest they had been navigating for days. There was nothing on it that suggested hope. Only danger.

Caden leaned forward, wincing slightly as he put weight on his side. "There are resistance groups scattered throughout the region," he said, his voice raspy but clear. "Most of them are small, disorganized. But if we could unite them, if we could convince them that this is bigger than just isolated attacks, we'd have a real chance."

Orin's gaze flicked to Caden, considering his words. "That's easier said than done. These people don't trust anyone, especially strangers."

Jasmine glanced at Caden, knowing how hard this must be for him. He had spent years fighting on both sides of this war, caught between forces beyond his control. But now, he had chosen a path—a dangerous, uncertain one. And she was ready to follow him.

"Trust takes time," Jasmine said, her voice calm but firm. "But we don't have time. We need to move quickly if we want to get ahead of the soldiers hunting us."

Orin uncrossed his arms and knelt down beside them, his fingers tracing the lines of the map. "There's a village two days' journey from here," he said. "I know people there—fighters who have been forced into hiding. If we can convince them to join us, they'll lead us to others."

Caden frowned, his brow furrowing as he studied the map. "Two days is a long way when we're being hunted. We'll have to be careful."

Jasmine nodded in agreement, her mind already racing with the logistics of the journey. "We can't afford to leave a trail," she said. "We'll need to split up at times, move in smaller groups to avoid detection."

Orin looked between them, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You've been soldiers long enough to know the risks. But this isn't just about surviving anymore. This is about striking back. That changes everything."

Jasmine felt the weight of his words settle over her. He was right. This wasn't the same as running for their lives. They were preparing for war, and war required sacrifices, strategy, and a level of ruthlessness she wasn't sure she was ready for. But she would have to be.

"We'll head to the village," Caden said, his voice steady. "We'll gather supplies, find allies, and prepare ourselves. But we'll need more than just weapons. We need to know our enemy."

Orin nodded in agreement. "I've been watching their movements for weeks now. The king's soldiers are setting up camps near the border, increasing their patrols. It's only a matter of time before they push further into rebel territory. They're looking for something—or someone."

Jasmine exchanged a look with Caden, understanding immediately. They were looking for them. For the letter.

"We need to stay ahead of them," Caden said, his eyes narrowing. "If they find us before we're ready, this will all be over before it even begins."

Jasmine clenched her fists, the weight of the letter in Caden's pack feeling heavier than ever. This one piece of paper held the power to change everything—to expose the lies that had fueled the war for so long. But it was also a target, drawing the enemy closer with every passing day.

"We'll make it to the village," she said, her voice resolute. "And we'll be ready when they come."

Orin stood, rolling up the map with a swift motion. "We leave at first light. Gather what you can. We'll travel light and fast."

Jasmine rose to her feet, her mind already shifting to the tasks ahead. She moved quickly, checking their supplies, sharpening her dagger, and packing what little food they had left. Every motion was purposeful, every decision calculated. There was no room for mistakes now.

As she worked, she felt Caden's presence beside her, his hand brushing her arm gently. She turned to face him, her heart skipping a beat at the intensity in his eyes.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked quietly, his voice filled with concern. "This fight—it won't be like anything we've done before."

Jasmine looked at him, her resolve unwavering. "I know," she said softly. "But I'm ready. We both are."

Caden held her gaze for a long moment, then nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I believe you."

The trust in his voice warmed her, strengthening her resolve even further. They had been through so much together, and this next chapter—this war—would test them in ways they couldn't yet imagine. But they would face it together.

The morning sun began to rise, casting long beams of light through the trees as they prepared to set out. Orin moved silently, packing his own supplies and checking his weapons. His calm efficiency was a reminder that he had done this many times before, that he knew what lay ahead.

Jasmine slung her pack over her shoulder, her dagger strapped to her side. She felt the tension in the air, the anticipation of what was to come. War was looming, and they were stepping into its shadow willingly.

As they began their journey toward the village, Jasmine felt the weight of her decision settle over her. They were preparing for something far bigger than themselves—something that would decide the fate of the land they had once called home. There was no turning back now.

She glanced at Caden, walking beside her, and Orin leading the way ahead. They were ready. And so was she.

The war had begun.