Crossing enemies lines

The air was still before dawn, thick with the chill that lingered from the night. Jasmine stood on the edge of the tree line, staring out across the field that separated them from enemy territory. The pale light of the moon illuminated the landscape, casting long shadows over the uneven ground. Somewhere out there, beyond the horizon, lay the enemy camp. And with it, their only chance of turning the tide in this war.

"We're really doing this," Caden muttered from beside her, his breath fogging in the cold. He had a grim set to his jaw, the expression of a man who knew the stakes were higher than ever.

Jasmine nodded, her hand tightening around the hilt of her dagger. "We don't have a choice. The information in that camp could expose their entire strategy. If we can get it, we'll finally have the advantage."

Caden glanced at her, his eyes dark with worry. "You know what happens if we get caught, right? No one comes back from the king's dungeons."

Jasmine's mouth tightened, but she met his gaze without flinching. "I know. But if we don't take this risk, we might as well surrender. The king's forces are closing in. They'll take everything if we don't fight back."

There was no need to say more. The war had reached a turning point, and this mission was their only hope. They couldn't hold the farm much longer without reinforcements or a strategic advantage. If they didn't act now, everything they had fought for would be lost.

Caden sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Then we'd better get moving. We only have until sunrise."

Jasmine gave a sharp nod. They had planned this infiltration down to the smallest detail. They would sneak through the woods, cross the river under the cover of darkness, and slip into the enemy's camp undetected. But even with their plan, there were no guarantees. They were walking into the heart of the enemy's territory, and a single mistake could cost them their lives.

"Ready?" Caden asked, his voice low as he checked the edge of his sword.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Jasmine replied, steeling herself for what was to come. With a final glance at the farm behind them, she turned and led the way into the trees.

The forest was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves beneath their boots. Jasmine moved swiftly but cautiously, her senses alert to every sound, every movement in the shadows. The enemy had patrols, but if they stuck to the path they had scouted earlier, they could avoid detection. Still, the weight of the risk pressed heavily on her chest with every step.

Caden was just behind her, his presence a comforting reminder that she wasn't alone in this. They had fought together through too many battles, and there was no one she trusted more to watch her back. But trust wasn't enough to guarantee their survival tonight.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the river. The sound of rushing water filled the air, masking their movements as they approached the bank. Jasmine crouched low, peering through the trees at the far side. The enemy's camp lay beyond, its flickering torches just visible in the distance.

"This is it," she whispered, turning to Caden. "We cross here."

Caden nodded, but there was tension in his posture, a reminder of the danger that lay ahead. They had to wade through the icy water, careful not to make a sound that would draw attention. Any noise could alert the guards, and then it would be over before it even began.

Without another word, they slipped into the river, the cold water biting at their legs as they crossed. Jasmine's heart pounded in her chest as they moved slowly and deliberately, the darkness and the noise of the water their only protection. When they finally reached the other side, she exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

They crept up the embankment, staying low to avoid detection. The camp was closed now, the sounds of soldiers' muffled voices drifting toward them in the wind. Jasmine scanned the area, her mind racing as she calculated the best route to their target. They needed to reach the commander's tent, where the battle plans were kept. That was their goal—get in, take the plans, and get out.

"Over there," Caden whispered, pointing toward a cluster of larger tents near the center of the camp. "That's where they'll be."

Jasmine nodded, her pulse quickening. "Let's move."

They kept to the shadows, weaving between tents and crates as they approached the heart of the camp. The soldiers on patrol were few, but that didn't mean they could relax. One wrong move, one glance in the wrong direction, and they would be caught.

As they neared the commander's tent, Jasmine's senses sharpened. The flicker of torchlight cast long shadows across the ground, but the tent itself was quiet. Too quiet. She motioned for Caden to stop, holding up a hand to signal caution.

Something wasn't right.

She crouched beside the tent, listening for any signs of life inside. There were none. Frowning, she glanced at Caden, who was watching her closely.

"I'll check it out," she mouthed, drawing her dagger.

Carefully, she peeled back the edge of the tent's flap and slipped inside. The air was thick with the smell of oil and parchment, but the space was empty. No guards, no soldiers. Just an open table littered with maps and documents.

Jasmine's heart raced. This was it. The information they needed.

She quickly moved to the table, scanning the papers until she found the one they were looking for—the enemy's strategy. It was all there: troop movements, supply lines, planned attacks. If they could get this back to the farm, it would change everything.

Just as she reached for the map, a voice from behind froze her in place.

"You're brave, I'll give you that."

Jasmine's blood ran cold. Slowly, she turned to see a figure stepping out of the shadows—the commander himself, sword in hand, a cold smile on his face.

"I knew someone would come for these eventually," he said, his voice calm and calculating. "But I didn't expect it to be you."

Jasmine tightened her grip on the dagger, her mind racing. They had been set up. The patrols, the empty tent—it had all been a trap.

And now, they were caught.

The commander took a step closer, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Surrender now, and I'll consider letting you live."

Jasmine's heart pounded, but her resolve hardened. There was no surrender—not tonight.

Without hesitation, she lunged forward.

Outside, Caden waited, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The minutes dragged on, and a knot of dread tightened in his chest.

Something had gone wrong.

He was about to move when he heard the unmistakable sound of steel clashing inside the tent.

Without thinking, he drew his sword and charged forward, ready to face whatever awaited them.