Moving forward

Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever get used to the pressure of moments like this. Everyone looks at me like I know everything, but in reality, I'm just trying my best.

I was adjusting the strap of my armor, when Andrew's voice in the background broke the silence. Sophia was already rechecking her equipment, and Crimzo… well, he was unreadable as usual.

"Are you ready for this?" Andrew's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, I nodded and focused on the mission ahead of me.

There were four soldiers behind us, our subordinates for this mission. A mix of intermediate and well-trained soldiers. I felt them looking at me, waiting for orders and leadership. I didn't want to, but now that I had the lead, I couldn't let them down.

Andrew spoke, with a steady tone. "So, what is your plan for the route we will take? Commander?" The hint of teasing in his voice didn't escape me, but his question was serious.

I crossed my arms, already thinking about the route we'd take. "The path we'll be using cuts through the edge of the forest and through the hills," I said, pointing to the map in Sofia's hand. "It's longer, but it keeps us out of the open areas. The direct route is too exposed, and if we're spotted too soon, this mission will be over before it even begins."

Sofia nodded. "I heard there are patrols near the southern border."

"That's why we'll be moving in the shadows," I replied, then looked at Crimzo. "Your snipers will stay behind and cover us. If we come across a patrol, we'll avoid engagement unless absolutely necessary."

Crimzo nodded slightly, his tone as calm as ever. "Fine. Less noise, less trouble. But if we're forced to fight, we'll need to deal with it quickly."

"Exactly," I said. "Our focus is on the convoy now. We will capture the princess and get out. Simple." I wanted to repeat that point to the other soldiers as well.

One of the soldiers, who's under Andrew's command, a young man named Elias, stepped forward hesitantly. "Sir, what if there are reinforcements nearby? Should we prepare a backup plan?"

My eyes met his, appreciating his vision. "If it comes to that, we will retreat into the forest. I think the terrain will be in our advantage, and we can regroup from there. But our goal is to avoid that scenario all together."

Andrew smiled. "It sounds solid enough. Let's hope we don't need a plan B."

The group fell into complete silence as my words hung in the air.

"Let's get moving," I finally said, tightening my gear belt. "Keep your team alert and your heads down. This isn't just about us, it's about what we can prove." trying to encourage them.

As we started walking, I saw Crimzo watching me out of the corner of his eye. He didn't say anything, but the expression on his face told me he was still sizing me up. It's ok. I wasn't here to prove anything to him.

We were moving cautiously along the narrow path through the rocky terrain, the fog thick.

Crimzo and his four soldiers advanced slightly, their bows ready for any sort of engagement, their eyes scanning the environment for any sign of movement.

Sophia held her spear tightly. Andrew walked, his heavy sword resting on his shoulder, behind him, his soldiers moving in sync with him, their shields ready to form a wall if necessary.

I walked at the front of the group, my cold gaze fixed on the horizon. Maintaining my calm but commanding presence that kept everyone's attention.

We approached a high ridge overlooking the valley. I raised my hand, signalling everyone to stop. Then I said, "This is the path the princess will take, let's wait."