Time passed, and then Crimzo leaned low, looking through the scope of his bow. "There is movement ahead," he whispered. "It seems the guards are many."
I nodded. "We will stay here for now. Crimzo, send one of your men to scout closely. Tell him to avoid detection at all costs. I need to know their numbers and position."
Crimzo pointed to one of his soldiers, a thin man with a skill of stealth. The soldier nodded silently and left, disappearing into the rocks and shadows as he approached the target.
The minutes felt like hours as we waited, and the tension was thick in the air. Sophia leaned slightly toward me and whispered, "What's the plan if they're heavily guarded?"
I didn't look at her, but replied calmly, "Then we adapt. For now, we're gathering information. We won't waste lives in unnecessary danger."
Andrew smiled lightly. "Let's hope this scout is quick."
After what seemed like an eternity, the soldier returned, breathing calmly but urgently. "I counted 26 guards, all armed, and some of them appear to be really strong. The princess is traveling in a heavily reinforced, covered wagon. The convoy's holding position at the base of the valley, maybe taking a break, or even maybe waiting to regroup with more forces."
I thought about the report for a moment before speaking, my voice low but firm. "Crimzo, position your archers along the ridge. I want clear shots, when you see me move aim for the archers first. Sophia, take your team and prepare to block the northern path. Andrew, you will surround the back to cut off any retreat."
"And you?" Sophia asked.
"I will handle the distraction. Once we are in position, await my signal to engage. Remember, the priority is to capture the princess, not slaughter the convey." My tone made this clear, this was not up for debate.
Everyone nodded and moved to their positions. The fog began to lift slightly, revealing more of the valley. The air was thick with tension as the team held their positions, waiting for my signal. The convoy below had no idea what was coming. I go down behind the hills, my cold gaze fixed on the guards moving around the reinforced vehicle. I ran towards it.
"Now!" I shouted.
Crimzo nodded, signalling to his archers. Three arrows flew silently through the air, hitting their marks with deadly precision. The archers toppled to the ground, dead...
A second later, a shout echoed through the convoy. "Attack! Protect the princess! Form up now!"
The guards sprang into action, drawing their weapons and tightening their formation around the carriage. The air was filled with the sounds of clanging shields.
"Hold the line! No one can pass!" shouted the massive leader of the convoy, a man in dark armor holding a massive halberd. His powerful voice rallied the guards, who prepared to attack.
Sophia and Andrew led their teams into action. Sophia's spear swivelled gracefully as she and her soldiers cut through the front of the convoy, taking down two guards with swift swipes.
Her spear spun like a deadly dance. "You will not get past us!" she yelled, as she thrust her weapon into the chest of the attacking guard. Her soldiers followed her, expertly holding the line.
Andrew, who was in the rear, charged at the guards with the force of a huge bull. "Come on then!" he shouted, and his heavy sword fell on the first opponent, sending him to the ground.
His overwhelming strength leaving them no chance to regroup, his team supported him, and pushed the remaining guards back.
"Protect the princess! Don't let them near the carriage!" another guard shouted desperately, trying to rally his comrades.
I moved like a shadow, targeted the centre of the convoy. A pair of guards rushed me, their swords aimed to cut me down.
I easily avoided the attack, blocking the second guard's sword. With a sharp movement, I disarmed the first guard, targeted his foot, and kicked him, knocking him to the ground. I then turned around and dodged the second guard's strike, striking him hard on the shoulder. They both fell without making a sound, As I tried my best to avoid killing them.
The leader of the guards charged forward; his halberd raised high. "I'll deal with this one! Hold your ground!" he shouted, his voice a mixture of command and anger.
I exchanged glances with him, analysing his movements. He was strong for sure, but his self-confidence was his downfall, like I've said before, everyone has a weakness. He charged at me, his weapon held high, intent on crushing me with brute force. "You're mine!" he roared, swinging in his halberd.
I waited until the last moment, then ducked under the swing, closing the distance between us. He roared and brought the halberd down in a crushing blow. I stepped to the side, striking his exposed left knee. The sword went deep, and he struggled and fell to one side.
I didn't give him a chance to recover. I moved towards him, and he tried to give me a direct strike with his left hand. I dodged it, then dived my sword into his neck from behind.
Blood splattered as his body fell to the ground. I really didn't want to kill him, but I don't think he's the type of man to surrender…
"Commander!" someone shouted from behind, his voice trembling with shock.
Everyone froze for a moment. Even my own team seemed surprised by how quickly I defeated them. I glanced at them briefly.
Sophia exchanged a glance with Andrew, tightening her grip on her spear and said "So… This is how powerful Roy is."
Andrew smiled, shaking his head, muttered under his breath. "Roy, you're something else".
As the leader's body hit the ground, the battlefield fell silent. The remaining guards froze. One by one, their weapons hit the ground.
"We surrender!" one of them shouted, kneeling on his knees and raising his hands in surrender.
The others followed him, kneeling and placing their swords at their feet. Fear and defeat were etched on their faces as they looked at me.