4

Morning

"What did you say? That I'm unworthy of my name?!" I shouted, clenching my fists until they ached.

"Yes. You're weak," Damipp replied calmly, looking at me without the slightest doubt.

His cold gaze burned through me, but I knew this was part of the plan.

"You'll pay for those words!" I growled, lunging at him with my fists.

Everything was going as planned. We needed to make it look like we both lost consciousness. That way, they would carry us to the healer, and in the commotion, we could steal the bloodied bandages. Once we woke up, they'd throw us out of the infirmary and excuse us from training for the rest of the day.

We fought fiercely, though our strikes were carefully measured just a little weaker than they appeared. The key was waiting for the right moment. Finally, we struck each other in the head at the same time and collapsed as if knocked out.

"Aren't you two friends? What's with all the aggression?" Aretid's doubtful voice sounded above us. He stood over us, eyebrows furrowed. "Alright, the schedule stays the same everyone, get moving for your run. And you," he pointed at the nearby warriors, "carry them to the healer and bring them back after."

They lifted our bodies and carried us away. I barely cracked my eyes open just enough to see as they brought us into the healer's tent and laid us on stiff straw beds covered with cloth. The plan was working.

The healer approached quickly, gave us a brief glance, then smeared our scrapes with a thick, pungent herbal salve, and left. We were lucky he didn't examine us too closely. If he had, he might have suspected something. But soon, his attention shifted to another patient someone who actually needed help.

I nudged Damipp lightly with my elbow. He opened his eyes for a split second just long enough to show he understood.

Moving as quietly as possible, I sat up and slid toward the bucket where the healer tossed used cloth. If he noticed me, Damipp would distract him. Carefully grabbing a few strips of fabric, I discreetly placed them closer to the exit before quickly lying back down and shutting my eyes.

We stayed put for a while. When the time was right, we stirred at the same moment, acting as if we were just regaining consciousness. Feigning weakness, we slowly got up, ready to finish what we had started.

"You're awake?" the healer's hoarse voice grumbled. "Not much space here get moving and get out."

"Yes," we mumbled almost simultaneously and, feigning weakness, struggled to our feet.

I discreetly grabbed the stolen cloth luckily, the healer was no longer watching us. The first part of the plan was complete. Now, we just had to get out of the camp.

We wrapped the cloth around our hands and waists to make it look like we were bandaged, then headed for the exit.

"Stop!" a sharp voice rang out. A Spartan guard loomed before us, blocking our path. "Where do you think you're going in that condition?"

I paused, trying to sound confident.

"To the river. We were ordered to wash our wounds," I replied calmly.

The guard narrowed his eyes, assessing us, but then nodded.

"Fine."

We wasted no time and quickly walked away. Only when we disappeared into the forest did we allow ourselves a sigh of relief.

Soon, we reached our prepared hiding spot, where sticks and supplies were stashed among the bushes. Now, it was time to set the trap.

I climbed down into the pit we had dug earlier, while Damipp hid in the forest. Now, all we had to do was wait.

Lying in the cold, damp earth, I tried not to think about time. It felt like an eternity, but finally, I heard approaching footsteps. The ground beneath me trembled slightly. A cart passed right over my head and came to a stop.

"What is it?" a rough voice asked.

"Looks like a bloodstained cloth," another answered.

"We need to check it out," a third added.

I held my breath. From the sound of their footsteps, a few warriors had stepped away from the cart to inspect the find. I lifted the hatch slightly to take a look only one guard remained, watching his comrades. His focus was on them. This was my chance.

Carefully, I pushed the hatch open, rose silently, and crept toward the supplies. I grabbed the first sack I could find, then a smaller one, before hurrying back to the pit and lowering the stolen goods inside.

There was still time. I darted back to the supplies, pulled out a basket covered with cloth, and tossed it into the pit. Something clinked inside. Greed pricked at me I could take more but I stopped myself just in time. Any delay could cost us everything.

I quickly slipped back into my hiding spot, closing the hatch just as one of the warriors turned to look around.

"Did you hear something?" the driver asked warily.

"Not sure," the warrior replied, slowly approaching.

I held my breath. His footsteps grew louder until he stopped right above me.

"We checked everything," another warrior said, walking closer. "It's just a piece of cloth tied to a stick. No one's around."

"But how did it get here?" the third muttered in confusion.

"We'll report it to the Lochagos," one of them decided. "Let him decide if a scout team is needed. We need to deliver the food."

"Agreed," another nodded.

I remained perfectly still, staying in the pit for several long minutes. Only when their footsteps faded completely did I finally allow myself to exhale.

But then, more steps. I tensed, ready for anything until the hatch cracked open. Damipp peered down at me, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"We did it," he whispered triumphantly.

I glanced at our stolen goods, feeling a surge of exhilaration.

"There's plenty of food," I said with a smile. Funny how little it takes to be happy.

"I nearly got caught," Damipp exhaled. "They were searching the area thoroughly."

"As they should have," I nodded. "But that doesn't matter now. The scouts will be here soon and find the pit so we need to leave."

I quickly scanned our surroundings.

"We hide the food somewhere and head back to camp. We need to be there when the commotion starts, or we'll be suspected."

"Should we take some with us?" Damipp asked.

"We'll eat on the way," I said, slinging a sack over my shoulder.

We didn't waste another second.