Chapter 2: Behind Enemy Lines

Night fell, and the sandstorms howled across the salt plains.

Li Song and Bai each led a small unit, hidden within the rocky gorge west of the salt springs. Acting on Tu Lu's orders, the forces had split: one to confront the enemy frontally, the other to infiltrate the rear and gather intel—on troop movements, formations, and supply logistics.

Within the gorge, shadows clung to thorny shrubs and jagged stone. Military horses lay still. Soldiers wrapped their faces in gray cloth, revealing only watchful eyes. Li Song crouched behind a boulder, gripping the Dog blade. His gaze was calm but sharp.

"Their main force has moved north. The rear camp should be thinly guarded," Bai said in a low voice. She wore light armor, a shortbow strapped to her waist, fingers brushing arrow feathers in rhythm.

Li Song nodded. "Scouts say their logistics camp lies near the dry wells—low terrain, few sentries. We'll approach from the southern slope, behind the old stone bridge. Night reconnaissance only—no engagement unless necessary."

He gave a quick hand signal. Two veterans with crossbows took point, the rest forming a silent arrow formation behind them.

The bridge crossing led to a boulder-strewn incline. Progress was slow. Li Song paused, knelt, and withdrew Snake Bone from his sleeve—checking the loaded bolt, then moving on.

Two faint taps echoed—scout signal.

"A hundred paces ahead—two guards near the grain carts," a scout whispered.

"I'll take the first," Bai replied. She drew, aimed, and loosed an arrow. The shaft found its mark in the throat of one sentry. The second turned, opening his mouth—but the Snake Bone spat, and he collapsed silently.

They pressed forward, slipping past tattered tents and into the supply zone. Li Song signaled halt, gesturing for full concealment.

"Three supply wagons. Six grain carts. Twenty guards, tops," Bai whispered. "Looks like a logistics hub."

"Raymond's army is large, but this isn't enough to sustain them. They're not here for a long campaign—they're preparing a quick strike."

From the north, low whistles pierced the stillness. Enemy patrols emerged with torches. The squad melted into the dark. Li Song raised two fingers: prepare for strike.

Bai and two soldiers circled behind the patrol. As the torchlight flickered, they pounced—steel flashed, three men fell.

Li Song moved deeper into the depot, using scorched charcoal to mark enemy cart placement, water barrels, and the nearest arrow towers on a flat stone.

Near the command tent, one enemy soldier practiced swordwork—twin blades, weaving a flowing shield of steel. "That's the double-wrist wrap," Li Song murmured. "Western knights' style."

Bai observed quietly. "Religious order troops. From Raymond's coastal interior."

Then came hooves. A black-armored cavalry squad entered with prisoners—wounded scouts from their own army.

Li Song's voice dropped. "They caught our men."

Bai's bowstring tensed. "Do we strike?"

Li Song shook his head. "One chance only. Not here. Not now."

He dispatched two men to retreat and carry the intel. He and Bai pressed on.

Past another tent, a young officer stood by firelight. His armor bore silver inlays. Sword hilt wrapped in crimson silk. Face hidden behind a steel helm.

Raymond.

Li Song's hand found the Dog blade. His eyes burned.

"That's him. And now we know where he stands."

"We must return," Bai whispered. "And tell Tu Lu—he's not just a figurehead."

They vanished into the wind and sand.

——

At dawn, the squad moved along a dried riverbed. Suddenly—ambush. Arrows rained from both ridges. Li Song hurled a smoke bomb. Bai fired cover shots. Crossbows hissed from behind.

They fought in retreat for nearly fifteen minutes before escaping the ravine.

Back in camp, Li Song sketched the camp layout in full—troop numbers, supply wagons, and Raymond's sighting. Tu Lu listened in silence.

"He brought his Youth Army. But they're low on supplies."

Tu Lu turned to the two officers. "Will you go west? Into enemy territory? Cut their supply line?"

Li Song and Bai exchanged a glance.

"We will."