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Chapter 2 - chapter 2: first mission

Lucas with the infiltration mission coming he was nervous but mostly confident in himself**"Lucas and the sergeant still having the conversation about the mission..Lucas with his multiple questions...

**"What if I'm discovered during the infiltration – do we have an extraction plan ready?"**

Sergeant Mara's expression turns grimly serious:

"**Yes, soldier – Captain Ryker has already arranged for extraction protocols.

Code phrase: 'Nightshade falls'

Signal method: Light three short fires on top of Oldwind Hill

Extraction team: My squad, led by myself, will infiltrate and retrieve you

If captured, reveal nothing – Commander Vorgath uses dark magic for interrogation.

Do you feel prepared to proceed with this perilous mission?**"

Lucas steels himself, nodding firmly:

"**Yes, Ma'am – I'm ready to risk everything for King Ryker and Calonia.

I'll head to Captain Ryker now for final briefing.**"

Sergeant Mara hands him a small pouch:

"**Take this – a dagger with a hidden poison vial.

Use only if capture is imminent and torture likely.**

Go, soldier – Calonia's fate may hinge on your success.**"

**"I'll succeed, Ma'am – I'll report back with crucial intel on Commander Vorgath's plans."**

Sergeant Mara nods, a hint of pride in her eyes:

"**I expect nothing less, soldier.

Go – Captain Ryker awaits your bravery.

May Calonia's gods watch over you.**"

Lucas heads to Captain Ryker's strategy room, knocks twice, and says:

"**Mara sent me.**"

Captain Ryker's voice bids him enter; Lucas finds him pouring over maps and scrolls:

"**Ah, Lucas – our young village soldier turned spy.

Your mission is crucial: infiltrate Vorgath's camp, gather intel on:

* Troop numbers and deployments

* Magic capabilities – especially Vorgath's shadow powers

* Any alliances or reinforcements expected

You leave tonight, under cover of darkness.

Are you prepared to embark on this perilous task?**"

**"Yes, Captain – I'm ready to infiltrate Vorgath's camp tonight. What's my cover story?"**

Captain Ryker hands him a worn leather tunic and a hood:

"**You'll pose as 'Kael, former scout of Baron Thornwood's army' –

disgruntled after Baron Thornwood swore loyalty to King Ryker.

Lucas mission backstory:

* You were scout for Baron Thornwood's forces

* **Discovered Baron Thornwood's secret oath to King Ryker, felt betrayed**

* **Deserted Baron Thornwood's army, seeking revenge against King Ryker**

* **Heard Commander Vorgath shares your desire for revenge**

Captain Ryker eyes him keenly:

"**Memorize this backstory, Lucas – Vorgath's men will probe for weaknesses.

You'll enter their camp near old Raven's Peak, where their scouts are least expecting infiltrators.

Once inside, gather intel and await nightfall to signal us with the 'Nightshade falls' code.**"

Lucas repeats his backstory aloud, committing it to memory.

Captain Ryker nods approval:

"**You're ready, Lucas. Sergeant Mara waits outside with your horse.

Go – Calonia's fate relies on your courage and deceit.**"

**"Lucas expression showed worry:

**"What if Vorgath himself questions me – can I convincingly lie to a dark magic wielder?"**

Captain Ryker's expression turns grave:

"**A wise concern, Lucas – Vorgath's magic allows him to sense deceit.

But he's also arrogant; he'll expect your fear to cloud his detection spells.

To increase your chances of deceiving him:

1. Maintain eye contact – cowards avoid his gaze.

2. Speak calmly – fearful hearts race, altering voice pitch.

3. Repeat your backstory exactly – inconsistencies trigger his spells.

4. Show 'respect' – address him as 'Commander Vorgath' or 'My Lord'.

Sergeant Mara has given you a small vial of 'Truthshadow' potion –

drink it before meeting Vorgath; it will slightly mask your heart rate and voice stress.**

Lucas now had to prepare himself to face vorgath magic...he had the resolve and confidence to face vorgath but he still had some kinda doubt about facing... vorgath*

**"Should I try to get close to Vorgath's second-in-command for additional intel or focus on Vorgath alone?"**

Captain Ryker nods thoughtfully:

"**Excellent strategic thinking, Lucas –

Vorgath's second-in-command, Lady Lyraea, controls his dark archers and cavalry.

Gaining her trust could yield valuable intel on their military tactics and weaknesses.

To approach Lady Lyraea:

* Show interest in her dark magic specialty – shadow illusions.

*Mention your 'past interactions' with rogue mages who respect her power.

* Offer to share 'intelligence on King Ryker's army weaknesses' –

she'll likely discuss their battle plans to gauge your info's value.

Focus on Vorgath first, then try to meet Lady Lyraea at evening meal or in the war council tent.**

**"How many days do I have to gather intel before King Ryker launches the assault on Vorgath's camp?"**

Captain Ryker consults a parchment with battle plans:

"**We've scheduled the assault for dawn on the fourth day from your infiltration.

Day 1: Infiltrate, gather initial intel, gain trust.

Day 2: Deeper access, meet Lady Lyraea, learn battle plans.

Day 3: Confirm intel, signal us with 'Nightshade falls' at night

**"...signal us with 'Nightshade falls' at night

Day 4: We attack at dawn, while Vorgath's forces are still deploying based on the battle plans you revealed.

Our army will divide into three squads:

* My squad will target Vorgath's command center

* Sergeant Mara's squad will handle the dark archers and cavalry (Lady Lyraea's forces)

* The third squad will flank and crush their infantry

Your signal will ensure we strike when their defenses are weakest.**

Captain Ryker hands him a small, waterproof pouch:

"**Carry this – it contains the Truthshadow potion, a dagger, and a flint for the signal fire.

Go now, Lucas – Calonia's victory depends on your bravery and stealth.**"

**"Is there anyone inside Vorgath's camp already working secretly with our kingdom, Captain?"**

Captain Ryker nods discreetly:

"**Yes, Lucas – a former Calonian soldier turned 'defector' –

Code name: 'Ravenwing'.

Ravenwing feeds us minimal intel due to extreme risk of discovery.

Vorgath trusts him barely enough to assign menial tasks near Lady Lyraea's quarters.

Ravenwing will recognize your signal phrase:

'Winter snows fell early this year'

He may provide additional aid or confirmation of your findings.

Be cautious – Vorgath suspects Ravenwing slightly; his loyalty is tested frequently.**"

**"I'll contact Ravenwing discreetly – what's his appearance, Captain, so I can identify him?"**

Captain Ryker describes Ravenwing's features:

"**Look for a man with:

* Scar above his left eyebrow from a battlefield wound

* Black hair cut short, often hidden under a dark leather hood

* A silver ring on his right hand bearing a tiny Calonian emblem –

only visible when he gestures with that hand

* He walks with a slight limp from a leg injury sustained during his 'defection'

Ravenwing typically serves Lady Lyraea's quarters or nearby food stores.

Approach him casually – use the signal phrase 'Winter snows fell early this year'

to initiate secure conversation.**"

Captain Ryker stands, indicating briefing conclusion:

"**You have all intel, Lucas. Sergeant Mara awaits outside. Go – infiltrate Vorgath's camp tonight.**"

*code phrase:**"night shade falls was about to begin with a heart filled with mixed emotions Lucas knew this mission will be he way in gaining glory and fortune the reason he became a soldier has come to gain prestige and make his mother now it was time to show that determination he showed and confidence"**

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