Morning came gray and lifeless, smoke from the night before still lingering in the air. From the edge of the village, a lone caravan approached slowly. The priest the villagers had summoned the day before rode solemnly, his robes fluttering in the chill breeze. Cedric's eyes narrowed, quiet tension settling over him.
A thin man with intense eyes, average height, and an unreadable face appeared. He was greeted respectfully by the villagers; Cedric's team followed suit. He was informed of the situation, his eyes steady, his mouth shut, as he looked over the burned bodies while the village chief explained the horrors.
He proceeded to perform a ritual, dipping a religious brush into a silver bowl filled with water, sprinkling it over the deceased as he howled cryptic words for hours. Everyone watched through it, believing it helped somehow, everyone except Cedric and Selara.
When the ritual ended and the people dispersed, Cedric went up to the priest.
"Greetings, High Priest. I am Cedric Alvyren, son of Rodric Alvyren, Knight-Captain, and I myself serve as Captain."
The priest nodded, expression plain. "Nice to meet you, Captain Cedric Alvyren. How may I help you?"
Cedric gave a light smile. "I've heard that such phenomena have been occurring frequently. People say they point toward something impending, as written in the Holy Book."
The priest turned his head forward dismissively. "Maybe. But it's none of your concern. You're a soldier, you obey orders, not ask questions."
Cedric cleared his throat, his smile widening. "Well, I don't ask as a soldier but as a man of faith. Isn't it your duty to interpret the Holy Book to the people, including me?"
The priest ignored him and climbed back into his caravan. As the villagers bowed, giving their goodbyes and thanks, the priest looked at Cedric one last time, then glanced past him.
Cedric looked visibly tense. He spat on the ground and called out, "Selara! Orlen! Torric! We're moving out!"
They rode back through the uneven road, the wind cold and the ground vibrating from the thundering of their horses. The trade route came into sight, merchants shouting their prices, crates and barrels stacked along the cobbled streets, travelers hurrying between inns and stables. Horses clopped on the stones, carts creaked under heavy loads, and the smell of roasted meat mingled with hay and smoke.
As they approached the gate where the bulk of the soldiers were gathered, a harmless-looking young man with a perm called out to them, his voice shaky and brows wrinkled.
"Where have you guys been! I was scared for you! Orlen just ran off with you like he saw the devil, I couldn't even sleep!"
Torric muttered, "Hush down, Draviz."
Selara smirked, "Ironic how you're the one scared."
Orlen sighed, eyebrows raised. "There were some problems up in the village we had to deal with."
Draviz frowned. "Huh!? Orlen, you looked like you saw a ghost last night, and now you're acting like nothing happened!"
Cedric's voice was steady. "We've dealt with it. Forget about it. Either way, do you have anything to report to me?"
Draviz scratched his head. "Ohhh, yeah. We're supposed to team up with… uh… you know… Wilaric, to eliminate the bandits up north."
Cedric pushed his tongue against his teeth, making a sharp hiss. "Tsk… Wilaric, huh? What's General Rolith thinking? Why would he pair me with that prick?"
Selara folded her arms. "I guess he wants the most promising young captains to work together, for the sake of the entire military. And honestly, I think you're more of a prick than him."
Cedric scoffed. "Huh? So now you're taking his side? I always knew you had something for him. Why don't you join him, then?"
Selara's brows furrowed; she gripped her arm. "Cedric… what happened with the priest? Your mood's been off ever since we met him."
Cedric looked away. "Prepare to move out, we'll be heading soon! Cavalry, with me! Orlen, you and your squad too. Silgard, move with the infantry, and Draviz, move with the remaining units."
Silgard nodded. "Yes, sir."
Draviz saluted. "As you say, sir."
Orlen: "Aye, sir."
After preparations were done, they moved north toward the mountains. The full army marched, hooves pounding, boots thudding, the air thick with tension.
People gathered to watch, curiosity glinting in their eyes. Children waved as the soldiers passed, while mothers stood silent, gripping their shawls.
In the distance, another army could be seen at the foot of the mountain, similar in size, waiting. The tension only grew heavier.
Among the onlookers, a boy shouted, excitement in his voice, "I'll join you guys soon, just wait till I'm grown!"
His father, a bow slung across his back and a hunted game in hand, called out, "Kill those bandits for good! God be with you!"
A young man, nineteen, six feet tall, short straight hair, defined features, cold gaze, stood silent with his hands folded. He looked over at the villagers and raised his palm with a faint smile.
As Cedric and his men drew near, they noticed the difference in the opposing army's armor, weapons, and appearance.
Orlen whispered, "One of the best-equipped units in the entire kingdom. Dazzling, isn't it? Maybe greet them nicely, Cedric."
Cedric's eyes narrowed, nostrils flared. "Huh! What a joke. It's all daddy's money."
Orlen smirked. "Uhh… what about you?"
Cedric's cheeks warmed. "What do you mean, what about me?"
Orlen quickly looked away. "Uhh… nothing."
The young man, Wilaric, spoke first. "It seems you're not in a good mood. Anyway, let's skip the drama and get to the plan."
Cedric's lips tightened. "Hmph. And who decided we'd follow your plan?"
Selara whispered sharply, "Cedric," trying to cool his tone.
Wilaric shrugged. "There you go again, Cedric. I know you've got this weird inferiority complex around me, but listen"
Cedric cut him off, teeth clenched. "Tsk! Inferiority complex? Look around, none of your men even like you."
Wilaric smiled thinly. "They don't have to. They just have to follow orders. Anyway, as I was saying, we have intel on the bandits' whereabouts. They're likely camped on the north-east back of the mountain. Two hundred men, poorly equipped. If we flank from both sides at once, we'll get through unscathed."