Yesterday's Enemy [AoT]

ONE-HUNDRED-AND-NINE

'The way we react to mystery determines the possibility of certainty.'

-An unseen extract written by the late scholar and journalist Aksel Briggs.

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ONE-HUNDRED-AND-NINE

Somewhere in North-Eastern Titan Country

"What happened back there?" Thersa called.

The three of them urged their horses forward. Right about now, they all wanted as much distance between them and that campsite as possible.

"We think our enemy was camped there," Lorelai asserted, stealing a glance backwards. "You remember that battlefield we saw last year? We think it's the same killers."

"By God... you're sure?"

"I'm sure of nothing. But we can't afford to take any chances— by now, they will have clocked our position, and we must assume they are hostile."

Thersa shuddered, her eyes wide. She remembered the carnage at that battlefield too well, the Havasians crushed beyond recognition, the blood, the gore. She was none too keen to end up like that.

"Elske." Lorelai turned to her right. "You're awfully quiet. What are you thinking?"

Elske gulped. "Lieutenant, why did they let us go?"

"What?"

"Our enemy. They seem to have been ten steps ahead of us this entire time. Why would they let us see their campsite then escape to report back?"

"Only Larken knows; either way, we need to adjust the plan." She tugged on Beau's reigns. "You two, return to Thomsen. I'm going to ride to command to inform Erwin."

Lorelai was riding off when Elske called out, "Lieutenant! What if that's what the enemy wants? We need to-"

She turned back around. "Listen, kid; I know you're worried. But we have procedures for this type of thing." Lorelai nodded to Thersa. "Watch her."

She galloped off towards the centre rank.

Truth be told, Lorelai was just as concerned. They were juggling a dozen unknowns while vulnerable in enemy land. The situation was hardly ideal but, Lorelai had seen worse.

Right now, she needed everyone to keep their heads. Panic would kill them far before any enemy.

The rest of the battalion had made serious ground while they dawdled. Lorelai could see their lights growing smaller in the distance.

She urged Beau faster. She needed to get word to Erwin quick, or they risk their enemy making a move.

The night was still young, the moon hanging weightless in the sky above. Falkirk was a distant sight by now; they were making progress, but their vulnerability worried her.

They had no room for delay or interruption. This was their one chance. Larken be damned, they would take every precaution.

It wasn't long before she reached the centre rank.

The formation remained intact, though Lorelai couldn't help but notice the tiring soldiers. No casualties thus far, but they'd been travelling at top speed for hours. Morale was rapidly decreasing.

Titan activity remained low. She hadn't seen any further signal flares. As it seemed, all was going to plan; she imagined Erwin was feeling quite confident.