IV. The Impact of Her

~ Thirty-Seven ~

The soldiers looked at each other, terrified.

Eventually, they pointed fingers amongst them. They debated on who should accompany James and me.

I stole a glance at James and wondered why he made that decision. Was he that confident to take that trail?

"Captain," James' sudden call silenced everyone. As the captain stepped forward, James continued, "Choose the ones that you wish to bring with you. And choose wisely. You shall take the forest path with Robert."

The captain bowed and pulled his men away from us.

As they huddled away from us, I stepped closer to James. "Are you sure about this? Do you think that this will work?" I asked.

James sighed before he turned to me. "As much as I want to be a tyrant, I must consider that I need, not only their assistance but their allegiance as well," he explained. "If I act inconsiderate, they may abandon us during our time of need."

Worried, I glanced over to the soldiers. Amidst the reservations that I had in regards to James' plan, I tried to keep an optimistic mindset. However, I mustn't assume that they would agree with this strategy right away.

James then suddenly grabbed me by the shoulder. "Stop staring at them," he said as he turned me around to face him. Whilst fixing his gloves, he added, "You are only adding more pressure onto them. They are already in such a tight position. No need for unnecessary tension."

"I can't just pretend that I don't have any sort of doubt with your decision," I lowered my voice as I stepped closer. I continued, "For all I know, they can forsake us at this very moment. Doesn't that bother you?"

"It does," James replied as he looked up from his hands. He added, "However, they are left with no other choice. They can accompany us and cooperate. Or risk a harsh punishment for leaving their monarchs."

"And if they preferred to be punished instead?" I argued. "What will you do?"

James chuckled as he turned to his horse. He secured his saddle and replied, "Then, so be it."

My brows knitted closer together as my eyes widened. Not even an ounce of fear from James. He seemed to be so confident with his plan. I could only pray that he would be right with this. We couldn't afford another mistake, especially at this point of the mission.

After a few minutes of deliberation, the captain and soldiers returned to us. They were already divided into two groups as they approached.

"Your Majesty," said the captain.

James turned to him and the captain bowed his head briefly.

"I have divided my men into two groups. Each one has a balanced combination of my oldest and newest candidates," the captain continued. He pointed to his left and explained, "In this group, they are not the strongest. However, the oldest soldiers specialise in battle strategy. They will be of big help, should one need a quick escape from the mountain."

James nodded. We then looked at the other group. "And I presume that these are your younger candidates?" he asked as he approached them.

The captain turned to his right and continued, "This group consists of the strongest of the oldest. As for the new ones, they are the fastest and have longer stamina." He added, "I will assist the prince with strategies."

James didn't say anything. He meticulously scanned the guards that would accompany us. "Have you told them about the golden rule in terms of the royal heir?" asked James. He continued to inspect every soldier in each group.

"Yes, Your Majesty. They are prepared to protect the royal heir at all cost," the captain replied.

James looked at my group longer than his. I observed them as well, and physically, they all seemed to be reliable. Since the captain would be with me, the men wouldn't have a hard time keeping morale.