Make Me Crumble

CHAPTER 5

Picture: Border of Svalin

"All forces will be directed towards Svalin." The dwarf's name was commander Ivok, Eileen now knew. And he was somehow making her question things less just by speaking, even though he wasn't answering the main questions at all: Why were they suddenly mounting attack on Svalin? Why did they need all the divisions to combine for this mission? And why was it called Operation Pendulum? Eileen realised she was probably the only one questioning the last one with such eagerness.

"This does not mean that routine patrols will cease. The other kingdoms still do exist, and we can not give them any sign that might point them in the direction of Operation Pendulum."

"This mission will be part covert, and the rest heavy fire." Captain Colton added. "The teams will be assigned sometime during next week."

"When I say that we can not afford to cut any corners," Commander Vladka still had the ambition in her voice, and Eileen was starting to decide it meant more danger than refreshment. "I mean absolutely nothing can go wrong. All your lives depend on this mission. The fate of Avalorn, the whole of Labrumia."

"No pressure at all..." Daniel muttered under his breath; Eileen gave him a small smile.

"New schedules will be followed." Vladka continued. "Training will be taking up most of your days, and along with that, patrol lines will be stretched farther to the east, closer to Svalin's border."

"That's incredibly dangerous." Calix spoke finally. Eileen snapped her head in his direction. "Svalin soldiers are always sharp, especially on the border. And scouts report it is heavily guarded. Additionally, it increases the patrol time. It takes longer to travel closer to the forests."

"You won't have to worry about the last part for too long." Commander Ivok said. Everyone looked at him, confused. Calix raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me?" He asked. Ivok sighed and looked at Vladka, who nodded with a resigned expression on her face.

"As soon as we have confirmation, we will be moving this team and a few other divisions to a secret location, closer to the forests of Svalin."

There was a collective sound through the hut. Some were sighing, as if this news was no surprise, and some were gasping. Eileen realised, with a little embarrassment, that she was part of the latter.

"What?" Calix asked, his voice incredulous. He looked at captain Colton, who shrugged.

"It's a safer outcome." He said.

"So, we'd be abandoning the base camp?" Another lieutenant asked, standing beside Calix.

"We'll have the best chances at success if we keep this team hidden away." Commander Vladka declared. "The camp will stay safe as long as we keep our motives discreet."

"Additionally, the camp is well fortified." Captain Colton spoke. "The rest of the sector will stay here and prepare for the final battle."

"And what of the other kingdoms?" Jones asked. "Why are we only attacking Svalin?"

The commanders and chiefs collectively looked at each other, some sort of communication seemed to pass through their eyes.

"We're only withholding information for your own good." Commander Ivok said. The others nodded. "All will be known once we get to the secret location. There, we will disclose everything you need to know."

There was a silence in the hut, followed by an air of acceptance that Eileen had to go along with, partly because she knew she didn't have any say in the matter.

"... So, when do we leave?" Doriath asked, breaking the silence.

"As soon as we have confirmation that they are ready for us." Vladka replied.