IMMORTAL: Death as a Blessing

4. Mission starts

The sky hung heavy with a dim orange hue, as the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the camp. Squad 13 stood scattered, preparing themselves for the mission ahead. There was a tension in the air, thick and palpable, the kind that only comes before a battle that might change everything.

"Are you ready to go?" Arin asked quietly, his voice steady despite the unease he felt in his gut. His eyes were fixed on Kael, who was fastening his sword to his waist.

"Yep," Kael replied, his usual enthusiasm breaking through. He gave a wide grin, one that seemed almost out of place amidst the somber preparations. The excitement in his voice didn't match the gravity of the moment, but that was Kael — always eager for the next adventure, for the next fight.

As the final hour approached, every member of Squad 13 moved with an unspoken understanding. They had no idea what awaited them, but the heaviness in their steps told them one thing: it wasn’t going to be easy.

"Hey Arin, remember that day?" Kael’s voice broke through Arin’s thoughts as they marched toward the central barracks.

Arin glanced sideways at him, his brow furrowing. "Which day?"

"The day Sir Kaelan said we'd surpass him." Kael’s grin widened as if the memory alone could ignite some spark of invincibility in him. "You remember, right?"

Arin smiled faintly, his expression softening at the thought. "Yeah, I remember," he said quietly, though the memory wasn’t as joyous for him as it was for Kael.

Kael’s face lit up with that boundless energy again as he turned fully to Arin. "And you know what that means, right? If we kill King Haldric... we’ll surpass Kaelan. Think about it! The man who killed Sir Kaelan — we’ll bring him down."

Arin’s smile faded slightly as his gaze drifted toward the fortress ahead. "If we can take him out, yeah... I guess you're right," he replied, though his tone lacked the certainty Kael carried. His mind was racing, trying to make sense of the knot in his stomach. Something about today felt different — unsettling.

As they approached the fort, Arin’s heart quickened. The structure loomed large and imposing, as it always had, but today it felt foreign, almost eerie. This place had been their home for years, but now it seemed like something entirely different — a gateway to an uncertain fate. Was it nerves, or was there something else lurking behind the mission?

When they stepped inside, the courtyard was alive with soldiers, preparing horses, loading supplies, adjusting armor. The clang of metal and the murmur of conversations filled the air, but it all felt distant to Arin. His attention snapped back when he heard the familiar voice of their leader, Kiera, cutting through the noise.

"Kael! Arin!" she called out, her voice sharp. "Hurry it up and get in line!"

They rushed to join the others, breathing hard from the quick pace. Kael flashed an apologetic smile. "Sorry for the delay, Commander."

Kiera didn’t respond, simply nodding toward the front of the line. Both Kael and Arin quickly noticed something unusual — everything was ready. Their horses were already saddled, supplies packed and neatly arranged. Normally, there was a frantic rush before a mission, but this time, everything had been prepared ahead of time. Arin frowned, uneasy.

"I didn’t expect this," Arin muttered under his breath. "It’s like they’re rushing us out. Something feels... off."

"Yeah, I noticed too," Kael whispered back, though the excitement in his voice never wavered. "But hey, less waiting means we’re that much closer to the fight."

Arin didn't respond. Instead, his eyes found Commander Voren and King Thalor, standing together at the front of the courtyard. The sight of them only deepened his unease. Voren, a man known for his strength and confidence, seemed unusually quiet, his eyes dark with worry.

King Thalor stepped forward, his voice rising above the clamor. "Attention, everyone!" he called, and the noise died down instantly. "I’m glad to see you all assembled here. When you leave this place, your battle begins. I wish you all to come back victorious — and more importantly, alive."

There was a brief silence, and then Thalor gave a nod, stepping back. Voren stepped forward next, his face visibly strained. He took a deep breath before addressing the soldiers.

"My dear soldiers," Voren began, his voice thick with emotion. "I know you’re all strong. I’ve seen each of you fight, and I trust your skills. But..." He hesitated, his words faltering for a moment. A flicker of something — fear, maybe — crossed his face. "King Haldric... he is no ordinary opponent. You are no match for him. Be prepared for every situation, for every twist, and never, ever let your guard down. Good luck. And come back alive."

His words hung in the air, heavy with the unspoken truth. He had tried to rally their spirits, but there was no hiding the fear in his voice. Arin felt his chest tighten. Voren wasn’t exaggerating. King Haldric was unlike any enemy they had faced.

"Dismissed!" Kiera’s voice rang out, pulling everyone back to the present.

The soldiers dispersed, heading to their quarters to change into their disguises — traders, ready to infiltrate Valoria. Kael lingered for a moment, watching the other soldiers with a strange glint in his eyes.

As they changed, a tense quiet settled over the room. The usual banter and laughter that accompanied preparations was absent. Instead, there was only the rustling of clothes and the occasional creak of armor.

Jarin, a tall soldier with a quick wit, finally broke the silence. "So, are we all just gonna pretend like Voren didn’t just scare the hell out of us?"

Talia, a sharp-eyed woman who rarely spoke, raised an eyebrow. "He’s right to be scared. Haldric’s forces wiped out entire armies before. We’d be fools not to be afraid."

"Afraid? I think it’s excitement," Fen, the scholar, piped up with a smirk. "Haldric’s a challenge, but we’re up for it. Besides, what’s a mission without a little danger?"

Arin remained silent, his thoughts swirling. Kael, as always, couldn’t resist chiming in. "I agree with Fen. We’ve got this. We’ve trained for this moment, and we’re going to make history today."

"Let’s hope you’re right," Arin muttered under his breath, adjusting his cloak. He didn’t want to dampen Kael’s spirit, but the weight of the mission pressed down on him like never before.

Once everyone was ready, they assembled again in the courtyard. The horses stood waiting, packs secured, and their new identities in place. Kiera took her position at the front, her gaze sweeping over her squad.

"Mount up," she ordered, her voice cool and commanding. "We’re heading out now. Stay sharp, stay together. This mission will test every one of you."

Arin took a deep breath as he mounted his horse, casting a quick glance at Kael, who was practically vibrating with energy. The road ahead felt long, uncertain, and for the first time, Arin wasn’t sure they’d all make it back.

With a final command, they set off, the gates of the fortress closing behind them, and the shadow of war looming ahead.

To be continued...