Beyond The Frontline

Fragment Mike

A few hours into the trip, and after some much-needed shut-eye, everyone sat in silence. The horses maintained a steady pace—not too fast, not too slow—as the cart rolled along the uneven path. The trees rustled, birds chirped, and the foliage swayed gently under the light breeze. To an outsider, the atmosphere could be described as tranquil, even serene.

But for the passengers of the cart, it was anything but.

The silence felt heavy, awkward even. Sure, they took in the scenery around them, but that was about it. There was an unspoken tension lingering in the air, a quiet understanding that the peace of the journey was only temporary.

They remained silent for a long while, each lost in their own thoughts. But eventually, someone had to speak—if only to break the stillness.

Colt wasn't the most talkative, nor was he the type to initiate small talks, but he knew when to speak up in moments like this. Keeping his tone casual, he asked, "How long until we reach the capital?"

Roth glanced at him briefly before turning to Dani, who gave a short answer. "Should be two to three days with the speed we're going at."

"I see. Thought it'd be quicker," Colt nodded.

Dani shrugged. "I mean, if you're going alone and on a single horse, then maybe a day, day and a half tops."

"So you pushed your horse when you went scouting?" Colt continued.

Trying not to sound too guilty, Dani answered, "A little. Time was of the essence, so I guess there's that."

"You know, we can go faster if you want," Ody chimed in from the front, having been listening to the conversation.

Colt shook his head. "Nah, that won't be necessary, Ody. We don't wanna tire out the horses."

"Alright, if you say so," Ody responded before focusing back on the road.

Thus, the entirety of the day was spent with them exchanging small talks. As the sun dipped below the horizon and evening settled in, they set up camp for the night, each taking turns on watch while the others got what rest they could.

The next morning, the routine continued much the same, but this time, they delved into stories—some from their past, others just tales meant to pass the time. Laughter was sparse, but it was there, cutting through the tension hanging over them.

Another night came and went, and as dawn broke on the third day, they were back on the move. By noon, the sun hung high, casting sharp shadows over the dirt road. The silence had stretched long enough, and it was then that Dani, who had been keeping an eye on their surroundings, finally spoke.

"We're close," he announced.

The atmosphere in the cart shifted. Conversations ceased, hands instinctively on weapons, and eyes scanned the distance.

As they pressed on, the landscape around them told a grim tale. Burned-down structures, collapsed houses, and charred farmland stretched along the path, a clear sign that they were nearing the capital. The deeper they went, the more evident it became.

For a fleeting moment, there was hope. Maybe the people who once lived here had made it out, had found shelter within the capital's walls. But reality crashed down on them as they saw the unmistakable horrors left behind. Bodies hung from broken beams, limp and lifeless, swaying slightly in the breeze.

Dani kept his gaze low, already having witnessed the scene on his scouting trip. The shock had worn off for him, but for the others? Ody clenched his fists, his disgust visible, his jaw tight as he silently swore to serve justice for the fallen. Roth nearly choked at the sight, his face pale—there was a first time for everything, and this was one he would never forget.