All is Fair in Love and War

Chapter 1

The plan was simple yet not easy. I had been planning this for about an hour and everything was coming together.

The purpose was just a simple intelligence-gathering mission. We needed to figure out where they were planning an attack and the forces they will deploy. Another important piece of information was where they were currently camped out and how long they were planning to stay. Once we know the enemy's weaknesses, we use our strengths against them. In war, you either take out the enemy or you make them bow down to you. Any leverage in this war is an advantage. Picking battles is one obstacle, fighting them is a whole other course once you jump the hurdle.

In our world, the biggest weakness of any general would be their soulmate. But as far as I know, my enemy has not found his soulmate. If he has, then he is doing a marvelous job at keeping him or her hidden.

I have not found my soulmate either but I am not concerned about them at the moment. I want to find them once this war is over. But that is for another time, long after this horrible war. Once peace has been restored throughout the land, that is when I want to find my heart and soul. Until then, I do not want to focus on him or her.

But that does not stop me from lying awake at night and wondering about who my soulmate is. I wonder if they are royalty or common folk. If they come from a loving family or were left behind. If they would accept me for who I am and won't reject me once they get to know me.  They could be in the militia for all I know or a pacifist. They could live in another kingdom thousands of miles away. But Fate always brings those meant to be at the right time so I'll be waiting.

Finding my soulmate right now could have devastating consequences. The enemy could use them against me or make me turn on my kingdom. Many will go far for their soulmate, willing to go who knows how far. I just do not want to drag mine into a war they don't want to be dragged in.

This war has been going on for the past two years and I am not exactly sure why but it's not my job to figure it out. It's my job to protect this kingdom and if the Royalty believes we have been threatened, I am to protect them. But I still try to find the cause behind this war, to find out if this war is truly worth fighting.

Until then, finding the location of the enemy's camp is my priority. From previous battles, I know that he prefers coverage and camouflage. His soldiers wear clothing that is not light and breathable but more heavy-duty for cooler climates. He had to be in the deepest part of the forest but how would he set up camp? Unless the campsite is covered by all the thick brush and trees from looming overhead. 

Most kingdoms prefer to fight from the safety in their kingdom. I prefer to go out and defeat the enemy myself. As does the General of the Kingdom of Kalimera.

I circled a couple of the densest and most forested spots on the map. I jotted down my thoughts in case I forget them or lose focus. A general cannot lose focus but if they do, it's mostly because they have not been taking care of themselves. However, a person is not good for anyone if they are not good for themselves.

As I drank from my cup, relishing the cold water running down my throat, I felt myself relax slightly. My plan was coming together and it should work if everything goes the way it should. I rubbed my eyes to keep sleep away but my stomach's grumbles did just fine.

The winds outside batted against my tent, causing the main poles to shudder. Some of the flaps stayed down while others lifted, letting the cool summer night air slip inside. It flowed through my thick hair, letting me cool down from the hot days. A spot of cold sugar cane juice isn't bad either but it isn't a luxury we can afford currently.

Only the Royals can afford luxuries while resting in their fancy canopy beds with servants at their beck and call. Everything within their grasp with a snap of the fingers. They never complained about anything being imperfect. If something was imperfect, a simple word and everything would be replaced for them. No kindness was needed from them, they would never be asked anyway. They were cruel, beautiful people that no one could ever live up to.