All is Fair in Love and War

Chapter 3

There were very few torches that lit the camp. No soldiers were guarding or even present around the camp. It could be a trap or just a terrible rookie mistake made by one of the best generals to have ever roamed the world. I doubt it was the latter but there was no time to waste. The darkness of the night would not stay for long thanks to the long summer days. 

It was better than fighting in the biting winds of winter and her cruel coldness. Summer gave the land warmth but a brutal heat when the sun was out. Spring was my favorite, not too hot or cold. 

We walked to the edge of the forest, surveying the area once more. Again, no shadows flickered against the soft glows of the torches. It was dead silent as if the whole forest held their breath. 

I turned to my team and we huddled into a tightknit circle. "Sidiar, you are with Volvo, Frean, you're with Muruschio. Arena is with me. Remember, one guarding while the other searches for information. If you see someone, run or hide. No need to start a commotion." They all nodded in unison.

Sidiar and Volvo ran to the right while Frean and Muruschio ran to the left. They were all very competent, as long as the men kept their heads out of their asses and followed orders. 

Arena and I crept into the camp, covered by the starry night sky. The moonlight reflected against our blades, occasionally sending a signal of where we were. I wrapped my coat tighter to hide them, as did Arena. 

Secretive eyes followed us everywhere, examining carefully. There was no one there but a creeping feeling sat in my gut, twisting inside of me. 

Crunch.

Our backs turned to each other as we looked around, more alert than ever. My hand immediately went to my dagger. Another rustle came from a bush on my left. I could only hear our breaths and my heart pounding crazily against me, waiting to be set free. A snap later came from that same bush.

Whoever was attempting to spy or attack or sneak up on us was doing a very poor job. Snapping a branch was so moronic that storytellers use it to define stupidity.

Another snap came from the same bush, causing Arena to gasp. 

"Should we run?" Arena whispered so quietly I could barely hear her. 

"Slowly back away but have a weapon ready," I replied, already moving away. 

A small figure dashed out of the bush, startling Arena. I jumped forward with my dagger in front before lowering it hastily in embarrassment. Arena cleared her throat before strapping her dagger onto her. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks as I looked at the silhouette in front of us. Its ears twitched as it crooked its head before letting out the smallest noise.

The bunny hopped away before disappearing in the next bush across. 

I licked my lips, realizing we wasted valuable minutes. "This stays between us. Agreed?" 

"Agreed," she echoed back. 

We quietly ran towards the forest, our steps light and efficient. Our backs were pressed against the tents as protection so no one could sneak up on us from behind. We dashed to another tent, pressing our backs against the thin fabric. We repeated this process until we got to the main tent. 

His tent was slightly bigger than the others. It was also a different color than the other tents, a dark maroon rather than the normal tan. There were two torches on one side, signifying the entrance.  What an interesting way to draw attention to it. 

Sidiar and Volvo saw us before going into their next tent. I would estimate that they have been to three tents in total. I have yet to see Frean and Muruschio but I do not doubt their capabilities. I would not have chosen them if I did not believe they could get the job done.