Two-Thirds Blue

Chapter Three: Eye Spy

"Okay, let me see if I'm getting this right," Syk said in a hushed tone. "First, he catches you leaving the note."

Dusk finished lacing his greaves. "Right." He snuck a glance at Beoran over the armory rack. It didn't appear he could hear their conversation.

"He invites you into his office and gives you a secret mission instead of punishing you." Syk chose a sword from the rack and tested its balance.

"Right again."

"And then he figures out that you lied about being alone, and says you should bring us along too."

"Well, he implied it, but yes."

"And what did he say about the rozkod camp?" Rade asked, belting on his sword.

Dusk shook his head. "He just shrugged it off like it was nothing."

"Well, I guess a responsible commander was too much to hope for," Rade sighed, then jumped slightly as the armory door swung open to reveal Dax.

"All ready?" he asked, stepping into the room.

"Just about," Dusk nodded, hoping he hadn't heard Rade's last comment.

"Then I'll keep this short," Dax said. "Two unknown individuals have been spotted approximately two miles northwest of the Resistance base on multiple occasions. Their intentions are unclear but they may be spies. Your mission is to gather as much information about them as you can. If you encounter them, do not make yourselves known until you can be sure they won't flee or attack. Simply watch and listen, and report back to me with everything you learn. Understood?"

Dusk, Rade, and Syk nodded in affirmation.

"Carstas, Maloth– I trust Dusk already told you of the rozkod camp he saw in the area?"

"He did," Syk said. "Don't worry, though. I'll keep them safe."

"Good. I expect you to be back by nightfall." Without another word, he turned and left.

"Say what you will about his people skills," Rade said once he was out of earshot, "but he puts the brief in briefing."

Beoran approached from the front desk. "All geared up?"

"Almost," Rade said. "I'm looking for something I can use as a nice butter knife, but I can't find anything sharp enough."

Once armed, they loaded themselves down with a day's worth of rations and made for the Resistance base's exit. After leaving the cavern through its scarred wooden gate, a guard in a tower waved them down.

"Business outside?" she asked.

"Scouting mission, Dax's orders." Dusk glanced up at her nameplate. It read Kolt. "He said he'd inform the guards ahead of time."

"That he did," Kolt nodded. "Stay safe out there."

They departed and crossed the treeline, the guard towers fading out of sight with every step.

"So, two miles northwest," Rade said. "That's all we got?"

"Can I be honest?" Dusk said.

"I suppose."

"I haven't got the slightest idea how to track someone."

Syk laughed. "Maybe you should've mentioned that during the briefing."

"It can't be that hard, right? We can just look for footprints and stuff."

"Of course," Rade nodded. "Maybe they'll have left behind a map with conveniently marked locations as well."