Chapter 33: Strategic Silence
Moments Before...
As the sun dipped beneath the canopy of tall whispering trees, casting a burnt-orange hue across the dirt path, tension stirred among Tasha’s squad. Dust kicked up under the hooves of their horses as they approached a forest clearing, only to be met with another force, an allied unit composed of armored knights from the Church.
The meeting was abrupt and cautious. Lined in polished armor that shimmered under the last rays of daylight, the Church’s detachment was formidable: four 3-star knights, ten 4-stars, five white-robed priests, all under the command of a battle-hardened 5-star knight. Their polished gear and organized discipline contrasted sharply with Tasha’s squad’s awkward appearance.
Their paths intersected awkwardly, like streams forced to cross by an unnatural current. Just as they were exchanging a curt greeting and readying to continue in their respective directions, a calm but firm voice sliced through the air.
"Wait," Baines said, his voice neither loud nor aggressive, but commanding enough to halt both squads.
Tasha turned towards him. "What is it?" she asked.
"I’m not certain, but..." he hesitated, scanning the terrain, "...can we wait? Just for a moment."
Brows furrowed. The Church knights shifted uncomfortably in their saddles, irritation flashing in their eyes.
The 5-star commander of the Church unit eyed Baines suspiciously. "What are you suggesting?"
Baines stepped forward, his cloak brushing against the long grass as he pointed toward the direction both groups were heading. "If my guess is right, the kidnappers are moving civilians from multiple villages. They’re converging—likely to a central location where blood essence will be extracted."
A murmur ran through both squads. The Church knights, trained to trust only in facts and divinity, balked at acting on speculation.