Chapter 239: Protect Arkansas (2) Finishing The First Phase
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the camp, Lyan remained deep in thought. The information they had gathered pointed to a well-coordinated enemy, and he knew they had to act swiftly and decisively to thwart their plans.
The following morning, Lyan and his contingent continued their journey through the dense forests and rolling hills of Arkansas. They moved with the stealth and precision of seasoned warriors, always alert for signs of the enemy. Lyan led them unerringly, his senses honed by years of combat and survival.
Their target was a heavily fortified bandit outpost near a critical supply route. Intelligence indicated that this outpost served as a central hub for the bandit’s operations, and its destruction would significantly disrupt their activities. As they approached, Lyan devised a plan to take the outpost by surprise.
"Marcus, I want you and four men to create a diversion on the western side of the outpost," Lyan instructed. "Set fire to their storage tents and draw their attention. The rest of us will infiltrate from the east and eliminate their leaders."
Marcus nodded, rallying his team. Lyan watched them disappear into the forest before turning to the remaining soldiers. "Stay sharp and follow my lead. We move swiftly and silently. No unnecessary risks."
The group advanced through the underbrush, their movements nearly imperceptible. As they neared the outpost, the sound of raised voices and the glow of fire signaled that Marcus’s team had successfully initiated the diversion. Bandits, or what should be referred to as the former mercenaries rushed toward the western perimeter, leaving the eastern side vulnerable.
Lyan motioned for his men to move in. They slipped through the underbrush, scaling the wooden palisade with practiced ease. Inside the outpost, chaos reigned as bandits scrambled to extinguish the fires. Lyan’s team moved like shadows, striking with lethal precision.
Lyan himself led the charge into the main tent where the bandit leaders were likely to be found. As he burst through the entrance, he encountered three men huddled over a map, their expressions a mix of shock and anger. Without hesitation, Lyan lunged forward, his magic glaive cleaving through the first leader’s chest. The second leader drew his sword, but Lyan parried the blow and delivered a swift counterstrike that ended the fight.
The third leader attempted to flee, but Lyan’s winter wolves intercepted him, their growls low and menacing. The bandit leader stumbled, falling to the ground as the wolves closed in. Lyan approached, his expression cold and resolute.
"Please, spare me!" the leader begged, his voice trembling with fear.
"Spare you?" Lyan’s voice was icy. "How many innocents did you spare?"