Chapter 22: Planning the Assault
As dawn broke over the horizon, a blanket of mist slowly lifted from the landscape. The sun's light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the rugged ground as Kael stood at the head of his camp, silently observing the landscape. He had led his forces a full day's march from their base, arriving at the outskirts of Ravon without issue. The village now lay in his sights, and the weight of the coming conflict pressed heavily on his mind.
Doran, Brakka, and the other generals gathered around him in a makeshift command tent, the flickering light of the campfire casting an eerie glow on their faces. The map of Ravon was spread out before them, and Kael's finger traced the lines and markings that indicated key positions.
"The village may not have a standing army, but it has its defenses," Kael began, his voice steady, his gaze unwavering. "We'll need to strike quickly, decisively, and from multiple angles. Our advantage lies in speed and surprise."
Brakka's massive form loomed over the table, his eyes scanning the map with keen interest. His brawny hands gripped the edge of the wooden table as he leaned forward, his voice low and gravelly. "The south gate is the weakest. I'll break through it and create an opening for the main force. But once we're in, we'll need to move fast. The longer we're in their territory, the more likely they'll organize a defense."
Kael nodded thoughtfully, turning to Doran, who stood to the left. "What about the eastern approach? Any signs of militia or traps?"
Doran's eyes narrowed as he sifted through the intel they had gathered over the last day. "We've spotted several small patrols near the eastern edge of the village. They appear to be on high alert, but they're scattered and not well coordinated. If we create a diversion, we can lure them into the open."
Kael's lips curved into a slight smirk. "Good. I want you to take a small squad, move in under the cover of the morning fog, and sabotage their supply lines. Burn any carts or crates of provisions. It will sow confusion, and once they are disorganized, we'll strike."
Doran gave a quick nod of understanding. "Understood, my lord."
Brakka leaned back, his deep voice grumbling like thunder. "And the town's leaders? We should strike hard and fast, but we can't forget the local commanders. If they aren't dealt with, they may regroup."
Kael's eyes flashed with cold determination. "I'll take care of the command center. Once we have the gates open, I'll lead the charge to the center of the town. We'll leave no room for them to regroup."
The generals fell silent for a moment as they absorbed the plan. Every movement had to be precise, every step calculated. They knew what was at stake. This wasn't just a battle for a village—it was the first real test of Kael's ambitions, the first step toward seizing control of an entire region.
The soldiers were ready. Their armor clinked softly in the morning air as they lined up, weapons sharpened and eyes steely with anticipation. Kael's eyes glinted as he surveyed them. This wasn't just an army—it was a force, united under his banner, ready to follow his command to the ends of the earth.
"We move in one hour," Kael commanded, his voice carrying across the camp. "I expect every soldier to be ready. Do not hesitate. Once we begin, we finish what we started."
As the final moments of preparation drew near, Kael retreated to the edge of the camp, staring out over the village of Ravon. He could see the town from a distance, the faint outlines of the buildings now clearer in the growing light. The soft, almost haunting sound of the Brackstone River was carried to him by the breeze, but Kael's mind was elsewhere.
The System's influence lingered in his thoughts. Its silent presence was always there, guiding his path, offering him tasks and challenges. Kael couldn't deny its power—he had grown stronger with each task completed. But still, a part of him wondered about the true nature of the force behind the System. Was it leading him toward something greater? Or was it pushing him toward a path of destruction?
[SYSTEM UPDATE: "Task: Conquer Ravon - Preparation Complete]
Task Progress: 60%
Time Remaining: 26 days, 23 hours.
The sound of his system's notification barely registered in his mind. Instead, Kael's focus was on the battle ahead. The events of the coming hours would shape the future, not only of Ravon but of the regions surrounding it. His eyes burned with determination.
The assault on Ravon would be swift and brutal.