Chapter : 89
Curtis chose to strike during the change of guard, the one moment when vigilance slackened. Fortunately, the clouds rolling in had misled the Croatian troops—their lieutenant’s prediction that they would attack tonight had been wrong.
Curtis, accompanied by a few elite soldiers, hid in the shadows and infiltrated the enemy base.
As they approached the heavily guarded entrance, footsteps drew near. Curtis and Greg ducked into the bushes just in time to hear the passing guards’ conversation.
“Finally, this cursed war might be over soon.”
“I’d bet on it. I’ve never seen a nation survive after taking a hit from that weapon. Anatol was careless and lost, but this time, it will be different.”
“I hope so. Once I get home, I’ll finally be able to see some women.”
“Haha. Women? You’ll see them soon enough. Anyway, the evening shift is coming. Get ready to head in.”
The voices drew close. Exchanging a glance with Greg, Curtis stepped out of the bushes. The rustle alerted the passing guards, who turned around in surprise.
“Wh-what—!”
“Ugh!”
Before they could even draw their swords, their mouths were covered. Without a sound, the two soldiers collapsed unconscious. Curtis and Greg dragged them into the bushes and stripped them of their armor. Curtis ordered Gray, who was removing the helmets,
“While Greg and I handle this, create a distraction.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Make enough noise to draw the soldiers’ attention. Not too close, not too far.”
“Yes, sir.”
Greg interjected, “Sir, isn’t it our responsibility to approach the weapon? It’s too risky for you to intervene personally.”
“Greg,” Curtis said, cutting him off, “if I don’t risk my life first, who under my command would?”
It was harsh, but true. Greg clenched his fist and reluctantly nodded.
“I’ll follow orders.”
Although there were slight deviations, the operation went according to plan.
“It’s an ambush!”
“The enemy is attacking! Get ready to defend!”
Gray fired arrows to draw the enemy’s attention. While the general rushed out of the barracks, Curtis and Greg slipped among the soldiers, moving toward the rear where the siege weapon was stationed. A senior-looking soldier guarding the weapon approached them.
“What’s all this commotion?”
“An enemy ambush! The general has summoned all troops!”
“What? I thought today would be peaceful. You two, hold this post for now.”
“Yes, sir.”
The frightened soldier led his subordinates back toward the barracks. After a few steps, he sensed something wrong and turned around.
“And who are you? Never seen you before. State your names and affiliation.”
Curtis and Greg, hands reaching for the weapon hidden under black cloth, exchanged glances. When their hands touched the sword hilts…
BOOM!
The deafening blast shattered the tense air. A panicked shout followed.
“Gunpowder! It’s gunpowder!”
This was not part of the plan. Gritting his teeth, Curtis seized the moment and cut down the soldier. Without a sound of agony, the others fell as well. After eliminating all of them, Curtis and Greg caught their breath.
“We need to finish before it rains.”
“Understood.”
Their task was to bury explosives under the siege weapon—gunpowder modified into mines. Only Curtis, Greg, and Gray knew the plan; the others thought they were merely inspecting the weapon.
“The gunpowder I intended to use more of… Gray used half of it, it seems.”
“Even half destroyed is enough.”
Curtis and Greg continued their work amidst the distraction. By the time they finished and left the enemy camp, the sun was rising.
As soon as Curtis returned to the barracks, punishment followed.
“Ugh!”
A brutal punch landed squarely on the lieutenant’s face. He crumpled to the ground, hand swelling over his cheek, while Curtis’ cold glare froze him to the bone.
“Kelix Gray. Disobeying orders in wartime is punishable by execution. Why did you act on your own?”
“I had no choice. The enemy moved faster than expected. If we didn’t use the gunpowder, everyone would have been in danger,” the lieutenant explained, forehead pressed to the floor.
“They attacked as if they knew we’d ambush them?”
“Since they brought the siege weapon, an ambush was possible.”
Though furious, Curtis realized the lieutenant’s reasoning was valid. Disobedience was serious, but adapting strategy under pressure was part of his role. Curtis ran a hand through his hair and muttered,
“Either the intel leaked inside, or… one of the two.”
“Sir?” Greg blinked, surprised.
“If that’s the case, there’s no time. Gather the soldiers immediately and strike the enemy position—”
“Sir! It’s urgent!”
A frantic voice interrupted.
“The enemy is advancing!”
The enemy pressed relentlessly, their ranks of black-armored soldiers stretching to the horizon.
Curtis, at the command post, shouted to rally his men.
“Fire arrows! Do not retreat!”
“Sir! The left flank is breaking!”
“There are no reinforcements! Hold your ground! Injured, move to the rear and assist!”
The approaching enemy inspired pure terror. Archers’ trembling hands launched volleys, buying some distance, but arrows and stamina were running low. Curtis, veins bulging, grabbed a fallen archer’s bow and shot the enemy general at the front.
“Waaaah!”
For a moment, morale surged.
“Look at that!”
“What… that is…”
A massive, thundering silhouette revealed Croatia’s siege weapon—a steel-built catapult.
“Waaah!”
“Kill them all!”
The enemy loaded enormous stones onto the catapult. The soldiers froze, stunned by its size. Curtis shouted at his dazed men,
“Get low! Scatter!”
Before they could react, the rocks crashed into the defenses.
“Uaaaaah!”
“Help!”
Soldiers were crushed under the stones. Curtis ordered the injured to the rear and approached Greg.
“How many weapons remain?”
“Four! Two of six were destroyed!”
They had destroyed fewer than planned. Two, maybe three, might have been enough with a clever strategy. But only two were gone.
While Curtis considered options, the officer on the left reported,
“The Croatian forces are larger than expected! Reinforcements have arrived!”
Undestroyed weapons. Overwhelming enemy numbers. Their tenuous hope faded. Curtis’ hands shook, thoughts flashing to his lover.
“…Roxana.”
Before leaving for battle, he had confessed, but only for a fleeting moment—the warmth of her body, the soft floral scent, holding her close. He regretted not loving her more in that moment.
“Sir! Give the orders!”
Another barrage of stones hit the barracks. Curtis raised his sword high.
“Advance! No more defense!”
If they couldn’t hold the line, they would drag as many enemies to hell with them as possible, protecting Roxana’s home, her world. Even if promises couldn’t be kept, he could at least prove his heart.
“Forward! Behind us are steep mountains; no retreat! Do not give up our home! Do not allow our land to be desecrated!”
“Waaaah!”
Watching comrades fall, soldiers gritted their teeth and charged. Rocks and arrows would rain down, yet they ran, death-defiant. Archers hesitated. Greg shouted back,
“Sir! Look behind!”
Curtis turned, eyes widening. Soldiers surrounded the mountain slopes, and arrows rained down upon the enemy.
“Curtis!”
In this desperate moment, mercenaries he had traveled the country with, and his knights, appeared—reinforcements from his past.
