As they left Stormwatch Keep, Carissa could hear the voices of the two people arguing ahead.


    "I don''t understand what you''re trying to prove. Do you truly believe this will seed? You trust Carissa in everything she says, but ignore me entirely. Why must you be so stubborn? Don''t forget, your family once produced great generals. If they could see you now, groveling before a woman like this, I doubt they would rest in peace," said Aurora in an irritated tone, clearly angry.


    Barrett''s patience was also wearing thin. "Why must you always speak so harshly? I don''t trust her blindly. However, the truth is that our forces are no match for Westhaven''s. After two days of fighting, we''re barely holding on, and many of ourrades have fallen. If we pull away any of our best men tomorrow, it will only get worse. Her n to ambush them is the best chance we have—"


    Aurora cut him off angrily: "Best chance? Have you thought at all about what will happen if it fails? You''ll lose your life in Fawnrun City."


    "If I don''t go, I''ll still face the battle tomorrow. If we keep fighting like this, is there any guarantee we''ll survive? If I''d reacted even a second slower today, the enemy''s de would have taken my head. And if not for your cousin stepping in to save you, you''d be dead or worse. He''s still lying in the infirmary," said Barret, his voice growing quieter, but with clear resolve.


    Aurora said nothing more, perhaps still wrestling with her thoughts.


    Carissa urged her friends to quicken their pace, determined to rest for two hours before setting out. Whether the other two chose toe or not wouldn''t stop the mission.


    She believed Barrett woulde. After all, he hadpleted this mission in her past life. Sure enough, both of them appeared when the time came to leave. It seemed that Barrett had convinced Aurora to join.


    Tyler had already prepared barrels of oil for them. These barrels were the same kind used by mountain folk when collecting pine resin. They were light enough to carry on their backs without being too heavy or conspicuous.


    Sickles, maps, rations, flintboxes, horses, and light weapons were packed. Carissa also tied a long whip to her waist.


    Dominic himself came to send them off. The dim light caught the worry on his face as he sighed deeply. "Complete the mission ande back alive."


    Carissa nodded solemnly. "As youmand."


    Aurora stepped forward and asked, "General Dominic, who is leading this mission?"


    She held military rank, somand should have fallen to her. But she was worried that Carissa and the others might not listen to her, so she deliberately asked Dominic that question. It was just so he would be the one to tell them who they were supposed to follow.


    Dominic nced at her, then pointed toward Travis. "You may discuss the n amongst yourselves. But if you cannot agree, you will follow Travis'' orders."


    Aurora bristled. "This is his first time in battle. I don''t think it is wise."


    "Prepare to depart!" Dominic ordered firmly, ignoring her objection.


    Aurora was upset, but knew the mission was about to begin. Arguing now might get her left behind, so she said no more.


    They checked their supplies, then led their horses forward under the cover of the night.


    To reach Fawnrun City, they had to cross mountain after mountain. The hignds were dense with forests, and there were no roads in sight. Also, wild beasts and venomous snakes roamed the area. It was no ce for an army to march.


    The Westhaven army avoided this


    route for good reason. The thick


    forests were perfect for hiding traps,


    je


    and heavy weapons could not be carried through. Even horses struggled to pass, which meant thatmanders and soldiers had to climb on foot.


    And even if one managed to climb down safely, they would be utterly exhausted


    by the time they reached the foot of the mountain, where the alert and well-rested Sullivan Army would be waiting.


    The Westhaven army would lose without even a fight.


    When Carissa and the others began their climb on horseback, there were paths to follow. But when the trail disappeared, they had no choice but to dismount and proceed on foot. The mountains were thick with thorns and brush, and there was no clear trail. So, they used their Lightfoot Skill to leap from tree to tree.


    At first, Barrett and Aurora managed to keep up. But gradually, the effort wore on them. Their hands and legs shook, and themps they carried did little to light the way. More than once, they nearly missed their grip when jumping.


    "Slow down!" Aurora shouted at Carissa and the others.


    Carissa looked back. "We''ll scout ahead. You follow at your own pace. Meet us at the mountain''s base at dawn."


    "Are you mad?" Aurora clung to a tree, struggling to catch her breath. "We haven''t even left the mountain after two days. How can we reach the base by dawn?"


    "We must descend the mountain before dawn," Carissa said firmly, allowing no argument. "If you can''t make it, then turn back the way you came."