In the darkness, Bond and Vaerik crouched behind a high slope concealed by dense forest, below which lay temporarily constructed ruins.
Knights hid on both sides of the slope, archers already in position.
But at this moment Bond was restless.
He looked at the quiet mountain path, lowering his voice: "Baron, I advise you to reconsider."
Vaerik didn't respond, just continued observing the terrain and confirming several scouts' reports.
Bond frowned and continued: "We're not certain the enemy will pass through this mountain road, nor do we know when they'll come.
Even if they do come, can your hundred-plus knights block eight hundred elite Snow Swearers, even with a successful ambush?
If this battle fails, not only will we be completely wiped out, we'll also hand over Clear Feather Ridge, this most critical chokepoint."
His voice was low but carried urgency: "We should return to defend the fortifications, hold the passage, and wait for reinforcements the Duke is sending."
