We either create an opportunity, or we make one. Those who falter shall fall.
The march to Borgia began before dawn.
Two thousand soldiers advanced through the cold spring air, their boots crushing mud beneath them as the banners of Salvalia danced in the darkness.
The geography favored them.
And Theodore Von Lee intended to exploit every inch of it.
"We shall surround them."
Theodore unfolded a map across his saddle.
"Lieutenant Jack."
Jack stepped forward.
"You will take the western flank."
Jack nodded.
"Understood, Captain."
"Claire, you will advance from the east."
Claire placed a hand over her chest.
"Understood."
Theodore's finger moved to the center of the map.
"I will lead the central assault."
His eyes narrowed.
"The bulk of the army remains under your command."
The officers exchanged glances.
The strategy was simple.
A 2-2-4 formation.
Claire would strike first.
Jack would wait.
Theodore would deliver the decisive blow.
Everything had already been set in motion.
A soldier approached.
"You seem tense, Captain. Want a smoke?"
"I don't smoke."
The soldier laughed awkwardly.
"Right."
As the army continued marching, a powerful gust of wind swept across the plains.
For a brief moment, Theodore felt his thoughts disappear with it.
The worries.
The memories.
The silence.
He looked toward the horizon.
"This will become the forefront of peace."
The soldier beside him blinked.
"Sir?"
Theodore's gaze never moved.
"There shall be no peace without a touch of madness."
Hours later, a messenger arrived carrying a letter.
Theodore broke the seal.
Captain Lee,
We have arrived at the Bridge of Borgia.
I intend to launch a surprise attack before dawn.
— Claire
A faint smile appeared on Theodore's face.
Perfect.
He folded the letter.
"Send one hundred reserves north."
The messenger straightened.
"Sir?"
"Tell Claire to begin the assault immediately."
Theodore mounted his horse.
"And tell Jack not to move until the enemy advances."
"Understood."
The messenger rushed away.
Soon.
Very soon.
The trap would close.
The first flames appeared just before sunrise.
Claire's intelligence unit ignited the central bridge.
The fire spread rapidly.
Within minutes, the structure collapsed into the river below.
Panic erupted throughout Borgia.
Then came the bombardment.
Explosions illuminated the darkness.
The city walls trembled.
Smoke consumed the streets.
Theodore watched from a distant ridge.
"The time has come."
He drew a deep breath.
"Send the cavalry."
The officer beside him saluted.
"Yes, Captain."
"Burn the central district."
The cavalry charged forward.
"And once Claire begins the bombardment…"
Theodore's eyes sharpened.
"Jack will strike."
The battlefield descended into chaos.
Fire.
Smoke.
Screams.
Gunfire.
The sounds of war echoed across the valley.
As Theodore watched the city burn, an unusual calm settled over him.
This.
This was the noise he had always sought.
He closed his eyes.
Then opened them.
"LET'S GO, MEN!"
Two thousand soldiers erupted in cheers.
"Two thousand years of history are watching us!"
The army roared.
"LONG LIVE SALVALIA!"
"LONG LIVE CAPTAIN LEE!"
The siege of Borgia had begun.