130 CXXX. The Wagon (1/2)

Being the steep climb, the three explorers were able to reach the summit, hiding in a small grove of sturdy and squat trees.

They crouched down and continued compact, Dag and Reidar forward and Karl further back.

As Dag predicted, there were guards.

Three men with torches stood still, about a hundred yards from each other.

Behind them, the descent continued, until it reached a small but high wooden palisade.

”Behind those wooden walls must be the operating base of those bastards” Dag whispered, turning to his friends so as not to disperse his voice.

They approached a few more meters, remaining hidden in the vegetation.

Behind the fence, Dag spotted two roofs and a chimney, throwing out white smoke.

”There are only two houses behind those walls and they don't look very big. I don't think there are more than 20 men inside. Including the guards, they should be about 25” Dag continued.

As he turned to the enemy village, Dag noticed that a man was heading towards it, over a large wagon pulled by two battered horses.

”What the fuck is he doing?” asked Karl, observing the scene.

”Perhaps he is bringing supplies to the village. He must be one of them” Reidar replied softly.

Dag turned again to his companions, looking at them in the eye.

”Are you thinking what I think?” he asked wryly.

Reidar hinted at a smile as Karl tried to figure out what Dag was referring to.

”We will remain camped here until that wagon leaves again. We will follow it and use it to safely overcome that fence and kill the bandits' leader” Dag said, detailing the new plan to his teammates.

The three adventurers spent the night on the hill, among the branches of the dense vegetation on its summit, useful to hide them and to insulate them from the cold wind of the night.

When dawn came, Reidar woke Dag, touching his shoulder.

He rose in shock, believing they were under attack.

Reidar nodded his hand, urging him to crouch down so as not to be seen.

”The wagon has departed, Captain” he said, pointing Dag the chariot that had just left the enemy village.

This time there were two men on it and the horses seemed to have a lot less trouble dragging it: it had to be empty, they were going to get some supplies.

Dag and Reidar woke Karl up, making sure he didn't make too much noise.

The three guards were no longer guarding the village and the Sun was about to rise.

Taking advantage of the silence of dawn and the faint chirping of birds flying into the valley, Dag and his companions quickly descended the hill, heading for the wagon.