Marcus's expression remained neutral, but his eyes held a glint of confidence. "Maybe we'll find out."
Marcus studied the fortress location on the map. Perfectly positioned to control access to Ashveil and the eastern regions beyond. Strategic. Intentional.
"So we go through the fortress." His tone bland in a sharp manner.
Vera looked at him like he'd suggested flying to the moon. "Through a fortress? With two hundred soldiers?"
"You have a better idea?" Marcus raised an eyebrow.
"Actually…" Vera's lips curved into a slight smile. "I might. But you're not going to like it."
She spread the map wider, revealing more detail around the fortress. Additional annotations covered the parchment patrol routes, guard rotations, supply schedules, all marked in meticulous handwriting.
