The night had deepened further, the dense canopy of the forest above blotting out the stars, leaving only a few fragments of moonlight that filtered through the leaves. A cool wind rustled the trees, and the sounds of distant creatures calling out into the darkness created an eerie symphony. In the makeshift camp near the edge of the periphery, Jaya and Sama sat in silence, each lost in their thoughts, preparing for the plan they had set in motion.
Jaya's eyes flicked to the sky, her mind racing as she considered their next move. Sama sat beside her, his face obscured by the shadows, but the tension in his posture was clear. They had agreed on the plan: once General Rami and his elite forces moved into the core of the forest, they would wait for the opportunity to slip away from Captain Jed and make their way toward the periphery.
Sama let out a long sigh, breaking the silence. "So, we really are doing this," he said, his voice low, tinged with both apprehension and curiosity.
Jaya didn't look at him right away, but her lips curved slightly. "We are," she replied simply. Her eyes remained fixed on the fire crackling in front of them, its warmth casting flickering shadows across her face.
"I still don't get it," Sama said. "Why risk it? Why go beyond the periphery when there's so much danger? It's not just a border—it's where the worst of it all gathers."
Jaya's gaze hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I have my reasons. We're not staying behind while everyone else moves on. It's time to find what we're looking for."
Sama frowned, still not fully convinced. "What exactly are we looking for out there, Jaya? What makes you so sure we'll find it?"
Jaya looked at him then, her eyes burning with intensity. "If I knew everything, I wouldn't be going. But I can't stay here and do nothing while we wait for the elites to figure out their next step. They don't know what's out there. But we do."
Sama nodded slowly, although the unease didn't leave his face. He had never been the type to jump into danger without a clear understanding of what was at stake. But there was something in Jaya's determination that made him feel like he didn't have a choice. She had a purpose, and he wasn't about to let her go alone. Not after everything they had been through together.
"I'll follow you," Sama said finally, though his tone was far from enthusiastic. "But if we end up getting ourselves killed…"
Jaya gave him a sideways glance, her lips curling into a brief smirk. "If we get killed, you'll be the first to blame me, I know."
Sama snorted. "That's what I'm worried about."
---
The next morning, the camp came to life with the usual early-morning bustle of warriors preparing for the day. The sun had just begun to rise, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink. General Rami stood at the front of the camp, his tall figure silhouetted against the rising light. His stern face was set in a permanent scowl, as usual, and his eyes scanned the soldiers around him, making sure everyone was ready for the journey ahead.
"We're leaving now for the core," Rami called out, his voice firm and commanding. His gaze swept over the assembled warriors. "Those who are appointed to stay at the periphery will remain here and must be extra cautious. I don't need to remind you of what's at stake."
A few warriors exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke. The core of the forest was known for its dangers, and the periphery was little better. There were few places in the region untouched by violence or the wild creatures that roamed freely.
"As I said yesterday," Rami continued, his tone unyielding, "Captain Jed will remain here to oversee the defense of the periphery. Follow his orders without question. If anyone tries to break the rules or act recklessly, they will be severely punished. Understand?"
"Yes, General!" the soldiers called out in unison, their voices echoing across the camp.
Rami gave a sharp nod and turned to his elite group. "Let's move out," he said, and without further words, the group began to assemble, ready for the journey into the heart of the forest.
Sama and Jaya watched as the general and his team began their preparations. They exchanged a brief, knowing look. The moment was fast approaching.
As Rami and his elites finished their final checks, Captain Jed stepped forward. He was a tall man, broad-shouldered and solid, with a no-nonsense expression etched into his face. His reputation for strict discipline was well-known among the soldiers. His sharp eyes scanned the camp, ensuring every soldier was accounted for.
"Listen up!" Captain Jed's voice rang out, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. "General Rami has given the orders. I'm in charge here while the others are away. We've been tasked with guarding the periphery, and that means no one goes off on their own. I don't care if you think you're capable of handling it, you'll be in a group of at least two. Understood?"
The young warriors nodded, their eyes flicking nervously between Jed and each other. No one questioned the order. No one dared.
Captain Jed's gaze rested briefly on Jaya and Sama, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. They were still standing off to the side, talking in hushed tones. He had been watching them closely, and his instinct told him they were planning something. They had always been a bit of a wild card—Jaya especially.
"You two," Jed barked, his voice hard. "Get in a group with someone. You can't go off alone. No exceptions."
Jaya and Sama straightened up. Jaya gave a sharp nod, but Sama's nervous glance betrayed his unease.
"We're sticking together," Sama said quickly, before Jaya could say anything else. "No one else to team up with."
Captain Jed raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a barely perceptible frown. "Fine. But don't think I'm not watching you." With that, he turned away to address the rest of the group.
The tension in the air was thick as the group began to disperse, some heading toward their assigned positions, others into the forest, as Captain Jed had instructed.
Jaya and Sama exchanged one last look before they, too, began to move toward their destination, careful not to attract too much attention. They knew that slipping away undetected would be their biggest challenge. The next few hours would determine everything.
"Remember," Jaya whispered, her voice low but firm, "we wait until they're far enough out of range, then we move."
Sama nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at him. They had to be quick, and they had to be quiet. One wrong move, and their whole plan would fall apart.
As the last of General Rami's elites disappeared into the trees, Jaya and Sama made their move, slipping away from the main camp and into the dense forest. They moved carefully, keeping to the shadows, every step measured and deliberate. The air grew cooler as they made their way deeper into the underbrush, the sounds of the camp gradually fading into the distance.
For the first time in hours, Sama felt a sense of calm settle over him. This was it. They were on their way, and there was no turning back.
---