Chapter 667 The Ravine (1)
The night had unfolded peacefully, a welcome respite in a journey fraught with peril. Many Campfires flickered like beacons, their warm glow warding off the darkness that clung to the forest like a shroud.
The guards stood like statues, their eyes scanning the surroundings with the intensity of a hawk, laser rifles poised for action.
As the moon climbed higher in the sky, a few Thaids had ventured close to the camp, lured by the scent of fresh water from the nearby stream. But they were weaker variants, nothing the recruits couldn't handle. A few well-aimed shots had been enough to deter them, the sound of laser fire shattering the night's tranquility. Erik had spent most of the night reviewing plans and maps, but even he had caught a few hours of sleep. As the first rays of sunlight kissed the treetops, the camp stirred from its slumber. The fires were extinguished, tents disassembled, and supplies stowed away with a flurry of activity that signaled the start of a new day.
The air was filled with a sense of apprehension, but also a newfound confidence. The events of the previous day had tested the men and women joining Erik in this quest, but it had also forged them into a more cohesive unit.
Kael had coordinated the packing, ensuring that everything was stowed for the journey ahead. Mira and Lila had taken stock of their ammunition and medical supplies, while Aiden had briefed the other members on what to expect as they ventured closer to the White Desert. Alina kept to herself, though Erik noticed her casting her senses outward as if scanning for any signs of Thaids.
Erik took one last look around the campsite, ensuring that no trace was left behind. Satisfied, Erik settled into the passenger seat of the vehicle. The engine roared to life at the turn of the key, filling the air with a powerful symphony of mechanical prowess. "Morning, sir. Everything is ready." The driver said, his hands steady on the wheel as he glanced at Erik.
Erik looked over at the driver, studying his facial features. Though the man's voice was even and his hands were steady, Erik could see the strain around his eyes and the tightness of his jaw. His smile was forced, not quite reaching his eyes.
Erik recognized the driver was putting on a brave facade, trying to appear confident and prepared for the journey ahead. But beneath the surface, Erik could sense the man's unease and apprehension.
Erik nodded, his gaze focused on the road ahead. "Morning."
Erik leaned back in his seat, his gaze still on the road. "I want to get to the White Desert as soon as possible." He turned to look at the driver. "Set the pace for the rest of the convoy."
"Understood, sir," the driver responded, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. While the driver tried to maintain an air of calm competence, the telltale signs of worry and anxiety betrayed his true feelings. Erik understood all too well the fear and uncertainty his people must be feeling. But they looked to him for leadership and reassurance in the face of danger.
With a respectful nod, the driver waited for Erik's signal before pressing down on the accelerator, setting their journey into motion once more.
***
As the sun claimed the sky at its zenith, the convoy pressed onward, the harsh light painting the landscape in stark relief. Erik's communication device vibrated, breaking the monotonous hum of the engine.
Kael's name blinked on the screen. A call to attention. With a swift movement, Erik activated the device, and Kael's voice filled the cabin, laced with an undercurrent of urgency.
"Erik, the moment of decision is upon us. We must determine our course of action," Kael said, his voice carrying an undeniable weight that underscored his firm stance on the issue.
Kael's comment hinted at an impending choice that would shape the rest of their journey. Erik would have to decide between two routes.
The first option was a vast, open plain that would significantly shorten their travel time to the White Desert.
However, the lack of topographical features also meant there was little shelter or concealment. Any travelers would be exposed and visible for miles, easy prey for the flying Thaids that patrolled this area.
Attempting to cross the plain on foot or by vehicle would leave one dangerously vulnerable, with no place to hide and little ability to fight back against aerial attacks.
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The alternative was a narrow mountain pass known as Serpent's Ravine. Traversing the ravine would prolong their journey, but it offered the advantage of being too constricted for flying Thaids to maneuver through. Taking the pass would provide more security, though, at the cost of greater time.
Erik pondered their options in silence for several moments, weighing the risks and rewards in his mind.
"We'll take the long route through Serpent's Ravine." A sense of calm washed over Erik as he spoke the words. It was the safer choice, though it pained him to think of all the extra time they would lose. Still, their lives were more important than haste.
There was a brief pause on the other end, and Erik could almost sense Kael's shoulders relaxing. "Wise decision," Kael said, a hint of relief in his voice.
Erik spoke calmly as he relayed the instructions. "Convey the change in route to the rest of the convoy. Make sure everyone is prepared for the additional time it will take to reach our destination," he said.
Kael nodded. "I'll inform the others at once," he said.
Erik switched off the communication device and leaned back in his seat. He looked out at the landscape rolling by.
The decision to take the longer route through the ravine was not an easy one. Erik's instincts told him the open plain would be quicker, but he knew the flying Thaids would be too dangerous for the convoy.
Though part of him wished they could cross the plain, he pushed those thoughts aside.
His duty was clear. With a deep breath, he steeled his resolve. The ravine it would be. And though the decision stuck in his craw, he knew it was the right one.
As Kael relayed the change of plans, the convoy began preparing for the extended journey.
He had chosen the safer path and they would navigate it together, step by step, until they reached the other side.
Within minutes, the convoy changed direction, veering off the main path and toward the entrance of Serpent's Ravine. …
…
…
Several hours after the pivotal decision, the convoy arrived at the mouth of Serpent's Ravine.
While the ravine was safer than crossing the open plain, it still posed challenges of its own.
For one, its terrain would be harder to navigate. Though less vulnerable to aerial attacks, they would still be at risk of Thaids' attacks within the ravine itself.
The confined space would make fighting more difficult should they be attacked.
Traversing the ravine would not be easy. Its twisting path and rocky ground would slow their progress. Lurking Thaids could ambush them from crevices or behind boulders.
As Erik's vehicle approached the ravine entrance, he stopped and gazed up at the towering rock walls that loomed on either side. Nature itself seemed to have carved this narrow passageway through the earth, cleaving the mountains in two. The walls rose hundreds of feet high, jagged, the layers of sedimentary rock visible. Vegetation was sparse, with only a few scraggly bushes and stunted trees taking root in the cracks and crevices.
The ravine itself was barely wide enough for the vehicles to pass through a single file. The floor was littered with loose rocks and boulders, some as large as houses. A small stream meandered along one side, carving its groove through the stone over countless years.
The other vehicles in the convoy slowed to a crawl, their engines humming as they prepared to navigate the tight, winding space of the ravine. Erik could see the path ahead snaking between the steep walls, the stony terrain uneven and treacherous.
Climbing out of his vehicle, Erik walked to the edge and looked out over the ravine, his eyes scanning every detail. He searched for any signs of movement, any hint of an ambush hidden among the rocks. But for now, all seemed still.
The ravine's confines would offer protection from aerial attacks, but they would also make the convoy vulnerable if engaged on the ground. They would have to be watchful for threats lurking in crevices or around blind corners.
With a sigh, Erik turned back to his vehicle. The ravine's passage would be arduous, but they had no choice other than to press on.
Kael's voice crackled through the communication device, confirming that all vehicles were ready to proceed. Erik climbed aboard and, with a deep breath, gave the signal. One by one, the convoy's vehicles entered the pass, disappearing into the shadowy depths of Serpent's Ravine.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢