Chapter 401 A Desperate Escape
Taking a deep breath, he shouts at the top of his lungs. "IT'S A TRAP! THERE'S NO TARGETS INSIDE!"
The announcement rippled through the chaotic battleground, instantly transforming the atmosphere.
The men from the first and second teams, still engaged in the skirmish with the convoy, halted momentarily upon hearing the alarming revelation.
"Did you not hear I called you guys 'fools' just a moment ago?" the convoy captain chuckled in amusement while looking at the first team leader.
Truthfully, the army already sent the captured criminals to Rafoldrod ahead of them for a proper interrogation.
Despite all the quick and simple interrogations done on the drivers, the soldiers get nothing out of them.
The drivers keep their mouths shut and refuse to give anything.
They were tempted with a lighter punishment if they cooperated but the offer was rejected.
Next, an exemption from punishment was offered but it was rejected as well.
It was a clear unwavering loyalty that surprised even the soldiers and commanded their respect.
One that could only be found among the military personnel.
Whoever they worked for, such organizations were definitely hiding something big.
The soldiers could sense it.
There's no way the children would coincidentally be among the cargo.
Everything seems too organized to be considered a first-time job.
Since the driver is hiding important information, the convoy captain also expects the organization they worked with will come to silence them.
And where else the army would get surprise attacked if on their way to Rafoldrod?
As the convoy captain's words landed, the first team leader's expression rapidly transformed.
The initial shock that had marked his face when discovering the empty carriage now changed to a simmering blend of anger and embarrassment.
His brows furrowed, and his jaw clenched in a visible display of frustration.
The taunting words seemed to pierce through the confidence he previously had.
While the situation tasted bitter, he reluctantly acknowledged their miscalculation.
"Everyone, retreat!" ordered the first team leader, urgency punctuating his command as he attempted to rally his disoriented team.
However, the convoy captain, revelling in the success of the trap, was quick to respond.
"Not so fast, young man," he declared, a sly smile playing on his face. "We had been waiting for you this entire time. So, don't leave so quickly. Accompany us to Rafoldrod."
"Sorry, but I refuse." The first team leader retorted firmly.
However, the attackers found themselves in a precarious position.
The soldiers from the convoy closed in on the retreating attackers.
The battleground became a chaotic scene of skirmishes and clashes.
These criminals were now in disarray, desperately attempting to break free from the encircling soldiers.
It's far-fetched for the leaders of every team to think that they could match the discipline of the soldiers.
Amidst the chaos, the first team leader of these criminals barked orders, trying to maintain some semblance of order among the fleeing attackers.
However, the air was soon filled with the deafening roar of gunfire as hundreds of shots were fired, destroying any attempt he made to assert control.
Their numbers dwindled at a staggering rate, the relentless barrage from the convoy soldiers driving down the criminal's ranks.
The soldiers showed no mercy or gave the attackers no chance of escape.
The first team leader of this criminal gritted his teeth, frustration and desperation etched across his face.
The attackers had not prepared for this prolonged battle.
Their initial plan had been to create a distraction, drawing the soldiers' attention away while the third team executed a swift kill on the captives.
"F*ck!" the first team leader cursed vehemently, anger was evident in his voice.
His eyes scanned the chaotic battleground, taking in the grim reality of their situation.
The second team had borne the brunt of the assault and was now almost annihilated.
Bodies lay strewn across the field, a testament to the ferocity of the convoy soldiers and the success of their trap.
Turning his attention to the third team, the first team leader's frustration reach a breaking point.
Most of the third team members were nowhere to be seen, including their leader.
The absence of the third team, the ones who should have been the easiest to escape, fueled the first team leader's anger.
"Those idiots, they saved their own asses!" he seethed, his disappointment and resentment palpable.
Realizing that there was no point in staying and continuing the futile battle, the first team leader swiftly turned his horse around. "I need to get out of here!"
Bang—
A sudden, deafening sound caught his ears.
In an instant, a searing pain erupted in his left shoulder.
The impact was immediate, a sharp and intense sensation that radiated through his entire arm.
So much so that it stole his breath.
The world around him blurred for a moment as the shock of being shot registered.
"Arrghh!!" he screamed, the raw anguish escaping his lips.
"Why are you running?" questioned the convoy captain.
The first team leader, still mounted on his horse, turned his gaze back, searching for the source of the voice.
His eyes met the stare of the convoy captain, shrouded in the smoke emitted from the muzzle of his gun.
'So, he's the one who shot me?'
"Didn't I ask you to accompany us?" continued the convoy captain.
While his mouth is talking, his hand diligently reloads the gun.
Although the gun has significantly improved from the muskets of yesteryears, reloading process is still considered tedious.
He sincerely hoped that the smart minds at the Bideford Arsenal could simplify and expedite the process.
The wounded first team leader locked eyes with the convoy captain who is now pointing the gun at him.
Without any warning, another shot was fired.
The bullet found its mark and the horse carrying the wounded leader crumpled to the ground.
A sudden, violent collapse that left dust swirling in the air.
The leader, now dismounted and incapacitated, was immediately surrounded and restrained by a group of soldiers.
As the soldiers secured the wounded leader, the convoy captain maintained his composure, his gaze unwavering. "I hope you allow us to uncover the secrets you're hiding."
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