One hour earlier, the tent of the Knez:

Knez Lesztko is looking from the side of a hill on his soldiers. He is a man that has seen some winters. His long braided hair and beard such a dark shade of brown that they appear black, a single gray strand a testament to his age. By his side is a grizzled old man, his advisor Vlastislav.

With a sigh, the Lesztko turned to his advisor.

"Vlastislav, the report".

With a stern expression, Vlastislav answered.

"My Knez, the enemy is last seen twelve hours ride from the crossing, they have firmly entered the pass, it appears that our early estimates were mostly true they have around 65.000 to 70.000 soldiers"

That was bad news, with each imperial soldier that marched towards them their chances were slimmer.

"And how many men have we gathered since the last report".

"4200 more, now we command about 51.000".

The two men looked at each other with silent understanding. After a moment of pause the Knez answers.

"We will have to make due, tell our men to position themselves on the hills and prepare for an ambush. I want our cavalry to be positioned to charge their center and cut them in two, I will lead them myself. Send more scouts and keep me updated".

Vlastislav noded at his dismissal and began to turn around, as he turned he remembered something and turned back. With a respectful tone, he addressed his liege

"My Knez, there is a warrior, he is no scout but his bright mind is made for war. After your father's victory at Vrbitsa, the general responsible for that glorious day, Rostok the Fox, retired because of his injuries. He was awarded a large farm in a village near mountain Kalasija, on that farm he took a liking to a curious farmhand and taught him everything he knew, that boy joined your army three years ago, I even awarded him a fine armor for his captive. He is already in charge of 100 men but if I was concerned he should be leading 1000! My Knez, I want to send him to scout the enemy up close, I know it's risky but he could offer us more than just a report, his insights could give us an advantage we are in dire need of".

Lesztko gave a slight pause as seemed that his advisor held this lowly farmhand in high regard, because of that he took the suggestion seriously.

"Emperor Paleilos already caught a few of our scouts, he is aware that we have forces in the area. Vlastislav, send that man to see for himself but tell him not to look too close, if he is caught in such risky venture they would know we are doing something more serious than tracking their movements".

"Understood"

With that Vlastislav exited the tent and sent a courier to fetch his query.

I approach my destination and am greeted by Vlastislav, the man looks hard on the surface but after a few drinks, he is a good company. I met him a couple of years ago when I had gone to deliver my captive, I didn't present him directly to the Knez because he wanted to make a show of him, I later heard that he was forced to crawl to my lieges feet to kiss them after which my liege broke both of his legs so that the Chief's son may never again flee from battle.

When Vlastislav saw my captives fine garments in contrast to my rags his curiosity flared, he invited me to the feast in honor of our victory and I was all too happy to go. During it, we all got pretty drunk and told each other our life's story, i don't think mine is much of a story but he was interested in my friend and mentor, the two seemed to have some history together. He was amazed when I explained to him exactly how was i able to capture the noble and after the feast, he invited me to his tent. He said that as a reward for my feat I will get 20 silver ducats but that he personaly wants to give me something to keep me alive, he opened his chest and gave me my current armor. When I saw it I wanted to refuse for it was too good for a person of my rank but he said "If it is too good for your rank then I will raise your rank! Pick a dozen man and they will be under your command. See this leather collar, it is taken from a bauk that I hunted myself in my youth. An ugly creature a man and a half tall with green skin and thick hide, when i found him he had 3 spears sticking out of him and an ax, the bastard didn't even notice them, and he gave me a hell of a fight".

After that night we didn't see each other until now but i think we still consider each other as friends.

"Yar long time no see".

"Vladislav, my friend, how are our chances".

Vladislav gave Yarosh a strained smile

"We can win and we will, but we need more information, your orders are to scout the enemy and report to me as soon as possible"

Why me of all people?

"Sir I am not a scout, surely there are people who can do a better job than me"

As he heard that Vlastislavs smile got a bit less strained.

"Lad none of our scouts have your eyes, try to get as close as possible and observe them as old Rostok would. I will give you the fastest horse we have and if you are discovered run like the wind."

Ugh, it seems he remembers more of our conversation than I taught he would. Dammit, Rostok why did you have to be such a daredevil. I suspect these stories of him infiltrating a camp and even serving the enemy Chief his dinner were bullshit.

With a resigned sigh, I answer.

"If that is so then I will do my best"

"I know you will. You need to hurry if you see anything important we will need time to prepare".

"I will leave immediately"

As he nods in dismissal I turn around. As I take a few steps he says to my back.

"May gods be with you Yar"