Chapter 266 Infiltrating Cooking Area



At the first rays of sunlight painted the horizon, Mayor Lazo and his forces stood ready for their next destination, Szazki. The road stretched ahead, beckoning them towards the next phase of their covert operation.

Arriving at the outskirts of Szazki, the Ryntum soldiers moved with practised ease. Their disguises blend seamlessly with other Inverloch's soldiers.

However, caution lingered in their every step, for they knew that Szazki lay within the closest proximity to the active battlefield. Despite this place being smaller in size than Lonsbak, the number of soldiers here several times larger. 

"What should we do, sir? With our numbers, it seems impossible to take over this city."

"We stand down for now," he replied to his concerned subordinate. Mayor Lazo understood the importance of exercising restraint. Any rash actions could jeopardize their mission and endanger their lives.

As they integrated themselves into the daily affairs of the city, the Ryntum soldiers gathered valuable intelligence. They listened to conversations, observed movements, and analyzed the patterns of the Inverloch forces.

Their efforts to gather intelligence bore fruit. Through discreet inquiries and covert observations, they learned of the date for the next supply shipment from Szazki to the battlefield.

Mayor Lazo recognized the significance of this opportunity. "We shall play our roles as obedient Inverloch soldiers," he declared, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of determination and anticipation. "We will infiltrate the enemy camp at the battlefield, using the cover of this supply shipment."

....

As the golden sun began its descent, casting a warm hue across the horizon, Mayor Lazo and his disguised Ryntum soldiers joined the rest of the Inverloch soldiers as they departed from Szazki.

Their footsteps echoed in unison as they made their way towards the enemy camp. The stillness of the night seemed to magnify the sound.

Approaching the Inverloch field camp, they were greeted with flickering campfires illuminating the night, creating a stark contrast against the darkened surroundings. 

Tents of various sizes and conditions dotted the area, arranged in a somewhat organized fashion. Some were marked with distinct symbols, indicating the units stationed within.

The scent of campfires mingled with the earthy aroma of damp soil tickled Mayor Lazo's nose as he scanned the camp.

Soldiers, albeit weary from battle, were engaged in various activities.

Some sat around the fires, their weary bodies finding respite in the heat and the company of comrades. Laughter and banter occasionally broke through the weariness among them.

Others attended to their equipment, inspecting weapons, repairing armour, and ensuring everything was in working order for the battles to come. Medics moved diligently among the wounded, offering aid and comfort, their skills and compassion shining in the dim light.

The supply team, led by Mayor Lazo and his disguised Ryntum soldiers, dutifully followed the orders to transport the supplies to the designated storage area within the camp. With their disguised appearances and the familiarity of their roles as part of the supply team, they have no problem blending in with the bustling activity around them.

As they made their way towards the storage area, they navigated through a maze of tents and makeshift structures.

The air was filled with the aroma of cooking food, a comforting scent that mingled with the earthy undertones of the camp. The area near the cookhouse was alive with activity, teeming with soldiers and support staff who were busy preparing meals for the hungry soldiers.

The cooking area was a hub of controlled chaos. Fires crackled beneath large cauldrons, sending plumes of savoury steam into the air. Soldiers, some clad in aprons, moved with purpose as they chopped ingredients, stirred pots, and tended to the sizzling pans.

The clatter of cooking utensils and the rhythmic chopping of vegetables filled the space, creating a symphony of culinary efforts.

Tables were scattered throughout the area, covered with trays of freshly baked bread, bowls of hearty stews, and platters of roasted meat. Soldiers lined up, eagerly awaiting their turn to be served, their rumbling stomachs testament to their arduous endeavours on the battlefield.

Mayor Lazo and his disguised Ryntum soldiers discreetly manoeuvred through the bustling crowd, careful not to draw attention to themselves. They focused on their tasks in hand, unloading crates near the back of the storage area, near the cookhouse, blending in seamlessly with the activity around them.

Inverloch soldiers who come together with him also bustled about, swiftly unloading and inspecting the supplies, ensuring their distribution to the appropriate areas.

The sound of crates being opened and the rustle of packaging filled the air as the soldiers efficiently organized the provisions for future use.

Amongst the commotion, conversations filled the space, ranging from discussions about battle strategies to reminiscing about home. 

While at it, he perks his ears and listens to the conversation unfolding in the cooking area.

Fragments of conversation reached Mayor Lazo's ears.

"I heard from the soldiers that today the Inverloch-Barlia coalition has been making steady progress," one cook remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "They've managed to push back the Ryntum forces back near their border."

"Aye, it's about time we showed them who's in charge," another cook replied, his tone filled with a fierce loyalty to the Inverloch-Barlia cause. "Our combined strength will be the downfall of our enemies."

Mayor Lazo's heart sank slightly at the news. He glanced at his disguised Ryntum soldiers, their expressions mirroring his own concern. With a subtle shake of his head, he communicated silently to his companions, urging them to conceal their true emotions.

He is aware that any sign of sadness or worry on their faces could raise suspicion among the Inverloch soldiers surrounding them. He mouthed the words, urging them to maintain a facade of joy and enthusiasm, aligning their outward demeanour with that of the rest of the people. 

Understanding the gravity of the situation, the disguised Ryntum soldiers nodded in acknowledgement.

While the disguised soldiers left the cooking area, Mayor Lazo remained, absorbing every snippet of information that could hold a clue or an opportunity to further their mission.