In the Shadows of the Mountains - Chapter Two: Eyes on the Valley

Alexander’s hand rose in a signal, and the soldiers halted in near-perfect unison, each man freezing into position as they waited for his next command. They were skilled in reconnaissance, trained to exploit every shadow and cover, a crucial tactic for the Empire’s mountain border patrols. Their orders were clear: observe and report any Seljuk presence, but avoid open engagement unless necessary.

One of the scouts, Andronikos, crept forward, a bow slung across his back. He dropped to his stomach, pressing himself against the earth to crawl through a tangle of shrubs until he reached a narrow ledge. From his vantage point, he had a clear view of the valley below, where faint wisps of smoke drifted up from a distant camp nestled near the valley floor.