Luring the Enemy

The setting sun slanted westward, scattering golden afterglow across the calm sea. Several seagulls skimmed swiftly over the surface, shattering the golden reflections on the water.

But Samwell had no mind to admire the view. Seeing Todd return once more, he asked:

"Still no sign of that group of sentries?"

"No." Todd's expression was equally grim.

"What about the Wildlings who attacked us? Have you found any trace of them?"

"No. They won't engage us head-on. After their ambushes, they vanish into the mountains and forests. We don't know the terrain, so we simply can't catch them." Todd gritted his teeth. "I'm planning to take another ten men and search farther out."

Samwell fell silent at this.

Thinking the other man was unwilling, Todd felt a surge of anger rise within him.

"My lord, I sent those sentries out. I have to bring them back! Otherwise..."

"I'm not trying to stop you from looking for them," Samwell explained. "I just want you to take more men."

Todd's expression eased slightly, but he shook his head. "Ten men are enough. Any more, and the camp's safety may not be guaranteed."

Samwell smiled faintly. "That is exactly what I want the Wildlings to think."

"What do you mean?" Todd froze for a moment.

"You were right before. I underestimated the Wildlings' malice. It seems they have no intention of dealing with us peacefully. In that case, we must establish our authority first!" As he spoke, undisguised killing intent appeared in Samwell's eyes. "Take every soldier from House Tyrell out of the camp. Make the Wildlings think the camp is weakly defended and lure them into attacking. I'll lead my men in holding them back. Then, when the moment is right, you'll lead your troops back and trap them all in the valley!"

Todd stared wide-eyed at the young knight before finally saying in disbelief:

"My lord, isn't that too risky? We don't even know how many Wildlings there are..."

Samwell showed no fear. "They're just a pack of sneaky Wildlings. What is there to fear? If they truly had the strength to face us head-on, why would they keep resorting to ambushes?"

Todd was still hesitant. "Wouldn't it be better to find out their numbers first, then decide how to respond..."

"How are we supposed to scout them out?" Samwell cut him off bluntly. "This is the Red Mountains, the Wildlings' territory. Our men cannot even catch a glimpse of them here."

Seeing Todd lower his head in silence, Samwell spoke coldly again. "Stop hesitating. This is our best opportunity. Once we have built the watchtower and enclosed the camp with fences, even if we use a plan to lure the enemy, they may not dare attack.

By then, relying on their familiarity with the terrain, they will come and go without a trace, constantly harassing and ambushing us. We may have no choice but to hide in the valley to stay safe. If this continues, construction of the territory will be severely affected, and the entire expedition will be gripped by panic. We might even slowly end up trapped to death in this valley!

So we must seize this chance. While we have yet to gain a firm foothold, we will deliberately expose a weakness, lure the Wildlings into attacking, and beat them so badly in one battle that they never forget it!"

Todd pondered for a long while before finally gritting his teeth and nodding.

"Fine! Since you have such courage, my lord, and trust me so greatly, I certainly will not disappoint you!"

With that, Todd struck his right fist heavily against his chest and gave a solemn knight's salute before turning to leave.

Samwell turned to find his squire, Gavin, intending to give him orders. But when he saw the hesitant look on the young man's face, he asked:

"What is it?"

Gavin lowered his voice. "My lord, aren't you afraid Todd Flowers might deliberately stand by and watch us die?"

Samwell looked deeply at his young squire, then smiled.

"Don't worry. Todd Flowers is a clever man. He won't do something as foolish as standing by while we die. Besides, all the supplies and provisions are here. If he watches us get defeated by the Wildlings, does he truly think he can escape the Red Mountains with a hundred soldiers and no supplies? And even if he does escape, will House Tyrell spare him?"

Gavin hesitated, but still tried to persuade him again.

"My lord, I'm still worried. Even if Todd does not dare abandon us, could he deliberately delay until we have suffered terrible losses fighting the Wildlings? Why not switch things around? Let Todd and his men defend the valley while you personally lead the troops out, then return to strike once the battle begins."

Samwell shook his head.

"You are all recruits who have never seen a real battlefield. You are better suited to remaining in the valley and fighting a defensive battle using fortifications. A complicated maneuver like pretending to leave before returning to strike is better left to Todd and those veteran soldiers under him."

Seeing that Gavin seemed about to say more, Samwell interrupted him directly.

"Gavin, do you know what is most taboo on a battlefield?"

"What is it, my lord?"

"Internal discord and mutual suspicion!" Samwell's expression became incomparably stern. "No matter what conflicts Todd and I may have, when facing the Wildlings, we are comrades on the same side! If I arrange things as you suggest, Todd will immediately realize that I do not trust him. Before the battle even starts, our morale will already be weakened. And even if we win this battle, from then on, nothing will remain between him and me but wariness and suspicion."

"I understand, my lord." Gavin lowered his head and said no more.

Samwell softened his tone as well. "Good. Go tell the brothers that the Wildlings may attack tonight. Have them eat early and rest early, but they are not to remove their armor. Keep their weapons close at hand, and listen for the horn. Also, bring Vidor to me."

"Yes, my lord."

In truth, Samwell had another important reason for daring to trust Todd—

In her earlier letter, Margaery had warned him not to kill people recklessly again. She also said that Todd Flowers would follow his orders from now on.

Those words had made Samwell keenly realize that Lady Olenna's attitude toward him had likely changed.

If Lady Olenna had previously regarded him as a puppet she could control, then after he had killed to establish his authority, she must have altered her strategy and become willing to give him a chance.

Therefore, Todd was still trustworthy for now.

Of course, if Samwell's performance in the coming development of the territory failed to satisfy her, Todd would likely step forward again to fight for control of the expedition.

Samwell had no doubt about that. After all, the Queen of Thorns was no softhearted woman.

Thus, this battle would be exceptionally important to him.

It would be equally important to the recruits under his command.

For more than four months, Samwell had spared no expense in equipping them, fed them meat every day, and personally trained them. Now, at last, it was time to test their true worth.

As long as they won this battle, these recruits would complete their transformation.

Samwell would also officially gain his first elite force of loyal troops.

As long as they won this battle...

While his thoughts wandered, Gavin had already returned with Vidor.

Samwell gathered himself and explained his plan to Vidor, after which they began discussing how to arrange their defenses.

There was certainly no time to build a watchtower, and not even enough time to put up fences.

Fortunately, over the course of the afternoon, the craftsmen had built a small earthen mound inside the valley entrance, using the natural terrain as a foundation.

With further reinforcement and arrangements, it would make a suitable defensive position.

The valley entrance had never been wide, allowing only six or seven people to pass abreast. When the time came, Samwell could lead his men into formation atop the mound and take full advantage of the high ground.

After settling on the plan, Samwell had Vidor prepare boulders and logs, piling them atop the earthen mound.

After the sun had completely vanished beyond the horizon, Todd also led his men out of the camp.

The craftsmen began busily setting up the defensive position, while Samwell and the soldiers went to sleep early to conserve their strength.

Gazing at the vast, glittering starry sky, Samwell could not fall asleep.

As the sound of waves crashing against the reefs echoed in his ears, scenes from before his transmigration flashed through his mind. Though not much time had passed, it felt like a lifetime ago.

The night deepened, as though something were brewing in the darkness, gathering strength.