Challenge

The departure of members from the Blood Patriot would be a severe blow to Marcus. These individuals, though not the best fighters, were the vocal cords of their group. They passionately denounced the government's injustices and, more importantly, shared Marcus's vision of an unshackled future. Their defection wouldn't be just a loss of numbers; it threatened to fracture the very spirit of Blood Patriot.

As whispers and uneasy glances were exchanged among the group, Marcus's orders cut through the murmurs like a blade. The metallic clicks of firearms being readied echoed around the farm. The Blood Patriot soldiers, with their weapons pointed ominously, awaited their leader's next command.

Alan, with a tranquility that seemed out of place, broke the silence. "Are you really going to shoot us, Marcus?"

He wagered that Marcus wouldn't resort to violence in such a public spectacle, not when the reputations and beliefs hinged on his next move.