March Off South

"What we must undertake is straightforward," Alexios began, his voice imbued with a confidence that seemed to pierce the impending dusk. With a deliberate motion, he lifted his horse whip, pointing towards the north as if to herald the direction of their destiny. "In mere days, we shall rendezvous with the emperor's forces. Then, the veil will be lifted, revealing to every soldier the true nature of this conflict—that they have been marshalled not to quell rebels but to partake in a rebellion against their own sovereign, waging a war against the very nation that they have built by their own blood and sweat."

"You sure that will work?" The lieutenant, still ensnared by doubt, furrowed his brow.