Pawns

The security team of the Lowminer convoy defended well against the incoming flux of bandits. Although they were outnumbered, they fought smartly, with remarkable calm and composure.

Rui, on the other hand, was not quite as calm.

('Think.') Rui urged. ('Why would they discard the element of surprise, attack us head on and that too without the Martial Apprentices?')

Rui had thoroughly memorized the intel provided by the Martial Union in the mission bill, the presence of Martial Apprentices as well as their well-executed ambushes that exploited the element of surprise had been the two major reasons they cleanly succeeded in their strikes.

What was to be inferred from their intentions if they did not use either of these two main elements that was responsible for their victories?

('It means they have no intention of winning through this particular battle. But then why even send them at all then?') Rui wondered.