Far away from the quiet, comfortable Benson mansion, the military camp was anything but comfortable.

The camp was located on a wide, flat plain surrounded by thick forests. Hundreds of white canvas tents were set up in perfectly straight lines. Large fires burned brightly in the center of the camp, sending thick black smoke up into the dark night sky. Heavily armed soldiers walked around the perimeter, keeping a careful watch.

Right in the middle of the camp stood the largest tent. It belonged to the General.

Inside the large tent, the air was thick with tension. Damon stood at the head of a long table. The table was completely covered with large, detailed maps of the kingdom’s borders. Small wooden blocks were placed on the maps to represent different army units.

Standing around the table were four of Damon’s highest-ranking subordinate officers.

Damon was leaning forward, resting his large hands flat on the edges of the wooden table. His eyes were fixed on a specific area of the map. He looked completely serious and highly focused.

"We need to adjust our strategy for the eastern border," Damon spoke. His deep, commanding voice easily filled the large tent.

He moved a small wooden block across the paper map.

"We are currently in the process of how to get back the land we lost," Damon continued, his jaw tightening slightly. "When I had that accident and broke my leg, the enemy forces took advantage of my absence. They crossed the river and took three of our watchtowers. I want that land back before the winter snow falls."

One of the older officers nodded his head. "Yes, General. But they have built strong defenses around the towers. A direct attack will cost us many men."

"Then we will not attack directly," Damon replied smoothly. His mind was already forming a new plan. "We will cut off their supply lines. If they cannot get food or fresh arrows, they will be forced to leave the towers and fight us in the open field."

The officers leaned in, listening carefully as Damon explained the detailed strategy. They discussed troop movements, supply carts, and weather conditions. They argued back and forth, trying to find the perfect solution.

After a very long, intense discussion that lasted for several hours, they finally reached a solid agreement.

Damon stood up straight. He rolled his broad shoulders to release the tension in his muscles.

"The plan is set," Damon announced, looking at his officers. "Begin preparing the men tomorrow morning. Double the training time. The meeting is adjourned."

"Yes, General!" the four officers replied in unison. They saluted sharply, turned around, and marched out of the large tent into the cool night air.

Damon was finally alone. He let out a long, tired sigh. He reached up and rubbed his eyes. His left leg was aching slightly from standing for so long, but it was much better than it was a week ago.

He turned around and walked out of the main meeting tent. He began to walk toward his own smaller, private sleeping tent located a few yards away.

As he walked through the quiet camp, he heard the familiar sound of heavy boots crunching on the dirt behind him.

"I have a report to deliver, my lord," Kade said, catching up to him quickly.

Damon did not stop walking. He kept his eyes straight ahead.

"Go ahead," Damon said calmly as they walked side by side past the burning campfires.

Kade cleared his throat slightly. He knew the General did not like talking about his personal life at the camp, but this was important news.

"It is about the capital city, My Lord," Kade spoke quietly so the passing soldiers would not hear. "Lady Camilla visited her brother today at the Kennedy estate."

Damon’s footsteps slowed down just a tiny bit. He looked straight ahead, but his mind instantly focused on Kade’s words. He remembered the bloody scratch on her cheek.

"How is he?" Damon asked. His voice was flat, not showing any emotion, but he genuinely wanted to know.

Kade replied quickly. "He is getting better, little by little, My Lord. The beating he took was very severe, but the doctors say his ribs will heal completely with time and proper rest."

Damon nodded his head slowly. He thought about the young Lord Zade. He thought about how Zade must feel, lying in a bed, beaten and broken.

Damon stopped walking. He turned to face Kade in the dim light of the campfires.

"Send some medicines to him," He ordered smoothly. His voice was calm but very serious. "Send the best healing herbs and bone-mending ointments we have in our military medical supplies."

Kade blinked in surprise. The General rarely showed kindness to nobles outside his own army.

"But," Damon added quickly, raising a warning finger, "make it completely anonymous. Do not let anyone know the medicine came from the Benson estate or from my army."

Kade looked confused. "Why anonymous, My Lord? Surely the young lord would be grateful for your help."

Damon shook his head slowly. His eyes looked slightly sad for a brief moment. He understood the complex feelings of men.

"I believe he still hates me," Damon explained softly, looking away from Kade. "He believes I stole his older sister from him. Before she married me, they were very close. After she moved into my house, she ignored him completely. To him, I am the villain who ruined his family. If he knows the medicine is from me, his pride will force him to throw it away. Just send it secretly."

Kade looked at the General with deep respect. The Tyrant General was known for his cruelty on the battlefield, but behind closed doors, he was a man who understood honor and family pain.

Kade bowed his head deeply. "Right away, my lord. I will arrange for a quiet delivery tonight."

Kade turned around to leave and carry out the order.

Damon stood alone for a second. He looked toward his dark, empty sleeping tent. He thought about going inside. He thought about lying down on the hard, narrow military cot.

Suddenly, the cold, dusty camp felt incredibly empty.