When Petals Meet The Blade (Priscilla and Waldo) novel Chapter 147

Chapter 147

“Hughie, are you sure about the numbers?” Even Waldo sounded doubtful.

They had been leading the vanguard, leaving the clean up and counting to the soldiers at the rear.

All the w

way, they had been hacking their way through the so–called rebels–killing, injuring, scattering them like frightened animals.

Waldo and Priscilla had been too focused on pushing forward to pay much attention to how many they had actually killed,

But only twenty bodies? That was impossible.

“I didn’t want to believe it either.” Hughie said grimly, “but it’s the truth.”

He signaled for the army to halt and waved for one of the vice generals to step forward.

The officer saluted, his face grave, “General Priscilla, the rebels we found most of the bodies are missing. Only a few were slain on the spot. The

vanished.”

“Vanished?“Waldo’s heart finally began to stir with unease.

Until now, seeing Priscilla’s rare display of confidence and excitement, watching her lead the charge with reckless enthusiasm, he hadn’t wanted to question anything. He had been glad to see her shine again.

But now, dread began to seep in.

*This ravine is full of treacherous rocks and hidden paths,” he muttered, staring into the misty twilight gathering around them. Visibility was dropping by the minute.

Suddenly, Waldo’s expression darkened. “We can’t push forward. Order the army–retreat immediately back to Kabury County.”

“What?” Priscilla’s face changed dramatically. “Why should we retreat now? We outnumber them! They’re on the run! If we don’t wipe them out now, when will we?”

Most importantly, they were on the brink of a grand victory. If they turned back now, wouldn’t everyone think they had been defeated?

How could she bear that humiliation?

Hughie grew anxious. “Priscilla…

But seeing the storm gathering on her face, he quickly changed his tone, bowing slightly. “The terrain ahead is dangerous. We don’t know how many rebels might be lying in ambush. And with the rear unsecured, we risk being caught between two forces, trapped like fish in a barrel.”

“Nonsense!” Priscilla snapped, glaring at him. “We came through the rear ourselves–there were no ambushes! If there were, would we not have seen them?

Her voice rose in fury. “Spreading fear and undermining morale–you dare? You should be court–martialed for this!”

Hughie didn’t argue with her. He simply turned to Waldo, his voice steady. “I truly believe there’s something wrong. Think about it- Miss Yabes were here, wouldn’t she be telling you to pull back too??

The moment Jessica’s name was spoken, Priscilla nearly exploded.

Darwin Compton, another vice–general, immediately added, “Exactly. If Miss Yates were leading, she wouldn’t allow us to charge blindly into this ravine, It’s too strange–better to retreat and reassess….

“Your” Priscilla’s voice shook with rage. “Are you Waldo’s men–ar spies planted here by Jessica?” Had they not mentioned Jessica’s name, perhaps Priscilla’s anger wouldn’t have reached this boiling point.