「The problem now is that we have no means of transmitting the message from the signal base to the hideout or the people near the cliff if in case we got some intelligence. And more so, our attacks will immediately be identified as those done by the knights.」

While slowly drinking tea, I started gathering thoughts for next story in my head. Everyone seems to think deeply about my words.

「Without doing something about those 2 things, we cannot start raiding the any wagons. First of all, how do you keep informed with each unit usually?」

「All contacts are done through messengers. That person will either run to here, or use the horse that has been arranged.」

To my question Zairas san immediately gave an answer.

As expected, there is no communication machine. Should I consider suggesting a simple light-wave communicator.

「If you limit the message details, then there is a simple way to contact.  But it must be at a position where you can see each other. Is there some area around here where it can be managed?」

「The outlook is obstructed due the trees in the forest.  It would be a different story if the obstructing trees are cut down.」

This time it was Bartz san who replied. The other knights nodded to the answer Bartz san gave.

「In that case, please start the preparations to do so. Our purpose is only to see the light in this direction.」

I drilled a simple hole in a box and attached an elongated pipe through it. With this the light could be seen in the direction of the pipe.

The light can be made to blink for signaling simply by using a plate or slab to cover the pipe. Information could be sent to the other party using combinations of flickering lights.

「Hoho, it’s an interesting setup isn’t it. Indeed in that case the light would not be visible from the other direction. A lamp could be used to give out light. There are two of these things. Does Zairas has it too?」

「Yes, I have 4 with me. Besides I have one can of oil. However, let’s make it tomorrow.」

The princess nods in the words of Zairas san, and thus this matter becomes a set decision.

「Next, I would like to change the weapons. It is hard for a knight to let go of the long swords.  I don’t mind having it. If you can, please carry it on you backs so that others cannot see them.

I want others to use weapons like spears, axes, bows and arrows here. Of course, wearing a chain mail is also not allowed.

Leather tops and bottoms would be best. If we do not have it here then st.u.r.dy cotton clothes will do.」

A little bit baggy would be the best. Wrapping clothes around their body will show their st.u.r.dy physique, thereby looking quite strong. There is no problem to sew the chain mail to the leather jacket. The point is no one should wear a neat armor.

「Lastly, it is the looks. It is necessary to devise something so that the opponent cannot recognize us. For example, although it is a cloth, if you fold this square piece in shape of a triangle like this, and place over your face like this and tie it behind to your head, only your eyes will be seen. Even this will be good at first.」

If you use big table-cloth for wrapping around to use as a mask, you will be imitating the princess you know.

「This feels more like it. This is fun. Zairas, the weapons from before, can we manage it somehow?」

「I will send one of the squads to go back and retrieve the weapons and armors of fallen enemies. For spears, we will tie daggers to a wooden shaft to make them, and it could also be used for flying spears.

Bow and arrows as well as axes might be difficult to manage. So I am thinking of dispatching a squad to the village here. Perhaps we might be able to procure food along with axes.」

Taking out a map, Zairas san pointed to a village on the east side of the mountain pa.s.s. It is quite far away from here, a round trip would take around 5 days wouldn’t it?

「If, there are clothes sold there could you buy it? As expected, I want all masks to be same.」

「Right.  That also sounds interesting.」

The princess approved of it. I think it’s very important for us to be united since we are bandits.

Early on the next day, two squads with each 13 people went towards the west and south. Zairas san said they should return here within 5 days but I would like them to return safely.

The remaining knights started cutting down the trees in the forest. To not make too much noise, they used saw to cut them but occasionally they feel quite nervous while bringing it down.

Sound will always come anyhow.

It would be good to do it during strong winds but, just in case we should put two people near to the signal base to keep watch on the highway.

Within 4 days an un.o.bstructed view was secured from the signal base to the hideout. Next is the work up to the rock near the highway but, will it be done within 3 days?

That night, the squad that went towards west came back. It seems they went to the mountain base to see the situation of the village.

「……After fighting off from the pursuit of the soldiers, we went to every house in the village for investigation. As expected of the enemy, they seem to be doing reforms of each village and town by blocking the highways towards the western kingdom. We got the enemy weapons and were able to purchase food and lamps as well as oil. Even I say that, the food will last for about 4 days at most.」

「Good work. Get a good rest for now. Tomorrow start making spears using daggers or one-handed swords.」

Zairas san put forth the words of labor.

With this, we can survive for while longer. After this we just have to wait for the other squad to return.

The other squad came back on noon of the next day. They came back with big sacks on their backs. It seems that rumors of the war didn’t affect the village as its was in quite a remote location.

「As expected of the attacking group. There are no food provisions in villages near the outskirts of the highway. I brought some items that could be used from the weapons shop. 2 red clothes and 3 black mantles, and food for about 2 days.」

「Sorry for the trouble. First of all take a good rest.」

The squad leader went after giving reports. Now it’s time for our discussion.

There are 2 large matters now.

Shall I start? About what kind of raid pattern to put in action.

「The food brought by the two squads will last for about 5 days. Since we only have half of the food left, we have to start our work within 5 days from now.」

「I do not want to die as a bandit. I absolutely want to die after seeing the revival of the Kingdom.」

I wonder if he has no excuse to give to his ancestors in case he dies like a bandit. In that case of desperation he would have to work very hard.

「I would want all the preparations to be finished in the last 3 days. Practice the use of light to give signals. Tools to block the highway, and manufacture of ladders as well as attack costumes. Furthermore, fake camps…..  There are many things that need to be done.」

「Blockade tools? More so what is this fake camp? I am hearing it for the first time.」

To Zairas san’s question, I spread out the map and spoke politely.

The blockade has logs combined in a triangular way with a log on top of it where the structure is tied to.

If we make one with sides about 50 cm gaps, it would even stop a truck.

「Even if you spread your hand to stop them, if the other party  decides to breakthrough, we won’t have any ways to prevent it. If you combine the logs in this way you can easily stop the wagons from going forward. This is the blocking tool to be put in front of the wagon..」

A fake camp is a precautionary measure to not let the enemies discover our hideouts.

The place along the southern part of the mountain is a good place to make traces of the camps.

The people who will discover those traces will conclude such at their own convenience.

「Then this area is good. There is a small square and the area is quite rocky. Which places the traces of sleeping and bonfire should be made?」

「This place will do. In addition to that, please find a place to hide the blockade. It should be in the southern side. It is because I don’t want to put too much things in the north.」

「I see, anything discovered there will immediately point towards south. After that if they find a simple base then, they will decide to go further south of the highway to look for the bandits.」

I silently nodded at Zairas san.

「Then, divide the work for each of the 3 squads to perform, and inform them to start from tomorrow.

It seems to be a good day to start making the blockade today.」

「Then I’ll leave the task of making bandit masks to Maria and the others. For now, 30 pieces would be enough.」

Maria san took the cloth and went inside. I think she will start making them at once.

Since spears and axes could be made, the only thing left is the mantle to wear for the raid. Is it okay to use that black cloth for the mantle? It would look good only when the mantle’s length is adequate.

「Now then, let’s think about the signals. If you produce light of shorter and longer intervals and then combine them, we could send some signals. First of all think about what you want to inform. Next, discuss about where to send the signal. Finally, give out a non-existent alternative(name) to the signal, or you people give out some codes  here on the table. 」

「Though the signal might be simple, it would have various meaning.」

「Even if we are in the hideout, it will immediately let us know of the situation on the highway.」

「With this, we will have enough time to reach the cliff. I see, just by sending some light we can send so much information…….., Zairas we haven’t ever noticed it until now.」

「Never mind! This would become our weapon. A fine man came around unexpectedly.  This would be something called fate.」

「But, this might be a bit complicated. I have to copy this list and give them to the people at the 3 places to memorize the signals.」

「There is a simple way for that. Give one copy of it to one of the fellow of the squads. And then make him remember all of that.」

The young people seem quite pitiful now. If possible, I want those young ones to remember the Morse code but even I remember only half of those since I read it out of curiosity.

Can they remember it properly? Such talented people, sitting out at night in a group, only to wait for a coach of slave merchants to pa.s.s by.

Three days pa.s.sed doing such types of work.

I also got an enemy’s one-handed sword tied to a walking stick. When Zairas san looked at it he started laughing.

「Is that a spear? What can you do with that to the enemy?」

「I will leave it for Zairas san to handle. I will become a hindrance, that is why I will stay at the back. Besides, I believe I would be cut down immediately if  I come forward.」

Although he laughed at my answer he still nodded in agreement.

As expected, I thought it could not be used but it would be convenient to show it to others as much as possible, as I am sure that my use of this weapons will be inevitable.

It’s time to get started, wear the mask and ready the weapons.

The black cloth was cut from the middle and tied to the waist. It was fluttering like a mantle at the back.

They removed their armors and wore leather clothes protector they got from the enemy. Those who did not have leather clothes, they wore dusty clothes.

Since the long swords were carried by the leather belts in the back, no one looked like a knight anymore.

The princess made a cylindrical one-piece with the black cloth and wore it over a leather cloth.

All beautiful blondes are hidden under  the red mask.