Basil Jaak, accompanied by Bess, led the troops out of XinAn City to meet with Brain Fitzell, who was preparing to feign an attack on XinAn City.
Brain Fitzell was preparing to attack XinAn City as a cover for Basil Jaak to visit Phoebe, but in fact, he wasn't confident that his force of over ten thousand could capture XinAn City. In contrast, if XinAn City opened its gates to counterattack, Brain Fitzell was not even sure of winning.
Therefore, to be safe, Brain Fitzell stationed his troops on a hill fifty miles away from XinAn City, ready to attack or retreat as needed.
Of course, Brain Fitzell's plan was to retreat. As long as he got word from Basil Jaak, he would retreat, as attacking XinAn City was beyond the capability of his over ten thousand men.
When Basil Jaak entered Brain Fitzell's tent with Bess, Brain Fitzell, seeing Bess, was delighted and asked, "Mr. Jaak, did General Phoebe agree to your plan?"
Basil Jaak nodded.
