Vlad and his army made camp near Târgoviște after receiving word from his spies that Mehmed II and his army were approaching soon. He knew that it was only a matter of time until the Ottomans arrived. However, he ensured that his people of Târgoviște and nearby cities and villages were evacuated before the enemy arrived. He also received word that his brother, Radu, and Alexandrei were seen, along with the Ottoman army. 

Vlad contemplated whether he would fight his brother in the upcoming battle. Throughout the years, he felt his younger brother betrayed him for choosing Mehmed II over his family. Vlad still loved his younger brother and hoped he could get through to him; if he didn't, there would be no other option but to kill him. He sighed while massaging his forehead. The Voivode was in his tent, sharpening his sword, trying to calm his mind. 

While sharpening his sword, the Voivode noticed a shadow before his tent. "Who stands there?"

"Voivode, it is I."

It was Bioan. "May I enter, Voivode?"

"You may." Vlad heard Bioan enter but didn't turn to look at him. 

Bioan entered the tent and saluted the Voivode. "Forgive me for the intrusion. The generals and other commanders are waiting for your appearance. Everything is prepared for the council."

"Good, I shall go there shortly." Before Bioan could leave, he was called upon. "What of my family? Any word?"

"Yes, Voivode. Your family have left; their belongings have been taken as well. It was ensured that guards are by their side."

Vlad sighed in relief, happy that Angelina didn't cause a fuss. She was a mother now, and she had to think of their son's well-being and safety. Ever since he went off on the attack on Mehmed II's territories, his family was always on his mind. They were his motivation to fight against the Ottomans. Since Vlad expected Angelina and their son to go to the future, he wanted to ensure that his son would never forget his culture and traditions. That he, his father, fought, killed, and died for a better life and future. "Very good. I want a report to ensure that my family make it to Hoia-Baicu Forest. Is Mihnea out of the castle?"

"Yes, it was instructed that he be called your son to keep the young Lord safe, Voivode."

"Good." Vlad stood up from his cot and put his sword back in its place. "Well done." He looked at Bioan, who awaited his orders. The Voivode believed that Bioan cared for Angelina, perhaps even had feelings for her. Seeing them alone together angered Vlad, but after everything that had happened, Vlad was tired of feeling angry. He understood that Angelina had a good character that drew many people to her, just as it had drawn him. "Are you prepared for the battles ahead? Are you willing to stake your life for the greater good of everything we stand for."

Bioan bowed his head. "Yes, Voivode. I am ready to fight and die for what my forefathers have followed. I will stand by your side."

Vlad nodded; He and Bioan walked out of the tent and wandered toward the main tent in the center of the encampment. Inside the tent was a wooden square table with a large map, small wooden figures, and symbols. Small fire torches were placed at the corners of the interior, as well as on the generals' and commanders' stations.

Upon the Voivode's arrival, they bowed in respect. "Voivode," they said in unison. 

"Evening to all." Vlad stood at the center of the wooden table, looking at the map, and saw the Ottoman symbols. "It would seem that the Ottoman scoundrels are nearing this territory."

"Indeed, Voivode," one of the commanders gruffly said. "They arrived at Braila and are heading closer to Targoviste. They may arrive sooner if motivated."

Vlad looked at the map and noticed the many nearby villages and cities close to Târgoviște. 

"What would have us do, Voivode?"

"How many men does Mehmed possess?" Vlad noticed the commander and general's hesitation; he knew the number was vast. "Well?"

"It is speculated between one hundred to two hundred thousand men."

Everyone was silent, waiting for the Voivode's reaction; Vlad remained emotionless. He expected a high number, but didn't expect over a hundred thousand men. Vlad believed that Mehmed II was trying to intimidate him, but he refused to be intimidated. A smirk appeared on his face. "Going on the attack will be foolish and I do not wish to sacrifice any of my men. However, to bide some time, we will destroy bridges, villages, towns, and poison water sources. I gave previous orders of wanting the infected to go close to the Ottomans to slow them down to prepare for the battle. Also, many supplies have been contaminated, Mehmed will be slowed and will have to make camp near Targoviste."

The generals and commanders murmured and seemed to agree with the idea. "It is a good idea, Voivode. However, even if we deter them for a while, they will still go on the attack. What will be the next part of the plan?"

"We have to kill Mehmed to make the Ottomans tremble. His son is still young and the Ottomans will be lost without a leader. Once they set up camp close to us. I will lead a group of my men to infiltrate their army. There I will end Mehmed."

"Voivode, that is a major risk! You cannot go and-"

"I have made the decision and I will not waver. We have to put a stop to Mehmed since it would seem Matthias Corvinus refused to send help. Our way of life and as Voivode I will do everything in my power to fight for what our forefathers have fought and died for."

The commanders and generals clapped and cheered for their Voivode. Vlad looked at the map and got a small knife, stabbing the Ottoman symbol. He was getting closer to his destiny.