A Map of Secrets
In the dim glow of the tavern's hearth, Eren spread the recovered map across the table. The faded parchment was marked with intricate lines, symbols, and notes in a language both arcane and ancient. The Wyrmspire was at the center, its towering peak encircled by a labyrinth of defenses.
Lyssandra leaned closer, her finger tracing one of the paths leading to the mountain. "These symbols… they're not just pathways. They're traps, wards, and checkpoints. The Broken Throne has fortified this place like it's the heart of their power."
Kieran studied the map from over her shoulder, his brow furrowed. "And for good reason. If this stronghold falls, it'll send a shockwave through their entire operation. But getting there…" He trailed off, his expression grim.
Eren's gaze was unwavering. "We don't have a choice. If the Wyrmspire is where they've concentrated their forces, it's where we need to go. We'll find their leaders, destroy their plans, and tear down their throne."
Catria, the mercenary leader, sat back in her chair, arms crossed. "Ambitious, I'll give you that. But even with my crew, storming a fortress like that isn't just risky—it's suicidal."
Eren met her eyes. "Then we don't storm it. We infiltrate."
A Fractured Alliance
The next morning, the group convened in the training yard behind The Gilded Fang. Mercenaries sharpened blades and tested crossbows, their confidence bolstered by Catria's decision to join the rebellion.
Eren addressed the gathered fighters. "We're not just fighting for ourselves. The Broken Throne's reach extends across the continent. If they aren't stopped here, nowhere will be safe."
A low murmur rippled through the crowd. Some nodded in agreement, while others exchanged skeptical glances.
A grizzled veteran stepped forward, his voice gruff. "You're asking us to risk our lives for a cause that's already claimed too many. How do we know you won't lead us to slaughter?"
Eren's eyes burned with conviction. "Because I've seen what they're capable of. I've lost everything to them—my home, my family, my future. But I refuse to let them take my will to fight. If you stand with me, I promise we won't just survive—we'll win."
Catria stepped beside him, her presence commanding. "Eren's got a point. We've been fighting scraps for too long. If we don't hit them where it hurts, they'll bleed us dry, one town at a time. I'm with him. The rest of you can either follow, or stay here and wait for the noose."
The crowd fell silent. Then, one by one, the mercenaries voiced their support.
The First Step
The plan was set: before approaching the Wyrmspire, they needed to gather supplies and eliminate nearby enemy outposts to prevent reinforcements. Their first target was a supply depot stationed in the foothills.
The journey to the depot took three days, their path winding through dense forests and rocky terrain. The closer they got, the more tension hung in the air.
Lyssandra kept her spear at the ready, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "They'll have scouts nearby. We need to stay alert."
Kieran moved ahead, his steps silent as he scouted the trail. He returned a short while later, his expression grim. "Found their perimeter. Looks like they've got patrols running every fifteen minutes. We'll need to time this perfectly."
Eren nodded. "We split into two groups. One creates a diversion to draw their forces out, while the other infiltrates and destroys their supplies."
The Attack
Under cover of darkness, the group moved into position. Lyssandra and Catria led the diversion team, setting fires along the southern edge of the camp. Shouts and alarms erupted as soldiers scrambled to extinguish the flames.
Meanwhile, Eren and Kieran approached from the north. Scaling the wooden palisade, they landed silently inside the depot. Rows of crates filled with weapons, armor, and provisions lined the area, guarded by a handful of soldiers.
Eren motioned for Kieran to take the left flank while he moved toward the central storage. With precise movements, they dispatched the guards, their bodies falling silently into the shadows.
Once the area was secure, Eren planted an incendiary rune on the largest crate. Its glowing sigils pulsed with energy as he activated it.
Kieran smirked. "That's going to make a statement."
"Let's hope they're listening," Eren replied, his voice low.
A Narrow Escape
As the flames consumed the depot, the camp descended into chaos. Soldiers from the southern edge rushed back, their attempts to salvage the supplies futile against the roaring inferno.
Eren and Kieran slipped through the confusion, regrouping with Lyssandra and Catria at the rendezvous point.
"Did you get it done?" Lyssandra asked, her face smudged with soot.
Eren nodded. "The depot's gone. They'll feel this loss."
Catria grinned. "Good. Let them stew. This is just the beginning."
Whispers in the Night
That evening, the group made camp in a secluded glade. The fire crackled softly as they gathered to discuss their next move.
Eren unrolled the map again, his eyes tracing the lines leading to the Wyrmspire. "The supply depot was a victory, but it's just a small piece. We'll need to hit harder targets if we want to weaken their defenses."
Kieran leaned back against a tree, his tone wary. "We're poking the beast, Eren. Eventually, it's going to bite back."
Lyssandra glanced at Eren, her voice quiet but firm. "Then we need to be ready. No matter what comes, we can't afford to falter now."
Eren's gaze was distant, his mind already on the battles ahead. "We won't falter," he said. "Because this isn't just a fight for survival. It's a fight for a future worth living."
To Be Continued...