The wind howled through the narrow crevices of the mountain pass, carrying the scent of pine and old blood. Perched just beyond a rocky outcrop, Kealus sat still in his saddle, eyes fixed on the distant silhouette of the abandoned outpost — the rebel stronghold that had become his test. What had once been a frontier garrison, meant to deter raiders and beastfolk generations ago, now stood as a crumbling monument to war — and defiance.
Torvin emerged from the shadows like a wraith. His cloak barely stirred, and even the horse he rode didn't seem to notice his return. The man moved like the wind, quiet and unnoticed — a natural scout, as Kealus had identified days earlier.
Torvin dismounted and gave a short nod. "Young master. I've returned."
Kealus turned. "Report."
"The outpost is more ruin than fortress," Torvin said, brushing dust from his gloves. "They've stationed around a hundred and fifty men inside — among them, two two-star warriors and a three-star commander. The walls are too old — rotting wood, loose stone. Northern section is weakest. A man could scale it with little effort, or… slip through gaps where the stone has collapsed entirely."
Kealus narrowed his eyes. "Any patrols?"
"Minimal. They feel safe." Torvin allowed a rare smile. "I counted two men on rotation at the east wall. Lazy, half asleep. Their confidence will kill them."
Good.
Kealus gestured for the others. "Gather the commanders."
Within the hour, ten men stood in a half-circle around him — ten-man commanders, each marked by the faint glow of qi that separated them from the rank-and-file. Among them was Darius, taller and broader than the others, his massive frame wrapped in the standard black-trimmed uniform. Despite being the youngest of them, his eyes carried a thoughtful calm, an instinctual sharpness that Kealus respected.
A large map was unfurled over a nearby boulder, held down by stones. Kealus used a carved stick to point to the east side.
"This section is our entry. Weak walls. Low patrol presence. Torvin confirms it's poorly maintained and easily breached."
He traced a path on the map with the stick. "We'll strike in two phases. First, infiltration and sabotage. Then, when chaos spreads — we attack from three sides."
Darius leaned forward, nodding slowly. "A direct breach here would catch them flat-footed. If Torvin and two others get in first, they can unlock the gates from within."
Torvin grunted. "Consider it done."
One of the older commanders frowned. "They outnumber us by fifty, and they have a three-star warrior, young master. And they have the walls. We lose the element of surprise — we're dead men."
Kealus's gaze didn't waver. "That's why we won't lose it."
He paused, then continued, his tone calm but resolute. "We will strike at night. A diversion will be made — something loud, something fiery — on the east side. That will draw their attention, and when they scramble, we hit from the north and south. Torvin's team will unlock the main gate during the confusion."
Murmurs passed between the commanders, but none voiced dissent. The air hung thick with a shared understanding — this wasn't a drill. This was war.
"Choose your men carefully," Kealus said, voice harder now. "You each command ten. Darius, you'll take the center force — when the gates open, you'll lead the charge through, and five of the ten-man commanders will go with you. Their soldiers will be with me. Your strength and presence will be needed most there."
Darius's eyes flickered with surprise — not at the command, but at the trust. He nodded slowly. "Understood."
Kealus let the others disperse to prepare.
A short time later, in the privacy of his tent, Kealus knelt beside a small lacquered box. Inside, wrapped in dark silk, were three small vials of a translucent green liquid. He picked one up carefully, uncorked it, and took a long look.
Qi-dispersing poison.
A gift from his instructor before he had left home. Rare, nearly impossible to detect once in the bloodstream. It would dull the energy flow in a warrior's body — not enough to kill, but just enough to tilt the scales.
Against a three-star, I'll need every advantage.
As night fell, torches were dimmed. Shadows stretched long and deep. A nervous tension settled over the camp, but it no longer clung to the men like fear. Now, it was anticipation.
Kealus stood atop a small rise overlooking the valley below. Behind him, warriors waited — silent, alert, eager. He took a slow breath, then raised his hand to start .
The hunt had begun.