Outskirts of Algoria Capital - Evening, Four Weeks After Keldrin Pass
The team had traveled for six days to reach this position—small group moving through territories with identification papers that marked them as traveling merchants, cover story supported by actual trade goods they'd acquired specifically to make their deception credible. Twelve people total: Amari leading, Lena as second, ten others chosen for specific capabilities that mission required.
They'd made camp in forest clearing approximately eight kilometers from Algoria's capital, close enough for reconnaissance but far enough that patrols wouldn't stumble across them accidentally. The camp was minimal—no fires, cold rations, sleeping arrangements that prioritized concealment over comfort. Professional insurgent operations in hostile territory.
