The night was heavy and silent, broken only by the distant howl of the northern wind. Frank stood at the edge of the forest, the artifact cradled carefully in his hands. Its glow pulsed faintly, almost like it had a heartbeat of its own.
"We strike before he can anticipate us," Frank said, addressing the small group of mercenaries and allies gathered around him. "Caelum is clever, but even the cleverest can be forced into mistakes. We hit his supply line and slow him down before he comes for us."
Elara stepped closer, her staff glowing faintly as she connected with the artifact's energy. "I'll cover your flank. We move as one."
Leo, Rhea, and the rest of the team nodded, tension and determination etched into their faces.
THE APPROACH
The group moved silently through the forest, shadows concealing their movements. Every step was deliberate; every sound could mean an enemy scout nearby.
Frank signaled with subtle gestures: "Keep to the shadows. Wait for my mark. Remember, chaos is our ally. If they panic, they lose control."
Elara's magic shimmered along her staff, revealing faint disturbances in the forest that hinted at hidden traps. "I can see them before they see us. This artifact… it responds to both our strengths."
Frank nodded. "Good. Let's make every moment count."
AMBUSH AT THE RIVER FORD
The convoy appeared under the moonlight, wagons creaking, soldiers confident and unaware.
Frank whispered to Elara, "Now."
Leo and the mercenaries blocked the main path, forcing the convoy to slow.
Frank and Elara struck from hidden positions, using the artifact's power to enhance speed and precision.
The forest teams flanked, releasing obstacles and confusion.
Chaos erupted. Wagons toppled, soldiers faltered, and the convoy collapsed under coordinated strikes. Elara's magic disabled ranged attackers while Frank moved like a shadow, taking down key targets with inhuman speed.
TURNING THE TIDE
Despite their numbers, the convoy couldn't regroup. Soldiers collided, horses panicked, and the once-perfect formation dissolved. Frank directed the mercenaries to capture supplies while keeping the enemy scattered.
Elara joined him mid-combat, their attacks perfectly synchronized. "We work well together," she said, dodging a strike.
Frank smirked, adrenaline rushing. "Not done yet—but we're getting close."
AFTERMATH
By dawn, the convoy was secured, supplies captured, and enemy forces forced to retreat. Frank's side emerged unscathed, but he knew the victory was temporary.
"This is just the beginning," Frank said grimly as they returned to Aurenfall.
Elara placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Then we'll face whatever comes—together."
Far to the north, in his hidden fortress, Caelum's eyes glinted with cold calculation. "So, they dare interfere… excellent. Let's see how they survive the real test."