As they journeyed towards the rebellion's stronghold, Elara led the way, her knowledge of the terrain proving invaluable. The group moved swiftly, their senses on high alert for any signs of Malakai's soldiers.
After hours of walking, the stronghold came into view, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. Lyra's heart swelled with hope as she saw the rebellion's banner fluttering in the wind.
As they approached the entrance, a guard challenged them. "Who goes there?"
Kael stepped forward. "We're here to warn the rebellion's leaders about Malakai's planned attack. We have information that could save their lives."
The guard's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "I'll take you to see Commander Orion."
The group followed the guard, their footsteps echoing through the stronghold's corridors. They were ushered into a large room, where Commander Orion sat at a table, studying maps and reports.
"What is this warning you've brought?" Commander Orion asked, his eyes piercing.
Lyra stepped forward. "Malakai's planning a surprise attack. We have reason to believe he'll crush your stronghold before you can mobilize."
Commander Orion's face darkened. "We'll prepare for battle.Thank you for bringing us this warning.Your warning is timely. We will prepare our defenses and mobilize our forces. I would like to offer you and your companions a place within our stronghold's walls. It's not safe for you to be out there alone."
Lyra hesitated, looking at Kael and the others. "We appreciate the offer, but we can't stay. We have our own mission to complete."
Commander Orion nodded understandingly. "I see. Well, in that case, let me give you some supplies and information that might aid you on your journey. We can also provide you with an escort to ensure your safe passage out of the valley."
Kael spoke up. "We'd appreciate that. But before we go, can you tell us more about Malakai's forces? What kind of numbers are we talking about?"
Commander Orion's expression turned grim. "We've had reports of a large army gathering near the Shadow Kingdom's border. We're not sure of the exact numbers, but it's a significant force."
Aria frowned. "We'll need to be careful. If Malakai's army is that large, we could be in for a tough fight."
Kael nodded. "We'll take the supplies and escort. Thank you, Commander Orion."
Commander Orion smiled. "I'll have my quartermaster prepare the supplies. My best scout, Ryker, will escort you out of the valley."
As they waited for the supplies, Lyra turned to Elara. "What will you do now? You can't go back to Malakai's side."
Elara's eyes dropped. "I... I don't know. I've never been on my own before. But I'll try to make a difference, somehow."
Aria spoke up. "You can come with us for now. We'll figure out what to do with you later."
Elara's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you... thank you so much."
With the supplies and Ryker's escort, the group set off towards the edge of the valley. As they walked, Ryker briefed them on the safest route to take.
As they journeyed with Ryker, the group noticed that the landscape was changing. The mountains gave way to rolling hills, and the air grew thick with an eerie silence.
Ryker stopped suddenly, his hand raised. "Wait. Do you hear that?"
The group listened intently, and soon they picked up on the faint sound of clashing steel and screams.
Aria's eyes narrowed. "That sounds like battle. What's going on?"
Ryker's face turned grim. "It sounds like Malakai's army has already reached the valley. We need to get out of here, now."
Kael drew his sword. "Let's move. We'll fight our way out if we have to."
The group followed Ryker, their senses on high alert as they crept towards the source of the noise. As they crested a hill, they saw the chaos unfolding below.