The tunnels beneath Volantis were a labyrinth of ancient stone, cold and damp, whispering with the ghosts of forgotten battles. Kaerys moved swiftly, her boots silent against the uneven floor. The flickering light of torches cast long, quivering shadows on the walls as her small band of warriors followed her lead.
"Keep close," she ordered, voice barely above a whisper but firm. "No mistakes."
Neron, carrying a small satchel of poisons and tools, nodded grimly. "The supply wagons will be here soon. Disrupting them means crippling the heir's forces."
Jaro, ever watchful, scanned the darkness ahead. "The guards are fewer than expected, but better prepared. The Targaron heir isn't careless."
Kaerys's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then they'll learn."
System Update — The Edge of Stealth
A soft glow pulsed in her mind as the Arcain system activated the newly unlocked skill.
Skill Activated:Veil of Night — Shrouds Kaerys and her companions in magical darkness, rendering them nearly invisible to the untrained eye.
Effect: Enhanced stealth and movement; enemy detection reduced by 85%.
Duration: 20 minutes
The system's cool voice echoed silently, "Use wisely, Kaerys. Darkness hides as much as it reveals."
Silent Strike
The group approached the supply depot, the heavy creak of wagons audible above the murmurs of night. Kaerys signaled, and the Veil of Night wrapped around them like a living shadow.
With practiced precision, they moved among the sleeping guards. Jaro's poisoned daggers glinted as they found their marks—silent and deadly. Neron quickly poured corrosive oil on the wheel axles, ensuring the wagons wouldn't move.
Kaerys crouched beside a crate marked with a red dragon seal — the precious dragon eggs. Her fingers traced the cold surface, feeling the latent power humming beneath the shell.
"Soon," she whispered, "they'll belong to us."
The Clash Above
Suddenly, a shout rang out — a patrol had discovered the sabotage.
From the tunnels, the faint clash of steel echoed as sentries scrambled. Above, the city's watch roused, lanterns flaring and alarms raised.
Kaerys hissed, "Retreat!" They melted back into the shadows just as Serenthis's roar thundered overhead, a blazing comet streaking through the dark sky.
The dragon's flames engulfed the enemy guards, setting the night ablaze.
Aftermath and Resolve
Back inside the Red Keep, the council gathered once more. Smoke still curled from the distant fires.
Lady Mirana studied the reports. "The supply lines are broken. Our enemies will suffer, but they'll retaliate fiercely."
Kaerys's gaze was hard steel. "Then we prepare for their fury. We will meet them not just with fire, but with cunning."
Neron leaned forward. "I've secured contacts among the merchant families. If we control the flow of supplies, we control the city's fate."
Kaerys smiled, a spark of triumph in her eyes. "Good. Volantis will not fall while I still draw breath."
The storm of war was no longer on the horizon — it had arrived.
End of Chapter 58