The morning mist hung over the valley like gossamer silk, carrying the damp breath of earth and the faint scorched tang of mana crystals burning at distant outposts. After two days of circuitous trekking, Fa and her companions—Arya, Salsa, and Kayla—had finally slipped past the first sentry post and reached the small settlement that lay before the second. The place was called Stone Creek Village: gray stone quarries and corrugated iron roofs huddled together, chimney smoke rising in thin ribbons to mingle with the looming shadow of the Mo Eclipse Mountains. Most of the inhabitants were beastfolk living alongside a handful of dwarves, simple folk who knew little and cared less about the wars beyond their valley.
A Brief Respite in the Village
Fa led the group slowly down the worn cobblestone street. "Keep your hood low, Kayla," she murmured, shifting her cloak to shield the beastwoman general at her side. Kayla wore a tattered gray cloak, silver ear-tips buried deep in the hood, the battle scar on her forehead hidden beneath a strip of rough cloth. The disguise was necessary; the "death" of the Fifth General had become the talk of every tavern and alley in the Fierce Claw Empire. General Mias's elaborate ruse—an explosion in the prison—had convinced the world that Kayla had perished, all to protect her. Fa and the others knew the truth: it was a lie woven to keep her alive.
They found the village's only inn, its iron signboard bearing a crudely etched tankard. When they pushed open the wooden door, warm air scented with pine rolled over them. The interior was humble but comforting; a fire crackled in the hearth, throwing faint heat into the room. The innkeeper, a middle-aged beastwoman with gray hair pinned in a bun and the weathered face of a lifetime of labor, greeted them warmly. "Welcome, travelers. Rooms or just a drink?"
Fa offered a tired smile. "Just water. We'll sit a while and be on our way."
The woman jerked her thumb toward the corner table. "Well's out back. Help yourselves. Stay as long as you like."
The four settled in the shadows. Salsa's mechanical cat frame curled on the bench, amber eyes dimmed to slits, ever watchful. Arya stayed close to Fa, fingers brushing the longbow at her hip, her gentle gaze flicking with concern. Kayla kept her head down, one hand beneath the cloak clenched around Thunderclaw, ready for anything.
They drank cool well water from their canteens and listened to the low voices of the locals. At the next table, several male beastfolk were deep in excited conversation.
"Heard the news? Fifth General Kayla died in that prison explosion!" said a red-maned one, slamming his steel mug on the table.
Another shook his head. "I don't buy it. One of the Empire's generals? Dying like that? Doesn't add up."
A female beastwoman leaned in. "Maybe it was internal strife. General Gloom went to the prison himself—said the traitor got what she deserved."
"Shh!" The first one glanced around nervously. "Watch your tongue. Patrols have ears."
Fa and Kayla exchanged a glance. Beneath the cloak, Kayla's fist tightened until her claws drew blood from her palm. Hearing strangers debate her own "death" stirred a storm inside her—relief that Mias's plan had worked, fury at Gloom's slander. Fa rested a gentle hand on her arm and whispered, "They don't know the truth. We'll make sure it comes out."
At that moment an old beastman with a cane shuffled over, squinting at Kayla through cloudy eyes. "Young lady… you look awfully familiar. Have we met?"
Kayla's heart hammered; Thunderclaw trembled beneath the cloak. Fa smoothly interjected, "She's a friend from the countryside. First time here."
The elder studied them a moment longer, then nodded with a kindly smile. "Ah, welcome to Stone Creek, then. Be careful—the patrols have been grabbing anyone who looks suspicious. They're hunting escapees."
"Thank you for the warning," Fa replied politely. "We'll be leaving soon."
As the old man hobbled away, Arya whispered urgently, "We need to go. Now."
Kayla nodded toward the door. "Let's move."
They gathered their packs and slipped toward the back exit. Just then, heavy boots echoed from the village square—a squad of beastman soldiers marching in perfect unison, the clank of armor ringing through the air.
"Search every house!" the captain barked. "The fugitives may be hiding here!"
Fa's group ducked behind a stack of barrels by the rear door, hearts pounding. Salsa's cat frame melted into the shadows, eyes completely dark. A soldier paused near the barrels, sniffing. "I smell something odd…"
Fa held her breath, hand sliding to her dagger, earth magic gathering silently at her fingertips. But another soldier called, "Quit dawdling! Plenty more to check!"
Once the patrol moved on, the four slipped out of the village and into the wilderness.
Arya exhaled. "That was close."
Kayla adjusted her cloak, eyes hard. "We have to reach the second outpost. Beyond that lies the border. General Ironwall Balg is waiting for us."
Fa clapped her shoulder. "We'll make it. Together."
Lurking and Listening in the Mo Eclipse Mountains
Meanwhile, high on the waist of the Mo Eclipse range, TISK and Rex crouched behind a massive boulder, overlooking the sprawling dwarf encampment below. What had once been a quiet slope now thrummed with over twelve thousand dwarven soldiers. Armor glinted in the sun, mechanical constructs rumbled between tents, scanning every inch of ground. At the center stood three dwarf generals: Darkaxe Rok, Windstaff Amber (female), and Madhammer Stone.
TISK's knuckles whitened around his warhammer. "Twelve thousand… even bigger than when Rok led the dwarf army before." His gaze burned toward Rok. "That traitor. He's definitely here for Uncle Durin's body."
Rex's mechanical eye glowed faintly as he scanned the camp. "Data confirms the troop surge is due to Durin's death. The Steel Forge Alliance sent three generals to recover the body we buried. They believe we're the killers—especially since Rok and Gloom insist on it."
TISK bared his teeth. "They dare slander us? I'll smash Rok's head into iron paste!"
"Calm yourself," Rex said, raising a hand. "Charging in is suicide. Our mission is intelligence. We need to know where the other two generals stand." He activated his interface. "I'll plant listening devices on them with the nano-drones and find out if they're traitors like Rok."
TISK nodded, swallowing his rage. "Fine. I'll create a distraction."
He flicked his wrist; metal magic flowed into a pile of discarded armor nearby. The plates groaned, twisted, then collapsed with a thunderous crash that echoed through the valley. Soldiers shouted and rushed toward the noise.
In that moment, Rex released the nano-drones. Tiny as insects, they zipped silently toward the three generals and fused seamlessly with their armor decorations.
Back in hiding, TISK and Rex tuned into the audio feed, hearts racing.
First came Amber's voice, thick with emotion: "Durin was my childhood sweetheart. I refuse to believe he died so meaninglessly. There's no way those travelers could have beaten him. It doesn't make sense."
Stone's voice was cool and rational: "Evidence is insufficient. No body, and the eyewitness accounts are full of holes. We cannot take Rok's word alone."
Rok's tone was sharp and unyielding: "Those people are the murderers! They used trickery to kill Durin and hid the body. We cannot let them escape justice!"
Amber countered, "Durin never bullied the weak. Why would he attack random travelers? That's not who he was. I grew up with him—I know him best." Her voice softened with memory. "When we were children playing beside the forge, he always said he would protect the Alliance and the weak. He would never start a fight without reason."
Stone added, "Perhaps. But we must follow Alliance orders. Still, something feels off. We need more proof."
TISK whispered to Rex, "Amber doesn't believe we're guilty. She could be an ally."
Rex nodded. "Stone remains neutral but leans toward seeking truth. Rok is forcing his narrative."
Suddenly one drone emitted a faint buzz—malfunction. A dwarf soldier paused, frowning at Amber's armor. TISK reacted instantly, using metal magic to reshape the drone into an innocuous decoration. The soldier shrugged and moved on.
"Close," Rex murmured. "Rok is paranoid."
The listening continued. Amber's voice returned, soft and sorrowful: "Durin once told me that if he died, his body must return to the Steel Forge Alliance—he didn't want to be used by anyone… If those travelers really did it, why wouldn't they display the body to gloat?"
Stone rumbled, "Good question. Rok's story has too many holes. We should investigate ourselves instead of blindly believing him."
Rok snorted. "The body is hidden somewhere! Intensify the search—drag those murderers out!"
TISK and Rex exchanged looks. Amber's doubt and Stone's caution offered a ray of hope.
TISK whispered, "Amber was Durin's childhood sweetheart. She won't betray his beliefs. We have to contact her."
Rex agreed. "But carefully. Rok could discover the bugs any moment."
Resolve Outside the Village
Night fell. Fa's group camped several kilometers outside Stone Creek Village. In the distance, the lights of the second outpost flickered like watchful eyes. Around the crackling campfire they discussed what they had overheard.
Fa gazed into the flames. "The villagers are debating Kayla's 'death.' Some don't believe the official story. That works in our favor."
Kayla nodded, Thunderclaw glinting in the firelight. "General Mias's plan succeeded. But Gloom won't let it rest. We have to move faster."
Arya took Fa's hand gently. "We'll reach the border and find General Balg. He'll help us."
Salsa's mechanical cat purred softly; Salsa's voice emerged: "I'm detecting strong magical fluctuations at the outpost. We'll need to keep detouring."
Fa's starlit eyes flashed silver. "We leave at dawn. No stopping now."
Stalking Through the Mo Eclipse Mountains
At the same moment, TISK and Rex watched General Amber ride off alone on her mechanical war-bull. TISK whispered, "This is our chance."
Rex nodded. "Follow her. If we can convince her, we gain a powerful ally."
They trailed her cautiously, the fate of their mission hanging by a thread.
Morning mist once again draped the Mo Eclipse Mountains like fine gauze, carrying the damp scent of earth and the faint burnt odor of mana crystals from distant outposts. TISK and Rex moved silently through the forest, eyes fixed on General Amber riding ahead on her mechanical war-bull. She had left the dwarf camp alone, heading toward some hidden destination.
TISK gripped his warhammer, rough fingers tracing the runes on the handle. "This is our chance. We have to keep up."
Rex's mechanical eye glowed faintly blue, scanning terrain. "Map analysis shows this path leads deep into the vein. She's likely investigating Durin's death herself." A soft hum came from his arm as nano-drones deployed, circling silently overhead to provide real-time intel.
They kept a safe distance along the rugged mountain trail. Amber's war-bull moved steadily, iron hooves striking sparks from the stone. Suddenly she stopped, back to them, and spoke in a low voice: "Come out. I know you're there."
TISK's heart lurched; he nearly stepped out with hammer raised. Rex yanked him back. "Wait—there are others." His eye detected additional heat signatures in the trees.
Five figures emerged from the forest—cloaked in dark mantles, faces masked, moving with the silence of trained shadows. They approached Amber and spoke in unison: "Lady Amber."
TISK and Rex exchanged glances and stayed hidden behind a boulder, barely breathing.
Amber turned, eyes sharp. "Report."
One scout stepped forward. "We found signs of battle deep in the vein—ground torn by high-tier metal magic and dark energy collisions."
Another added, "We captured a slave witness, but his tongue had been cut out. We recovered fragments of shattered crystal cores from the scene."
A third whispered, "I tailed General Rok. He's been meeting a figure in black robes—identity unknown. Their talks involved crystal core smuggling."
The last two shook their heads. "No further leads. Other tunnels are sealed."
Amber's face darkened with grief. "Durin was my childhood sweetheart. I will not accept that he died for nothing. Keep digging—especially on Rok."
The five scouts vanished like smoke. Amber stood alone, memories flooding her.
She remembered seven-year-old Durin, hammer taller than himself, forging an iron rod in the back alley forge to protect her from bullies, turning with soot on his nose and a grin. At thirteen, sneaking into the Alliance branch with her, cracking open a hidden crystal core with his hammer, saying he'd make a weapon worthy of the future general. At twenty, carving "D&A" into an iron plate in the corner—Durin & Amber.
She murmured, "Durin… I won't let your death be in vain."
As she prepared to leave, TISK and Rex stepped out.
Amber spun, mistaking them for assassins. She charged TISK in a blur, iron staff spinning with wind magic, mana crystals humming. The tip stopped three centimeters from Rex's throat.
"Wait! We're not enemies! We're Durin's friends—he entrusted us before he died—" TISK shouted.
"Proof!" she snarled through gritted teeth. "No proof, and I send you to join him right now!"
TISK pulled Durin's badge from his chest and held it high. The furnace rune gleamed in the sunlight—Durin's personal token.
Amber froze, recognizing it instantly. She lowered her staff, voice trembling. "Who are you? Why do you have Durin's badge?"
TISK took a deep breath. "I'm TISK. This is Rex. We were Durin's friends. When he died, he gave us this badge. We know how he really died—and we can prove we're innocent."
Rex added coolly, "Rok and Fierce Claw's General Gloom are colluding with outsiders. They're the real masterminds. Durin died protecting us after uncovering their plot."
Amber's eyes widened, then narrowed. "Show me proof. Words alone won't sway me."
Rex produced a projection stone containing the mine battle and Durin's final words. He handed it over. "Durin's last message. See for yourself."
Amber activated it. Durin's weakened but resolute voice filled the air: "Amber… if I die, remember—it was Gloom and Rok who betrayed the Alliance. They're smuggling crystal cores with foreign powers, enslaving innocents. I traded my life for the truth. Expose them… please."
The projection ended. Amber's staff clanged to the ground. Tears finally spilled, but she steeled herself. "I believe you. Durin never lied. He was my dearest friend. I will get him justice." She looked at TISK and Rex with iron resolve. "Tell me everything."
TISK recounted the events in the Fierce Smelt City mines: Gloom's deal with the blood elves, Durin's sacrifice, their framing. Rex provided technical analysis—communication traces between Rok and Gloom, hidden passages in the vein.
Amber listened in silence, then spoke. "Rok has always envied Durin's position and reputation. I suspected something was wrong with him. I never imagined he'd betray the Alliance and collude with Gloom." She gripped her staff, eyes blazing. "I'll expose him myself—but we need ironclad evidence to convince the Alliance council."
Rex said calmly, "We're gathering more. If you help, we can infiltrate the deep vein together and secure proof of the smuggling."
Amber nodded. "Agreed. I'll assist you. Be careful—Rok is cunning."
TISK and Rex shared a relieved glance. They had gained an ally who would fight for the truth.
They arranged to meet again in three nights with fresh intelligence for a joint operation.
The Road to the Third Outpost
Meanwhile, after two more grueling days of travel, Fa, Arya, Salsa, and Kayla approached the third outpost. They had evaded Fierce Claw patrols along hidden trails. The village ahead was called Ironclaw Village—houses built of solid stone and iron frameworks, sturdy and grim. The square bustled with angry voices.
Fa signaled a halt. "Observe first. Don't rush in." Her starlit right eye flickered silver, sensing energy fluctuations.
Salsa's cat frame purred low; her soul projection flickered. "I detect a powerful presence—not a common villager."
As they prepared to skirt the village, raised voices reached them. In the square, villagers faced off against Fierce Claw soldiers led by a towering beastman wielding a massive battle-axe. His armor bore the imperial insignia and a distinctive bronze insignia on his shoulder.
"You dare defy military orders?" the officer roared. "This land is requisitioned. You have three days to leave!"
The villagers shouted back: "This is our home! Generations have lived here—what right do you have to drive us out?"
Kayla whispered, "That's Greataxe Mans—General Ironwall Balg's right hand. Loyal, but sometimes too brutal."
Fa frowned. "We can't let this escalate. It'll draw more attention."
Arya said softly, "Maybe we can resolve it with words instead of blades."
Salsa offered, "I could slip into Mans's tent and gather intel."
Fa shook her head. "Too risky. We might expose ourselves. Let's try talking to him directly."
They stepped forward. Fa spoke politely, "General Mans, we are passing travelers. We heard about the land dispute—perhaps we can help find a solution."
Mans turned, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Who are you? Why interfere in military affairs?" His hand tightened on his axe.
Fa smiled calmly. "We simply wish to prevent unnecessary conflict. Perhaps hear the villagers' concerns and find a compromise acceptable to both sides."
Mans sneered. "Villagers? Ignorant peasants who cannot comprehend imperial strategy. This land is vital to the border defense—it must be taken."
Fa replied evenly, "Yet they are citizens of the Fierce Claw Empire. Their well-being is also the Empire's responsibility. Perhaps construct facilities elsewhere, or offer fair compensation so they may relocate peacefully." Her voice carried quiet authority; her starlit eye glowed faintly, subtly easing his aggression.
Mans hesitated. He remembered General Balg's teachings about protecting the people. Kayla stepped forward and spoke gently, voice warm as spring wind: "General Mans, I once heard General Balg say, 'A soldier's duty is to protect the people, not oppress them.' Perhaps there is a better way."
The words struck home. Mans's stern expression softened. After a long pause he sighed. "Very well. I will report to General Balg and suspend the eviction for now. You are right—the Empire's honor should not be built on the suffering of its subjects."
The villagers cheered and thanked Fa's group. Mans withdrew with his troops, but not before giving Fa a long, measuring look. To his aide he muttered, "Those travelers are no ordinary wanderers. Note their descriptions—report to the general."
Fa's team breathed easier and continued on their way.
Kayla said gratefully, "Thank you, Fa. Without your wisdom, this could have become a bloodbath."
Fa smiled. "It's what we do. Our goal is peace and justice. No matter the obstacle, we keep going."
Arya squeezed her hand, eyes full of trust. "Always with you, Fa."
Salsa's cat frame purred happily.
Uncovering Truth in the Mo Eclipse Mountains
Deep in the Mo Eclipse range, TISK, Rex, and Amber worked together to expose Rok and Gloom's conspiracy. Amber deployed her scouts for more intelligence.
Over the following days they infiltrated the deep vein with her agents and found a hidden passage stacked with smuggled crystal cores, walls stained with the blood of enslaved miners, chains bearing dwarf runes.
TISK ran his metal magic over the chains. "These runes are Rok's work—undeniable."
Rex recorded everything with nano-drones. "This footage will stand in any court. We need to get it out fast."
Amber stood at the tunnel mouth, staring into the darkness. "Durin… I'll get you justice."
The spark of truth had been struck. Soon Rok's web of lies would burn.