🔥 Chapter 34 — Planning the Ambush
Kael and Rhyne crouched atop a ridge overlooking the hidden camp of the King's eastern forces. The camp was modest in size, but strategically placed near the ruins of the destabilized hub. Small fires flickered between tents, and faint pulses of magic radiated from wards guarding the perimeter.
Rhyne whispered, "They're regrouping faster than I expected. If we attack directly, even with the hub destroyed, they'll overwhelm us."
Kael nodded, Ember coiling around his arms like a living shield. "Exactly. We don't have the numbers for a frontal assault. But we have the advantage of intelligence, stealth, and timing. If we strike where they're weakest, we can cripple them before reinforcements arrive."
Rhyne scanned the camp. "The western perimeter is lightly warded. A few soldiers are stationed there, but the bulk of their forces is distracted with repairs and realigning their magical network."
Kael's flames pulsed softly. "Good. That's our entry point. We move under cover of darkness, disable the perimeter wards, and create diversions. Once chaos spreads, we hit the main group with controlled force. Precision is key—one misstep, and the alarm spreads through the region."
Rhyne nodded, eyes sharp. "We'll need to split into two units. One for distraction, one to infiltrate and target their command center. And we must account for magical backlash—these are not ordinary soldiers."
Kael extended the Ember threads, letting them probe the wards and patrol routes. "The Ember will guide us past the defenses and amplify our attacks where necessary. We strike at the heart of their command, disrupt their coordination, and leave them disoriented. By dawn, the eastern forces will be fractured."
Rhyne's jaw tightened. "Then we execute with precision. No heroics, no risk. This is about strategy, not strength."
Kael's flames spiraled, Ember pulsing in agreement. "Exactly. This is the perfect opportunity to weaken the King's eastern forces. If we succeed, the momentum shifts entirely in our favor—but we must act swiftly, quietly, and decisively."
The wind carried the faint hum of the camp below, and Kael and Rhyne crouched in silence, preparing to descend into the shadows. The ambush was ready, and the King's forces were about to face a strike they wouldn't see coming.