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Chronicles of the Wolf
Chapter 42 - Blockade

Chapter 42 - Blockade

Alton's heart thrummed in his chest as he led the way through the winding tunnels, Amelia, Prian, and Thuklu close behind. The weight of command rested heavily on his shoulders, but he pushed forward, driven by a sense of duty and the need to protect his company.

As they drew closer to the blockade, Alton could feel the tension in the air, the anticipation of what they might find. He held up a hand, signaling the others to halt, and turned to Thuklu.

"What can we expect?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

Thuklu's expression was grave, his eyes narrowed. "Fiends, many of them," he said, his words clipped. "They will be aggressive, relentless. We must be cautious."

Alton nodded, his mind moving through likely scenarios. "Prian, take point," he said, turning to the young scout. "I want eyes on the situation, but stay out of sight. I will follow, ready to engage if necessary. Amelia, you and Thuklu bring up the rear, provide support as needed."

The others nodded, their faces set with determination. Alton took a deep breath, steadying himself, and then gestured for Prian to lead the way.

The scout moved with a fluid grace, his footsteps nearly silent as he crept forward. Alton followed close behind, his swords Fang and Fury gripped tightly in his hands. The tunnel grew narrower, the air thick with the stench of the fiends.

Suddenly, Prian held up a hand, signaling them to halt. Alton moved to his side, peering around the corner. His eyes widened at the sight that greeted him.

The tunnel was blocked by a writhing mass of fiends, their chitinous bodies gleaming in the dim light. They swarmed and screeched, their claws and fangs tearing at the walls and each other in a frenzied display of violence.

Alton felt a chill run down his spine. He turned to Miser, his expression grim.

"Can we get around them?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"The tunnel narrow," he said. "Be overwhelmed before reach the other side." Thuklu whispered beside him.

Alton cursed under his breath, his mind racing. He turned to Thuklu, his eyes searching the Thoiri's face.

"Is there no other way?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

Thuklu's expression was pensive, his gaze fixed on the fiends. "There is path," he said, his voice low and rumbling. "But is dangerous, treacherous. Not for the weak."

Alton felt a surge of hope. "Show me," he said, his voice firm.

Thuklu nodded, turning to lead the way. Alton followed close behind, his swords ready, his senses on high alert.

The path was narrow and winding, the walls of the tunnel pressing in on them from all sides. Alton could feel the tension in the air, the sense of foreboding that hung over them like a shroud.

Suddenly, a high-pitched screech echoed through the tunnel, and Alton felt his heart leap into his throat. He whirled around, his swords raised, but there was nothing to be seen.

"Keep moving," Thuklu growled, his voice low and urgent.

Alton hesitated for a moment, his instincts screaming at him to turn back. But he knew that they had no choice but to press forward. With a deep breath, he followed Thuklu, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger.

The tunnel grew darker, the air colder and more oppressive. Alton could feel the weight of the earth pressing down on them, the sense of being trapped and surrounded by unseen enemies.

Suddenly, Thuklu held up a hand, signaling them to halt. Alton tensed, his swords at the ready, but the Thoiri simply gestured ahead.

"There," he said, his voice barely audible.

Alton peered into the gloom, his eyes straining to make out the shape in the distance. As it drew closer, he felt a chill run down his spine.

It was a massive, hulking creature, its body covered in thick, leathery scales. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and its jaws were lined with row upon row of razor-sharp teeth.

"They already have this way blocked as well," Alton muttered. He turned back to his scouting team, "we move back to the company. If its a fight they want, its a fight they get."

* * *

Alton's mind spun as he considered their options. They were back in the cavern while the company rested from afternoon drills. The fiend blockade posed a significant threat, and he knew they couldn't simply charge through it. He turned to Thuklu, his brow furrowed in thought.

"This cavern we've been using as a camp," he said, his voice low and measured. "Can it be used to our advantage?"

Thuklu's expression was grave, but there was a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. "Large, many hiding places," he rumbled. "We draw the fiends in, then the trap."

Alton nodded, his gaze shifting to the rest of his team. "Amelia, Miser, Prian," he said, his voice steady. "I need you to scout the cavern, find the best spots to set the trap. Jonah, I want you to work with Letty, see what kind of mana-based defenses we can set up."

The team sprang into action, each member taking on their assigned task with a sense of purpose. Alton watched them go, his mind already whirring with the details of the plan.

As the others set to work, Alton made his way back to the rest of the company, his thoughts consumed by the task at hand. He knew that the fiend blockade was a formidable obstacle, and he couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

"The cavern is perfect," Amelia said, her voice low and urgent, returning from her task. "We've found several good spots to set the trap."

Alton nodded, his mind already whirring with the details of the plan.

* * *

Alton's gaze swept over the bustling activity in the cavern. He watched as his team worked tirelessly, each member playing a vital role in preparing their makeshift kill box. With the number of fiends they were expecting, it had to be perfect.

Amelia and Prian directed the clearing of a large section of rubble in the center of the cavern and piling it near the tunnel entrance, creating a funnel that would limit the number of fiends that could pour in at once. Miser and Nelson, their muscles bulging, heaved boulders into position, forming a series of natural shields and cover for the archers.

They identified and laid out re-supply stations for the archers and weapons for the melee fighters. A small field hospital was set up in the rear of the cavern for Lews and the wounded. In his manasight he saw dozens of powerful glows as everyone cycled to fill their reservoirs and cores.

Alton's eyes narrowed as he observed their work, mentally mapping out the flow of the battle to come. He knew that even the slightest misstep could spell disaster, and he was determined to ensure that every contingency was accounted for.

As the preparations neared completion, Alton gathered his team, his voice low and steady. "Alright, listen up. We're going to run through a mock battle, and I want to see every one of you at your best. Jonah, Letty, I need you to coordinate the mana-based defenses. Miser, Nelson, you're our front line. Amelia, Prian, I want you to focus on mobility and flanking maneuvers."

The team nodded, their faces set with determination, and Alton felt a surge of pride in his chest. These were his people, his family, and he would do whatever it took to ensure their survival.

At Alton's signal, the Thoiri warriors began to flood into the cavern, their weapons raised and their battle cries echoing off the walls. Alton watched intently, his eyes narrowed as he studied the flow of the battle, noting the areas where their plan needed refinement.

As the mock battle raged on, Alton saw the weaknesses in their defenses. The boulders, while providing cover, also created bottlenecks that the fiends could exploit. The archers, while effective, were too spread out to provide coordinated support.

Alton's mind raced, and he quickly gathered his team for a huddle. "Alright, listen up," he said, his voice urgent. "We need to make some adjustments. Miser, Nelson, I want you to tighten up the formation, use the boulders to funnel the fiends into a kill zone. Amelia, Prian, I need you to focus on coordinating the archers, make sure they're targeting the same threats."

The team nodded, their faces set with renewed determination, and Alton knew that they were ready. He turned to Jonah and Letty, his expression serious.

Alton watched as his team sprang into action, each member focused on their assigned task. He felt a sense of pride swell in his chest, knowing that he had assembled a truly formidable group of warriors.

As the mock battle resumed, Alton could see the improvements in their defenses. The boulders now formed a more effective funnel, with Miser and Nelson anchoring the front line. Amelia and Prian had coordinated the archers, their arrows raining down on the fiends with deadly precision.

Alton watched, his eyes narrowed, as the battle played out. He could see the weaknesses in their plan, the areas where they needed to improve, but he was confident that they were ready.

As the mock battle drew to a close, Alton gathered his team, his expression serious. "Alright, listen up. I know we've got a tough fight ahead of us, but I believe in each and every one of you. We're going to show these fiends what Wolf Company is made of."

The team cheered, their voices echoing off the cavern walls, and Alton felt a surge of pride. These were his people, his family, and he would do whatever it took to ensure their survival.

* * *

Prian moved with practiced grace, his footsteps light and measured as he led the way through the winding tunnel. The rocky floor beneath his boots offered little purchase, but half a year of scouting had honed his balance and agility. He could feel the weight of Alton's gaze on his back, a silent testament to the trust the captain had placed in him.

As they neared the outcropping, Prian's senses heightened. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur and the distant rumble of the fiends' movements. Raising a gloved hand, he signaled the others to halt, his green eyes narrowing as he peered over the edge.

The fiends were a formidable sight, their hulking forms lumbering across the tunnel floor. Prian's mind raced, cataloging their numbers and positions, searching for the weak points in their defenses. He knew they had to act quickly and decisively if they were to have any chance of breaking through the blockade.

Turning, Prian met Alton's gaze, his expression grim but resolute. "There are at least two hundred fiends," he murmured, his voice low and steady. "They're spread out but controlled. I see half a dozen scythantis with a hundred mantis fiends. Another hundred of the carrion stalkers Thuklu warned us of."

Prian started to continue but paused as if lost in thought.

"Speak." Alton ordered in a low voice.

"How are they controlling them? Keeping them from fighting? An army of this size should be in chaos!" Prian whispered harshly in the near-silent tunnel.

"The great fiends are able to influence them somehow. The Thoiri speak of Ulgarath and her minions the same way we do generals and captains. Do not assume these for mindless fiends unless you want to meet your end early." Alton said.

Prian gulped. "Yes, sir."

Alton nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "What's your plan?"

Prian took a deep breath, his mind already racing with the details of the assault. "I'll take half of us and flank them from the left. We'll hit them hard and draw their attention. Once they're engaged, we will flee back up the tunnel. You hold the rest in reserve to guard our backs and give us a way out.

The captain considered the proposal, his eyes narrowing as he weighed the risks and the potential rewards. "It's a risky move, but it could work. Who do you want on your team?"

Prian glanced over his shoulder, his gaze sweeping over the members of Wolf Company. "Letty, Elda, and Cessa," he said without hesitation. "Their speed and agility will be crucial for this mission."

Alton nodded, his lips quirking in a faint smile. "I'll keep the rest of us in reserve, ready to reinforce you if needed. Be careful out there, Prian."

Stolen novel; please report.

"Always," Prian replied, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. With a final nod, he turned and made his way back to the others, his mind already focused on the task at hand.

As he approached the trio of scouts, Prian could see the familiar gleam of determination in their eyes. "Letty, Elda, Cessa," he said, his voice low and urgent. "We've got a job to do. We are going to sneak down and hit the blockade from the left. Once they engage, Captain is going to make sure we have a way back out. We retreat at first contact."

Letty's eyes widened, a faint spark of excitement flickering in their depths. "Another suicidal mission, huh?" she murmured, a grin spreading across her face. "Sounds like my kind of party."

Elda nodded, her expression calm and focused. "We're with you, Prian. Just say the word."

Cessa, the ever-silent tracker, simply inclined her head, her eyes narrowed with determination.

Prian felt a surge of pride and gratitude for his team. "All right, let's move out. Stay low, stay quiet, and be ready to strike on my signal."

With a final nod to the captain, Prian left with his team. He said a small prayer to the Mad God before pulling his helmet on and focusing on the mission. The tunnel opened to a series of columnar rock formations that easily hid their movement.

It only took a few moments for them to reach the cavern floor and be on the level with the fiends. Prian held up his hand with his fist open and readied his bow. He put an arrow to the bowstring and pulled it taught, mimicked by his team. On the count of five he let the arrow release and it sung as it sliced through the air and buried itself in the throat of a carrion stalker. Four arrows followed it and buried themselves in different targets.

All was silent for a split second before a cacophonous roar erupted from the assembled fiends. They charged in all directions, chaos ensued. Prian was starting to doubt the effectiveness of his plan. He stood and started screaming at the horde to get their attention and briefly regretted it when it worked.

"Here they come…" Was all he had time to say before drawing his sword and preparing to engage.

* * *

Alton watched with bated breath as the fiends advanced on Prian's position. The scout had lured them in expertly, drawing the hulking creatures near their position on the left side of the cavern. The entire host was moving in that direction, nearly two hundred fiends in synchrony.

Prian's voice rang out, signaling the retreat. Alton's heart raced as he saw his comrades scrambling back up the slope, the fiends in pursuit. Without hesitation, he ordered his archers to unleash a volley of mana-infused arrows, raining down upon the fiends and providing cover for the retreating squad.

Alton positioned himself in the middle of the ramp, planting his feet and readying himself as the bulwark his comrades could flee to. With a grin, he pulled both of his swords, Fang and Fury, free from their sheaths. Channeling his mana, he infused the blades, feeling the familiar power coursing through them.

The fiends charged forward, their massive frames shaking the ground with each step. Alton braced himself, his muscles tensing as he prepared to meet their onslaught. He could see the hatred burning in their eyes, their primal instincts driving them to destroy anything in their path.

As the first fiend reached him, Alton unleashed a flurry of strikes, his swords moving with a speed and precision honed by years of training and battle. The creature roared in pain as Fang and Fury bit deep into its flesh, sparks of mana flashing with each impact.

Alton's focus narrowed, his world shrinking to the space immediately around him. He parried blows, ducked under swinging claws, and delivered devastating counterattacks, his dual-wielding technique allowing him to overwhelm the fiends' relentless assault.

Amidst the chaos, Alton could hear the sounds of his comrades scrambling to safety, their footsteps pounding against the rocky terrain. He gritted his teeth, determined to hold the line and give them the time they needed to regroup and prepare for the next phase of the plan.

The fiends pressed in, their sheer numbers and size making it increasingly difficult for Alton to maintain his position. He could feel the strain in his muscles, the fatigue beginning to set in. But he refused to falter, channeling his mana and drawing upon the power of the Wolf of Winter to fuel his attacks.

Alton's swords became a blur, slicing through the fiends' thick hides with each strike. The air crackled with the energy of their mana-infused clash, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. He knew that his comrades were counting on him, and he would not let them down.

With a renewed determination, Alton redoubled his efforts, his swords singing through the air as he unleashed a devastating assault upon the fiends. He was the wolf, the apex predator, and these creatures were no match for his ferocity.

"Captain! Time to go!" He heard Prian shout. With a last spin, he beheaded two carrion stalkers and then sprinted back to join his team. They ran the entire way back to the cavern as if the Mad God himself pursued them. The fiends scrambled after them in a rage born of primal insult.

* * *

Amelia paced back and forth, her frustration mounting with each step. Every time Wolf Company was whole and healthy, the captain split off again, leaving them to hold the line. She swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing herself to trust Alton's judgment. He was doing what he believed was best, and she couldn't afford to second-guess him, not now.

A Thoiri scout came sprinting back, eyes wild with urgency. "They're coming! The fiends are pursuing!"

Amelia's heart raced as she watched the advance team burst through the gap, Alton and Prian in the lead. Carrion stalkers, their emaciated forms loping with unnatural speed, surged after them, jaws gaping. The trap had been sprung.

She turned towards Miser and Nelson, her voice commanding. "Shields up! Pin them in!"

The two burly soldiers braced themselves, their tower shields forming an impenetrable barrier at the tunnel entrance. Only two or three carrion stalkers could fit through at a time, and Amelia knew they wouldn't let them pass.

"Archers, ready your bows!" she shouted, her gaze sweeping across the rest of the company. Letty and the others nocked their arrows, their expressions focused and determined.

Amelia watched as Miser and Nelson thrust their spears through the gaps in their shields, impaling the first carrion stalker that tried to force its way through. The creature let out a guttural snarl, thrashing and clawing, but it couldn't break past the solid wall of drake scale armor and steel.

The archers unleashed a volley of arrows, each one finding its mark. The carrion stalkers faltered, their movements growing erratic as the barrage continued. Amelia's heart pounded in her chest, adrenaline coursing through her veins. They couldn't afford to let a single one of those creatures through.

She caught a glimpse of Alton and Prian, their weapons flashing as they fought to hold the line. Amelia knew they were counting on her and the others to do their part, to keep the fiends at bay. She wouldn't let them down.

Gripping the hilt of her sword, Amelia moved closer to the tunnel entrance, ready to lend her own blade to the defense. She could feel the tension in the air, the collective focus of Wolf Company as they worked in perfect synchronization.

The carrion stalkers continued their relentless assault, their claws scraping against the shields, their jaws snapping. Amelia watched as Miser and Nelson weathered the onslaught, their expressions grim but unwavering.

"Hold the line!" she shouted, her voice ringing out with authority. "Don't let a single one of those beasts through!"

The archers fired again, their arrows finding their marks with deadly precision. One by one, the carrion stalkers fell, their lifeless bodies crumpling to the ground. Amelia felt a surge of pride, knowing that her team was holding strong, that they were a force to be reckoned with.

Amelia's breath came in ragged gasps as she watched the massive Scythantis break through the rubble. Time seemed to slow as the monstrous creature charged towards Nelson, its razor-sharp scythes gleaming in the dim light.

She saw the terror in Nelson's eyes as the Scythantis descended upon him, knocking him to the ground. Amelia's heart raced, adrenaline coursing through her veins. She couldn't let him fall, not like this.

Tightening her grip on her sword, Amelia surged forward, her mana flowing through her like a raging river. The world around her seemed to slow, her senses heightened as she zeroed in on the Scythantis. She could feel the power coursing through her, a primal energy that begged to be unleashed.

Amelia let out a guttural roar as she brought her sword down, the blade biting deep into the Scythantis' carapace. The creature let out a deafening screech, its scythes lashing out in a desperate attempt to strike her. But Amelia was too fast, her movements a blur as she danced around the creature's attacks.

She could feel the icy tingle of Alton's Wolf of Winter aspect coursing through her, amplifying her strength and speed to incredible levels. Amelia was a living weapon, her sword a deadly extension of her own body as she hacked and slashed at the Scythantis.

The creature's movements grew erratic, its scythes flailing wildly as Amelia relentlessly pounded it with blow after blow. She could see the fear in its eyes, the realization that it was outmatched.

With a final, agonizing screech, the Scythantis collapsed to the ground, its massive body crumpling in a heap. Amelia stood over it, her chest heaving, her sword dripping with black ichor.

She spared a glance towards Nelson, relief washing over her as she saw him struggling to his feet. The carrion stalkers and mantis fiends were surging through the breach, their bloodcurdling cries echoing through the cavern.

Amelia knew they couldn't afford to let their guard down. Gripping her sword tightly, she turned towards the oncoming horde, her mana surging once more. She would not let these beasts pass, not while she still drew breath.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the Thoiri joining the battle right on cue, their mana-infused weapons glowing with a fierce light. Thuklu, the Thoiri scout, led the charge, his spear cleaving through the fiends with ease.

Amelia felt a surge of hope as she saw the Thoiri warriors joining the fray, their battle cries echoing through the cavern. With their combined might, they were pushing the fiends back, slowly but surely.

She caught a glimpse of Alton, his dual blades Fang and Fury flashing as he fought alongside his solders. His movements were a blur, his mana-infused strikes tearing through the fiends with devastating force.

Amelia felt a sense of pride and determination, knowing that she was a part of this elite company, this band of warriors who refused to be broken. They were the bulwark against the darkness, the shield that stood between Agorra and the invading horde.

The carrion stalkers and mantis fiends continued to pour through the breach, their numbers seemingly endless. But Amelia and her company held the line, their weapons and mana-infused abilities carving a path through the chaos.

Amelia lost herself in the rhythm of combat, her sword an extension of her own body as she struck down one fiend after another. She could feel the power of the Wolf of Winter coursing through her, lending her strength and speed that bordered on the superhuman.

As she fought, Amelia caught glimpses of her friends. Miser pulling Nelson up, their tower shields a formidable barrier against the fiends. Prian, his bow and arrow finding their mark with unerring accuracy. Letty and Jonah, mana blasts searing through the horde.

Amelia's lungs burned as the last of the fiends fell, their screeches fading into an eerie silence. She stood, chest heaving, her sword dripping with dark ichor. The adrenaline slowly ebbed, and she felt the weight of the battle settling upon her.

Scanning the cavern, Amelia's heart sank as she saw the fallen bodies around her. Lews was already at work, his hands moving with frantic purpose as he tended to the wounded. Amelia rushed to his side, her training kicking in.

"How can I help?" she asked, her voice tight with concern.

Lews looked up, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and determination. "I need bandages, salves, anything you can find. We have to stop the bleeding."

Amelia nodded and set to work, her fingers deftly wrapping wounds and applying soothing ointments. She moved from one soldier to the next, her mind focused on the task at hand, pushing aside the ache in her own limbs.

As she worked, Amelia caught sight of Nelson, his armor dented and his face etched with exhaustion. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they simply stared at each other, the weight of their shared experience hanging in the air.

Amelia felt the tension in her shoulders ease slightly as Nelson moved closer, his presence a comforting reminder that they had survived. Without a word, she leaned against him, her body seeking the support it so desperately needed.

Nelson hesitated for a moment, as if unsure of how to respond. But then, slowly, he reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch gentle and reassuring.

Amelia allowed herself to bask in the warmth of his presence, the adrenaline finally beginning to subside. She knew they should be tending to the wounded, but in that moment, she needed this small respite, this chance to catch her breath and remember that she was not alone.

The sound of Lews' voice broke the silence, and Amelia reluctantly pulled away, her focus once again drawn to the task at hand. She and Nelson worked side by side, their movements in sync as they applied bandages and salves to the injured soldiers.

Amelia's heart ached as she tended to each of her men, her mind replaying the harrowing battle. She had seen the fear in their eyes, the sheer desperation as they fought to hold the line. And yet, they had prevailed, their unity and determination proving stronger than the fiends that had threatened to overwhelm them.

As the last of the wounded were seen to, Amelia allowed herself a moment to survey the carnage. The bodies of the fallen fiends littered the ground, a testament to the ferocity of the battle. But amid the chaos, she saw the resilience of her company, the unwavering spirit that had carried them through.

Amelia opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, a sudden commotion drew her attention. She turned to see Alton striding towards them, his expression grim but determined.

"Gather your strength, my friends," he said, his voice carrying a weight that belied his years. "The fight is far from over."

Amelia felt a surge of apprehension, but she knew that Alton was right. The war was far from won, and they had much more to do before they could rest.

Squaring her shoulders, Amelia turned to Nelson, her eyes reflecting the same resolve that burned within her captain. They had faced the darkness, and they had emerged victorious. And they would do so again, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

* * *

Lews slumped against the cool cavern wall, his body aching with mana exhaustion. He had given everything he had, weaving between the chaos of battle to reach the wounded and pull them to safety. His fingers were caked with dried blood and viscera, a testament to the intensity of the fight.

As he sat there, trying to catch his breath, Letty approached and slid down the wall to join him. Lews glanced over at her, his eyes weary but grateful.

"You were amazing out there, Lews," Letty said, her voice soft and sincere. "You saved so many of us. We wouldn't have made it without you."

Lews swallowed hard, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. "I just...I had to do something. I couldn't just stand by and watch."

Letty nodded, understanding in her eyes. "I know. And we're all grateful for it." She paused, her gaze drifting to the pile of fallen fiends near the far wall. "It was a hell of a fight, but we held our ground."

Lews followed her gaze, his heart still racing. "We did," he murmured, a hint of pride in his voice.

Letty reached out and squeezed his hand, her touch gentle and reassuring. "We lost four of the Thoiri," she said, her voice heavy with sorrow. "But it could have been so much worse. You made sure of that."

Lews felt a lump in his throat, the weight of those lost lives pressing down on him. He had done his best, but it never felt like enough. "I just...I wish I could have saved them all."

"I know," Letty said, her own eyes shining with unshed tears. "But you did what you could. And that's what matters."

They sat in silence for a moment, the sounds of the company's activity filling the air around them. Lews could see Amelia directing the others, her face set with determination. Alton was conferring with Jonah, their brows furrowed in deep thought.

Lews felt a sudden surge of admiration for his captain and his comrades. They had all fought so hard, putting their lives on the line to defend their home. And despite the losses, they had emerged victorious. Lews felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Jonah standing beside him, a weary but proud smile on his face.

"You did well, Lews," the old priest said, his voice low. "We couldn't have done it without you."

Lews felt a lump in his throat, and he nodded, unable to find the words to express his gratitude. Jonah gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze before moving on to join Alton.

Lews turned to Letty, his eyes shining with a newfound determination. "We're not done yet, are we?"

Letty shook her head, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Not by a long shot. But we'll face it together, Lews. All of us."

Lews nodded, his resolve strengthening. He may have been exhausted, both physically and emotionally, but he knew that he couldn't afford to rest. The battle was far from over, and he would do whatever it took to protect his comrades and his home.

* * *

Prayer by Prian during his mission.

Oh Mad God, whose fury knows no bounds,

Lend your cunning to our scouts on their rounds.

In shadows deep, where danger resides,

Grant them stealth, let them be unseen guides.

With eyes keen and senses sharp as a blade,

May they navigate the unknown, unafraid.

Through treacherous paths and hidden trails,

Protect them from harm, as their courage prevails.

Like the wolf, swift and silent in the night,

Grant them speed and agility in their fight.

May their arrows fly true, their aim never miss,

As they scout ahead, bringing us back from the abyss.

Oh Mad God, whose chaos guides our way,

Keep our scouts safe in combat, we pray.

In your unpredictable embrace, we find our might,

Grant them victory, and bring them back to the light.