In the dim, torch-lit war chamber of Zaros’s citadel, the air was tense with murmurs and glances exchanged by the ten remaining generals. The circular table before them bore maps, notes, and enchanted crystals, each one a representation of the forces at their disposal, the defenses they’d need to overcome, and the heart of their plan—a direct assault on the Sunborn Citadel.

At the head of the table sat one of Zaros’s most trusted generals, Kaelan, an experienced strategist and sorcerer, his calculating mind second only to Zaros himself. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table’s edge, eyes narrowing as he studied a map. The silence was broken by Gaius, a towering general whose blunt force had won countless battles in Zaros’s name.

“This ‘Sunscourge’ has crippled too many of us,” Gaius said, his voice low but edged with fury. “Yet, he leaves his own defenses exposed. The Citadel may be protected by Raelen’s magic, but he’s not there. He’s foolish enough to think he can be everywhere at once.”

Kaelan nodded slowly, not taking his eyes off the map. “Indeed. It’s no secret that he’s been expanding his reach. He has allies spread thin across territories he’s conquered. In his arrogance, he has left his heart vulnerable.”

Another general, a slender woman named Fara, known for her deadly command of poison and illusions, smirked and added, “The barriers surrounding the Citadel are layered, but nothing we haven’t seen before. With Raelen distracted, there may be enough time to break through. And when he returns to find his home in ruins, it will fracture the hope of his followers. We strike at the symbol, not just the stone.”

A collective murmur of agreement swept through the chamber. One by one, each general shared their observations about Raelen’s fortifications, carefully constructed with layers of defensive spells that would typically make any approach impossible. But if Raelen’s power was concentrated elsewhere—occupied by his lone crusade—there might be a gap they could exploit.

Kaelan raised his hand, commanding their attention once more. “The Sunborn Citadel is protected by more than his barriers alone. He has capable mages and warriors holding down his domain, the strongest among them his apprentice, the Abysswalker, Alyssa.” His tone hardened. “She will not be easy to defeat, but she has none of Raelen’s unpredictability. She is a known quantity, and we have enough strength to overwhelm her, assuming we break through the first two barriers quickly.”

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Fara’s eyes gleamed. “And we will. I’ve crafted a counter-spell designed to weaken his barriers temporarily. But we’ll need precise timing and synchronization to make it work. Once the outer layers of defense are weakened, Gaius and I will breach the main gate. Kaelan, you and your team will follow directly behind to disable their primary magic defenses.”

They each leaned in closer, going over the spells and tactics that would ensure the Sunborn Citadel’s defenses fell swiftly. They discussed layers of binding spells, meant to trap any straggling defenders, and the enchantments they’d placed on their own armor, to allow for some resistance against Raelen’s residual energy in the fortress.

Silence filled the room as they absorbed the details of their plan. Gaius glanced at Kaelan, his rough voice unusually solemn. “And if Raelen returns before we’re finished?”

Kaelan’s gaze was steely. “We do not run. We leave him no ground to return to. By the time he arrives, the Citadel will be in ashes, and his followers broken. If we hit him where he’s most vulnerable, he’ll see it as a personal failure, an insult he cannot ignore. That’s when we’ll strike him down. The key to his undoing is breaking his will.”

A murmur of approval ran through the room, a wicked satisfaction at the thought of finally bringing Raelen to his knees. They continued discussing precise roles in the operation—who would guard each breach point, who would ensure the Sunborn mages were neutralized, and who would lead the charge against the Citadel’s defenders.

Finally, Kaelan raised his hand to silence the generals once more. “Make no mistake, this is our only chance to catch him unawares. We strike fast, without hesitation. We may be walking into his domain, but with his attention elsewhere, we have the advantage.”

With the plan set, the generals rose, each readying themselves for the assault on Raelen’s home. The fires of their resolve burned, fueled by years of rivalry, grudges, and fear of their enemy’s growing strength. Their loyalty to Zaros ran deep, and for all of them, this was as much about reclaiming honor as it was about conquering the Citadel.

Kaelan watched them go, a twisted sense of satisfaction settling over him. He had crafted the plan meticulously, aiming for the most profound impact. As he gathered his notes and turned to leave, he whispered to himself, “Sunscourge or not, every light must face its own darkness.”

As they moved under cover of night, each general braced for the battle to come. By morning, they intended to make sure the name Raelen was once more shrouded in fear, and that the hope of the Sunborn would be extinguished.

Unaware of the peril approaching his home, Raelen remained engrossed in his ongoing campaign, his eyes on the horizon while the heart of his resistance lay vulnerable, under siege from an enemy that had learned his weaknesses all too well.