"I saw him." His voice, previously playful, now quivered with the intensity of a drawn bowstring.

"Are you certain?" The composed voice carried weighted skepticism. "Tell me, Stella, how do you discern enemy movements in such impenetrable darkness?"

"I catch their scent too," the younger voice added hastily. "That is... I mean I sense the presence of danger." He rushed to clarify before facing further questioning, though his explanation clearly failed to convince.

"Hmph, have it your way, you peculiar lot," the composed voice carried thinly veiled contempt. "To arms, Shadowgreen Knight!"

At the command, more than a dozen shadows materialized beneath the moonlight. Each mounted their steeds with practiced efficiency, checking their battle gear with methodical precision.

"Tell me, Lannord," Stella's voice carried a predatory edge as he addressed his companion, "which of us will claim more Southerner lives this night?"

"I take no pleasure in killing." The white mare with black speckles beneath Lannord shifted nervously at the mere mention of bloodshed. While gentling his mount, Lannord responded, his youthful voice carrying unexpected gravity, "Peace, Mo'er. Stay calm. And you, Stella, contain your bloodlust. This is our first true mission as squire knights. Your reckless enthusiasm could expose us all. Remember, neither of our houses sanctions our presence here."

"Damn their sanctions, Lannord," Stella stroked his mount's flank. "I've had my fill of playing war games in the training yard with those dullards. I hunger for real combat, yearn to paint my blade with enemy blood..."

"Enough!" Lannord's tone carried steel. "Have you forgotten your family's sacred words? I'll rein you in if I must. The Duke's trust shall not be betrayed."

"Oh?" Stella's laugh held no warmth. "And which Duke commands your loyalty?"

----------------------------------------

They advanced across exposed terrain. Taylor's mount swayed erratically, as if sensing unseen threats. "Damn it all, Little Cherry! Can't you hold steady?"

"She senses the unease," Karl reached over to stroke the black mare's mane. "We all feel it. This land stretches too vast, too empty, too silent."

"And that unnaturally full moon above us."

As they spoke, the forward cavalry halted. "All squad captains, assemble before the Commander!" the herald's voice rang out. "What's happening?" Taylor peered toward their squad captain, watching him join the other leaders. "Let's investigate," Karl urged his chestnut mare forward before Taylor could respond.

Knight Commander Eioch sat astride his gray gelding at the column's head, silver tack gleaming against the moonlight. His bearing radiated pride as he surveyed the gathered captains, commanding attention like the moon among stars.

"Hear me well," he began, his voice carrying authority. "We stand forty furlongs from the Dobby's southern bank. By the Duke's command, we cross tonight." He cleared his throat meaningfully. "Your counsel?"

First Squad Captain Riddel summoned a knight with a map. "Commander, our scouts drafted this three days past." He beckoned the torch closer. "Though crude, it shows bridges northwest and northeast for crossing."

"One western span, two eastern," Seventh Squad Captain Devalosfenger traced the parchment. "Yet we see no movement. I fear the Cynthians have abandoned their outskirts. The bridges may already lie in ruins."

Karl and Taylor arrived as he spoke. Eioch's eyes narrowed at their presence. "What's this? I count no dozen captains here."

The pair stood speechless, caught without excuse. "Commander, forgive the intrusion," Devalosfenger intervened. "They're knights of my squad. Fearing ambush at the assembly call, I ordered them to accompany me." His sidelong glance carried clear reproach, which both men felt keenly.

"Hmph. As long as they're no idle mouths to feed." Eioch studied them briefly. "Your point stands. Your strategy?"

Devalosfenger considered carefully. "Three reconnaissance units, while we advance slowly. If any bridge stands, we adjust course. If all lie broken, we force-march to cross tonight."

Murmurs rippled through the gathered captains. "No objection," Riddel spoke first. His lead emboldened the others, and soon eight more captains voiced agreement.

"Good. Then our fastest riders must—"

"Sir, a concern," Karl cut in. Eioch's face flushed with anger, but Taylor quickly added, "How do we swiftly confirm the bridges' status? Waiting for scouts' return wastes precious time."

"Fool!" Riddel snapped. "Have you forgotten the horns of Crivi? One blast tells all!" He looked around expectantly, but met only uncomfortable silence.

"What? Am I wrong?" he demanded.

"Regrettably so, Riddel," Devalosfenger replied. "A horn blast now would simply announce to Cynthia's defenders, 'Hello, you dolts! We're right here! Come and get us!'" His mockery drew laughter from all present. "The attack horns served at Crividsylvan, but this is different."

Riddel fell silent, chastened. Eioch, amused despite himself, let his anger fade. "Enough sport. Devalosfenger, having dismissed his plan, what's yours?"

"Azure Torches, Commander. Our scouts can use them. Any standing bridge will show blue flame. If none appear, we press on."

"Azure Torches..." Eioch frowned. "The witches' gifts, weren't they? Can we trust them? They won't backfire?"

"Commander," Devalosfenger spoke through the laughter, "Lady Lostia is Imperial Court Mage, a sorceress far beyond common witchcraft."

"I know well her respectability, in form and face both. If only her tongue weren't so sharp, more men might admire her. But she remains in Crivi. Can you manage these without her guidance?"

"It seems simple enough. Allow me to demonstrate." Devalosfenger called for an Azure Torch. Though similar to common torches, its craftsmanship showed exceptional refinement, its form more elegant. He held it up for inspection, its carved runes and butterfly emblem drawing attention. "No magical flame needed—the torch itself holds the enchantment." He touched it to a normal torch's flame.

Magic manifested before them. Azure flames erupted into the chill night, brilliant beyond measure. Sparks danced like ethereal butterflies through the air. Knights gasped in wonder, some reaching for the phantom lepidoptera. "Extinguish it!" Karl hissed urgently. Devalosfenger took a moment to comply. As the blue light died, the entranced knights slowly regained their senses.

"Magnificent!" Eioch breathed. "Like Lady Lostia herself—pale yet fierce in spirit! A lifetime with such beauty..."

"Would end in flames," Taylor cut in. "First exposure to magical fire often entrances viewers. We need safer methods, Commander."

No response came; all still stood captivated by memory of azure light.

"No swifter method exists, Karl," the captain studied his torch. "Users must avoid the flames' gaze and extinguish them quickly."

"Very well. Proceed," Eioch seemed to shake off the spell. "Select three ten-man units. I'll lead one myself to—"

"Inadvisable, Commander," Karl interrupted again.

"What?!" Eioch exploded. "You dare suggest I can't lead a simple reconnaissance?"

"Not at all, Commander," Karl held firm. "But those who've seen the Azure Flames risk deeper enchantment with second exposure. Better to send those yet untouched by their magic, or those proven resistant."

Eioch stood speechless, then shook his head with a long sigh.

"Curse those damned witches!"