The first light of dawn broke over the Valley of Stones, casting a golden hue over the rocky terrain. Alaric awoke to the sound of whispers and the rustle of movement. He sat up quickly, his heart racing as he remembered the battle ahead.

“Rise and shine, everyone!” Brogan called out, his voice full of energy. “Today is the day we fight back!”

Alaric joined his friends by the campfire, where breakfast was being prepared. The air was filled with the smell of bread and fresh fruit, but it did little to soothe his nerves. They ate quickly, knowing they needed to be at their best.

After breakfast, Alaric gathered everyone around the makeshift map laid out on a flat rock. “Listen up,” he said, trying to project confidence. “Today, we will stand firm against the mercenaries. We have set our traps and prepared our defenses. Remember the training you’ve done, and trust in each other.”

People nodded, their faces marked with determination, though some also showed signs of fear. “Stick to the plan,” Liraeled said, her voice steady as she pointed to their positions on the map. “If we see them approaching, we must stay calm and work together. We’ve got this.”

As the sun climbed higher, the group began to take their places along the valley. They positioned archers on the higher ground, where they could see the paths, while others set barricades made of wood and stones. Alaric felt a surge of pride watching them work as a team.

The atmosphere grew tense as they awaited the mercenaries’ arrival. Alaric kept his eyes fixed on the path that led into the valley. The minutes felt like hours. “Are you ready?” he whispered to Mira, who sat beside him with her bow ready.

“More than ready,” she replied, a fierce glint in her eyes. “Let’s show them they messed with the wrong people.”

Suddenly, a low rumble echoed through the valley. Alaric’s heart skipped a beat. “They’re coming!” he shouted, urgency in his voice.

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The mercenaries appeared on the path, moving like dark shadows against the bright landscape. Alaric’s stomach churned as he estimated their numbers; they seemed to come in waves, a relentless tide of aggression.

“Positions!” Alaric called out, and everyone quickly took their places. He could feel the heat of adrenaline coursing through him.

As the first group of mercenaries entered the valley, Liraeled signaled for the archers to release their arrows. Dozens of arrows flew through the air, finding their marks. Some of the mercenaries fell, but many continued, fierce and determined.

Alaric watched as more mercenaries charged forward. “Hold the line!” he shouted, knowing they needed to protect each other.

The clash of metal rang in the air as the two sides collided. Alaric joined the fray, feeling the weight of his sword in his hand. He fought beside Brogan, both of them moving as one unit, covering each other’s backs.

Mira was in the thick of it, shooting arrows with precision, picking off mercenaries one by one. Alaric could see the fire in her eyes, and he felt inspired by her bravery. They were fighting not just for themselves but for everyone they cared about.

As the battle raged on, Alaric heard a loud roar coming from the back of the mercenary line. A massive man, taller and broader than any he had ever seen, charged forward with a cruel smile. “You think you can defeat us? You’re fools!” he bellowed.

“He must be their leader,” Liraeled said grimly as she took aim at him from her position. “If we take him down, it might demoralize the rest of them.”

Alaric realized they had to act fast. “Everyone! Focus on the leader!” he called, rallying the fighters. “Let’s show them who they are dealing with!”

With everyone’s attention on the giant, the archers fired again, and Alaric pushed forward, using all his strength and skill. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, and the noise of battle surrounded him like a storm.

As he fought, Alaric’s eyes never left the mercenary leader. He was a monster of a man, swinging his sword as if it were a stick, knocking soldiers aside. But Alaric was determined. He would not let fear take hold.

When they finally got close enough, Alaric and Brogan charged the leader together. Brogan yelled a war cry as he rushed in first, distracting the giant. That was Alaric’s chance. He darted in from the side, his sword aimed for the leader’s legs.

But the mercenary leader swung his sword around, and Alaric barely managed to duck in time. The blade cut through the air above him, and he rolled to the side, quickly getting back on his feet. “We can’t hesitate!” Alaric shouted to Brogan, and they moved in again.

Alaric’s heart raced as he struck with all he had. They needed