The Eresca Valley lay between two towering mountain ranges, separating the outside world from a place of silence and solitude. Thick fog often hung low, enveloping the valley in a chilling gray atmosphere. Old trees with sturdy trunks and strong, spreading roots dominated the landscape, their leaves rustling in the cold wind.
Among the dense vegetation, owls glided silently, seemingly the only silent witnesses to all that was happening. They stood still, watching only as the injured wolves hid there, unmoved even when someone approached.
Marcus moved quickly and nimbly along a narrow path. His breath came out in visible puffs in the cold air. He seemed focused; his eyes sharp as he peered through the thick fog to find his target.
Exactly at a narrow gap between two large rocks. This was Marcus’ destination: the hiding place of the Nimbria warriors.
The hiding place was hidden from view, accessible only to those who knew the way. Its location was surrounded by sheer cliffs and dense foliage on all sides, almost like a natural fortress that was nearly impossible to penetrate.
Marcus slipped inside, blending into the darkness. The sound of his footsteps was muffled by the soft, damp earth. He found Ronan waiting for him.
With little time to spare, Marcus approached Ronan, ignoring the bleak state of the camp. The situation was truly bleak; not even a single campfire had been lit to keep them warm. This was to avoid taking any risks that might reveal their position to the Frostholm Pack. As a result, they treated their wounds with the biting cold that pierced through them.
“Ronan.” Marcus greeted briefly, skipping the pleasantries. His focus was solely on relaying Connor’s orders and planning the next attack. “We need to move quickly. Alpha wants a follow-up attack as soon as possible and we don’t have much time.”
Ronan pushed aside the black hair that reached down to his neck. His expression was serious. “I have considered that possibility,” he said in a heavy tone. “But our current situation is far from ideal. Many warriors are injured and their morale is low. Therefore, an attack under such conditions is highly risky.”
“I understand that, Ronan, but we have no other choice,” Marcus replied with uncertainty. On the one hand, he agreed with Ronan’s assessment, just as he thought. On the other hand, there was Connor’s absolute order that had to be followed. “Alpha wants a quick victory and will not accept any delays. We must use every remaining resource.”
This time Ronan did not argue. He, too, could anticipate Connor’s thoughts and wishes. Connor would not allow the momentum of the war to remain in favor of the Frostholm Pack for long.
Ronan stood and approached the rough map spread out on the floor. He pointed to the territory of the Frostholm Pack. “If we attack now, we must make a surprise attack. We can’t count on a frontal attack. The only way to even the odds is with a cunning strategy, an attack from several unexpected directions.”
Marcus listened intently, taking in Ronan’s explanation.
“I will divide the warriors into several groups. One group will draw their attention by pretending to launch a massive attack. Meanwhile, another group will maneuver around, encircling and targeting their weak points.”
Marcus furrowed his brow. “You mean you’ll use this group as bait?”
“Yes.”
Marcus was at a loss for words.
“It’s the only option we have. Besides, there have to be casualties, and war always demands casualties,” Ronan continued, exhaling deeply. Then he shook his head slightly, as if to signal to Marcus that there was no other way. “We must carry out the Alpha’s orders, no matter what.”
Reluctantly, Marcus agreed to Ronan’s strategy. It was indeed a difficult decision, but he remembered his earlier words: they had no other choice.
As soon as their discussion was over, Ronan gathered the warriors. He explained the current situation and the plan for the upcoming attack. The warriors understood and began to prepare immediately.
Ronan had very little time to prepare the warriors. They were racing against dwindling odds. The longer they delayed their attack, the more the momentum of the battle would shift in favor of the Frostholm Pack. They couldn’t afford to let the Frostholm Pack get overconfident. That might only increase their confidence.
Unfortunately, there was an unexpected disturbance in the hiding place. The previously orderly and busy atmosphere became tense. The warriors who were preparing stopped abruptly when they sensed something unusual. Their eyes exchanged glances, trying to figure out what was wrong.
Ronan, also sensing the change in atmosphere, immediately stopped his activities. He sniffed the air, trying to catch an unfamiliar scent. Then he caught it-the wind carried a strange smell, as if something or someone was approaching.
Marcus approached Ronan and asked in a low, cautious voice, “Do you sense it?”
Ronan nodded without speaking. He stared at the trees surrounding the camp, trying to pierce the thick darkness. All his senses were on edge, alert for any threat that might lurk in the shadows.
“Could it just be wild animals?” Marcus asked, though he wasn’t quite sure. His instincts were on high alert, signaling caution. “I don’t see anything.”
Ronan shook his head briefly. “No, it’s not wild animals.” He looked around again. “It looks like someone is watching us.”
Frankly, Marcus suspected the same thing Ronan had said. He went back to trying to identify the source of the oddity. But he found nothing.
On the other hand, Ronan didn’t want to take any chances. He immediately ordered the warriors to increase their vigilance, but another oddity appeared. Some of the warriors had disappeared. They vanished as if swallowed by the earth.
Ronan froze. Something flickered in his mind as a shadow moved quickly in the distance.
The atmosphere grew tense. A shadow followed by other shadows. The Nimbria warriors were cornered. Unknowingly, they were being herded into the center of the valley. At that moment, Ronan cursed himself. The Frostholm warriors had managed to surround them with no escape!
*