Horizon before dawn

Moving all we had and tending to the few injured from last night's raid was a slow, painstaking process, but we managed. The supplies we had seized would be vital for the long journey ahead. Hollow Fort, situated far in the north, would be our destination, a place so remote that the Carja had long abandoned it. They never ventured there, for there were no slaves to be taken, no settlements to conquer. It was the perfect location to build a permanent base, hidden away from their prying eyes.

The journey would be arduous, but the isolation of Hollow Fort promised safety, and in this harsh world, safety was a luxury we couldn't afford to pass up. We had no choice but to press on, knowing that every step brought us closer to a place where we could finally breathe and build.

The place would undoubtedly be crawling with bandits, that much was certain. We'd have to fight for every inch of it, but bandits were no match for my two squads of highly trained killers. We'd been through worse, these outlaws wouldn't stand a chance against the precision and discipline we brought to every battle. As dawn broke, we moved swiftly and decisively. With grim determination, we packed up everything we could carry. The long journey north had begun, and we were resolved to take Hollow Fort, no matter what it took. 

The journey was not without its endless troubles each day, the terrain grew harsher, the weather more unforgiving. The once manageable supplies began to dwindle rapidly as we pushed forward and our rations were barely enough to keep us on our feet, there were days when the only thing that kept us moving was the distant thought of Hollow Fort, the belief that it was our only hope of survival.

The path itself was treacherous, winding through dense forests, over jagged rocks, and across wide, fast moving rivers. More than once, we were forced to navigate narrow cliffsides where a single misstep would send us plummeting to certain death. Our feet ached from the constant travel, and our bodies, covered in cuts and bruises, seemed to grow heavier with every step. The injured from the raid slowed us down, but we kept them moving as best we could.

Nights were the hardest. The cold was relentless, seeping into our bones, and we were often forced to huddle around dying fires, barely able to sleep. The ever-present threat of Carja, bandits and machines kept us on edge, forcing us to set up watches through the night. Trust in each other was all that kept the fear at bay.

"Another night, another cold one." Rhea muttered as she stoked the fire, her breath visible in the freezing air. "You think we'll ever get there?"

"We'll get there," I replied, staring into the flames. "Hollow Fort's waiting for us. It has to be."

Rhea was one of those rare individuals who seemed to thrive under pressure. Even in the direst of situations, she never lost her composure her past was a mystery to most of us. She rarely spoke of where she came from, but her skills were undeniable.

"There better be a damn bed when we get there," Kael joked, his voice hoarse from the long days. "If not, I'm stealing the first bandit's blanket I see." Kael sense of humor, even in the darkest moments, was infectious. He could lighten the mood with a well-timed joke, or an offhand remark about stealing blankets from bandits, when everyone else was exhausted and near defeat his ability to make us laugh during the hardest nights was invaluable.

"One day, when we're all sitting pretty in Hollow Fort, we'll laugh about this," he'd say, always with a grin, even when we could barely keep our eyes open.

But Kael was more than just comic relief. Beneath the easygoing exterior was a fierce loyalty to the group and a deadly skill in combat. He was the first to jump into action when the situation called for it, and his sharp eyes could spot an ambush from miles away. Though he liked to joke around, he never hesitated to do what was necessary, even if it meant putting himself in harm's way.

"We'll make do." I said, forcing a smile.

There were moments of desperation, when some began to question me if Hollow Fort was worth the cost. But each time doubt crept in, the thought of the Carja pursuing us, of their merciless slaving raids, drove us onward. We couldn't turn back, not now, not when we were so close. We were more than just survivors now, we were fighters, determined to carve out a future in this unforgiving land.

Finally, after days of hardship, hunger, and near exhaustion, we saw the fort in the distance. It was more magnificent and imposing than we had imagined, but also a reminder of the battle we still had to fight. Our weary bodies, though spent, surged with renewed purpose. Hollow Fort was within reach, and with it, a new chapter.

As expected, the fort was crawling with bandits, their presence a clear sign that they had claimed this place as their own. But the fort's strategic location made it undeniable, this was the place we needed to hold, and we would fight for it. My squads readied themselves, sharpening their spears and steeling their nerves. The battle for Hollow Fort was about to begin.

"Orlok, Albedo, I need you two on scouting duty." I said, gathering the squads around me. "We're going to use the Focus to get a read on the bandits. Find out where they're hiding, what we're up against, and report back. No heroics, just gather intel."

Orlok gave a quick nod, his broad shoulders squared with readiness. Albedo's gaze was steady as always. 

"Understood," Albedo said, her voice cold but resolute. "We'll be quick and quiet. We'll report back soon."

"Focus in on the perimeter," I instructed Albedo, my voice low but commanding. "Orlok, you cover her back. We'll wait here. Report back in an hour. If you get into trouble, we'll be right behind you."

With a swift motion, Orlok adjusted his gear and followed Albedo, his massive frame blending into the night. Albedo, ever the ninja, moved with calculated precision.

While we waited, I ran through the plan in my mind. The bandits were most likely concentrated near the gates and the main tower, the Focus would reveal any sentries, hidden traps, or blind spots we could exploit. Once we had that information, we could split the squads and launch our attack.

When Orlok and Albedo returned, Orlok's expression was grim but confident.

"That was no easy task." he said, his voice low but clear. "The eastern wall's vulnerable. It's a gamble, but we could use it to slip in quietly. The western side is well-guarded, but there's a weak spot near the main gate. The tower's got a dozen or so men, and they're armed with a spitfire."

"Good work." I replied, my mind already turning. "Albedo, anything on the weak points?"

Albedo's gaze was focused. "The western gate is the most heavily fortified. We'd be walking into a trap if we tried to breach it head-on, on the positive side there is no traps anywere."

I nodded. "Alright. Here's the plan. We'll split into two groups. Orlok, you'll lead the distraction at the western gate. Get their attention, draw them out. We'll slip in through the eastern side, take the tower, and secure the fort. No room for mistakes. No mercy."

"Understood," Orlok replied, cracking his knuckles in preparation. "They won't know what hit them."

I turned to the rest of the squad. "Once Orlok's Squad get their attention, we move fast. We hit hard and take control. No hesitation,no mercy."

As the squads prepared, I activated the Focus again, scanning the area one last time. The bandits were still unaware of our presence. It was time to make our move.

"Move out," I commanded, and with that, we set our plan into motion. 

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For every 25 power stones a extra chapter.