Horizon before dawn

When Orlok arrived at the high tower, we were already there making plans. He had sent all the data ahead of time and there was no time to lose.

"We have four new weapons, two Stormslingers and two Fire Rattles. One for each squad and all the grenades and explosive javelins are to be used." I said laying out the good news.

.

"Good. With four squads and so much firepower they don't stand a chance. We'll attack from all sides." Albedo declared.

"Every squad has only twelve people. That's all we have." Orlok pointed out grimly.

"If we move in the shadows of night, that's more than enough." Rhea countered

.

"Don't think like that." I said firmly. "They outnumber us greatly. We need to do our best, no complacency. This will take all the supplies we have, all the firepower and all the manpower."

I spread out the map on the table. "Each squad will have a specific target. Orlok with squad one will hit the main gate with the Fire Rattles to draw their attention.

My squad two will take the eastern side the Stormslingers should give them enough range to neutralize the sentries there.

Rhea squad three will circle around to the supply depot, planting explosives to cause more panic and damage.

Albedo squad four will move in from the west, their priority being to secure the prisoners."

They all nodded their expressions serious. Some of the warriors might not come back, but this was why we were fighting for, to liberate our people and push the Carja back.

"Rest for now. We leave in the dark." I commanded, my tone leaving no room for argument.

As the others began to disperse, Albedo stayed behind. I knew why. The data Orlok had sent revealed their commander was Zaid, the man who had killed her family and friends. This was personal for her and i could see her icy demeanor cracking, a raging fire surging within her.

"I want to be the one who gets his head." she whispered, her voice trembling with restrained fury.

"If you can take him out, do it. But the most important thing is our people. Don't let vengeance cloud our mission. Don't put your squad in danger." I said calmly, placing a hand gently on her face. "We will kill him. If not today, then tomorrow. But he will die."

"Today. He dies today." she replied.

I nodded, understanding the depth of her resolve. Then i turned to prepare all our weapons for the coming battle.

The hours passed slowly as we waited for nightfall and i moved from squad to squad, inspecting their equipment and offering words of encouragement. These warriors were more than fighters they were family.

When the time came we gathered at the base of the tower. The air was cool and still, the perfect cover for our approach. I signaled for silence and the squads moved into formation.

Squad One, led by Orlok, took point. Their path would be the most dangerous drawing the brunt of the enemy's attention. Orlok caught my eye and nodded, he knew the risks.

Rhea's squad followed. "We'll make it work." she whispered as she passed me, a fierce glint in her eyes.

Albedo's squad moved next, their movements swift and silent. She glanced at me briefly, her resolve evident. Zaid's death was her goal, but i trusted her to keep her priorities straight. Still i couldn't shake the feeling that this battle would test her limits.

Finally, my squad took position at the rear. 

The signal to advance came, a single low whistle that barely broke the night. Squad One moved out their Fire Rattles slung across their backs. We watched as they disappeared into the darkness, the faint crunch of their boots fading quickly. One by one, the other squads followed, each taking their designated path. My squad waited until the others were in position before we moved.

The first explosion lit up the night sky, a fiery burst at the main gate. Orlok's squad had engaged the enemy drawing their attention as planned. Shouts and alarms echoed through the fortress as the Carja scrambled to respond. The chaos had begun.

The sound of Stormslingers firing cut through the air as my squad two neutralized the sentries on the eastern side. The sharp crack of electricity was followed by the thud of burning bodies hitting the ground.

"Eastern side is clear, going in." I reported.

Squad Three's task was trickier. The supply depot was heavily guarded and the risk of detection was high. "Explosives planted." Rhea whispered over the focus. "We're moving out."

Albedo's squad reported next. "We've reached the prisoners. Engaging the guards now." Her voice was steady, but i could hear the underlying tension. This was the moment she had been waiting for.

The comms fell silent as the battle intensified. My squad moved closer to the fortress ready to reinforce where needed. We encountered a patrol rushing in and dispatched them quickly, our new weapons cutting armor and bones alike our explosive javelins creating more panic.

Then came the message i had been dreading. "It's him." Albedo said, her voice low but edged with fury. "Zaid is here."

"Stay focused." I replied. "Secure the prisoners first. He's not worth losing anyone over."

There was no response. My heart tightened as i imagined her standing face-to-face with the man who had caused her so much pain. I could only hope she would remember her training and the mission.

Minutes felt like hours as we pressed deeper into the fortress. Explosions rocked the walls as squad three's charges detonated cutting off the Carja reinforcements. Fires spread rapidly adding to the confusion. The enemy was faltering their forces scattered and disorganized.

"Prisoners are secure." Albedo finally reported. Relief washed over me, but it was short lived. "I'm going after him."

"Albedo, don't..." The focus cut out, leaving me shouting into silence.

We reached the central courtyard just as the final battle unfolded. Albedo stood facing Zaid, her weapon drawn. He was a towering figure a lunatic in service of a mad king. Around them the remnants of his forces clashed with ours but my eyes were fixed on the two of them.

I signaled my squad to cover the perimeter and help ensuring no reinforcements could interfere. This was her fight, and i wouldn't take it from her unless it became necessary.

They circled each other testing and probing for weaknesses. Zaid feinted left and then struck right but Albedo was faster, parrying his blow and driving him back with a flurry of quick jabs. Her movements were fluid, each strike calculated, but Zaid was no amateur. He blocked her attacks with ease, his strength evident.

She lunged, her spear aimed for his chest. Zaid twisted, the spear grazing his armor but failing to penetrate. He retaliated with a sweeping strike forcing her to leap back. Undeterred Albedo pressed forward again her attacks relentless. She drove him toward a pile of debris using the uneven terrain to her advantage.

Zaid stumbled slightly and Albedo seized the moment with a powerful thrust, she aimed for his exposed side. But Zaid spun at the last second his spear knocking hers aside and hitting her. The force of the blow sent her down.

Zaid laughed his voice echoing across the courtyard. "This is where it ends savage girl."

But Albedo wasn't done. She grabbed a fallen dagger from the ground, her movements quick as Zaid advanced, she hurled the dagger with all her strength. It struck his shoulder piercing the armor and forcing him to stagger back in pain.

Taking advantage of his distraction Albedo retrieved her spear. She charged forward her weapon spinning in her hands. Zaid managed to block her initial strike but she was relentless, each blow pushing him further onto the defensive.

With a final desperate lunge,Albedo struck. Her spear pierced through Zaid's chest, the force of the blow driving him to his knees. He gasped, blood trickling from his lips as he tried to speak one last insult.

"For my family." Albedo whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. She twisted the spear, ensuring the kill. Zaid collapsed, lifeless at her feet.

The victory was hers, but it had come at a cost. Blood seeped from a gash on her side the wound deep and painful. She clutched it her breathing ragged as she looked around the battlefield. The remaining Carja were retreating their forces broken.

I rushed to her side, supporting her as she swayed on her feet. "You did it." I said softly. "He's gone."

She nodded, her strength waning. "It's over."

But as i looked at her i knew this was only the beginning of her healing. The battle had been won, but the scars both seen and unseen would take time to mend.

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

Every 50 power stones a new chapter

Im going to work again 😞 so fewer chapters for now on. One every day or more if you give your power stones.