The Lost Vanguard

The fire in my chest burned steadily, an ever-present reminder of the chaos that had yet to come. I adjusted my grip on the hilt of my sword as Kaldar stood before me, his expression grim and unyielding.

"Myrial's found something," he said, his voice low but tense. "There's more of them out there. A dark mage, with a pack of wolves. They're heading this way."

Myrial, standing nearby, nodded. Her silver eyes gleamed faintly in the dim light of the room. "The magic's signature is unmistakable. It's the same as what controlled the wolves earlier. Whoever this is, they're powerful and they're close."

Kaldar's gaze shifted to me. "This won't be like last time. A mage isn't just a fighter. They're unpredictable. Dangerous. We need to act carefully."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "What's the plan?"

Kaldar pulled out a map of the village, spreading it across the table. His finger traced a line along the perimeter. "We'll divide our efforts. Myrial, Elryan, and I will engage the wolves directly. They'll focus on us, giving you the chance to approach the mage from behind."

"Why me?" I asked, frowning.

"Because they won't expect you," Kaldar said firmly. "You're fast and you're quiet. Use that to your advantage. Get in close and strike before the mage can react. We'll keep the wolves distracted."

Myrial's gaze softened as she looked at me. "Alaric, you have to be careful. A mage's power comes from focus. Break that focus, and they'll be vulnerable. But don't underestimate them. One mistake could be fatal."

I nodded again, feeling the weight of her words settle in my chest. My fingers tightened around the hilt of my sword, the familiar warmth of the fire inside me offering a strange sense of comfort.

Elryan snorted, crossing his arms. "Let the boy play assassin, then. Just don't get in our way."

"Enough," Kaldar said sharply, silencing him with a glare. "We don't have time for this."

The room fell into a tense silence as we finalized the details. Myrial handed me a small charm, its surface etched with intricate runes that glowed faintly. "This will dampen your presence," she explained. "It's not perfect, but it should make it harder for the mage to sense you."

I slipped the charm into my pocket, grateful for the precaution. "Thank you," I said quietly.

She offered me a small, reassuring smile. "You'll do fine, Alaric. Just trust yourself."

Kaldar straightened, his massive sword resting against his shoulder. "We leave in five minutes. Get ready."

The cold bit at my face as we stepped out into the silent village. The battle-scarred houses stood like solemn witnesses to the chaos that had unfolded earlier. Shadows stretched long and dark across the snow, their edges sharp and jagged under the moonlight.

Kaldar moved ahead, his steps deliberate as he scanned the surroundings. Myrial followed close behind, her staff glowing faintly in her hand. Elryan walked with his usual arrogance, his polished armor catching the light like a beacon. I lingered at the rear, my eyes darting between the others as I tried to steady my breathing.

The silence was oppressive, broken only by the crunch of snow beneath our boots. Myrial paused, her gaze distant as she closed her eyes and whispered something under her breath. When she opened them again, her expression was grim.

"They're close," she said softly. "South of here. Maybe 20 minutes away from us."

Kaldar nodded, his jaw tightening. "Let's move."

We followed the faint trail of magic. The wind carried a faint, acrid scent that made my stomach churn. Myrial's spell kept us cloaked, the air around us shimmering faintly as we moved. It wasn't perfect, but it would buy us time.

As we approached the edge of the forest, Kaldar motioned for us to stop. "This is where we split," he said. "Alaric, you'll circle around from the east. Wait for my signal before you move in."

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. Myrial placed a hand on my shoulder, her silver eyes meeting mine. "Stay sharp," she said. "And remember, trust your instincts."

"I will," I promised, my voice steadier than I felt.

Kaldar, Myrial, and Elryan disappeared into the shadows, their movements swift and silent. I crouched low, gripping my sword tightly as I began to circle around the clearing. The fire in my chest burned hotter with each step, its heat pulsing in time with my racing heart.

Through the trees, I caught my first glimpse of the mage. He stood in the center of the clearing, his figure shrouded in a dark cloak that seemed to shift and writhe like smoke. Four massive wolves surrounded him, their glowing eyes scanning the forest with unnatural intelligence. The mage's hands moved in intricate patterns, leaving trails of sickly green light that hovered in the air like ghostly tendrils.

I froze, my breath catching in my throat. The fire in my chest flared sharply, urging me forward, but I forced myself to wait. Myrial's charm pulsed faintly in my pocket, its warmth a reminder of the plan.

From the other side of the clearing, Kaldar's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Now!"

The wolves turned instantly, their attention snapping to the figures emerging from the shadows. Kaldar charged first, his massive sword gleaming as it caught the light. Myrial followed close behind, her staff glowing brightly as she unleashed a burst of magic that lit up the clearing. Elryan moved with practiced precision, his blade flashing as he engaged one of the wolves.

The mage didn't flinch, his focus unwavering as he continued his incantation. Dark energy swirled around him, growing thicker with each passing moment. This was my chance.

I stepped forward, my movements silent as I crept closer. The fire in my chest burned fiercely, its heat flooding my veins as I closed the distance. The mage's back was to me, his attention fully on the battle ahead. I tightened my grip on my sword, my muscles coiled like a spring.

This was it. The moment to strike.