Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V2 Assiaya, Chapter 5

"My Lord, I have received word from the Knighthood of Tornlado that they had completed their objective without the Altaerrie noticing their presence. The enemy soldier you wished to capture, Captain Ryder, is currently on a medium-sized Wyvern and heading to Forlace. They should be here within the next few hours.

In addition, Knight Commander Iradiun Rostian had discovered that the Altaerrie were on a diplomatic mission with the nearby villages. The 18th Order had reported that enemy forces were sending out scouts; this confirmed their intentions. We can assume they want to provide strategic depth to defend Salva. I do believe, while not intentional within the objective, when the Altaerrie discover one of their own was taken within one of these villages, it will hamper their ability to build friendly relations with the local population, at least temporarily." – General Verlcon Korva

March, 9th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Hiplose Forest, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Feeling the warmth of the rising yellow sun, Rommel King would generally take a moment to enjoy the majestic sight—a morning routine to help start the day on a positive note. Sadly, this had turned out not to be one of those days.

Hearing Comanche's top NCO lecturing the team regarding the matter at hand, King turned to watch. Many Comanche had their rifles aimed at the villagers, who were clustered around their vehicles for protection.

The exception was the Filipino-American team member Sergeant Marcos Gonzales, sitting in the passenger seat, hands on his head in disbelief. Shockingly, Gonzales was discovered sleeping while his watch, which resulted in their leader, Captain Mathew Ryder, disappearing underneath everyone's noise.

"This is what happens when you get comfortable," Barrett said, staring at each member of Comanche. "Haven't the past few weeks warned you that by making these simple mistakes, the enemy will capitalize on them? You are supposed to be the elite of the elite. We do not make these types of mistakes because this is how you lose your goddamn commander to the enemy. One simple victory that you barely won, and you believe you are invincible? Never again!"

As the Sergeant First Class continued his lecture on the Combat Fite Team, Rommel King saw Natilite in the open area with Benjamin Ford and Fraeya. Seeing that Barrett had everything under control, he walked over to them to see what they were investigating. "What are you three doing?"

"The angel lady thinks there was a struggle," Ford stated. "There are multiple footprints around here that are not us or the villagers. Bigger and heavier."

Natilite stood, brushing the mud off her hands and knees. "There are three different footsteps. One was light, being a neko, kitsune, or farian. I cannot tell because of the boots. The other was a vampire based on the size and depth of the footprint. Then there are your people's footprints, being Matthew."

Rommel King closed his eyes as he already knew the direction of this conversation; however, he did not want to admit it. "Just tell me what you are saying."

"That Mathew was targeted," Natilite said. "I do not know who, though."

"You said Vampire?" Ford said. "We only know one faction that hates us enough to do something like that."

"But how would they know we are here?" King asked. "And why would they waste their time and energy capturing Matt? How would they know who to capture in the first place?"