The Ashen Rebellion

12 | A tactical accompaniment

AS THE FIRST LIGHT of dawn crept over the horizon, Nyssa took a deep breath and steeled herself for the conversation ahead. She walked over to the gathering of rebels, feeling a mix of determination and anxiety. Today was the day she would join them on their three-day mission.

When she approached the group, Lyra had already informed them of her decision. Kael's reaction was immediate and visible; his jaw clenched, and his eyes flashed with irritation. He tried to mask it, but Nyssa caught the look before he turned away. She shot a harsh glare at his back, her mind racing with a litany of insults.

Arjun noticed the exchange and sidled up to her. "What's his problem?" She asked, unable to hide her annoyance.

Arjun shrugged, slipping his dual swords into their sheaths. "Maybe he didn't get enough sleep last night. Maybe his porridge was spoiled. Or just maybe... he had planned everything down to a crisp and now has to rearrange his whole mission around to include you." He patted her shoulder sympathetically before heading into a nearby room to retrieve his armor, leaving Nyssa momentarily stunned.

She snapped out of it as Kael walked by, and a sudden idea struck her. "Kael!" She called out.

He turned to face her, his expression unreadable.

"What if I was to enchant all our weapons?" She proposed.

Her words caught the attention of the entire group, and a tense silence fell over them.

"Trying a little sabotage, are we?" Arjun grinned, but Nyssa ignored him, focusing on Kael.

"Think about what Eamon said," She continued. "The monster slayed all those who tried, right? And that's assuming they were armed. So, what if... what if ordinary weapons don't work on the beast?"

After a moment of heavy silence, Tarry adjusted his glasses and spoke up. "I think we should try it."

Kael's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Fine," He said at last. "But be quick with it."

Nyssa nodded and then addressed the group. "Everyone, hand over your weapons."

There was a moment of hesitation before the rebels complied, passing their swords, daggers, and other weapons to her. She arranged them in a neat line on the ground and took a deep breath, centering herself. Closing her eyes, she raised her hands over the weapons, summoning the familiar heat that traveled through her fingers. She focused, pushing the energy into the weapons, which began to glow a bright, eerie green.

"Cool!" Arjun exclaimed, breaking the tension.

Nyssa stepped back, feeling a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. "There. They're enchanted."

The rebels retrieved their now-glowing weapons, murmuring in awe at the transformation. Kael met her eyes, his expression softened slightly. "Thank you," He said simply.

She nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As a golden hue spread across the rebel camp, the group prepared to set out on their mission. The air was thick with tension and determination. Kael led the way, his demeanor serious and focused, every movement purposeful. Nyssa followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the dense forest that surrounded them. The path was narrow and winding, flanked by towering trees whose branches intertwined overhead, creating a canopy that blocked much of the sunlight. The morning was eerily quiet, as if the forest itself was holding its breath in anticipation.

By afternoon, the group stumbled upon a seemingly abandoned village. The sight was haunting; broken windows and charred wood told the story of a recent attack. They moved cautiously through the village, finding signs of a violent struggle. The ground was littered with remnants of what was once a thriving community—scattered belongings, overturned carts, and hastily abandoned homes. Nyssa knelt beside a broken doll, its face smudged with dirt, and felt a pang of sorrow and anger. This was the work of the Firelord's forces, a grim reminder of the enemy they were fighting against.

The group pressed on, the village now a sobering memory etched in their minds. As they reached a river, they were met with the sight of an old, unstable bridge. The wooden planks creaked under the slightest pressure, and the ropes looked frayed and weather-worn.

"We'll have to cross one at a time," Kael instructed, his voice steady. "No more than one person at a time. We can't risk it collapsing under our weight."

One by one, the rebels crossed the bridge, each step slow and nerve-wracking. The bridge swayed with every movement, the water below rushing past ominously. Nyssa held her breath as she crossed, her heart pounding with each creak and groan of the wood beneath her feet. When they all finally made it across safely, a collective sigh of relief was audible.

By evening, they found a clearing to set up camp. The rebels worked efficiently, setting up tents and gathering wood for a fire. Nyssa volunteered to take the first watch, her senses heightened by the day's challenges. As darkness fell, the campfire cast flickering shadows across the clearing. She sat near the edge of the camp, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest.

Late into the night, Nyssa heard rustling in the bushes. She moved quietly, shaking Kael awake. He grabbed her arm roughly, startled, but released it immediately when he heard the noise she had been hearing.

"Wake the others," Kael whispered. "Stay alert."

The group quickly grabbed their weapons, the enchanted blades glowing faintly in the darkness. Kael took the center flank, leading them towards the source of the noise. As they moved closer, the rustling grew louder, more distinct. Suddenly, a pack of grey wolves emerged from the shadows, drawn by the scent of their food.

The wolves were fierce, their eyes glowing in the firelight. The group moved into defensive positions, working together to protect their supplies and themselves. Nyssa felt a surge of adrenaline as she swung her sword, its enchanted blade slicing through the air with a faint hum.

"Stay together!" Kael commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Despite his orders, Nyssa noticed two wolves circling towards the back of the group. Without thinking, she darted off, luring them away to make it easier for the others. The wolves followed her, their growls low and menacing. She led them a short distance away, then turned to face them, her heart pounding in her chest.

The wolves began to circle her, their movements predatory and calculated. Nyssa gripped her sword tightly, ready to defend herself. As the wolves prepared to pounce, they failed to notice Kael sneaking up behind them. In one swift motion, he grabbed one of the wolves from behind, beheading it with a clean stroke.

Nyssa took advantage of the distraction and lunged at the remaining wolf, her blade finding its mark. The wolf fell, and she stood over it, breathing harshly. She and Kael exchanged a glance, both dropping to the ground, exhausted.

"Good work," Kael said, his voice strained but sincere.

Nyssa nodded, unable to find words. The rest of the group gathered around, the remains of the wolves scattered at their feet. The encounter had left them vulnerable, their nerves frayed.

"We stay up the rest of the night," Kael decided. "We can't risk another attack."

The rebels nodded in agreement, their eyes weary but resolute. They stoked the fire higher, the light and warmth a small comfort against the darkness that surrounded them. As they sat together, weapons at the ready.