The Abused is The Abuser in Another World

Chapter 43: Retaliation in Motion

The dark halls of Durnholde Castle echoed with the sound of hurried footsteps as the messenger made his way to the war room. Inside, Countess Elara sat at the head of a grand table, her expression calm yet stern. Her eyes flickered with quiet fury, betraying the calm façade she worked so hard to maintain.

She had already received word of Captain Kaelthor's death. Her best commander, slain by the mysterious forces that had recently raided Grimscar. But today, more troubling news was expected. The door opened, and the messenger stepped forward, bowing quickly before he spoke.

"Countess Elara," he said, his voice steady but edged with fear, "I bring urgent news. Grimscar... it has fallen. The raiders have taken everything: food, supplies, and weapons. The outpost is lost."

Elara's eyes narrowed, her hands tightening slightly around the armrests of her chair. She already knew about Kaelthor's death, but the fall of Grimscar was worse than she'd expected. This was no ordinary raid.

"Leave us," Elara commanded coldly. The messenger bowed once again and quickly left the room, leaving the Countess with her advisors.

Silence hung heavy in the room, and the weight of the situation settled on everyone present. Elara rose from her seat, her sharp gaze sweeping over the faces of her trusted council.

"The Thundertusk Warrens... their forces have grown bolder. First, Kaelthor falls, and now Grimscar itself is gone." Her voice was calm but seething with restrained fury. "This is an act of war, and I will not tolerate it."

One of her most seasoned commanders, Captain Draken, stepped forward. His grizzled face bore the scars of many battles, and his eyes were filled with a soldier's cold pragmatism.

"Countess, they caught us off guard. Kaelthor didn't see them coming, and now they've hit us where it hurts. But we can still recover. We need to act swiftly before they regroup."

Elara nodded slowly. "We cannot let this raid go unanswered. But we must be smart. Tell me, what do we know of these raiders? What forces are we truly facing?"

Draken's jaw tightened. "We still don't know much. They operate from the Thundertusk Warrens, which until recently, was home to orcs and beasts. But these attackers... they're organized, tactical. The reports say they move swiftly, strike hard, and then vanish into the swamps. Their numbers are unknown, but they've proven themselves dangerous."

Elara's eyes darkened as she processed this information. "Whoever they are, they've proven they can hit us where we are weakest. But they won't remain a mystery for long. I want scouts sent out immediately. Track them to the Warrens, and find out exactly who or what we're dealing with. And I want our forces ready."

"Understood," Draken said with a firm nod. "I'll begin preparations at once. We'll fortify our remaining outposts and increase patrols near the Warrens."

"Good," Elara said, her voice like ice. "But defense alone won't be enough. We need to make a statement. Captain Draken, you will lead a strike force to retake Grimscar."

Draken's eyes gleamed with the promise of action. "It will be done, my lady. I'll gather our best soldiers, and we'll hit them fast before they can solidify their hold."

"Take back Grimscar," Elara continued, her gaze piercing. "And once you do, I want those responsible for Kaelthor's death brought to me. Alive, if possible. I want to know who dares challenge Durnholde. We cannot afford to appear weak."