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Maps, crude drawings of Thornwood's terrain, and sporadic reports on Killian's waning command of his army were all over the war table. Those gathered, their faces hardened with determination, were covered in lengthy shadows from the flickering candlelight.

With his fingers spread wide across the largest map, Ryker stood at the head of the table, his keen eyes following the designated entrances to Thornwood's main stronghold. The storm building behind his eyes was barely concealed by his measured exhale.

"This is our opportunity," he declared in a firm yet hushed voice. "Killian's army is disintegrating. The deserters demonstrate how weak his hold is. We must act before he manages to take back power.

Garrick, an older warrior with grizzled features and a scar that split his mouth, sulked across from him. "This is the moment we've been waiting for. However, a trapped wolf is erratic. Killian will make the most of his final stand.

Ryker tapped a finger against the eastern ridge of the map and retorted, "That's why we won't give him the chance." His soldiers are dwindling here, according to the defectors. It is their defense's weakest point.

Among the assembled warriors, there was a faint murmur of agreement. Elira, a slim, dark-haired woman, drew close to Ryker, her golden eyes narrowing as she took in the landscape. We'll have to traverse the ridge in the moonlight if there is a direct attack from the east. We will be revealed.

Ryker looked up at her and remarked, "That's why it's a feint." There, a small, silent, and swift unit will set up a distraction to get his attention. Our main army will adopt a western strategy in the interim. It is more dense and more difficult to track movement.

Dain, a young warrior, scowled. "The western route is risky. dangerous terrain and confined areas. We'll be stuck if Killian discovers what we're doing.

"That's the danger," Ryker acknowledged. However, it's also the reason he won't anticipate it. He is overly preoccupied with securing the well-traveled paths.

After a period of silence, Garrick let out a breath through his nose. "It's daring."

"It must be," Ryker stated resolutely. Even if he isn't aware of it yet, Killian is losing. He will find a way to tighten his hold if we hesitate. Before he understands how weak he has become, we must break him.

They turned to hear a rustling near the tent's entrance. A scout rushed in, his face tense with haste.

"They have come," he said. "The people who defected." More than we anticipated.

Ryker stood up. "How many?"

Two dozen, possibly more. They were being chased, but they came from the eastern forests.

Garrick's forehead wrinkled. “Killian pursued them with hunters?”

The scout gave a gloomy nod. While some got involved, the majority were able to get away. They are currently waiting for a crowd outdoors.

After glancing at Elira, Ryker turned back to the scout. "Bring them in."

The sound of footsteps approaching thickened the air inside the war tent. Then the defectors intervened and the flap was pushed away.

Matias took the lead, his mouth clenched in silent resolve. Seraphina stood erect beside him, her long braid swinging as she surveyed the assembled warriors. Alden trailed behind, his shoulders tense with discomfort. They were followed by others who appeared to be wolves who had been escaping for their life, some of whom had recently sustained injuries.

Matias looked directly into Ryker's eyes. He declared, "We come in good faith." "We've stopped pursuing a lunatic."

After examining him for a while, Ryker nodded. "You made the correct decision."

Alden paused. "Will Thalia think that?"

Elira's arms were folded. "Betrayal is something she never forgets."

Matias's mouth clenched. "We don't beg for pardon. Just an opportunity to use our strength where it is most needed.

Ryker looked around the gathering. You put up a fight for Killian. Tell me why I should suddenly have faith in you.

Seraphina answered, coming forward to do so. "Because we've noticed the change. Killian battles for dominance. Thalia is an advocate for justice. She dimmed her golden eyes. "And because we have information that could put an end to this conflict."

There was a glimmer of curiosity throughout the room.

Ryker leaned a little forward. "Then speak."

Matias let out a breath. "Killian is becoming more paranoid. His forces are aware that he is losing control. Because they are afraid of what will happen if they leave, many of them stay.

Seraphina continued, "That fear won't hold them for very long." "Especially after they witness Thalia in combat."

At that, Ryker's eyes narrowed, but he signaled them to go on.

Alden cleared his throat. "There's another thing." He paused, looking at Ryker and then Matias. Killian is doing more than only clinging to his fortress. A trap is being set by him.

Tension rippled through the assembled soldiers.

Garrick scowled. "What sort of trap is it?"

Matias's face became stern. He's got backup. mercenaries. hired combatants from beyond Thornwood. They only have loyalty to the money he gives them, not to him.

Ryker's fingers coiled up on the table's edge. "How many?"

Seraphina spoke in a somber tone. "Enough that if we underestimate them, it will tip the scales."

There was silence for a beat, and then Ryker let out a slow breath.

"So we don't undervalue them." He spoke in a steady, unflinching tone. "We adapt."

Elira's eyes grew intense. "What is the play about?"

Ryker returned his attention to the map, his thoughts already forming precise, well-thought-out lines. "The diversion is still carried out at the eastern ridge. However, we must take these mercenaries into consideration. He gave Matias a look. "What position are they in?"

Matias indicated a portion of the perimeter of the fortification. "This is it. Near the watchtower toward the south.

Ryker has a quick intellect. Then we initially entice them out. They won't put their lives at danger for Killian if they're only interested in making money. We cut them off from his forces, isolate them, and provide them with an offer.

Alden's forehead wrinkled. "A proposal?"

Ryker's mouth twisted slightly. "More gold than what Killian had said."

There was a whisper of comprehension in the room.

"Astute," Garrick acknowledged. "Make his own strategy work against him."

Ryker gave a nod. We strike quickly after the mercenaries are eliminated. Thalia is at the forefront—"

Elira's forehead raised. "Are you positive of that?"

Ryker had a keen eye. "Who better than the force Killian attempted to destroy to break them up?"

After hesitating, Elira nodded.

As the weight of their plan descended upon them, a tight hush descended upon the room. It would be a decisive battle. Error was not an option.

Ryker raised his head to observe every fighter, ally, and traitor who had decided to oppose Thornwood's erroneous reign.

"This is it," he muttered. "The instant we reclaim what was taken."

There was a solemn nod throughout the room.

Then, as the tension subsided, a fresh noise broke through the darkness—

A distant, low howl.

There was no warning.

It was difficult.

Ryker tightened his jaw. After looking into Elira's eyes, he turned to face the exit.

The battle was approaching more quickly than they had anticipated.

And the center of it would be Thalia.