Night Raid

Several days later, late one night, the merchant and the adventuring group found a perfect spot to rest. They camped on a hill with a steep cliffside that dropped into a roaring river below. The other side of the road was bordered by a dense, lush forest. This natural setting offered them only one accessible way into the campsite, making it easier to defend.

Around 2 AM, the night was serene, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant calls of nocturnal animals. It was the trio's turn to keep watch. Elara and Lilith were sitting close to the crackling fire, sharing quiet conversation and keeping an eye on their surroundings. The moonlight cast eerie shadows across the campsite, and the embers from the fire danced in the cool night breeze. Meanwhile Ella was out scouting the area.

Suddenly, Ella came rushing back into the campsite, her face flushed and her breathing quickened. "Guys, guys, we're getting attacked," she whispered urgently, trying to keep her voice low so as not to alert the approaching bandits that they had been spotted.

Elara's expression turned serious as she nodded, quickly formulating a plan. She leaned in and whispered to Lilith and Ella, "Lilith, Ella, go wake the others. And Lilith, don't make your spear glow—they might target you more if they see it. After waking everyone, tell the adventurers to hide behind the wagons, out of sight. Wait for my signal to start the attack."

Elara continued, "You two, once the attack starts, circle around and hit the bandits from behind in a pincer move. Oh, Ella, did you find out who the spy is?"

"Yes," Ella confirmed with a nod, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's the rogue adventurer. He's been faking his injuries."

"Good," Elara replied. "Can you cast a deep sleep spell on him so he doesn't wake up? He could be a problem during a night raid, and we can't risk him turning on us."

Ella nodded, her face set with determination. She moved quietly to where the rogue adventurer lay, feigning sleep. She cast her spell, her hands glowing softly for a moment before the magic took hold, ensuring he would remain unconscious.

The trio moved with silent precision. Elara, staying low, began to gather her magic, ready to use a spell at the right moment. Ella and Lilith crept through the camp, gently shaking their companions awake and explaining the situation in hushed tones. The adventurers, seasoned and quick to react, grabbed their weapons and moved to their positions behind the wagons.

Returning to Elara, Ella whispered, "It's done."

"Tell Benjamin and the other merchants to keep an eye on him," Elara instructed. "If possible, have them move him to the cliffside, out of our way. We'll turn him over to the guards in the capital afterward."

As the final preparations were made, the camp fell into a tense silence, each member of the group readying themselves for the imminent attack. The merchants, including Benjamin, quietly yet firmly moved the rogue adventurer towards the cliffside, ensuring he was far from the action but not in danger of falling.

Elara, her eyes glowing with the energy of the spell she was ready to cast, gave a final nod to her companions. The bandits, thinking they had the element of surprise, were in for a rude awakening. The adventurers were ready, and with Elara's signal, they would launch their counter-attack, protecting their camp and companions from the night's threat.

Around twenty minutes had passed before the bandits were close enough for Elara to sense them. She felt a subtle shift in the air, a tingle of impending danger that set her on high alert. As the minutes ticked by, the tension among the adventurers grew palpable. They waited, muscles tensed, hearts racing, until finally, Elara saw the faint glimmers of movement at the base of the hill.

The bandits crept up the slope, their figures barely visible in the dim moonlight. Elara motioned for her companions to stay low and silent. Another ten minutes dragged on as the bandits inched closer, their footsteps nearly imperceptible.

When they were within striking distance, Elara whispered an incantation, summoning a spell that burst forth in a radiant explosion of light. The sudden brilliance shattered the darkness, blinding the bandits and causing them to cry out in surprise and pain. "Now! On me! Attack!" Elara's voice rang out with commanding authority.

Sword raised, she charged into the fray, her blade catching the moonlight as it sliced through the air. The other adventurers, galvanized by her call, surged forward. Their weapons glinted in the residual light of Elara's spell, creating a formidable sight as they descended upon the disoriented bandits.

Amidst the chaos, Ella and Lilith moved like shadows. They had circled around the bandits during the initial confusion, their steps soundless on the soft ground. Lilith, having learned the shrouding spell from Elara during their time exploring the ruins, prepared to use it as a diversion if necessary. Though not as powerful as Elara's, Lilith's version of the spell was sufficient to add to the confusion.

The combination of the brilliant flash and the encroaching darkness played tricks on the bandits' weakened eyes. Disoriented and unable to see clearly, they were easy prey for the adventurers' coordinated attack. Elara's sword struck true, felling one bandit after another. Her movements were swift and precise, a testament to her skill and training.

Ella and Lilith, now in position behind the bandits, launched their own attack. Ella's daggers gleamed as she expertly targeted vital points, while Lilith used her magic to create subtle distractions, further disorienting the bandits. The combination of stealth and spellcraft proved devastating.

The battle was fierce but brief. The adventurers' surprise attack, coupled with the bandits' impaired vision, gave them a decisive advantage. As the last bandit fell, the hill fell silent once more. Elara lowered her sword, breathing heavily but triumphant. The adventurers regrouped, their eyes meeting in silent acknowledgment of their victory. They had faced the darkness and emerged victorious, their bond strengthened by the shared ordeal.

"Several days later, around afternoon, they could see the capital. They all cheered, as this trip had been a bigger hassle than it normally would have been, all thanks to that spy. They were ready to turn in the traitor rogue.

"Look!" Benjamin yelled happily. "It's EVERWOOD! We are finally at the capital. This journey was rough, so let's meet at the guild's tavern and drink ourselves silly – the first drink is on me!"

All the adventurers and the other merchants cheered. With the feeling that this journey was soon to be over, they walked closer to the capital's gate.

At the gate stood some guards, and Benjamin yelled to them, "Bring us the captain; we have a criminal."

Then a guard started yelling at a squire, "Go, call on Lady Lyra, boy!" The squire ran, and not long after, Lyra came.

"What seems to be the matter?" Lady Lyra asked as she approached the group gathered at the city gate.

Benjamin, the leader of the merchant group, stepped forward and greeted her respectfully. "Greetings, Lady Lyra. We have some troubling news to report. Our journey from Bez'Eru to the capital has been fraught with difficulties, particularly due to bandit attacks. Despite these challenges, we managed to persevere and apprehend the spy responsible for leaking our travel plans to the bandits. It's this rogue here."

He gestured towards a tightly bound, slim man who was being held by the guards.

"This traitor is actually an adventurer associated with the adventure's guild," Benjamin continued with a hint of disappointment in his voice. "He has been betraying us by selling crucial information to the bandits. We request that you take custody of him and ensure this matter is reported to the appropriate authorities."

The adventure's nodded solemnly as they handed over the rogue to Lady Lyra, who accepted the responsibility with a determined expression.

"We will handle this matter with utmost seriousness," she assured them, her gaze unwavering. "Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Benjamin. The city's safety owes much to your vigilance and bravery."

With that, the guards escorted the traitor away, and the group of adventurers and merchants finally felt a sense of relief as they prepared to enter Everwood, their long journey's end now within sight.

After concluding their business, weary yet triumphant, the merchants and adventurers gathered at the cozy tavern nestled near the guild headquarters in Everwood.

Benjamin stood up, raising his tankard amidst the flickering candlelight. "Thank you all for your unwavering dedication and hard work throughout this arduous journey. Let's raise a toast to our success!"

"Cheers!" echoed through the tavern as tankards clinked together, filling the air with a sense of camaraderie and relief.

Benjamin turned to Elara with gratitude in his eyes. "Since you and your companions weren't formally hired but still lent us your aid, I've managed to gather a modest sum of gold. While it's not much, I spoke with my father about ensuring you receive family discounts at our stores. Please do visit us; he's keen to express his thanks in person. By the way, where are you staying?"

Elara nodded appreciatively, her smile warm and genuine. "That's very generous of you, Benjamin. We understand the challenges merchants face, and we truly value the offer of store credit. As for accommodations, we've taken a room at the Golden Acorn, the same place we lodged during our last visit to Everwood. But tonight, let's set aside talk of business. Let's raise our glasses again, share tales of our adventures, and celebrate this moment together."

The tavern hummed with laughter and animated conversation as they toasted to their accomplishments, their voices blending with the clinking of tankards and the crackling of the fire. It was a moment of well-deserved relaxation and camaraderie after the challenges they had overcome together on their journey.