Led to Death [ IV ]

Two Days Before Nyx Was Attacked

The dense forest clearing was bathed in the golden hues of late afternoon sunlight, casting dappled shadows on the two figures standing amidst the towering trees. Elloise, her dark brown hair glistening with sweat from the day's exertions, leaned against a moss-covered tree trunk. Her companion, Karthen, stood nearby, sharpening his blade with slow, deliberate movements, his scarred face etched with a mix of concern and determination.

"We've located the Viscount," Elloise said, her voice calm yet tinged with a quiet resolve. She adjusted the light leather bracer on her arm, brushing off a stray leaf.

Karthen nodded, his blade pausing mid-sharpen. "He's traveling light. Barely a handful of guards with him." He sheathed his blade, the faint sound of steel against leather breaking the stillness.

"Figures," Elloise replied with a smirk. "He doesn't want anyone to notice his movements. The fewer eyes on him, the less likely anyone questions his intentions."

Karthen glanced toward the darkened edge of the forest. "If the Viscount keeps to his route near the forest's outskirts, it's unlikely he'll encounter much trouble. The edge is usually safe."

Elloise sighed, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. "Safe? It could be, but accidents happen. Monsters do roam these parts, after all."

Karthen arched a brow, his scar stretching slightly with the expression. "You're not suggesting…"

Elloise pushed off the tree and stretched, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, I don't know. If a group of monsters just happened to cross paths with him, say, in the middle of the forest, there wouldn't be much we could do, would there? Tragic, really."

The realization dawned on Karthen, and he chuckled, the sound low and gravelly. "That's... one way to expedite things. But who's going to lead the monsters to him?"

Elloise rolled her eyes, a playful glint in them. "Who do you think? I'm faster than you, and I know this area better. Besides," she added with a teasing smirk, "you'd probably trip over a root and get yourself caught."

Karthen raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough. But don't bite off more than you can chew. Orcs are no joke if you stir up the wrong crowd."

Elloise gave him a sharp nod, her expression turning serious. "I'll be back before you know it. Just make sure you're ready to move once the chaos starts."

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Later That Evening, Deep Within the Forest

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Elloise crouched high on the sturdy branch of an old oak tree, the rough bark pressing against her palms as she steadied herself. Her breathing was labored from the trek, and beads of sweat glistened on her forehead. She muttered under her breath, "Why does it always have to be me running these errands? It's too damned far."

Taking a deep breath, she drew a short, glinting iron dagger from her belt. Its edge caught the faint moonlight filtering through the canopy. With a determined expression, she pressed the blade lightly against her shoulder, creating a shallow cut. The crimson liquid began to trickle down her arm, soaking into the forest floor.

"The scent will do the work," she whispered to herself, her voice steady despite the nervous sweat forming at her temples.

The thick, metallic tang of blood quickly saturated the air, and Elloise remained perfectly still, ears straining to catch the faint sounds of movement. Her gamble paid off. The low, guttural snorts and shuffling of heavy feet reached her ears.

From the shadows of the forest emerged hulking, green-skinned creatures. Their muscular frames glistened with sweat, and their tusked jaws opened and closed as they sniffed the air hungrily. These were Woodland Orcs, pig-like beings notorious for their savage hunting tactics.

Elloise's heart pounded as more figures emerged from the underbrush. One by one, they appeared, until a total of three full hunting squads stood before her. Twenty-one Orcs in total. Each carried crude but deadly weapons—rusted axes, jagged spears, and heavy clubs wrapped in leather. Their yellowed eyes gleamed with hunger as they followed the blood trail with single-minded determination.

"This might've been too much," Elloise muttered, her voice barely audible. She wiped a nervous hand across her brow, feeling the weight of her reckless plan settling in. "But twenty-one Orcs should do the job nicely. Even if they don't kill him, they'll keep him busy long enough."

Elloise moved stealthily along the branches, careful not to break her cover. She kept just ahead of the Orcs, ensuring the trail of blood remained fresh and enticing. The creatures followed her unwittingly, their low growls and snorts filling the otherwise silent forest.

When she reached the edge of the forest clearing where the Viscount's entourage was camped, she paused, crouching low. From her perch, she could see the faint glow of their campfire in the distance. With a final glance at the Orcs below, she smirked.

"Enjoy the gift, Viscount," she whispered before slipping away