38. A Landslide of an Ambush

The thick canopy of the Orléans Forest stretched high above, sunlight filtering through in golden beams that dappled the mossy ground below. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. Newt Scamander led the group to a small clearing, unrolling a map of the forest onto a flat rock.

Matthieu Bellamy stepped forward, his wand tracing three marks on the map. "Based on what we know, there are three possible locations where the camp might be."

He pointed to the first spot, near a river bend. "This area has a natural water source and enough open ground for cages and makeshift structures. It's the most obvious choice for setting up a camp."

His wand moved to the second mark, closer to the cliffs on the forest's edge. "This location is more remote, but the cliffs would provide natural barriers, making it easier to defend against anyone trying to approach."

Finally, he circled a dense area deep within the forest. "This one is a rumored red zone, the one marked by the French Ministry of Magic. It's home to a dangerous magical beast—the Géant Corbeau or 'Giant Raven.' They're territorial and highly aggressive. It's unlikely the poachers would risk setting up there, but…" He hesitated, glancing at Newt.

Newt nodded, his expression serious. "We can't rule it out entirely. If the poachers are bold enough—or desperate enough—they might use the red zone as cover, betting that no one would dare look there."

Matthieu exhaled deeply. "It's the least likely of the three, but we still need to confirm it. The risk is too high to leave it unchecked."

Newt studied the map for a moment before looking up at the group. "We'll need to split up to cover these locations efficiently. Each group will handle one area and return here to regroup before sunset. Remember, this is reconnaissance only. No engaging the camp or its occupants."

He tapped the red zone on the map. "I'll take Matthieu and Mulan to investigate the Giant Raven's territory. We'll need to be extremely cautious."

Before he could say more, Hecate stepped forward, her gaze steady. "Switch with me," she said.

Newt raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Hecate's tone was calm but firm. "I have abilities that can help with the Giant Raven. My magic can handle its territorial aggression without causing harm. If there's even a chance we encounter it, I'm the better choice for this group."

Newt considered her words, glancing at Matthieu and Mulan, who both looked uncertain but didn't protest. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. I'll take your group instead."

Before anyone else could react, Taliesin and Joseph grinned at the same time and chimed in unison, "Let's do a swap-a-rooney!"

The unexpected synchronization caught everyone off guard. The two burst into laughter and immediately went in for a cheerful bro-hug, slapping each other on the back like old friends.

Aiko Takamura sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple. "I can already feel the headache coming on," she muttered, though her lips twitched in amusement.

The momentary levity eased the tension in the group, and even Mulan allowed herself a small smile.

With the adjustments made, the groups were finalized:

Hecate's Group: Hecate, Matthieu, and Mulan.

Newt's Group: Newt, Arthur, and Elise.

Taliesin's Group: Taliesin, Aiko, and Joseph.

As the teams prepared to set off, a quiet unease settled over the conservationists. Though their respect for Newt's judgment kept them from voicing their doubts, their glances at Hecate and Taliesin betrayed their uncertainty.

Matthieu hesitated before speaking. "Mr. Scamander… are you sure this is the best plan? No offense, but we don't know what they're capable of."

Newt's gaze was steady. "I understand your concern, Matthieu, but trust me when I say that Hecate and Taliesin are more than capable. They've faced challenges far greater than anything we're likely to encounter today."

Hecate, sensing the doubt, adjusted her cloak and glanced at Matthieu. "You've seen Mr. Scamander's work, haven't you? Then you know he doesn't surround himself with the incapable."

Matthieu blinked, caught off guard by her directness. "Of course not. It's just… we don't know what to expect."

"You'll see soon enough," Hecate replied, her tone even.

Taliesin, overhearing the exchange, chuckled as he adjusted his harp case. "Mystery is part of the charm, isn't it? But don't worry—we'll deliver results."

Newt addressed the group one final time. "Remember, no matter what you find, do not engage. The poachers will be expecting to face beast protectors, not investigators. That's our advantage. Let's not waste it."

Mulan adjusted her weapon's strap, nodding silently. "We'll regroup here before sunset."

Each group gathered their supplies, their expressions a mix of focus and anticipation. With a final glance at the map, they set off in different directions, the forest swallowing them one by one.

The Orléans Forest was vast and filled with secrets. With each step, the teams moved closer to uncovering the truth—and whatever dangers might await.

…

The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and rushing water as Taliesin's group made their way through the dense forest toward the river bend. The sound of the river grew louder with each step, mingling with the rustle of leaves and distant bird calls.

Joseph O'Connor and Taliesin remained in high spirits, their cheerful banter punctuating the quiet hum of the forest.

"So," Joseph began with a grin, "what's the wildest beast you've ever faced, sir. Taliesin?"

Taliesin stroked his chin theatrically. "Wildest beast, you say? Well, there was a time I had to tame a particularly ferocious group of enchanted bagpipes. Let me tell you, lad, it was no easy task!"

Joseph burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the trees. Aiko Takamura sighed but couldn't entirely hide the amused smile tugging at her lips.

As they approached the marked area on the map, Aiko raised a hand, her expression sharp. "This is it. We're in the zone."

The effect was immediate. Joseph and Taliesin's mirth faded, replaced by focused intensity. Aiko blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She'd expected Joseph to adjust to the seriousness of the mission—his training had prepared him for this. But Taliesin's sudden shift in demeanor surprised her.

Taliesin's eyes scanned the ground, his movements precise and deliberate. He turned to the others. "Have you both learned tracking?"

Joseph nodded. "Basic stuff, yeah. Enough to get by, sir."

Aiko added, "Same here. What are you thinking?"

Without a word, Taliesin reached into his cloak and pulled out a small, intricately carved flute. He raised it to his lips, playing a soft, lilting melody that seemed to weave through the air like a whisper.

As the music flowed, Joseph and Aiko felt an almost imperceptible change within themselves. Their senses sharpened—sight became clearer, colors more vivid; their hearing expanded, catching faint sounds they'd never noticed before; even their touch felt more precise. There was no overwhelming rush, only a heightened awareness that felt entirely natural.

Joseph looked around in awe. "How… how did you do that, sir?" he stammered.

Taliesin lowered the flute, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. "I told you, lad," he said softly. "We'll deliver results. Now, let's focus."

The trio moved carefully through the area, their newly enhanced senses guiding them. Joseph crouched by a patch of disturbed soil, his sharp eyes catching faint claw marks. "Looks like something big was struggling here," he said, gesturing for the others to look.

Aiko knelt beside him, her fingers brushing the ground. "It's fresh. Whatever it was, it wasn't long ago."

Taliesin's gaze swept the area, his sharp eyes picking up subtle signs of disturbance. "There's more," he said, pointing to broken branches and scattered debris. "Signs of a skirmish. A battle, perhaps, but nothing recent."

The group continued their search, moving deeper into the area. They came across traps—some simple snares, others far more intricate, designed to hold powerful magical creatures.

Joseph inspected one of the traps, his expression grim. "These aren't amateur designs. Someone knew exactly what they were doing."

Aiko added, "But there's no camp. No cages, no structures. It's like they were here, but they didn't stay."

Taliesin frowned, his fingers brushing the remnants of a trap. "This wasn't a base—it was a hunting ground. The poachers likely set up temporary stations, moving as they caught what they wanted."

Joseph sighed, frustration creeping into his voice. "So, we're back to square one?"

"Not entirely," Taliesin said. He played another soft note on his flute, his expression thoughtful. "We've learned something. They're moving. They're careful. And they're not staying long enough to leave obvious traces. That's information we can use."

Aiko nodded, her sharp gaze scanning the area one final time. "We should head back. Report what we've found and regroup."

The trio turned, their heightened senses still attuned to the forest as they retraced their steps toward the rendezvous point. Though they hadn't found a camp, they carried with them vital clues that brought them one step closer to unraveling the poachers' operation.

…

Meanwhile on the other side…

The cliffs loomed ahead, rugged and imposing, their jagged edges framed by dense forest and patches of loose rock. Newt Scamander's group—himself, Arthur, and Elise—moved cautiously, their senses attuned to every rustle and snap of the wilderness around them.

It didn't take long before they encountered traps strewn across the path, their designs intricate and precise. Elise quickly took the lead, her sharp eyes catching subtle signs of danger—a faint shimmer in the air marking a magical tripwire, the telltale grooves of a pressure-activated rune hidden beneath the soil.

Newt watched in amazement as she dismantled one particularly complex trap with a few deft movements of her wand. "You're remarkable at this," he said, genuine admiration in his voice.

Elise smiled shyly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Your books always inspired me, Mr. Scamander. I've been studying magical traps for years. They've been an anchor in my life."

Newt's expression softened. "I'm glad to know they've been of help. But even I might ask you for lessons on traps someday."

Behind them, Arthur moved silently, his eyes scanning the area with sharp precision. The talents he had copied from Geralt and Vesemir worked in tandem, his heightened awareness picking up details others might miss—a faint drag mark in the soil, the odd pattern of broken twigs, the faintest indentation in the underbrush.

Arthur knelt briefly, examining the signs with a practiced eye. "There's a trail here," he said. "It's faint, but it leads deeper into the cliffs."

Elise and Newt joined him, their gazes following his gestures.

"This area is larger than we expected," Arthur continued. "I could cover more ground on my own and speed this up."

Newt hesitated, glancing between Arthur and Elise. "Are you sure? Splitting up has its risks."

Arthur nodded, his expression resolute. "I'll be careful. If I find anything, I'll regroup with you at the cliffs."

Newt considered it for a moment before agreeing. "Alright. Just be sure to keep track of time. Meet us at the marked point no matter what."

Arthur moved swiftly and quietly through the dense forest, his senses alive with an awareness he was still growing accustomed to. Vesemir's talent coursed through him like a second nature, each step and breath steady, purposeful.

His body felt resilient, almost tireless, as if the long trek through the woods hadn't even touched his stamina. The focus and endurance Vesemir had passed on kept his mind sharp, and he felt a calm strength in his core that he hadn't known before—a mental fortitude that anchored him even as he ventured deeper into unfamiliar territory.

Then there was Geralt's influence. Arthur felt it in the way his muscles reacted before his brain even finished processing an observation. His reflexes were razor-sharp, a constant readiness humming beneath his skin. Every step felt deliberate, his feet finding the most efficient paths without thought. His eyes scanned the terrain with a hunter's precision, every subtle disturbance in the foliage or shift of a shadow catching his attention.

Stopping briefly to examine a set of faint tracks, he knelt down. 'A magical beast was here recently,' he noted to himself, his sharp gaze tracking the impressions in the soil. The surrounding area showed signs of disturbance—broken twigs, claw marks on a nearby tree trunk.

He followed the trail deeper into the cliffs, his mind balancing the heightened awareness Geralt's talent gave him with the endurance and clarity Vesemir's training provided. His instincts flared suddenly, and he paused, every fiber of his being on edge.

Through the trees, he spotted a convoy. Wagons laden with supplies and cages of magical beasts moved along a narrow trail, surrounded by cliffs on either side. Guards in dark robes flanked the wagons, their wands held at the ready. Arthur's heart raced with a surge of excitement. This was no doubt part of the poachers' operation.

His first instinct was to attack—his body coiled, ready to strike. But then Musashi's lessons came rushing back to him, grounding him like an anchor.

The battle begins long before the first blade strikes.

Arthur took a deep breath, stepping back into the shadows of the forest. 'Think, don't act rashly.' He let the words settle, his mind sharpening as he began to survey his surroundings.

The cliffs provided a natural advantage for an ambush. His eyes scanned the terrain, catching sight of a large boulder perched precariously at the edge of a cliff. His lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. He didn't need to face them head-on.

Arthur moved with careful precision, weaving through the underbrush to position himself near the boulder. His awareness heightened further, every sound and movement around him coming into sharp focus. He glanced back down at the convoy, assessing their movements and the guards' positions.

The wagons were packed with cages, and Arthur could see the faint glow of enchantments binding the beasts inside. The guards' eyes were alert, their hands steady on their wands, but they hadn't spotted him yet.

'Everything I've learned has led me here,' Arthur thought, his grip tightening on his wand. With a flick, he cast a levitating charm on the boulder. The spell wavered under the strain, but Arthur knew he didn't need to hold it for long.

Arthur sprinted along the narrow trail, his focus sharp and unwavering. His wand held steady, the levitating charm straining under the weight of the massive boulder he had targeted. He could feel the spell's resistance, the magic tugging against him as if testing his will.

Sweat beaded on his forehead, but he pushed through, Vesemir's Focused Endurance driving him forward. His legs moved with the strength and rhythm he had honed through Mulan's training, each stride propelling him closer to the cliff edge at the front of the convoy.

As he reached the vantage point above the convoy, the strain of the levitating charm became undeniable. Arthur's grip on his wand tightened, and he channeled all his focus into holding the spell for a few more seconds.

The convoy below began to react. Guards shouted to one another, some looking up as if sensing the danger, but they were too slow to act.

Arthur planted his feet firmly at the edge of the cliff, his weapon ready. 'This is for you, Brother Yu' he thought, channeling the strength and precision of Guan Yu's teachings. With a mighty swing, he slashed at the cliff face, the blade carving through the brittle stone with a resounding crack.

The levitating charm dispelled, and the boulder dropped, slamming into the trail with a deafening thud. Dust and debris erupted into the air, but Arthur wasn't finished yet. His strike triggered a landslide, a torrent of rocks and soil cascading down from the cliff in front of the convoy, blocking their escape route.

Below, chaos erupted.

The guards scrambled to cast protective charms, their wands glowing as they struggled to shield themselves and the wagons. But the landslide was relentless, forcing them to split their focus between defense and containing the now-loose magical beasts.

The wagons buckled under the force of the impact, their enchantments breaking as the beasts they carried burst free. Roars, screeches, and guttural cries filled the air as the creatures bolted into the forest, their panic adding to the confusion.

Arthur crouched at the top of the cliff, his breathing heavy but steady. He watched the chaos unfold below with a small, satisfied smile.

'This will keep them occupied for a while. At the very least, it'll delay them from regrouping with the main camp.'

Arthur stood, brushing dust from his hands. The mission wasn't over yet, but his part here was done. He turned back toward the rendezvous point, his thoughts shifting to the other groups.

'I hope they've had as much success finding the main camp' he thought, his steps light as he disappeared into the forest, leaving the poachers in disarray.

Arthur emerged from the forest trail, his uniform dusty, his hair disheveled, and his breathing steady but heavy. He made his way toward the rendezvous point where Newt and Elise were waiting, dismantling one last trap.

Newt looked up, his sharp eyes immediately noting the wear and tear on Arthur. "What happened?" he asked, concern lacing his tone as he took a step forward.

Arthur paused, catching his breath before giving a brief nod. "I found a convoy. Poachers transporting beasts. I disrupted their operation."

Newt's expression darkened. "You engaged with them? By yourself?"

Arthur held up a hand to reassure him. "No combat. I wasn't spotted—not even once. I made it look like a natural landslide. To them, it'll seem like an unfortunate accident."

Newt frowned, clearly torn between relief and frustration. "Arthur, the plan was to observe, nothing more. We agreed on this. Acting impulsively could have jeopardized everything."

Arthur met his gaze calmly, his voice steady. "It wasn't impulsive. I had a plan, and it worked. The convoy is delayed, maybe even separated from the main camp. It gives us time—time to act before they regroup."

Newt sighed, his fingers rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I just hope you're right. This operation is delicate, and we can't afford to misstep."

Arthur's expression softened slightly. "I'll explain everything once we regroup with the others. Trust me on this one, Newt."

Elise, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up, her voice measured. "He's here in one piece, and it sounds like he achieved something important. Let's see what the others have found before we judge."

Newt exhaled slowly, his tension easing just a fraction. "Alright. Let's head back. But next time, Arthur—stick to the plan unless we're all in agreement."

Arthur gave a faint smile, nodding. "Understood."

With that, the trio began their journey back to the central clearing, the forest alive with the sounds of distant beasts and rustling leaves. Arthur couldn't shake the feeling of satisfaction from his actions, but he kept his focus on the path ahead. The mission was far from over, and the weight of its success still rested on all their shoulders.