blind danger

In Serpent territory, final preparations took shape. Under Malzaryn's direction, Rivek's ambushers practiced swift strikes on wooden dummies dressed in Ember tabards. They memorized routes through gnarled forests and muddy ravines, planning to hit supply caravans and vanish like ghosts. Surien's infiltration teams received from Ivrineh lists of false intel to plant—misleading maps, forged letters, and whispered rumors placed in taverns frequented by Ember scouts. Vesarl's poisoners concocted mild hallucinogens that would make guards see phantoms or mistake allies for foes.

Clan leader Dhazul assembled his hardened warriors, sharpening axes and spears, ready to charge when the right moment arose. Velsa oversaw shipments of special herbs to Yashever's labs, ensuring exotic toxins awaited their call. Harrek's raiders prepared to storm small outposts, testing resolve and drawing Ember defenders away from key areas.

As these elements clicked into alignment, Kazreth and the Elders met privately. Osereth cautioned Kazreth: "Do not underestimate Lyrus. He has thwarted subtlety before." Ravessa agreed: "They are prepared for cunning, but we must present more than cunning—we must overwhelm their senses."

Kazreth considered the generals' suggestions. The attack would unfold in layers: first wave of infiltration and sabotage to muddy Ember communications, followed by targeted ambushes that stretched their forces thin. Once confusion took root, the Serpents could choose a battleground for a more decisive clash, ideally breaking Ember morale before Lyrus could impose his calm strength on the field.

Yet the Elders knew the Obsidian Shade might observe and intervene unpredictably. Kazreth ordered double vigilance. If the Shade attempted to sway outcomes, he wanted to at least identify their methods.

As night fell, Serpent camps hummed with quiet confidence. Soldiers readied gear and painted faces with war colors. Captains inspired their squads with soft speeches about restoring the Serpents' dominance. They imagined Ember warriors stumbling in confusion, forced into desperate stances.

But not a single Serpent leader took Ember's resolve lightly. They expected resistance, knew their foes stood tall. Their advantage would be surprise and misdirection—hammering the Circle from multiple angles before Lyrus could align his powers.

Meanwhile, back in Ember lands, Lyrus and the generals remained unaware of these intricate plots. They guessed something was coming, but not its exact shape. The stage was set for a battle of wits and steel, with distant kingdoms watching and a new line of Whisperers guarding Ember's flanks against unforeseen hands.