章 67: Sparks in the Underbrush
A quiet tension had settled over the contested borders. After the Ember Circle's recent restructuring, the Serpents seemed to pull back, leaving cryptic signs and no direct confrontation. But a sense of looming conflict weighed heavily on everyone.
One afternoon, Captain Eydon and his Flames patrolled a forested path, alert for ambush. The underbrush rustled strangely, and his instincts prickled. He raised a hand, his squad halting instantly.
Without warning, a volley of darts hissed from the shadows. Sparks rushed forward, shields raised, and Flames returned fire with careful arrow shots. Eydon's calm orders steadied them, preventing panic. They advanced slowly, forcing their unknown attackers to reposition.
From behind a gnarled tree trunk, a Serpent fighter emerged with a wickedly curved blade, lunging at a Spark's flank. Eydon intercepted with a swift counterstrike, driving the intruder back. More Serpents revealed themselves—few in number but cunning, wearing greenish cloaks that melted into the foliage.
A fierce skirmish ensued, branches snapping underfoot, leaves scattered by swift movements. Flames and Sparks fought as one, each trusting Eydon's firm command. Some fell wounded, but none broke formation. Overhead, Alyra's scouts watched from the canopy, sending arrows down at strategic moments. Within minutes, the Serpents realized they couldn't scatter or confuse this well-disciplined unit.
They retreated, leaving a trail of blood and snapped branches. Eydon knelt beside a wounded Spark, applying pressure to the wound. Though shaken, his men and women held steady, proud that no panic had taken root.
News of the skirmish reached the generals quickly. Kael promised more supplies and healers for Eydon's patrols. Alyra refined scouting patterns, ensuring no second ambush would go unnoticed. This brushfire fight revealed that the Serpents were testing their new structure, probing for weaknesses.
If the Serpents hoped to sow fear, they failed. Instead, they proved the Ember Circle's chain of command worked. Captains like Eydon had the skill and composure to contain chaos, and generals like Alyra ensured swift reinforcements. The forest grew still again, but everyone knew this was only the beginning of a more intense campaign.
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