Chapter 9 - The Hidden Outpost
On the fourth morning, the dense forest gave way to the arid, jagged cliffs of the southern borderlands. Huddled within a deep canyon gorge sat a cluster of stone safehouses—an unauthorized military outpost bearing the private crest of Chancellor Vane.
Kalin reined in his horse behind a massive boulder, signaling the royal guards to dismount and spread out along the ridge.
"This is it," Eloin whispered, closing her eyes and opening her sight. Beyond the stone walls of the outpost, she could feel a familiar, faint aura of royal magic locked away in the subterranean cells beneath the main building. "She’s down there. Meera is alive."
"And Vane’s garrison is guarding the perimeter," Kalin said, drawing his broadsword from its scabbard with a crisp, metallic ring. He turned to Eloin, his dark eyes fierce. "Stay behind the ridge. Once the gates are breached, I will secure the lower cells."
"No," Eloin said, stepping forward with absolute finality. "I’m coming with you. Vane’s men won't just see a king with a sword; they’ll see the consequences of what they helped bury."
Kalin stared at her for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Stay close to my left side."
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The assault was swift and devastating. The royal guards descended upon the outpost before the sentries could sound the alarm. Steel clashed against steel in the dusty courtyard, but Kalin cut through the resistance like a localized storm, his dark magic flaring around his blade.
Eloin stayed glued to his flank, her dual-colored eyes scanning every shadow, warning him of a flanking mercenary before the man could even swing his axe.
