Episode 3: Ambush
After the Sunreavers completed their investigation into the sabotage at Mereldar, Commander Voss held a rushed briefing for the troops about the march into Azj-Kahet. His orders were unclear and offered no room for discussion. While some commanders questioned the speed of the march, none dared challenge Voss directly, and the soldiers reluctantly followed his instructions and finalized preparations.
The Sunreavers, still deeply concerned, visited various unit leaders to assess their readiness. Sergeant Brakk Stonefist of the Frontlinesmen reported improperly repaired weapons, while Archmage Darius Emberstrike of the casters division worried about overexerting his mages. Though problems were addressed, the overall sense of urgency persisted. Priestess Moonshadow, in command of the army’s healers, was the only one to openly question Voss’s plans and admitted the strategy was deeply flawed and dangerous.
Then, Commander Voss approached the Sunreavers discreetly and mentioned reports of a possible secret passage into Azh-Kahet nearby. This passageway, he argued, would allow the army to sneak past the Nerubian’s border patrols and infiltrate the heart of the enemy’s territory. The group agreed to go investigate, though cautiously.
The Sunreavers’ fears were confirmed when they were ambushed by cultists of the Order of the Night. After defeating them, the Sunreavers brought the bodies back to Mereladar, hoping that at the very least, the presence of Order spies found near where the troops were staging their departure would convince Voss to delay by a few more days.
To be continued…