Chapter 112: The Storm Before the Battle
When Natasha and her team arrived at the border of the secret camp the sun started its descent into the horizon. The thick jungle above offered concealment while the surrounding space remained strangely quiet. Wildlife noises vanished to reveal a tense atmosphere which caused Natasha to experience spine-wrenching fear.
Alison kept his grip on his sword hilt as he walked next to her. "Something's wrong," he muttered.
The guard moved forward with caution while he looked among the branches. "No sentries. No scouts. The guards of the hidden camp should have detected our presence by this point.
Ira glanced at Natasha with concern before starting to summon faint protective magic from her hands. "Stay alert," Natasha whispered. The group remains unaware of what dangers lie ahead.
The advancing group began to notice evidence of combat that lay before them. Several damaged weapons rested on the ground while strong impacts had broken multiple tree trunks. The ground showed deep scorch marks and dried blood although no bodies remained in the scene.
Ira placed her fingers on the ground as she knelt. Her expression turned grim. "This is fresh. The battle at this site happened only recently.
A chill ran through Natasha. Had they been too late?
Alison pointed to the middle area of the camp as the group proceeded. "Let's check inside. The remaining survivors would be hiding within the camp if anyone survived.
The camp was eerily empty. The campsite appeared empty as tents lay destroyed while supplies remained scattered around the place. The fire pits had no heat while burnt fabric smoke remained in the air.
Natasha's heart pounded. The situation confused her so much that she held her sword tightly. "If they were attacked, where is everyone?"
She used her magical powers to perform a searching spell while her magic energy flowed through her body. The camp environment glowed with a faint golden hue which vanished shortly after. Then, suddenly,
"There's someone still here."
A strange sound emerged from the collapsed tents just before Natasha could speak. Alison revealed herself to take a careful hold of the damaged canvas.
A scared twelve-year-old boy showed himself from the dark area. His face revealed dirt stains across his cheeks through his torn and filthy clothing.
"Please," the boy whimpered. "Don't hurt me."
As soon as sheathing her sword Natasha placed herself next to him on the ground. She spoke with comfort as she said "You are protected at this moment." This group does not belong to the Dark Tide. What happened here?"
The boy took time to assess them before he murmured "They came during the nighttime." Black armor. Red eyes. They took everyone."
Natasha's blood ran cold. "Took them?"
The boy nodded frantically. The Dark Tide's forces merely captured the people rather than killing them. The burning chains resembled the flames. No one could fight back."
Ira's expression darkened. "That sounds like soulbinding magic."
Alison cursed under his breath. The Dark Tide has purposes beyond direct attacks since this indicates their activities extend to the capture of people. They're gathering people for something."
Dren clenched his fists. We should locate these people before it becomes too late.
The boy caught Natasha as she returned her attention to him. "Do you know where they took them?"
After some thought the boy pointed toward the western direction. A man told him that the fighters were bound for a deep jungle fortress. The man made an attempt at intervention but ended up knocked unconscious before they abandoned him there.
The group moved to the specified spot indicated by the boy as they passed multiple remnants of supply tents. A man lay unconscious against the trunk of a tree with many wounds visible on his body. His body armor displayed multiple dents while his breathing showed signs of serious injury.
When his name came to his ears the wounded warrior managed to open his eyes. Awareness arrived while he slowly recovered from shock. "Natasha…" His voice was hoarse. "You made it."
Eldric exhaled slowly. "They ambushed us. We underestimated their speed since they arrived before we expected. They didn't kill—just captured. Said they needed 'offerings.'"
Eldric shook his head. "I don't know. They were navigating through the old ruin located within the deep western jungle. The leader of their group showed his presence at that place because he possessed significant power. I couldn't stop them."
The healer Ira started to cast his healing spell without hesitation. "But Eldric needs treatment first. A stabilized medical condition becomes necessary for his survival during the trip.
Dren sighed, cracking his knuckles. "Then let's make it fast. Postponement will result in the criminals getting deeper into their escape path.
Natasha looked at the boy, then back at Eldric. "We're not leaving anyone behind. We rescue the captives, stop whatever they're planning, and make sure they never do this again."
Her team nodded in agreement.
The fight wasn't over yet.
It was only just beginning.