The stronghold was quieter now, the recruits settled into their routines, and the defenders finally able to take a breath after days of relentless activity. The air was crisp in the early morning, the sky still tinged with the soft blue of dawn. Simon stood at one of the outer watchpoints, looking out at the mountains that stretched into the distance. They had allies now—real, tangible allies. And it was time to think about the next steps.
A rustle of movement behind him broke his thoughts, and he turned to see Darius approaching, his expression serious. "We need to talk, Simon," Darius said, his voice low. "The scouts have brought back some information that might change our plans."
Simon nodded, turning to follow Darius as they made their way to the council chamber. The interior of the stronghold felt almost peaceful compared to the chaos of recent days. People moved through the halls, focused on their tasks, but there was an air of determination that Simon found comforting. They had faced the Architects and survived, and now they were preparing for whatever came next.
Inside the council chamber, Elara and Callan were already waiting, standing around the large table that held maps, documents, and hastily drawn plans. Garron was there as well, leaning over the table, his eyes scanning the papers with a furrowed brow.
Darius gestured for Simon to join them. "Our scouts reported increased activity to the east," he said, his voice steady. "The Architects are regrouping, but there's more—they've started moving supplies and resources to a new location. It looks like they're building something, but we don't know what."
Simon leaned over the map, his eyes narrowing as he traced the markings that Darius had indicated. "If they're building something, it could mean they're planning another offensive," he said. "We need to find out what they're up to before it's too late."
Elara nodded, her eyes serious. "It's risky, but we could send a small team to gather more information. We need to know what they're planning if we're going to stand a chance against them."
Garron spoke up, his voice gruff. "I'll go. My people are used to moving unseen. We can get in, gather the information, and get out before they even know we're there."
Simon looked at Garron, his expression thoughtful. "It's dangerous," he said. "We don't know what we're dealing with, and if they catch you…"
Garron gave a small smile, a glint of determination in his eyes. "We've faced worse. Besides, we're not going to sit here and wait for them to come to us. If we can disrupt their plans, even a little, it could make all the difference."
Callan nodded, his gaze meeting Simon's. "He's right. If we can gather intel, we might be able to strike first. Hit them before they're ready and weaken their position."
Simon took a deep breath, the weight of the decision settling on him. He looked at Elara, then at Darius, and finally back at Garron. "All right," he said. "But be careful. We can't afford to lose anyone." He paused, his gaze steady. "If things go wrong, get out of there. No information is worth your lives."
Garron nodded, a serious expression crossing his face. "Understood, Keeper. We'll leave tonight, under the cover of darkness. If all goes well, we'll be back in a few days."
Darius stepped forward, his eyes focused on the map. "While Garron and his team are gathering information, we need to focus on strengthening our defenses and preparing for whatever's coming. If the Architects are planning another attack, we need to be ready."
Simon nodded, his mind already shifting to the tasks at hand. "We'll double the watch on the outer walls, reinforce the gates, and make sure everyone is prepared. We've held them off once, and we'll do it again if we have to."
Elara placed a hand on Simon's arm, her gaze filled with quiet determination. "We're in this together, Simon. Whatever happens, we'll face it as one."
Simon looked at her, a small smile crossing his face. "Together," he echoed. He turned back to the others, his voice strong. "We've come this far, and we're not backing down now. We're going to fight, and we're going to win. For everyone who's counting on us."
The room fell into a determined silence, each person focused on their role in the coming days. They had faced the Architects and survived, and now they were taking the fight to them—finding out what they were planning, preparing for the next strike, and making sure that when the time came, they would be ready.
As night fell, Simon stood at the gate, watching as Garron and his team prepared to leave. The air was cool, the stars beginning to appear in the darkening sky. Garron approached Simon, his expression calm but resolute. "We'll be back," he said, his voice steady. "With the information we need to stop whatever they're planning."
Simon nodded, placing a hand on Garron's shoulder. "Good luck. And remember—your safety comes first."
Garron gave a small smile, then turned to his team, nodding to them. They moved out into the night, their figures disappearing into the shadows as they made their way east. Simon watched until they were out of sight, his heart heavy with both hope and worry.
Elara joined him at the gate, her eyes following the path that Garron and his team had taken. "They'll be okay," she said, her voice soft. "They're strong, and they know what they're doing."
Simon nodded, his gaze still fixed on the darkness. "I know. But every time we send people out there, it feels like we're gambling with lives. And I don't want to lose anyone else."
Elara placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "We're fighting for something worth risking everything for, Simon. Freedom, hope—a future without the Architects' control. And that's what keeps us going."
Simon looked at her, a sense of resolve settling over him. "You're right. We're fighting for something bigger than ourselves. And we're not going to stop until we win."
The two of them stood there for a moment longer, the silence of the night wrapping around them. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with danger, but they were not alone. They had each other, they had allies, and they had hope. And as long as they had that, they would keep fighting.
Together, they would uncover the Architects' plans. Together, they would resist. And together, they would forge a future free from fear.