The dawn light spilled over the horizon, painting the mountains in shades of gold and pink as Simon and his team gathered in the courtyard. The air was charged with anticipation, every movement deliberate and focused as they prepared for the mission ahead. Garron and his people, seasoned from years of resistance, moved with practiced efficiency, checking their weapons and supplies.
Simon stood at the head of the group, his eyes scanning the faces of those around him—Elara, Callan, Garron, and a handful of others who had volunteered for the mission. They were a small team, but they had the element of surprise. The Architects would not be expecting an attack so soon, and that was their greatest advantage.
Darius approached, his expression serious. He held out a folded map to Simon, his voice low. "This is the best route we've got. It will take you through the eastern pass, avoiding their patrols. Once you get there, you'll need to move quickly. They're heavily fortified, but they're still in the early stages of construction. Hit them hard, disrupt their work, and get out before they can rally."
Simon nodded, taking the map and tucking it into his satchel. "We'll do what we can. If we can set them back, even for a little while, it might buy us the time we need." He looked at Darius, his gaze steady. "Keep the stronghold safe while we're gone. We'll be back."
Darius gave a curt nod, his eyes betraying a flicker of worry. "We'll hold the line, Simon. Just make sure you all come back in one piece."
Elara stepped up beside Simon, her eyes meeting his with a quiet determination. "We're ready," she said. "Whatever happens, we're doing this together."
Simon took a deep breath, the weight of the mission settling on him. He looked at each member of the team, seeing the resolve in their eyes, the willingness to fight for something greater than themselves. "All right," he said, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "We move out now. Stay close, stay quiet, and remember—this is about sending a message. The Architects think they can take whatever they want. Today, we show them they're wrong."
The group moved out, slipping through the gates and into the mountains. The path was narrow, winding through dense trees and rocky terrain. They moved in silence, the only sound the crunch of gravel underfoot and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Simon led the way, his senses sharp, every nerve on edge as they made their way toward the Architect's construction site.
Hours passed, the sun climbing higher in the sky as they drew closer to their target. Finally, they reached the edge of a ridge, the ground dropping away to reveal the valley below. Simon crouched, motioning for the others to do the same. From their vantage point, they could see the beginnings of the fortress—tall scaffolding rising into the sky, workers moving back and forth, and guards patrolling the perimeter.
Garron moved up beside Simon, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the scene. "They're moving fast," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "But they're spread thin. If we hit them here—" He pointed to a cluster of supply tents near the scaffolding. "We can disrupt their work and force them to pull back."
Simon nodded, his gaze fixed on the site below. "That's the plan. We'll split into two groups—one to hit the supplies, the other to create a distraction. Garron, you take the distraction team. Elara, you're with me."
Callan gave a grim smile. "Let's give them something to remember."
They moved into position, each group slipping down the ridge and making their way toward their targets. Simon's heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline flooding his veins as they approached the supply tents. He could see the guards, their attention focused on the construction, unaware of the danger creeping closer.
Simon gave the signal, and they moved. Elara was swift and precise, her blade flashing as she took down the first guard. Simon followed, his own sword cutting through the air as they pushed forward, moving toward the supply tents. The workers scattered, shouts ringing out as they realized they were under attack.
On the other side of the site, Garron and his team struck, drawing the attention of the guards and creating chaos. The sound of shouting and the clash of weapons filled the air, the once orderly construction site now a scene of confusion and panic.
Simon reached the first tent, slashing through the canvas to reveal crates of supplies—tools, rations, and building materials. He grabbed a torch from one of the nearby braziers, the flames flickering as he set the crates alight. The fire caught quickly, the dry wood and cloth fueling the blaze as it spread.
Elara moved beside him, her eyes fierce as she helped ignite the rest of the supplies. "We need to move," she called, her voice urgent over the noise of the growing chaos. "They're starting to regroup!"
Simon nodded, his gaze sweeping the site. The fire was spreading, thick smoke rising into the sky, and the workers were fleeing, their shouts echoing through the valley. He could see the guards rallying, trying to form a defensive line, but Garron and his team were keeping them occupied, their movements swift and calculated.
"Fall back!" Simon shouted, his voice carrying over the din. "We've done what we came for—fall back now!"
Elara grabbed his arm, pulling him away from the flames as they retreated, moving back toward the ridge. The others followed, disengaging from the fight and slipping away before the Architects could rally. Simon's heart pounded, his breath coming in short gasps as they climbed back up the ridge, the fortress site now a scene of smoke and fire.
They regrouped at the top, Garron and his team joining them, their faces flushed with exertion but triumphant. Garron gave Simon a nod, a grin spreading across his face. "That should slow them down."
Simon looked back at the valley, the flames still visible even from their vantage point. "It's a start," he said, his voice steady. "But we need to keep the pressure on. This was just one strike—there will be more."
Elara stood beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder. "And we'll be ready. Whatever they throw at us, we'll be ready."
Simon nodded, a sense of resolve settling over him. They had struck a blow against the Architects, had shown them that they would not sit idly by while they tried to tighten their grip on the land. It was a small victory, but it was a victory nonetheless.
As they made their way back to the stronghold, Simon felt a flicker of hope. They had faced the Architects and had come out stronger. They were not just surviving—they were fighting back. And as long as they had each other, as long as they had hope, they would keep fighting.
Together, they had taken a step toward freedom. The fight was far from over, but they were ready for whatever came next.