The ruins loomed ahead, crumbling and overgrown, a remnant of a once-great fortress now claimed by bandits and shadows. The sun was setting fast, casting long, jagged shadows across the rocky terrain. Cedric stood with his companions, their expressions tense as they prepared for the mission ahead. Somewhere inside the ruins, the bandits held Tamsin's village children captive, and it was up to them to get them out safely.
"Maeve," Cedric said quietly, "what do you have in mind for a distraction?"
Maeve's grin widened as she reached into her pouch and pulled out several small vials, each glowing faintly in the dim light. "Oh, you're going to love this. A little smoke, a little fire, and a lot of noise. Should give us the chaos we need to sneak in and get the kids."
Kellen leaned closer, eyeing the vials with amusement. "You know, I'm starting to like you more and more."
Maeve winked. "Just stay out of the blast radius, and we'll be fine."
Lira's hand rested on the hilt of her sword, her eyes scanning the ruins ahead. "We go in fast. Get the children, get out. Don't engage unless necessary."
Cedric nodded. "Everyone ready?"
Tamsin, who stood nearby, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, took a deep breath. "I'll stay out of the way, but if anyone gets hurt, I can heal them."
Cedric gave her a reassuring smile. "You're doing more than enough. We'll keep you safe."
With a quick glance between them, the group moved forward, staying low as they approached the entrance of the ruins. The air was thick with tension, the sound of distant voices echoing from within. Bandits, no doubt, but Cedric couldn't make out how many.
Maeve moved ahead, her vials at the ready, and with a flick of her wrist, she tossed the first vial into the entrance. There was a brief moment of silence, and then the explosion rocked the ruins, a plume of thick smoke billowing out and filling the air with the acrid scent of chemicals.
"Go!" Cedric hissed, and they rushed forward.