Asher stepped out of the hidden base, the bright light of the sun hitting his face, and he squinted, narrowing his eyes against the sudden brightness.
The world around him seemed peaceful at first, with the soft sway of grass and the calm breeze brushing through the air. But his gaze soon shifted to a commotion in the distance.
Dozens of caravans were under attack, surrounded by hundreds of bandits. Their weapons gleamed in the sunlight as they swarmed the area, cutting down anyone in their path.
Focusing, Asher recognized a familiar face—Ava. The battle was going badly, with the bandits—overwhelming in number—closing in from all sides.
These weren't the typical bandits. These were beasts —tall, reptilian creatures, their scales a mixture of greens, browns, and grays. They stood on two legs, like lizards that had somehow learned to walk upright.
Each one was armed with a sword and round shield and moved with coordination.
