The sun dipped below the trees as Arteja's team neared the grand estate of Lord Alistair. The forest path twisted like a serpent, forcing them into narrow single-file formation. Corliss led, her steps deliberate, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade. Arteja followed closely, her spear strapped across her back, ready for action.
This was her second mission, and though she had killed before, she knew the stakes were different now. The first mission had been reconnaissance. This one could escalate into something far worse.
Lirael, walking beside her, caught her eye. "Don't overthink it, Arteja. Delivering a message isn't as glamorous as training makes it seem, but it's still important."
Arteja nodded, silent. She appreciated Lirael's calm demeanor, but it was hard to ignore the tension in the air. This estate was rumored to be a hotbed of rebellion, and rebellion always bred danger.
"We're close," Corliss said over her shoulder, her voice low. "Eyes sharp."
The estate rose before them, a massive stone structure with ivy crawling up its walls. Arteja couldn't help but admire its grandeur, though something about it felt cold and unwelcoming. The gate creaked open slowly as they approached, the sound echoing through the still evening air.
A butler greeted them, his pale face lined with age. "You must be the emperor's envoys. Please, come inside."
They were led into a lavish sitting room, its high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings. Arteja stayed close to Lirael, her eyes scanning every corner. Her mask hid her expression, but inside, she was alert, ready for anything.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours before Lord Alistair finally entered. He was a tall man with sharp features and cold, calculating eyes. His expensive robes did little to soften his commanding presence.
"You've come on imperial business, I presume," he said, his tone dripping with disdain.
Corliss stepped forward. "We bring a message from the emperor. It concerns reports of unrest in your lands. The emperor requires your cooperation to ensure stability in the region."
Alistair's lips curled into a thin smile. "Stability, you say? And what does the emperor know of stability? My lands are mine to govern."
Corliss's eyes narrowed. "You swore fealty to the emperor. Your silence on this matter suggests otherwise."
Before Alistair could respond, the door to the sitting room slammed open. Arteja's instincts flared as armed men poured into the room, their weapons gleaming in the dim light.
"Ambush!" Corliss shouted, drawing her sword.
The Fight Begins
Arteja moved without hesitation, her spear slicing through the air as she deflected the first attack. The force of the blow sent her attacker stumbling, and she followed up with a swift strike to his side, her movements precise and deadly.
"Keep together!" Corliss barked, engaging two attackers at once.
Arteja's heart pounded as she parried another strike, her spear spinning in her hands. These men weren't as physically imposing as the orc she had killed during training, but their speed and aggression made them dangerous.
One of them lunged at her with a dagger, but she sidestepped, sweeping his legs out from under him before driving her spear into his chest.
Lirael fought beside her, her sword flashing in the firelight. "They're trying to overwhelm us! Watch your back!"
Arteja nodded, her breath coming in sharp bursts. She could feel the weight of her training in every movement, every strike. This wasn't practice anymore—this was survival.
The fight was chaotic, but the wardens were well-trained. One by one, the attackers fell, their bodies littering the room.
When the last of them collapsed, Arteja looked around, her chest heaving. The sitting room was in shambles, the ornate furniture splintered and bloodstained.
Lord Alistair stood frozen in the corner, his face pale.
Corliss approached him, her sword still drawn. "You'll answer for this treachery. The emperor will hear of your betrayal."