The war chamber felt colder than usual as Kade sat alone at the head of the long, polished table. Reports and maps were scattered in front of him, their inked lines blurring together in the dim candlelight. His fingers traced one of the routes Verath's forces had been using to transport supplies, and he let out a heavy sigh.
"It's like trying to catch smoke," he muttered to himself. "Always one step behind."
The soft creak of the chamber doors pulled him from his thoughts. Vask entered, his crimson eyes reflecting the flickering light of the room's hearth. He moved with his usual grace, carrying a sealed scroll in one hand.
'My lord,'
Vask began, his voice smooth. 'A new report has arrived. It concerns activity near the southern border.'
Kade gestured for him to approach.
'Let's hear it,'
he said, bracing himself for bad news.
Vask broke the seal on the scroll and began to read, his tone measured and calm.
