The cold air seemed to grow heavier around Ashar as the words hung in the air, thick with tension. He felt a wave of disbelief wash over him. Betrayal. It was a bitter taste, one he had hoped never to experience again after everything they had fought for.
Sarek stood in the doorway, his expression grim. "I'm sure of it, Ashar. I've seen the signs. Someone's been passing information to Drogath's people. They knew about the raid we launched last week. They knew about the supplies we've been gathering. Whoever it is, they're close."
Ashar's mind raced, fury and confusion battling within him. "How do you know this?" His voice was sharp, his mind already turning to the few trusted figures who had been with him from the beginning.
"I've been keeping an eye on the messenger who slipped through our ranks. They've been careful, but I saw the familiar mark—the sign of Drogath's spies. It's subtle, but I know what it means."
Ashar didn't answer right away. His thoughts were running like a whirlwind, each one faster than the last. His most trusted circle—who could have betrayed them? Who could have undermined everything they had worked for, all the sacrifices?
"What are we going to do about this?" Rylah's voice broke through the suffocating silence. She had entered the room quietly, her eyes locked onto Ashar with an intensity that mirrored his own.
"We need to find out who it is before they can do any more damage," Ashar replied, his voice low. "We can't let them take down everything we've built."
"I'll put together a team of trackers and look into it," Sarek said, his eyes burning with resolve. "But I won't act without your permission, Ashar."
Ashar's mind churned with possibilities. Could it be one of his commanders, someone he had entrusted with too much power? Could it be someone on the inside of the stronghold, working from the shadows?
He sighed deeply, his gaze falling to the floor. "Do what you must. But be careful. We can't afford any more mistakes."
Rylah stepped forward, her hand resting on Ashar's shoulder. "We'll get to the bottom of this. Whoever it is, they won't get away with it."
Ashar nodded slowly, though the weight of his next decision lingered heavily on his chest. This betrayal was a threat from within, a fracture in the foundation of everything he had worked to protect.
And it wasn't just about the spies. There was something deeper at play. The prophecy. The secrets hidden in the very bloodline of the humans who had once been slaves to the Orcs. Was this betrayal connected to that—something he had been blind to all along?
***
The following days were filled with urgency. The stronghold, which had once felt like a safe haven, now seemed to hum with an uneasy energy. The once-confident faces of Ashar's warriors now looked tired and wary. Everyone was on edge, suspecting each other as much as they trusted.
Sarek and his team scoured the stronghold, searching for any signs, any trail that would lead them to the traitor. But every search brought no answers, only dead ends. Ashar's frustration grew as the days passed with no progress.
It was in the dead of night when the breakthrough finally came.
Ashar was alone in his study, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. His mind refused to settle, his thoughts swirling with every new development. But then, there was a sound—a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," Ashar called, already expecting someone.
Sarek stepped inside, his face pale and drawn, eyes narrowed with determination. "We've found something."
Ashar stood up quickly. "What is it?"
"We've been following the messenger's trail. We know where they're hiding," Sarek said. "But there's something else. I believe the person behind all of this is someone within your closest circle."
Ashar's heart clenched. "Who?"
"I think it's Commander Taryn."
The name struck like a blow to the chest. Commander Taryn had been with him from the beginning—one of the few he had trusted implicitly. He had fought by Ashar's side through the hardest battles, one of the leaders who had fought to bring the people together.
"No," Ashar whispered, unable to believe what he was hearing. "Taryn? He's been with me through everything."
"I thought so too," Sarek replied. "But the evidence is there. We found a map—one that was not meant for our eyes. It had detailed plans about the escape routes, the troop movements, and supply caches. It's his handwriting."
Ashar's mind reeled as he processed the information. If Taryn, the very person who had stood by him, was the traitor... Then everything he had worked for, all the hope he had built, was at risk.
"I need to see it," Ashar said, his voice calm but tinged with a fierce edge. "We can't make any mistakes. If Taryn is the one behind this, he will be dealt with. No exceptions."
Sarek nodded grimly and handed Ashar the map. It was a simple thing—folded and stained with what appeared to be blood. But it carried weight. The plans on it detailed the very things Ashar had been doing over the past several weeks—things only someone within his inner circle could have known.
"This can't be real," Ashar muttered to himself. "Taryn... why?"
Sarek's voice broke through his thoughts. "It gets worse. The map isn't just a betrayal—it's part of something bigger. Whoever Taryn is working with... they have access to Drogath's forces. This isn't just about us. We're being set up for a much larger attack."
Ashar turned to face Sarek, his anger rising. "What do you mean?"
"I believe Drogath is preparing to strike at full force. This isn't just a few scouts anymore. They're getting ready to launch a full invasion, and Taryn's been feeding them everything they need to know about us—our weaknesses, our supply lines, everything."
Ashar's fists clenched, the rage boiling in him. He had trusted Taryn, believed in him. To have that trust shattered felt like a dagger to his heart.
"We need to move quickly," Ashar said, his voice cold with determination. "Taryn can't escape this. We'll confront him at dawn. He'll answer for his betrayal."
***
The early morning light crept over the horizon as Ashar led a small group of his most trusted warriors to the secluded part of the stronghold where Taryn had been hiding. The tension was palpable, every step heavier than the last. Ashar's thoughts were a blur of anger and disbelief, but he knew this had to be done. Taryn's betrayal threatened everything—his people, his mission, their survival.
They reached Taryn's quarters, and Ashar's heart pounded in his chest. The door was slightly ajar, a flickering light visible from within.
"Taryn," Ashar called softly, stepping into the room.
The commander was standing by a desk, his back to them. He turned slowly, a smile on his face that didn't reach his eyes.
"Ashar," Taryn said, his voice calm, almost too calm. "I knew you'd come. I suppose it was only a matter of time before you figured it out."
Ashar's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
Taryn sighed, pushing away from the desk and turning to face Ashar fully. "Because you're not the leader they need. You're too focused on protecting these weaklings, these slaves. You think you can take on the Orcs, but you're just a spark in a dying fire. I made the right choice. Drogath will rise, and we'll finally be free of all this. No more running, no more hiding. The Orcs will destroy anyone who dares to stand in their way, and we'll be safe."
"You were a coward all along," Ashar spat, the words bitter on his tongue. "I trusted you. You betrayed me and everyone who's fought for this cause."
Taryn's smile faded, replaced by a cold, almost pitying look. "I didn't betray you, Ashar. I just chose a better path. You'll see soon enough."
Ashar's voice was low and deadly as he stepped forward. "Not if I stop you first."