The camp settled into a restless energy as the mercenaries began their training. The raucous laughter of earlier was replaced by the clang of steel and barked orders from the more disciplined among them. Galen, ever the strict instructor, moved among the groups, assessing their skills and weaknesses with a critical eye. Meanwhile, Arnold had embarked on another mission, his task to scout Ebonstone Stronghold and its defenses already underway.
I stood atop a makeshift platform, observing the organized chaos. The Celestial Vault pulsed faintly on my finger, a subtle reminder of its power. My plan was audacious, bordering on reckless. But audacity was often the key to victory in a world where hesitation was fatal.
Galen approached, his expression grim. "The men are shaping up, but it'll take time to turn them into a cohesive unit. And time is not on our side."
I nodded, my gaze fixed on the horizon. "They don't need to be perfect. Just competent enough to hold their own when the moment comes."
He studied me for a moment, then asked, "And what about the ring? Are you truly planning to store all of them inside?"
"That's the idea," I replied, tapping the ring lightly. "Ebonstone's defenses will be watching for an army. They won't expect three people and an empty road. By the time they realize their mistake, it'll be too late."
Galen chuckled, shaking his head. "Madness, as always. But I'll admit, it's clever. The question is, will it work?"
I paused, letting a faint smirk play on my lips as I recalled a fragment of wisdom from my past life. "All warfare is based on deception," I said evenly. "Appear at points which the enemy must hasten to defend; march swiftly to those they cannot."
Galen tilted his head, intrigued. "That's... good. Where did you hear it?"
"A book I read once," I replied, my tone deliberately vague. "An ancient text on the art of war. Its author understood strategy better than anyone I've ever known."
He narrowed his eyes, studying me. "You're full of mysteries, my lord. Sometimes, I wonder if you're a soldier reincarnated."
I only smiled. "Let's just say I have a knack for thinking ahead."
"It worked with Thaddeus," I continued, bringing the focus back to the task at hand. "There's no reason it shouldn't work here."
Galen chuckled again, shaking his head. "Well, if your mysterious book's advice holds true, we might just pull this off. Let's hope you're as good at deception as you are at quoting."
Galen glanced over his shoulder at the men training. "If you say so. Let's hope they don't revolt when they learn they'll be spending the march in a timeless void."
I smirked. "Fear and gold, remember? And if anyone objects, they're welcome to stay behind."
Galen laughed outright at that, shaking his head. "You truly are ruthless."
"Ruthless enough to win," I said simply. "That's all that matters."
---
By nightfall, Arnold returned, his arrival as silent as a shadow. He appeared at the edge of the camp, slipping into my tent without so much as rustling the canvas.
"My lord," he said, bowing low. "I've scouted the stronghold."
"Report," I ordered, gesturing for him to sit. He didn't, of course, ever the obedient servant.
"Ebonstone's defenses are formidable," Arnold began. "The outer walls are patrolled constantly, and the gates are reinforced with ironwood. There are watchtowers at every corner, each manned with archers and siege weapons."
I frowned, processing the information. "And my sisters?"
"It remains uncertain if the three girls held in the northern tower are your sister. The tower is under heavy guard, with at least twenty men stationed there at all times. They are anticipating an attack."
"Of course they are," Galen muttered, entering the tent and pouring himself a glass of wine. "They'd be fools not to."
Arnold continued, unfazed. "There is, however, a weakness. The stronghold's defenses are concentrated on the front and sides. The rear wall is older, less fortified, and poorly manned. It overlooks a sheer cliff, which they believe is impassable."
Galen raised an eyebrow. "And is it?"
Arnold's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "Not for us."
I nodded, my mind already forming a plan. "Good work, Arnold. That's the route we'll take. The rear wall will be our entry point."
"And the men?" Galen asked. "When do we tell them?"
"Not yet," I said. "Let them train for a few more days. When the time comes, I'll explain everything."
"And if they refuse?" Galen pressed.
"They won't," I said, my voice leaving no room for doubt. "Fear and gold, remember?"
---
The next few days passed in a blur of preparation. Arnold refined the infiltration route, Galen drilled the mercenaries, and I ensured the Celestial Vault was ready for its most ambitious use yet. When the day finally came, the men gathered in the clearing, their faces a mix of anticipation and wariness.
I stood before them, the ring gleaming on my finger. "Today, we march on Ebonstone," I announced, my voice carrying across the camp. "You've trained hard, and you've been paid well. Now, it's time to prove your worth."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but no one spoke out. Good. They knew better.
"We won't march as an army," I continued. "We'll march as a shadow. The stronghold won't see us coming, and by the time they do, it'll be too late."
I held up the ring, letting its power pulse visibly. "This artifact will carry you. Inside it, you'll be safe, unseen, and untouchable. When the moment comes, I'll release you, and we'll strike with the fury of a thousand storms."
The men exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared to voice their doubts. I stepped forward, my gaze sweeping over them.
"You've been paid," I said, my voice cold. "You've been warned. If any of you have second thoughts, leave now. But know this: those who stay I will double their pay, I will even give you a bonus."
Silence. Not a single man moved. Perfect.
"Then let's begin," I said, activating the Celestial Vault. One by one, the mercenaries were pulled inside, their forms vanishing into the infinite void. It took time, but soon the clearing was empty, save for Galen, Arnold, and me.
"Well," Galen said, adjusting his sword belt. "That was surreal."
"We are just getting started," I said, slipping the ring back onto my finger. "Let's move."
And so, the three of us set out, the Celestial Vault carrying the weight of an entire army. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but I felt no fear. Only resolve. Ebonstone would fall, and I will difinitely free my sisters!
---
As we approached Ebonstone, the stronghold loomed before us like a monolith of darkness against the stormy sky. The air was thick with tension, and the faint sound of distant thunder echoed our steps. Arnold led the way, his Phantom's Embrace daggers at the ready, while Galen and I followed closely behind. The knowledge that we were about to infiltrate a fortress housing five thousand troops weighed heavily on our minds, but our resolve was unshaken.
Arnold activated Wraithwalk, his form becoming intangible as he scouted ahead, ensuring the path was clear. Galen gripped the Titan's Might, his knuckles white with anticipation. I could feel the hum of the Aetherblade at my side, its spectral energy pulsing in rhythm with my heartbeat. The Heart of Elysium pulsed at my chest, its Guardian's Embrace ready to protect me from any unexpected threats.
We reached the base of the cliff, the rear wall of Ebonstone towering above us. Arnold rematerialized, pointing out the handholds and footholds he had discovered earlier. The climb would be treacherous, but the Aetherium Band would make it manageable.
I activated Arcane Manipulation, using the band's power to lift each of us gently off the ground, one at a time. We ascended the cliff with ease, the wind whipping around us as we neared the top. The guards on the wall were few and far between, their attention focused on the distant horizon rather than the supposedly impassable cliff below.
As we reached the top, Arnold struck first, his Phantom's Embrace daggers flashing in the dim light. He took down the nearest guard before the man could even raise an alarm. Galen followed suit, his Herculean Force amplifying his strength as he swiftly and silently dispatched another guard.
I drew the Aetherblade, its spectral energy crackling as I activated Spectral Strike. With a swift motion, I unleashed an Aether Slash, cutting down a guard who had just turned to face us. The man fell without a sound, his body crumpling to the stone floor.
We moved swiftly along the wall, taking out the remaining guards with precision and stealth. The Aetherium Band allowed me to manipulate the environment, creating distractions and silencing any potential alarms. The Heart of Elysium's Guardian's Embrace formed a protective barrier around me, deflecting any stray arrows or magical attacks that came my way.
As we reached the tower where the captives were believed to be held, I could feel the weight of the Celestial Vault on my finger. The time had come to unleash our hidden army. I activated the ring, and one by one, the mercenaries materialized around us, their weapons drawn and ready for battle. The sight of our sudden reinforcements sent a ripple of shock through the enemy ranks.
"What sorcery is this?" a guard stammered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"No sorcery," one of the mercenaries growled. "Just good old-fashioned trickery and a lot of steel."
The guards at the tower's entrance were caught off guard, their eyes widening in shock as they saw the sudden influx of enemies. Galen charged forward, his Titan's Might cleaving through the guards with ease. Arnold slipped past them, his daggers finding their marks with deadly precision.
"For gold and glory!" a mercenary shouted, his voice echoing through the night as they clashed with the enemy.
I unleashed a barrage of Aether Slashes, cutting down the remaining guards and clearing a path to the tower's entrance. The mercenaries followed, their battle cries filling the air. The stronghold's five thousand troops began to rally, but our surprise attack had given us a crucial advantage. The courtyard erupted into chaos as our one thousand mercenaries clashed with the enemy forces, their battle cries filling the air.
"Leave none standing!" another mercenary roared, his sword cutting down foes left and right.
Galen fought like a titan, his sword a whirlwind of destruction as he cut down foe after foe. Arnold darted through the shadows, his daggers striking from the darkness, felling enemies before they even knew he was there. I fought alongside them, the Aetherblade a blur of spectral energy as I unleashed Aether Slashes, cutting down enemies and clearing a path through the courtyard.
The enemy troops, caught off guard and disarrayed, began to falter as they witnessed the sheer power and ferocity of our assault. They saw Galen as an unstoppable juggernaut, Arnold as a ghost striking from the shadows, and me as a spectral force of nature. Their resolve crumbled, and panic set in.
Amidst the chaos, I caught sight of the enemy commander, standing atop a stone dais and barking orders. He was a formidable figure, his armor gleaming with symbols of rank, and a seal hanging prominently around his neck. His aura radiated power, making it clear he was a skilled warrior; his mere presence was both commanding and intimidating.
"Galen, cover me!" I shouted, pointing towards the commander. Galen nodded, redoubling his efforts to keep the enemy forces at bay.
I charged towards the dais, the Aetherblade's spectral energy crackling as I unleashed a barrage of Aether Slashes. The commander's guards fell one by one, their bodies crumpling to the ground as I cut a path towards their leader.
The commander sneered as I approached, his eyes gleaming with fierce determination. "You think you can defeat me, fool? I am Commander Vex, and I will not fall so easily!"
He drew his sword, a massive blade that hummed with mana, and charged at me. Our blades clashed, and sparks flew as we traded blows. The commander was skilled, his every strike imbued with mana, making each blow powerful and deadly.
I gritted my teeth, activating the Heart of Elysium's Guardian's Embrace to shield me from his attacks. The Aetherblade's spectral energy flared as I matched his strikes, our battle a whirlwind of steel and magic. The commander's mana-infused attacks were powerful, but the Aetherblade's energy was relentless, cutting through his defenses with each strike.
"You are strong," the commander growled, his voice laced with grudging respect. "But not strong enough to defeat me! You are just a boy!"
He unleashed a powerful mana slash, a wave of energy that threatened to overwhelm me. I activated the Aetherium Band, using its Arcane Manipulation to deflect the slash, sending it crashing into the nearby wall.
With a roar, I pressed my advantage, engaging the commander in a fierce duel. Our blades clashed again and again, the air filled with the sound of steel against steel. The commander's mana-infused strikes were powerful, but the Aetherblade's spectral energy was unyielding, cutting through his defenses with each strike.
Finally, with a decisive strike, I badly wounded the commander, sending him staggering back. Blood oozed from the deep gash, and his strength began to wane. I could see the shock and pain in his eyes as he realized his defeat was imminent.
I advanced, pressing the Aetherblade to his throat. "Yield," I commanded, my voice cold and unyielding. The commander, defeated and breathless, could only manage a feeble nod as he slumped to the ground.
With the seal in hand, I turned to the enemy troops, my voice booming across the courtyard. "Your commander is defeated!" I shouted, brandishing the seal for all to see. "Lay down your arms and surrender, or face my blade!"
A hush fell over the enemy troops as they stared at their fallen commander. Fear and uncertainty gripped them, and one by one, they began to lay down their weapons, their will to fight broken.
I turned to face the nearest mercenary and shouted, "Tie the enemy commander down. I'll be asking him some questions later."
Galen and I immediately ascended the tower, our hearts pounding with anticipation. The climb seemed to stretch on forever, every step filled with a mix of hope and dread. At the top, I used the seal to lift the barrier, the magical energy dissipating with a shimmering glow.
We entered the room and found three girls huddled together, their eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. They flinched as we approached, their bodies trembling. I took a step closer, my heart racing, hoping against hope that these were the ones I had been searching for.
But as I looked closer, my heart sank. These were not my sisters. Their faces, though filled with fear, were unfamiliar to me. The weight of disappointment crushed my chest, and for a moment, it felt like the world had collapsed around me.
A surge of rage coursed through me, but I suppressed it, not wanting to frighten the girls further. "Who are you?" I asked, my voice gentle despite the storm raging inside me.
One of the girls looked up at me, her eyes filled with tears. "I am Eleanor, daughter of Velrois. These are my maids. Please, do not harm us."
Galen placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his eyes filled with empathy. "We'll find them," he said quietly, his voice a steady anchor amidst the storm of my emotions.
I nodded, forcing myself to focus. "You're safe now," I told the girls, my voice as calm and reassuring as I could muster. "We'll get you out of here."
With a heavy heart, we led the girls down the tower, my mind already racing with thoughts of where my sisters might be. The search was far from over, and I wouldn't rest until they were found.
I turned to Galen, my voice barely contained fury. "This was all for nothing."
"Calm down, my lord," Galen said, his voice steady and reassuring. "There are still prison cells to check. We may yet find your sisters."
His words brought a measure of calm, and I nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. Let's free the rest of the prisoners and search the cells."
We made our way back down the tower, Galen issuing orders to the mercenaries to round up the remaining enemy troops and secure the stronghold. As we reached the bottom, Arnold rejoined us, his mission to free the prisoners complete.
"The prisoners are freed," he reported. "Many have joined our cause."
"Good," I said, my voice steady once more. "Let's check the remaining cells."
Together, we descended into the depths of Ebonstone, freeing prisoners as we went. Mercenaries accompanied us, their voices echoing through the dungeons.
"You're free now!" one mercenary shouted, his voice filled with triumph as he opened the cell doors.
"Join us, and let's take down these tyrants!" another mercenary called out, his voice rallying the freed prisoners.
In the deepest, darkest recesses of the stronghold, the stench of despair clung to the air. There, in the cold, damp cells, we found the rest of the Eisenhart vassals. Among them, huddled in the shadows, were three of my maids—Suzy, Mecca, and Wendy. Their faces were gaunt, their bodies dirty and malnourished, but their eyes still held a spark of hope.
A lump formed in my throat as I saw their condition. "Suzy, Mecca, Wendy," I called out, my voice trembling with emotion. "I'm glad you're all safe. We're getting you out of here."
Tears welled up in Suzy's eyes as she looked up at me, her voice barely a whisper. "We knew you would come for us, my lord. We never lost hope."
The other prisoners looked to us with renewed determination, their spirits lifted by our presence. With the maids freed and our forces bolstered, we began our ascent out of Ebonstone, every step a testament to our resolve.
As we emerged from the depths, the weight of our victory was tempered by an unshakable unease. My sisters were still out there, their fates unknown. The triumph felt hollow without them. The questions echoed in my mind, amplifying my worry and determination to find them.
Where were they? Where had they been taken?