Jack had finally gathered enough intelligence about the Saltins' landing. The information he had pieced together painted a vivid picture of their arrival: a single, critical landing zone in a remote, forested valley surrounded by jagged cliffs and dense foliage. The rugged terrain and the narrow passage into the valley meant that their ship couldn't land anywhere else. This location, while providing them some cover, also made them vulnerable—it was a perfect spot for an ambush.
Jack stood at the edge of a rocky outcrop, overlooking the valley. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the landscape, illuminating the dense canopy of trees and the metallic glint of the Saltins' ship nestled in the clearing below. His mind raced as he considered the possibilities. The Saltins, with their advanced technology and superior numbers, would be a formidable enemy. But the terrain here was their weakness, and Jack knew it was an opportunity too good to pass up.
However, despite his resolve and tactical insight, Jack understood one crucial thing: he couldn't do this alone. The Saltins were not to be underestimated. Their soldiers were disciplined, their weapons lethal, and their defenses robust. An ambush, while potentially devastating, required more than just one man. It needed a coordinated effort, a well-planned strategy, and most importantly, the element of surprise.
Jack's thoughts turned to Elisa. She was resourceful, cunning, and had the connections necessary to turn this opportunity into a decisive strike. More importantly, she had recently allied herself with a faction—one that had the strength and numbers Jack sorely needed. If he could get this information to her, she could relay it to her faction, turning this potential ambush into a reality.
Without wasting any more time, Jack descended from the outcrop and made his way through the dense forest. His boots crunched on the fallen leaves, and the occasional snap of a twig echoed through the silent woods. He moved swiftly, driven by the urgency of the situation. Every second counted. The Saltins were likely already fortifying their position, and any delay could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
As he approached the outskirts of the forest, the landscape began to change. The dense trees gave way to rolling meadows and small, scattered villages. Jack navigated these with ease, keeping to the shadows and avoiding main roads. He knew the Saltins had spies everywhere, and the last thing he needed was to draw attention to himself.
By nightfall, Jack reached the outskirts of the settlement where Elisa was last known to be. The village was quiet, its narrow streets illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. Jack slipped through the alleys, his eyes scanning for any signs of movement. Finally, he spotted her—a shadowy figure standing near the entrance of a small tavern, her sharp features partially obscured by the hood of her cloak.
"Elisa," Jack whispered as he approached.
She turned sharply, her hand instinctively reaching for the dagger at her belt. Her eyes softened as she recognized him. "Jack. What are you doing here?"
"I have crucial information," he said, glancing around to ensure they weren't being overheard. "The Saltins. I know where they've landed, and I know they can't move from that spot. It's the perfect place for an ambush."
Elisa's eyes narrowed, her mind already racing with the implications of his words. "You're sure about this?"
"Positive. But I can't do it alone. I need your help—and your faction's help. This is a chance to strike a significant blow against the Saltins. We can't let it slip away."
Elisa studied him for a moment, her mind weighing the risks and rewards. Finally, she nodded. "Alright. Come with me. We'll inform the others."
She led him through the winding streets to a hidden entrance beneath an old stone building. The passageway descended into a dimly lit underground chamber, where a group of men and women were gathered around a large, wooden table. Maps and documents were spread out before them, the air thick with the scent of smoke and determination.
Elisa stepped forward, her voice commanding attention. "We have an opportunity. Jack here has gathered information on the Saltins' landing. They're vulnerable, and we have the chance to strike."
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Jack. He stepped forward, his voice steady as he relayed the details of the Saltins' location, their defenses, and the potential for an ambush. As he spoke, the tension in the room grew, the air crackling with anticipation.
When he finished, one of the leaders—a burly man with a scar running down his cheek—spoke up. "This could be the break we've been waiting for. If we can take them by surprise, we can cripple their operations."
Another, a woman with piercing green eyes, nodded in agreement. "But we need to act quickly. The longer we wait, the stronger their defenses will become."
Elisa turned to Jack, her expression resolute. "We'll do it. We'll mobilize our forces and prepare for the ambush. You've done well, Jack. This information could turn the tide in our favor."
Jack felt a surge of relief and determination. The plan was in motion, and with the combined strength of Elisa's faction, they had a real chance of success. The Saltins wouldn't know what hit them.
As the meeting broke up and preparations began, Jack stood off to the side, his mind racing with thoughts of the battle to come. This was only the beginning, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of hope. They had the element of surprise, a solid plan, and the determination to see it through. Now, it was just a matter of executing it.
And when the time came, the Saltins would learn the hard way that they were not invincible.