The morning dawned crisp and clear, the village slowly coming alive as merchants set up their stalls and villagers bustled about their daily routines. Max stood outside the tavern, his cloak pulled tightly around him as he waited for Kaera and the rest of the group to assemble. He had spent the night reviewing his decision and was now fully committed to the path he had chosen.
"Ready?" Kaera's voice pulled him from his thoughts. She approached with her characteristic confidence, her auburn hair catching the morning light. Behind her, the rest of the group followed: Garrick with his ever-watchful eyes, Lyria's platinum hair gleaming, Thram's imposing frame clad in sturdy armor, and Calen, his expression carefully neutral.
"Let's get to it," Max replied, his tone steady.
The group moved as a cohesive unit through the village, their destination a modest inn where their employer had arranged to meet them. Inside, the air was warmer, and a man in fine but understated attire waited at a corner table. He was tall and thin, his dark hair slicked back, and his demeanor spoke of wealth and influence.
"Ah, Kaera," the man greeted, standing as they approached. "It's good to see you again."
"Likewise, Valen," Kaera replied, her tone polite but professional. She gestured to the others. "This is my team. We're ready to hear the details of the job."
Valen's sharp eyes scanned the group, lingering briefly on Max. A faint smile touched his lips. "A new recruit, I see. Always good to have fresh blood."
Max's expression didn't waver, though his mind filed away the man's words.
"Let's get down to business," Valen continued, motioning for them to sit. As the group settled around the table, he unfurled a map and placed it in the center.
"This," Valen said, pointing to a marked area along a trade route, "is where we've had reports of increased beast activity. Merchants have been attacked, caravans destroyed. Whatever's causing this needs to be dealt with."
"What kind of beasts are we dealing with?" Garrick asked, his tone serious.
Valen's expression darkened. "The reports are inconsistent. Some speak of wolves, others describe something more… monstrous. Whatever it is, it's smart enough to target the most vulnerable points in the route."
"How many attacks so far?" Kaera inquired, her eyes narrowing.
"Six in the past two weeks," Valen replied. "And they're becoming more frequent."
The group exchanged glances. Thram let out a low grunt. "Sounds like we'll need to be ready for anything."
"Indeed," Valen agreed. "The merchants have pooled their resources to offer a generous bounty. You'll be well compensated for your efforts."
Kaera nodded. "We'll take it. Give us the details of the route, and we'll set out tomorrow."
Valen passed her a sealed envelope. "This contains everything you need. Good luck, and may your blades strike true."
...
Back at the tavern, the group gathered around a table to review the contents of the envelope. Inside was a detailed map of the trade route, notes on the terrain, and the approximate locations of the attacks. Kaera spread the map out, her fingers tracing the route as the group discussed their approach.
"The attacks are concentrated here," she said, pointing to a narrow pass flanked by dense forest. "That's likely where we'll find our target."
"Or where it'll find us," Lyria quipped, her dagger spinning idly between her fingers.
"We'll set up an ambush," Garrick suggested. "Use the terrain to our advantage. If it's smart, we need to be smarter."
"And if it's strong?" Thram asked, his tone gruff.
Kaera's gaze hardened. "Then we hit it with everything we've got."
The group spent hours planning, their strategies becoming more refined with each pass. Max listened carefully, absorbing their tactics and filing away the details for later use. He admired their efficiency, even if he remained emotionally detached from their camaraderie.
...
As evening fell, the group dispersed to gather their equipment and make final preparations. Max found himself alone in the stables where he had been staying, sharpening his huntsman knife with slow, deliberate strokes. The blade's edge gleamed in the dim light, a silent promise of the violence to come.
His thoughts drifted to the mission ahead. 'A test,' he mused, his crimson eyes narrowing. 'Not just for them, but for me. Let's see how well this little arrangement works.'
The sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up to see Kaera leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed.
"Thought I'd check on you," she said, her voice soft but steady. "How are you feeling about tomorrow?"
Max shrugged, his expression unreadable. "Prepared."
Kaera smiled faintly. "Good. Just remember, we're a team now. Watch our backs, and we'll watch yours."
"Fair enough," Max replied, his tone nonchalant.
Kaera lingered for a moment, her green eyes searching his face. Then, with a nod, she turned and left, leaving Max alone with his thoughts once more.
As the door swung shut, Max turned his attention back to his knife. Yet Kaera's words echoed in his mind. 'A team,' he repeated silently. The concept was foreign to him, but not entirely unwelcome. If nothing else, it would provide him with a shield against the dangers of the outside world. And shields, he knew, were meant to be used.
...
The night passed quickly, and the group gathered at dawn, their gear packed and their resolve firm. As they set out along the trade route, the weight of the mission hung over them like a storm cloud. Max walked near the back of the group, his eyes scanning the dense forest on either side of the path. The rustling of leaves and distant bird calls painted a deceptively serene picture, but Max's instincts remained sharp.
"Stay alert," Garrick muttered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
The group nodded in unison, their pace steady as they approached the first checkpoint marked on the map. Kaera's leadership was evident in the way she moved and spoke, her commands clear and precise. Even Lyria, who often carried an air of playful aloofness, seemed to sharpen in focus as they ventured deeper into the forest.
Max's thoughts wandered briefly to the possibilities ahead. The mission might prove simple, but he doubted it. The unknown threats lurking in the forest were a challenge he both dreaded and relished. As the trees closed in around them, he tightened his grip on the hilt of his knife, ready for whatever lay ahead.
'Let's see how this plays out,' he thought, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.