Chapter 15: Forging the Plan
The makeshift war room was little more than a rocky outcrop shaded by the looming cliffs of the Obsidian Range. Around a crude map spread across a flat boulder, Kael, Mira, Lira, Garrick, and Thorn gathered with the Black Company's captains. Each face reflected a mix of determination and tension, their gazes fixed on the lines and symbols representing the Iron Order's stronghold.
Lira knelt by the map, pointing to a shaded area near the north side of the Bastion. "This is their primary fuel depot. It's the lifeblood of their entire operation. Disrupt it, and their vehicles, generators, and weapons lose power."
Mira nodded. "But it's heavily patrolled. The Order knows it's a vulnerability."
Thorn, leaning against a rock with his arms crossed, smirked. "Heavily patrolled doesn't mean impenetrable. Give me a few men, and I'll light that place up like a festival."
Kael ignored Thorn's bravado, his sharp eyes scanning the map. "The fuel depot isn't the only target. The Bastion's defenses are split into three critical areas. We can't just hit one and hope for the best. We need coordinated strikes."
He pointed to three locations on the map:
1. The Fuel Depot
2. The Armory, located in the lower levels of the Bastion.
3. The Watchtower, which housed the Bastion's advanced surveillance systems and artillery controls.
"If we take out all three, the Order's defenses will collapse," Kael said. "But we'll need to move fast. Once the first strike happens, they'll scramble reinforcements to protect the others."
Dividing the Forces
Kael looked up at the assembled group, his deep voice commanding their attention. "We'll split into three teams. Each team has a specific objective, and we strike simultaneously. Failure isn't an option."
Team 1: The Fuel Depot
Thorn immediately raised his hand. "I'll lead the team for the fuel depot. Explosions are kind of my specialty."
Kael gave him a sharp look. "You'll lead, but you're not going in alone. Lira will join you. She knows the layout better than anyone."
Lira hesitated but nodded, her determination outweighing her nerves. "Got it."
Team 2: The Armory
"I'll lead the assault on the armory," Garrick said, his tone matter-of-fact. "My men know how to handle close-quarters combat, and we'll need to clear out those supplies quickly."
Mira spoke up. "I'll join Garrick's team. The armory might have intel on the Shard's location, and we can't risk missing it."
Garrick gave her a calculating look but didn't argue.
Team 3: The Watchtower
"That leaves the Watchtower to me," Kael said, his voice firm. "It's the most dangerous target, and it has the highest vantage point. Once we disable their surveillance and artillery, the rest of the teams will have a clear path for extraction."
Garrick frowned. "You're going to take that place with how many men?"
Kael's lips twitched in a faint smirk. "Just enough."
Preparing for the Assault
As the plan solidified, the teams dispersed to prepare. The Black Company's soldiers sharpened blades, checked their gear, and exchanged grim jokes to steady their nerves.
Kael stood apart, inspecting his massive blade under the moonlight. Mira approached, her expression unreadable.
"You're putting a lot of faith in Garrick," she said quietly.
"He owes me," Kael replied, his tone steady. "And he knows what's at stake."
Mira crossed her arms. "And Thorn? He seems… unpredictable."
Kael chuckled softly. "That's why I paired him with Lira. She'll keep him focused."
Mira tilted her head, studying him. "And what about you? The Watchtower is going to be the hardest fight. You sure you don't want backup?"
Kael sheathed his blade with a decisive motion. "This is what I do, Mira. You focus on the armory. We all have our parts to play."
Lira's Resolve
Nearby, Lira was securing her gear when Thorn sauntered over, his cocky grin firmly in place.
"You sure you're ready for this, scout?" he asked. "The fuel depot isn't exactly a picnic spot."
Lira tightened the strap on her pack, her green eyes flashing. "I've seen what the Order can do. I'm not letting them destroy anyone else's home."
Thorn raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Fair enough. Just don't let them catch you hesitating out there. The Order doesn't give second chances."
Lira stood, her posture resolute. "Neither do I."
The Final Briefing
As dawn approached, the teams gathered one last time. Kael stood before them, his massive frame casting a long shadow in the firelight.
"We move at first light," he said, his deep voice steady. "Stick to the plan. Watch each other's backs. And remember: this isn't just about taking down the Bastion. It's about stopping the Shard from corrupting everything it touches."
The assembled fighters nodded, their faces grim but determined.
Kael looked around the group, his gaze lingering on each of them. "We're outnumbered, but we're not outmatched. The Iron Order thinks they're untouchable. Let's prove them wrong."
With that, the teams dispersed, each preparing for the battle ahead.
The Calm Before the Storm
As the sun began to rise over the Obsidian Range, Kael stood alone, watching the light creep over the jagged peaks. In a few hours, the Bastion would be under siege, and the fate of the Shard—and perhaps the world—would be decided.
Mira joined him, silent for a moment before speaking. "You think we can pull this off?"
Kael didn't look at her, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "We don't have a choice."
Mira nodded, the weight of his words settling over her. Together, they watched the sun climb higher, their resolve as unyielding as the mountains before