The forest thickened as they moved eastward, ancient oaks giving way to densely packed pine and spruce that crowded the path. Val ducked beneath a low-hanging branch, his nostrils filled with the sharp scent of sap and fallen needles. The rangers had been traveling for three hours since leaving the gorge, maintaining a steady pace despite the terrain.

  Captain Alfen had deployed the company in a broad formation, five squads spread across a quarter-mile front, maintaining communication through occasional whistle signals. Val's squad held the center position, following the main road while the others swept through the forest on either side.

  "Something feels off," Lian observed quietly, his head tilted slightly as he listened to the forest around them.

  Val had noticed it too, a subtle irregularity in the natural rhythm. Where the forest had been alive with calls and responses earlier, now the pattern seemed fragmented, birds falling silent only to burst into alarm calls minutes later."

  Val signaled a halt with a raised fist. The squad stopped immediately, falling into a defensive formation that had become second nature through countless drills and real-world application. Val scanned the forest ahead, eyes searching for any movement or shadow that didn't belong.

  "There," he whispered, pointing to a barely visible game trail that branched from the main road about fifty yards ahead. "The undergrowth is disturbed. Something passed through recently, something large or multiple somethings."

  He signaled for the squad to advance cautiously, keeping to the edge of the road where the ground was firmer and quieter. As they approached the game trail, Val knelt to examine the signs more closely.

  The forest floor told its story to his experienced eyes. Multiple tracks, some human-sized, others larger, had trampled the vegetation. Broken branches and scattered leaves indicated a recent passage, perhaps within the last day.

  Captain Alfen appeared from the forest to their right, moving silently despite his size. Kaelen followed close behind, the veteran ranger's weathered face set in its perpetual scowl.

  "What have you found?" Alfen asked without preamble.

  Val gestured to the trail. "Recent passage, at least twenty, moving eastward. Signs indicate undead, mixed with larger creatures. The trail is fresh, within the last day."

  Alfen studied the ground himself, his experienced eyes confirming Val's assessment. "Direction?"

  "Toward Clearwater," Val confirmed. "Though they've left the main road."

  A faint breeze stirred the trees, bringing with it a scent that made Val's stomach clench. The sweet-sour smell of decay, unmistakable to anyone who had encountered the undead.

  "There's something ahead," he said quietly, pointing in the direction the breeze had come from. "Not far."

  Alfen straightened, his decision immediate. "We'll investigate. Hearne, your squad takes point. Kaelen, left flank. I'll bring Toren's squad on the right. The rest maintain position here as reserve."

  Val nodded, turning to his squad. "Diamond. Hand signals only."

  They advanced through the forest, following the trail of broken vegetation and disturbed earth. The scent of decay grew stronger as they moved deeper among the trees, accompanied by another smell, the acrid stench of smoke and burned flesh.

  The forest began to thin, and Val could see light ahead where the tree canopy opened. He raised his fist again, signaling a halt as they approached the edge of what appeared to be a clearing. Staying low, he moved forward alone to assess what lay beyond.

  What he found was not a clearing but a steep-sided gulley, perhaps thirty feet deep and twice as wide, cutting across their path like a wound in the earth. The gulley floor was littered with bodies, dozens of them, some charred beyond recognition, others merely blackened. The smell of burned flesh nearly overpowered him, and he fought the urge to gag.

  He signaled the others forward with two fingers, and they joined him at the gulley's edge, their faces grim as they took in the scene below.

  "By the Oak," Aric breathed, his voice barely audible.

  "It's a battlefield," Elara observed, her professional demeanor holding despite the horror before them.

  Val nodded, his eyes scanning the carnage methodically.

  The bodies at the center of the gulley formed a rough circle, facing outward. Around them lay scattered corpses in various states of decay, some fresh, others clearly undead before they'd been burned.

  "We need to go down there," Val decided. "Confirm what happened."

  Captain Alfen and the other squads had joined them at the gulley's edge. The captain surveyed the scene, his face impassive despite the grisly tableau. "Agreed. Hearne, Kaelen, with me. The rest maintain position and keep watch."

  Val turned to his squad. "Elara, Aric, with me. Lian, stay with Rhalla and maintain watch."

  They found a less steep section of the gulley wall and carefully made their descent, weapons drawn. The smell grew overwhelming as they reached the bottom, a miasma of burned flesh, old blood, and the distinctive sour stench of necromantic energy.

  Val's core reacted immediately, churning violently as if trying to purge itself of contamination. He focused on the containment technique Rhalla had taught him, struggling to maintain control as his body instinctively rejected the death aether that permeated the site.

  "Are you alright?" Elara asked quietly, noticing his discomfort.

  "I'll manage," Val assured her, though his voice was strained. "My core doesn't like this place."

  They moved carefully among the dead, examining the scene with professional detachment despite the horror surrounding them. Val knelt beside one of the central bodies, a man in the remains of leather armor bearing the insignia of Clearwater's militia.

  "Defenders," he concluded. "Probably a patrol or scouting party."

  Kaelen grunted from nearby where he examined another body. "Surrounded and overwhelmed. They formed up back-to-back, made their stand here."

  "But they took a toll before they fell," Captain Alfen observed, gesturing to the numerous undead corpses scattered around the perimeter.

  Val moved to examine one of the fallen undead, a ghoul by the looks of what remained after burning. Its clawed hands were still recognizable, though charred, and the distinctive elongated jaw structure had partially survived the fire.

  "Someone survived," he realized suddenly. "The bodies were burned after the battle. It wasn't a natural fire during the fight, this was deliberate, methodical." He pointed to the pattern of charring. "And recent. Within the last day."

  "Survivors who escaped, then returned to ensure their comrades wouldn't rise," Alfen concluded. "Honorable."

  "And tactically sound," Kaelen added. "Denying the enemy reinforcements."

  Val continued his examination, moving toward a larger corpse at the edge of the burned area. What he found made his blood run cold.

  "Captain," he called, his voice tight. "You need to see this."

  Alfen joined him, kneeling beside the massive body. What remained was barely recognizable, but the size alone set it apart. Nearly eight feet of charred muscle and bone.

  "Troll," Alfen identified it immediately. "Forest dweller by the looks of it."

  Val nodded grimly. "And look at these." He pointed to the troll's hands, where metal bands had been fused to the wrists by the intense heat. "Manacles. This wasn't a wild troll."

  "Like the ravens," Elara said quietly from behind them.

  "Exactly," Val agreed. "They're using anything they can find, anything they can control. Animals, intelligent creatures... anything that can kill."

  Alfen stood, his expression hardening. "This changes things. If they're controlling trolls now, the threat to Clearwater is greater than we anticipated."

  "There's more, sir," Aric called from several yards away. He stood beside another large form, this one even more severely burned. "This one's different."

  They joined him, and Val immediately saw what Aric meant. Though badly damaged by fire, the creature's fundamental structure was unlike anything natural. Its limbs were too long, joints bending in impossible directions. What remained of its head showed no eye sockets, just a gaping maw filled with needle-like teeth.

  "That's no troll," Kaelen growled. "Never seen anything like it."

  "I have," Alfen said quietly. "Once, near the deep borders of the Deadlands. They call them flesh-stitches. Constructed undead, built from multiple corpses fused together with necromantic energy."

  Val felt his stomach turn. The implications were horrifying, not just raising the dead but reshaping them, creating monstrosities designed for specific purposes.

  "This is beyond anything we've encountered before," he said, unable to keep the disgust from his voice. "Even at Willow Creek, they were using existing creatures, not... manufacturing new ones."

  "It means we're dealing with a high-level necromancer," Alfen concluded. "Someone with both power and knowledge beyond the typical death mage."

  They continued their examination of the battlefield, piecing together what had happened. The Clearwater patrol, perhaps fifteen strong, had been ambushed in the gulley. They'd formed a defensive circle, fighting desperately against a force that outnumbered them significantly. Despite their courage, they'd been overwhelmed, though they'd inflicted heavy casualties on their attackers.

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  At least one had escaped, returning later to burn the bodies and deny the necromancer additional resources. The tracks leading away from the gulley told of a larger force continuing eastward, presumably toward Clearwater.

  "We need to follow those tracks," Val said as they climbed back to the top of the gulley. "Find out where they lead."

  "Agreed," Alfen nodded. "Proceed with extreme caution, stay close."

  He turned to address the assembled rangers. "We follow the trail but maintain maximum distance. This is reconnaissance only, we identify the enemy force, assess its size and composition, then determine our next move. No engagement unless absolutely necessary."

  The rangers nodded their understanding, faces grim but determined. They had all seen what lay in the gulley; they understood the stakes.

  The company reformed, this time in a more compact formation designed for faster movement while maintaining reasonable security. Val's squad again took point, following the increasingly obvious trail left by the retreating undead force.

  The forest grew less dense as they traveled east, making tracking easier but also increasing their own visibility. Val maintained a careful balance between speed and caution, acutely aware that they might encounter enemy scouts or sentries at any moment.

  After an hour of steady progress, Lian held up a hand, signaling a halt. He pointed ahead, where the forest thinned further, opening into what appeared to be a broad meadow.

  "Movement," he whispered. "Multiple figures, approximately four hundred yards ahead."

  Val signaled the rest of the company to hold position while he and Lian crawled forward to better observe what lay ahead. Finding a position behind a fallen log, they peered cautiously over its mossy surface.

  The meadow stretched perhaps half a mile across, dotted with occasional stands of trees and rocky outcroppings. Near its center, a group of figures moved with purpose, their armor glinting in the afternoon sun.

  "Humans," Val realized with a surge of relief. "Living ones."

  Lian nodded, his keen eyes picking out details. "Militia uniforms. Clearwater insignia."

  Val counted quickly. "About thirty of them, moving in formation."

  They withdrew carefully, returning to where the rest of the company waited. Val reported what they'd seen to Captain Alfen.

  "Clearwater militia," Alfen repeated thoughtfully. "That's unexpected but welcome. They must be operating from the city, perhaps searching for their missing patrol."

  Val's squad advanced from the forest edge, walking in clear view across the meadow. The militia patrol spotted them almost immediately, quickly forming into a defensive line facing the approaching rangers.

  "Halt!" called a voice when they were about a hundred yards apart. "Identify yourselves!"

  Val stopped, keeping the banner raised. "Rangers from Oakspire!" he called back.

  There was a brief consultation among the militia before the same voice responded. "Approach slowly!"

  Val turned to his squad. "Elara, with me. The rest of you wait here."

  They walked forward slowly, hands clearly visible and away from their weapons. As they drew closer, Val could make out the details of the militia unit. They were indeed Clearwater forces, their armor bearing the distinctive wave emblem of the lakeside city. They looked tired but disciplined, their formation tight and weapons ready.

  A man stepped forward from their line, his armor marking him as an officer. He was solidly built, with short-cropped hair and a face weathered by outdoor work.

  Val lowered his hands but kept them visible. "I'm Valtha Hearne, Squad Leader with Ranger Company Two. This is Elara, our combat medic. We're part of a larger reconnaissance force under Captain Alfen."

  Jeduh's eyes flooded with relief. "Tell me there's more of you."

  "We've been dispatched to assess the situation at Clearwater," Val explained. "There's been no communication from your city in several days, and given recent undead activity throughout the valley, Oakspire became concerned."

  The mention of undead caused a visible reaction among the militia, murmurs passing through their ranks. Jeduh himself grimaced, his hand tightening on his sword hilt.

  "You've encountered them, then," he said, a statement rather than a question.

  Val nodded. "We found the remains of what appears to be one of your patrols in a gulley about an hour's march west of here. They were ambushed by undead, including at least one troll and something worse."

  Jeduh closed his eyes briefly, a flash of pain crossing his features. "Harrick's patrol. We've been searching for them for two days." He looked past Val toward the forest edge. "You said you're part of a larger force?"

  "Yes. Captain Alfen and the rest of our company are at the forest edge. We also have an army company approximately one day's march behind us, moving toward Clearwater."

  This news clearly surprised the beleaguered militia captain.

  "The situation throughout the valley has deteriorated rapidly," Val explained. "Undead forces have attacked multiple settlements, including Willow Creek and Stonebridge. Oakspire is deploying forces to secure the remaining population centers."

  Jeduh seemed to relax at the news. "Your people are welcome to join us, we have a forward camp about two miles from here."

  Val nodded. "I'll signal them to approach."

  He raised his arm and gave the all-clear signal, a sweeping motion followed by two raised fingers. Within moments, the rest of the ranger company emerged from the forest edge, moving in an orderly formation with Captain Alfen at the lead.

  Introductions were made between the two captains, and after a brief exchange, Jeduh invited them to accompany his patrol back to their camp. They set off across the meadow, rangers and militia intermingled though each maintained their unit integrity.

  "How long have you been in the field?" Val asked Jeduh as they walked.

  "Three days this time," the militia captain replied. "We rotate patrols daily, maintaining a perimeter around Clearwater. It's been... challenging."

  "The undead presence is substantial?"

  Jeduh nodded grimly. "More than we've ever encountered before. Not just in numbers, but organization. They move with purpose, set ambushes, coordinate attacks across multiple points. We've lost three patrols in the past week alone."

  "We've observed similar tactics elsewhere," Val told him. "Willow Creek was under siege for days before we broke through. Stonebridge fell entirely."

  Jeduh murmured. "We feared it might be widespread, but hope it was localized to our area. How fare the other settlements?"

  "Uncertain," Val admitted. "Communication has been disrupted throughout the valley. That's part of why we're here to reestablish contact and assess the situation."

  They crossed the meadow and entered another stretch of forest, this one less dense than what they'd traversed earlier. After about half an hour's march, they emerged into a large clearing where the militia had established their forward camp.

  The camp was well-organized, with sentries posted at regular intervals around its perimeter. Several large tents had been erected in the center, with smaller ones arranged in neat rows. A cooking fire burned near the largest tent, where a group of militia members were preparing what appeared to be the evening meal.

  Jeduh led them to the central tent, which served as the command post. Inside, a rough table held maps of the surrounding territory, weighted down with stones and marked with various symbols indicating patrol routes and contact points.

  "Captain Alfen, please," Jeduh gestured to the maps. "I'd like to show you what we're facing."

  The ranger captain joined him at the table, along with the squad leaders; Val, Kaelen, Toren, and the others. Rhalla stood slightly apart, observing with interest.

  "Clearwater has been effectively under siege for nearly two weeks," Jeduh began, pointing to the map. "It started with isolated attacks on outlying farms and homesteads. We thought it was a troll pack from the mountains at first, there was little evidence of undead activity initially."

  "A deliberate deception," Alfen suggested.

  Jeduh nodded. "Almost certainly. By the time we realized what we were truly facing, several outlying communities had been razed. We managed to evacuate most of the survivors to Clearwater itself, but we lost at least hundreds of people in those initial attacks."

  He traced a circle around Clearwater on the map. "We established a defensive perimeter about five miles out from the city walls. For the first week, we were able to maintain it effectively, repelling several probing attacks. But three days ago, our scouts reported a much larger force approaching from the south."

  "How large?" Alfen asked.

  "Thousands, with more joining every day."

  "Thats significantly larger than the force at Willow Creek. It numbered less than a thousand." Alfen told him. "Including the use of turned animals."

  This caught Jeduh's attention. "Animals? What kind?"

  "All kinds, it seems they don't discriminate. We also observed ravens watching the path we traveled," Val explained. "They appear normal to casual observation, but they're actually undead, likely serving as the eyes and ears of whoever is directing these attacks."

  Jeduh's face darkened. "That explains why our messenger birds never return. We've sent a dozen hawks to Oakspire in the past week and not one has made it back."

  "What's the current status of Clearwater?" Alfen asked, bringing the discussion back to immediate concerns.

  "Secure, for now," Jeduh replied. "The city walls remain unbreached, and we've consolidated our defenses. We've pulled in all outlying populations, stockpiled supplies, and prepared for a prolonged siege if necessary. The lake side remains open, providing both a secure border and access to fresh water and fish."

  "And the approaching force?" Alfen pressed. "How long before they reach the city?"

  "Two days, perhaps three if our harassment tactics continue to slow them. We've been striking at their flanks, disrupting their movement where possible without directly engaging their main body."

  Alfen studied the map thoughtfully. "Our orders are to assess and secure Clearwater ahead of the army's arrival. Based on what you've told us, that objective remains viable."

  "Your rangers would be most welcome," Jeduh said sincerely before turning and casting a questioning glance at Rhalla.

  "Master Rhalla is from the Academy," Alfen explained. "He specializes in life aether and has been invaluable in detecting death aether."

  Jeduh nodded respectfully toward the mage. "We have few aether-capable individuals in Clearwater, and none with formal training. Your expertise will be most welcome, Master Rhalla."

  "I hope to be of service," Rhalla replied simply.

  Alfen turned to Rhea. "Rhea, take Mara and your two squads back along our trail. Rendezvous with the army column and inform High Captain Alayne of the situation. Tell him to make all possible speed to Clearwater. They have to arrive before that undead force reaches the city walls."

  She nodded her understanding. "Yes, sir. When should we depart?"

  "Immediately," Alfen decided. "Travel light and fast. The rest of us will continue to Clearwater with Captain Jeduh's militia."

  "Sir," They both acknowledged.

  "I can provide a guide to accompany your squad," Jeduh offered. "Someone familiar with the fastest routes through this territory."

  "That would be appreciated," Alfen accepted.

  The massive gates of Clearwater came into view just as twilight settled over the valley. Val had visited before, but the sight of the fortified walls rising against the purple-streaked sky still impressed him. The gates opened smoothly, well-maintained hinges barely creaking as the combined force entered the city. Jed quickly guided them into the barracks, offering shelter and food for the night. With a promise to reconvene in the morning, the groups split as the Militiamen headed home and the rangers settled themselves inside.

  Inside the barracks, the atmosphere shifted from professional vigilance to cautious relaxation. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the stone-walled common room where rangers and militia gathered around shared tables. Val found himself between Elara and a grizzled militia veteran who introduced himself as Marcus, trading stories of recent encounters while passing around platters of lake fish and roasted vegetables.

  "So there we were," Marcus gestured with his cup, "three trolls bearing down on our position, and Jeduh just stands there, cool as winter water, waiting for the perfect moment to spring the trap."

  Val listened to the storytelling as his attention occasionally drifted to Elara beside him, her shoulder brushing his as she reached for her cup, sending little sparks of awareness through his body.

  Across the table, Rhalla engaged in an animated discussion with several militia members about their local plants and fauna, his usual scholarly reserve giving way to genuine enthusiasm.

  Captain Alfen stood after the meal had wound down, his voice carrying easily through the communal space. "Get some rest, all of you. Tomorrow will come early enough."

  The rangers began sorting themselves into the small two-person rooms that lined the barracks' upper floor. Val was about to begin assigning spaces when Aric caught his eye, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Before Val could speak, the young ranger had grabbed Lian by the arm and practically dragged him toward one of the rooms.

  "This one's ours!" Aric called over his shoulder, throwing Val an exaggerated wink before disappearing through the doorway.

  Val felt heat rise in his neck as he realized what Aric had done. He turned to find Elara standing nearby, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she studied the worn floorboards with sudden interest. The remaining room waited, its door standing open like an unspoken question.

  "I can find somewhere else," he offered quietly, though his heart wasn't in the suggestion.

  Elara looked up, meeting his eyes with a mixture of embarrassment and determination. "Don't be ridiculous," she said, her voice steady despite the color in her cheeks. "We're both adults."

  Val followed her into the small room, painfully aware of every sound the soft scuff of their boots on stone, the rustle of equipment being set down, the quiet click of the door closing behind them. The space held two narrow cots, a small table between them, and just enough room to move comfortably. A single lantern cast warm light across the rough stone walls.