"We have to warn the outside world." Lady Moira's words crackled with urgency as she paced our hidden alcove. "Now that we know what's really happening here, every moment we delay puts more lives at risk." I felt the weight of my songs humming in my chest, already knowing what I had to do. "I can get down the fastest by going alone. It will be easier to use Mountain's Embrace when I only need to worry about myself. Lady Moira's quill scratched against parchment, her normally flowing script turned sharp and decisive. She pressed the sealed scroll into my hands, her grip steel-strong. "Find Elena at the observation post. She has swiftclaws ready–she can reach Command in three days." Her eyes hardened. "You have four hours before we move. Make them count."
You sing Mountain's Embrace
"I started my descent, each note solidified into a blue-white handhold perfectly positioned for my next move. Something felt different about casting solo–the magic responded more precisely, like it was truly mine. My heart jumped when I reached the lower guard post. I let Mountain's Embrace dissolve, forcing myself to stay calm as I transitioned into Whispers of the Unseen. The seconds it took to become invisible felt endless. Maybe with more levels, I could speed up the transition. I held my breath as two guards passed below, their torchlight sliding across the rock just inches from my boots." I burned through mana faster than I liked, alternating between songs as I worked my way down. My throat was raw by the time I hit ground level. Dash of the Daring got me through the guard patrols in brief, heart-pounding bursts.
The pre-dawn forest loomed ahead, Elena's observation post hidden somewhere in its depths. I crouched at the treeline, letting my mana pool refill as twisted oaks creaked above me like ancient sentries.
"Elena?" I whispered into the darkness. "It's Brendan."
The forest exploded into motion. Boots scraped on stone as torches flared to life, revealing soldiers materializing from camouflaged positions. Six weapons trained on me before I could even think to recast Whispers.
"Don't move." The command came from behind, professional and distinctly not Black Scale Brigade.
""Sir!" A soldier's urgent whisper cut through the tension. "He came from the fortress, but he's asking for Elena."
The torchlight shifted, illuminating a face that stopped my breath cold. My interface flashed:
Name: Marcus Reed
Classification: Human
Profession: Retired General
Class: Warrior Commander
Level: ??
The general's eyes widened slightly as his own interface must have triggered:
"Brendan?" His tone shifted instantly from hostile to alert interest. "The same Brendan from Lynne's reports?" He turned to a nearby soldier. "Get Elena here. Now."
I kept my hand tight on Lady Moira's scroll, still wary. Even if this was Captain Reed's father, the Council's corruption ran deep. How many commanders had they already turned?
"Lynne mentioned you had an... unusual way of handling difficult situations," he continued, studying me with new intensity. "Something about 'defying gravity during combat training' and—" his eyebrow arched "—'an unauthorized scavenger hunt in the officers' quarters.'"
I felt my face burn, remembering both the spectacular training accident that had turned me into an unwilling human projectile, and that ill-advised quest that Jay roped me into. "Sir, those were both completely—"
"She also advised me you were no ordinary bard, and that she trusted you." The ghost of a smile touched his lips. "Though she was very clear that if I wanted any other details, I should absolutely not ask you, her, or anyone else, ever."
While we waited for Elena, I asked what had been nagging at me. "General Reed... why are you here? With respect, you're retired..."
His weathered face softened slightly, though his military bearing never wavered. "Lynne sent me an urgent message last week. Went completely outside her chain of command." He pulled a worn letter from his breast pocket, the paper creased from repeated readings. "Said her superiors were ignoring her reports. Mentioned corruption in places it shouldn't exist."
His fingers traced lines across the map as he spoke. "Strange activity at Night's Hollow. Unauthorized supply movements. Military patrols that deliberately avoided investigating disturbances." His expression hardened. "Most importantly, she said her instincts screamed that something sinister was brewing. And Lynne's never been one for dramatics–gets that from her mother."
One of his Captains shifted forward. "The nearby forts contributed men too," he added. "Not officially, of course."
"Let's just say some commanders interpreted their patrol schedules rather creatively." Reed's smile was grim. "We arrived a few hours ago. Elena contacted our advance scouts when she saw them, told us about your group inside."
"Everything clicked into place–why an elite military force awaited us here when we needed them most." "Captain Reed always said you were the type of commander who listened to your people," I said, remembering conversations with his daughter during our previous adventures.
"Best lesson I ever learned in command." Reed's eyes grew distant. "Your troops' instincts are worth more than a dozen intelligence reports. Lynne knew sensed danger here, even if she couldn't prove it yet. That was enough for me."
"Brendan?" Elena burst through the tent flaps, her eyes widening. "What in the world are you doing here?"
Relief flooded through me at the sight of her familiar face. Now, with both Elena's presence and the general's recognition, I finally pulled out Lady Moira's scroll.
Night's Hollow Reconnaissance Quest Completed!
- Experience Points: 1000 EXP
"Sir, what we found inside the fortress... it's far worse than anything Captain Reed suspected." I spread the scroll across the map-covered table, watching the tactical implications form behind the general's eyes as I recounted our discoveries.
"By the gods..." General Reed's weathered hands spread across the maps, his entire demeanour shifting as I recounted what we'd discovered. His staff exchanged alarmed glances as Lady Moira's scroll confirmed every word. I watched decades of military experience process the tactical nightmare unfolding before him.
The change rippled through the tent. Officers who moments ago had been skeptical now moved with sharp, practiced efficiency. Maps were shuffled, runners dispatched, and I could see the machinery of a veteran military force grinding into motion.
"The Council of Eighteen..." Reed's voice carried the weight of someone who'd spent a lifetime navigating political waters. "Lynne's instincts were right. The unusual supply movements, the selective patrols..." His fist clenched on the table. "But this goes beyond simple corruption. They've potentially doomed us all."
He straightened, authority radiating from every movement. "Captain," he barked to a nearby officer, "I want every available scout watching that fortress. If anything comes through that gate that doesn't look normal, I want to know immediately." His gaze swept the tent. "And get me a long distance communication crystal. There are some old friends who need to know what's really happening at Night's Hollow."
"Even if I believe you," Reed said finally, "and I'm not saying I do entirely, we don't have enough men to take that fortress. Those walls might not be complete, but they're well-defended. The Brigade has at least three hundred troops, and those magical wards your companion mentioned..."
"What if we could get you inside?" I asked, an idea forming. "Through a secondary gate?"
That got his attention. "If we could get inside the defensive ring..." He studied the maps intensely. "With their forces spread out manning the walls, an internal strike could work. But that gate's still guarded."
"I got in once already," I said, trying not to sound like I was bragging. "With Lady Moira's team. My songs can get us past their patrols, up the cliff face, and eventually to that gate. We just need enough people to hold it once it's open." I glanced at the moon's position through the tent flap. "But I need to return soon. The others don't know you're here, and I'm afraid they might try something dangerous if I'm not back within two hours."
One commander stepped forward, leaning over the map. "The western gate would be perfect-it's their least fortified point because they're relying on the natural cliff face for protection."
Reed's tactical mind was already working through the possibilities. "How many climbers do you–need?"
"Five is all I can take. Skilled ones. We'll need to move fast. He nodded once, then turned to his gathered officers. "Volunteers only. This mission is beyond anything you signed up for."
Five hands went up instantly. I recognized one of them–a weathered sergeant who was part of the group that first captured me. Something in their eyes told me these weren't just any soldiers–these were veterans who'd followed their general into retirement, maintaining their watch even after their official service had ended.
While they went off to get their gear and prepare for the mission, I pulled Elena aside. "Elena, why can't I see anyone's level in this room when I try to Identify them?"
She gave me a look that suggested I'd just asked why water was wet. "What backwater village did you grow up in?"
"I'll explain later," I said. "Just answer the question."
"Everyone knows you can't discern someone's level if they're over 10 levels above you." She shook her head, clearly wondering about my basic knowledge.
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I nodded, the information settling like a weight in my stomach. It was just another reminder of how far I still had to go in this world.
Once the volunteers were ready, I had them gather themselves around me.
"Listen carefully," I said as we gathered the strike team. "My songs are kind of unique, so try not to be too surprised. We'll dash between patrol routes using a run song, and if we need to hide, I can make us invisible with another. Once we reach the cliff, I'll need to meditate to build up my mana reserves."
I watched their faces for any sign of skepticism, but these veterans just nodded with professional focus.
"For the climb itself, Mountain's Embrace will create handholds you can use. They're as solid as real rock while I'm singing, but when my mana runs low, I'll need to rest. When I signal, find natural holds immediately–the magical ones will fade while I meditate."
The soldiers nodded again, their professional demeanour making my usual detailed explanations unnecessary. These were people used to adapting to strange situations on the fly.
I took one last look at Elena and the general before we slipped out of the camp. Whatever horrors that broken seal was about to unleash, at least we had allies now who understood the true stakes. The fate of Lyserion might well depend on what happened in the next few hours.
Even though I'd only used Dash of the Daring to get us to the mountain's base, I caught the veterans whispering excitedly to each other. "Like lightning between the patrols," Sergeant Kira murmured. "Neverthought I could ever move that fast." Another soldier just shook his head in amazement, his disciplined exterior cracking for a moment.
You sing Mountain's Embrace
The climb began in that darkest hour before dawn, when even the Brigade's patrols grew sluggish. The familiar blue-white handholds bloomed across the cliff face as my practiced melody flowed. Leading five veteran soldiers up a sheer rock wall differed dramatically from guiding Lady Moira's group–these men and women moved with calculated precision, wasting no energy on unnecessary movements. Sergeant Thane, the weathered veteran who'd first captured me, took the rear position. Her eyes constantly scanned for threats while her hands found each magical hold with intuitive grace. The others spread out in a practiced formation that spoke of years spent scaling mountains together. My first mana warning came about a quarter of the way up. "Natural holds," I threaded into the song, raising my hand in the signal we'd discussed. The soldiers transitioned smoothly, finding secure positions in the rock face with practiced ease. No panic, no hesitation–just clean, professional execution.
While I meditated to restore my mana, I heard the faintest whisper from below. "Just like the north face of Mount Kragen, eh, Marr?" It was barely audible, but I caught the pride in Sergeant Thane's voice. "Except the handholds there didn't glow," came the equally muted response, followed by muffled chuckles. The sound of boots on stone silenced us all. A Brigade patrol was passing below, their torchlight sweeping the lower walls. I watched the soldiers press themselves against the rock face, their stillness absolute. These weren't just experienced climbers–they were veterans who knew how to vanish into terrain when needed.
When my mana felt strong again:
You sing Mountain's Embrace
The handholds bloomed brighter now, as if the mountain itself approved of these disciplined souls ascending its face. We made excellent time, each soldier reading the subtle changes in my melody that warned of upcoming transitions or difficult sections.
The crucial moment arrived halfway up. Two patrols converged beneath us just as another started descending from above.
You stop singing Mountain's Embrace
You sing Whispers of the Unseen
The soldiers adapted instantly, freezing in place as the invisibility rippled over us, their breathing so controlled I could barely hear it over the wind. Three sets of torchlight swept past our position, and not a single soldier twitched. Even when small rocks from the upper patrol clattered down around us, they maintained perfect stillness.
My throat burned from the constant singing, but I didn't dare let either song falter. One wavering note and we'd all be exposed. Sergeant Thane caught my eye and made a subtle hand signal I'd learned meant 'hold position' in military shorthand. I gave her the barest nod, grateful for her experience.
The final stretch to our hidden alcove seemed to take forever. My mana reserves were dangerously low, each handhold requiring more concentration to maintain. But these soldiers never rushed, never pushed beyond what the magic could safely hold. Their discipline was keeping us all alive.
When we finally reached the alcove entrance, I switched back to Whispers long enough for us to slip inside undetected. Twylla caught my arm as I stumbled, exhaustion finally catching up with me. The soldiers moved silently into defensive positions, their eyes already adjusting to the darkness of our hiding spot.
"That was incredible," one soldier whispered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Running like the wind, climbing impossible walls at the speed of a rock stalker, fading from sight..."
"And all from a bard," Sergeant Thane added with newfound respect. "Not quite the tavern entertainment I was expecting." His weathered face cracked into a smile.
"General Reed's men?" Lady Moira's eyebrows rose sharply. "The Retired General Reed?"
"He got a message from Captain Reed about corruption here," I explained quickly. "Gathered some of his old veterans, called in favours. They're waiting below for us to open that western gate."
Lady Moira's expression shifted to one of calculated assessment as she studied the five soldiers. "Good. We'll need every advantage." She turned to our archers. "Law, Bron - you'll provide cover from these positions once they're spotted. Your arrows should reach the gatehouse from there."
Twylla stepped forward, her hands already weaving intricate patterns in the air. "Let me ward you first." Golden light shimmered around each soldier, settling into their armour like liquid sunlight. "It'll absorb the first few hits, but don't get reckless. Even the strongest wards can break."
"The rest is straightforward," I said. "We climb down using Mountain's Embrace, then stay invisible on the wall top as we approach the gatehouse." I looked at the soldiers. "Stay within five metres of me for the songs to work."
You sing Mountain's Embrace
The descent down the mountain face flowed smoother than our climb up. These veterans now moved with complete confidence in my glowing handholds, each one timing their movements perfectly with the rhythm of the song. As our feet touched the wall-top:
You stop singing Mountain's Embrace
You sing Whispers of the Unseen
The invisibility rippled over our group just as two Brigade guards rounded a corner barely feet away. They continued their patrol towards the gatehouse, completely unaware of our presence as they passed, their backs now turned to us in cruel invitation.
Name: Thanatos Shadowsteel
Classification: Human
Profession: Elite Guard
Class: Heavy Blade
Level: ??
The first kills were clean. Bear and Thane dropped from invisibility behind the guards - one knife across the throat, one sword through the spine. But the third guard, emerging from the stairwell, saw his companions fall. He managed half a shout before Marr's crossbow bolt took him in the eye.
"More coming!" The warning hiss came from Kenna as boot steps thundered up the stairs.
"Change of plans - we sprint for the gatehouse now!" I called out.
You sing Dash of the Daring
The song's power surged through our legs as we sprinted for the gatehouse. Crossbow bolts clattered against stone around us, Twylla's wards flaring golden as they deflected direct hits. Above, Bron and Law's answering arrows forced the Brigade archers to duck for cover.
Two guards blocked our path to the gatehouse. Bear crashed into the first like an avalanche, his momentum carrying both of them over the wall's edge. The second guard raised his sword, but Thane was there in a blur, her twin daggers opening his throat in a spray of crimson.
We reached the gatehouse door just as my mana gave out. Bear, who'd somehow climbed back up after his plunge, slammed his shoulder against the thick wood. The door creaked but held firm.
"Need this open now!" Sergeant Thane snapped, as more shouts echoed across the wall.
My hands trembled as I pulled out the mana potion, bitter liquid burning down my throat. Power flooded through me instantly.
You stop singing Dash of the Daring
You sing Rise of the Iron Will
The martial song's rhythm pulsed through our group, raw power surging through muscles as it enhanced everyone's strength by half again what nature gave them. Bear, already a mountain of a man, became truly terrifying with the boost, his muscles rippling with augmented might. The door didn't stand a chance - his first strike sent it flying off its hinges like it was made of parchment, crushing the unfortunate Brigade soldier behind it.
"Stay back, bard!" Thane ordered, pushing me behind the group with strength that surprised even her. "Just keep singing!"
Two more Brigade soldiers died in the first seconds - one to Kenna's blade, which cut through his armour like cloth, her enhanced strength making her already deadly skills devastating. The third parried Thane's initial strike, but the song-enhanced power behind her blow shattered his sword completely, the follow-up opening his gut with terrifying ease.
"Above!" Marr's warning brought everyone's attention to the upper level where a Brigade soldier was reloading his crossbow, three more rushing down the stairs. Twylla's wards flashed brilliant gold as arrows deflected off their armour.
Name: Vex Bloodmark
Classification: Human
Profession: Elite Mercenary
Class: Blade Master
Level: ??
The veterans moved like unleashed forces of nature, the song's massive strength enhancement turning their skilled strikes into devastating blows. Bear, already immensely strong, had become almost unstoppable. He caught a Brigade soldier's sword strike with his bare hand, the ward flashing as it prevented the blade from severing his fingers. His answering punch, powered by both natural might and my song's enhancement, didn't just cave in the man's helmet - it practically flattened it.
"Bar the main gates!" Sergeant Thane ordered between breaths, her daggers cleaving through armouconnected,r that should have turned them. "Archers, watch those windows! Keep that bard alive!"
The veterans formed a protective circle, keeping me safe in their midst as I maintained the song. Marr's crossbow thrummed steadily from his position, each shot burying bolts so deep in their targets they emerged from the other side.
Bear reached the massive gate bar, and where once it might have challenged even his tremendous strength, now he hoisted it with an ease that made the steel shriek in protest. The signal arrow soared skyward, and horns answered from the darkness below.
"Incoming!" Kenna's warning preceded another wave of Brigade soldiers pouring through the upper door.
"Hold the stairs!" Thane's command cut through the chaos as more Brigade soldiers poured down from above. Blood made the steps treacherous, but these veterans, enhanced by my song to superhuman levels of strength, turned the stairway into a killing ground. Every strike that landed cleaved through armour, every blow that connected, sent enemies flying.
Kenna took a hit, a blade slipping past her ward to bite into her shoulder. Bear moved with speed that seemed impossible for someone his size, especially with the bar he wielded. The Brigade soldier raised his shield - his last mistake. With the song enhancing Bear's already monstrous strength, the steel bar didn't just crush both shield and soldier against the wall - it left an impression in the stone itself while Marr dragged Kenna to safety.
The veterans kept me protected in their centre as they fought, my song transforming their legendary combat skills into something approaching mythical. Brigade soldiers fell before them like wheat before a scythe, their enhanced strength turning each strike into a devastating blow.
Battle Summary
Total Combat Casualties: 14 enemies
EXP Gained (You): 250
Notable Loot:
- Thanatos's distinctive executioner helm (glowing red eye slits)
- Thanatos's notched greatsword
- Vex Bloodmark's collection of exotic blades
- Crimson Fang Company insignia sash
- Black Scale Brigade armour pieces
- Assorted weapons and combat gear
- Brigade patrol documents and orders
Name: Executioner's Helm
Material: Black-scaled Steel, Enchanted Ruby
Weight (kg): 3.2
Description: A terrifying helm of black-scaled steel, its eye slits burning with an otherworldly crimson glow. Each time an execution is performed, they say the glow grows a little brighter. You'd think those narrow eye slits would limit visibility, but somehow he never trips on stairs. Maybe the red glow helps?
Name: Notched Greatsword
Material: Dark Steel, Blood-Etched Iron
Weight (kg): 8.4
Description: A massive blade of dark steel, its edge marked with countless notches - each representing a life taken. The blade seems to hunger for more marks. The notches have made it slightly serrated. Accidental sword upgrade through excessive murder?
Name: Exotic Blade Collection
Material: Various Metals, Mixed Origins
Weight (kg): 12.6
Description: An impressive array of blades from across the realms, each bearing the distinct marks of different cultures and fighting styles. Either someone really likes knives or really can't decide what to make for dinner.
Then General Reed's forces swept into the gatehouse like a tide of steel, veteran soldiers cutting through the remaining Brigade forces with practiced efficiency. The battle for the western gate was over.
I maintained Rise of the Iron Will until the last enemy fell. Looking at their bloodied but determined faces, I knew I'd just witnessed what true high-level warriors could do.