We all gathered in the open field, our bodies painted head to toe in black. The night swallowed us whole, the snow around us a pale mirror to the darkness of our camouflage. Warriors braided their hair back tightly, black lines tracing sharp angles on their skulls. Weapons glinted under the moonlight—curved swords, throwing knives, spiked clubs, and crossbows. Even the smallest among us carried axes hidden along their belts. The air carried the sharp scent of snow and cold metal, heavy with anticipation.
Timi’s boots crunched against the frozen ground as he paced before us. His eyes, precise and calculating, scanned each soldier. “Are you all ready?” he asked. “If something is wrong, speak now.”
We remained silent, each heartbeat echoing in the quiet.
“Very good, then let’s—” He cut off
