The rebels hadn’t expected another encounter so soon. Yet by dawn, the alarm spread through the camp—Dominion scouts had been sighted near the river crossing.
Asha wasted no time. “We strike before they report back.”
A squad was assembled: Asha, Joran, Liora, and Kael among them. The air was heavy with tension as they moved silently through the forest, every step carrying the weight of risk.
Kael’s stomach churned. His last battle still burned in his memory—the smell of scorched flesh, the screams. But this time, he had something he hadn’t before: training.
They found the scouts at the water’s edge—six riders, their mounts pawing nervously at the ground. The Dominion colors gleamed black and crimson even in the gray light.
Asha signaled. The rebels fanned out. Bows rose, blades readie
