Battle Preparation

The sun rose over Patrian, casting a golden glow across the city and painting the cobblestone streets in warm hues. It had been two days since Gilgamesh's fateful encounter with Kaela Kovalskia, the young blacksmith warrior whose life he had saved from the clutches of Yatan's Believers. In that time, Gilgamesh had worked tirelessly to gather intelligence about the ruin and prepare for the battle ahead.

Now, the day had come to seek an audience with Earl Ashur—a meeting that could determine the fate of the region.

The cobblestone streets near Earl Ashur's castle were quiet, the usual bustle of the city subdued under the weight of the impending crisis. Gilgamesh walked alongside Garret, the two had left to the castle grounds in search of someone who could help them gain an audience with the Earl—someone Garrett trusted implicitly.

They arrived at a modest building tucked away in a corner of the district. Its stone walls were weathered but sturdy, and the faint glow of candlelight flickered through the windows. Garrett pushed open the heavy wooden door, and the scent of aged parchment and herbs wafted out to greet them.

Inside, the room was cluttered with books, scrolls, and strange artifacts. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of ingredients and trinkets that hinted at the occupant's profession. At the center of the room stood a middle-aged man dressed in a magician's robe, his sleeves rolled up as he meticulously ground something in a mortar. He looked up as the door creaked open, his sharp eyes narrowing briefly before recognition dawned.

"Garrett?" the man said, his voice tinged with surprise. He set down the mortar and wiped his hands on his robe. "What are you doing here? It's not often you grace my humble abode with your presence."

Garrett stepped forward, his expression serious but respectful. "Kaeul," he greeted with a curt nod. "We need your help. This is an urgent matter."

Kaeul raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. He glanced at Gilgamesh, taking in the warrior's imposing stature and the aura that surrounded him. "And who is this?" he asked, gesturing to Gilgamesh.

"This is Gilgamesh," Garrett replied. "An adventure and someone I know. He has uncovered critical information about Yatan's Believers, and we need to speak with Earl Ashur. But gaining an audience with him directly is… complicated."

Kaeul crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "Earl Ashur isn't one to entertain unscheduled visitors, especially in times like these. What makes you think I can help?"

Garrett's gaze didn't waver. "You've advised the Earl before. He trusts your judgment. If you vouch for us, he'll listen."

Kaeul sighed, running a hand through his graying hair. "You always did know how to ask for favors at the worst possible times," he muttered. But there was a hint of a smile on his lips as he turned to Gilgamesh. "And you. What's your stake in all this?"

Gilgamesh stepped forward, his deep voice resonating in the small room. "Yatan's Believers are a threat to everyone in this region. They've taken refuge in the Blackthorn Forest, and their plans could bring ruin to Patrian and beyond. We need to act now, before it's too late."

Kaeul studied him for a moment, his sharp eyes searching for something—perhaps doubt, perhaps sincerity. Whatever he found seemed to satisfy him, because he nodded slowly. "Very well. I'll take you to the Earl. But you'd better be prepared to explain everything in detail. He doesn't suffer fools lightly."

Garrett's shoulders relaxed slightly, and he gave Kaeul a grateful nod. "Thank you, Kaeul. We owe you one."

Kaeul waved a hand dismissively. "Don't mention it. Just make sure this isn't a waste of my time—or the Earl's." He grabbed his staff from a nearby corner and motioned for them to follow. "Come on. The sooner we get this over with, the better."

As they stepped back into the cool morning air, Gilgamesh glanced at Garrett. "You didn't mention he was a mage."

Garrett smirked faintly. "Kaeul's more than just a mage. He's one of the few people the Earl actually listens to. If anyone can get us an audience, it's him."

Kaeul led the way, his staff tapping lightly against the cobblestones as they made their way back to the castle. The streets were quieter now, the city settling into an uneasy calm. But the tension in the air was palpable, a reminder of the stakes they were facing.

As they approached the castle gates, Kaeul turned to them, his expression serious. "Remember, speak plainly and confidently. The Earl values honesty above all else. If he senses hesitation, he'll dismiss you outright."

Gilgamesh nodded, his resolve unwavering. "Understood."

The gates swung open, and the trio stepped into the castle grounds. The path to Earl Ashur's chambers was lined with guards, their eyes sharp and watchful. But with Kaeul leading the way, they were allowed to pass without question.

As they reached the doors to the war room, Kaeul paused and looked at them one last time. "Ready?"

Garrett and Gilgamesh exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison.

Kaeul pushed the doors open, and the three of them stepped inside, ready to face the Earl and set their plan into motion.

The room was a stark contrast to the cluttered, cozy interior of Kaeul's study. Here, everything was meticulously organized—maps pinned to the walls, tactical models spread across the table, and the faint scent of polished wood and steel filling the air. Earl Ashur stood at the head of the table, his imposing figure framed by the flickering light of the torches. His sharp eyes narrowed as Kaeul, Gilgamesh, and Garrett entered.

"Kaeul," the Earl said, his voice calm but laced with authority. "This is unexpected. What brings you here at this hour?"

Kaeul stepped forward, bowing slightly. His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of urgency. "My lord, I apologize for the intrusion, but the matter is urgent. These men have critical information about Yatan's Believers—information that requires your immediate attention."

Earl Ashur, who had been studying a map of the region, looked up sharply. His piercing gaze shifted from Kaeul to Gilgamesh and Garrett, his expression shifting from mild irritation to keen interest. "Hooohh, Yatan's Believers, you say?" he murmured, his voice low but tinged with curiosity. "Go on."

Garrett stepped forward, his posture respectful but confident. "Yes, my lord. This young man here," he gestured to Gilgamesh, "is Gilgamesh. He's uncovered the hideout of Yatan's Believers in the old ruins north of Patrian. The location is remote, but it's clear they've been using it as a base for their operations."

Earl Ashur's eyes narrowed, his fingers drumming lightly on the edge of the table. "The old ruins, you say? That area has been abandoned for decades. Are you certain of this?"

Gilgamesh stepped forward, his presence commanding the room. "I am, my lord. I've seen it with my own eyes. They were attempting to sacrifice a girl named Kaela Kovalskia. But I intervened and saved her life, but in doing so, I also uncovered critical information about their operations.

The Believers have fortified the ruins and they have taken refuge in the Blackthorn Forest, and what I observed, there are at least a dozen of them stationed there, possibly more. They also have fortified the area and are conducting dark rituals to strengthen their connection to Yatan."

The Earl leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. The room was silent, the weight of the revelation hanging heavily in the air. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured but resolute. "Very well. If what you say is true, then this matter cannot be ignored. But I will not commit my knights to a reckless endeavor. What is your plan?"

Thankfully, before coming here, Gilgamesh already formulate series of plans to convince Earl Ashur. He stepped forward, unrolling a detailed map of the ruins and placing it on the table. "The ruins are here," he said, pointing to a marked location. "The terrain is rugged, but there are paths that will allow us to approach undetected. I have already scouted the area and identified their weak points. If we strike at dawn, we can catch them off guard and dismantle their operations before they have a chance to retaliate."

Gilgamesh then added, "We'll need a small, skilled force—no more than 5 knights. Any more, and we risk alerting their sentries. Speed and precision will be key."

Earl Ashur studied the map, his fingers tracing the outline of the ruins. "And what about their dark magic? Yatan's Believers are not to be underestimated."

Kaeul stepped forward, his tone confident. "My lord, I've already begun preparing countermeasures. Our mages can create wards to neutralize their rituals, and I've procured holy relics to weaken their connection to Yatan. If we strike quickly and disrupt their magic, their advantage will be nullified."

The Earl was silent for a long moment, his gaze shifting between the three men. Finally, he straightened, his decision made. "Very well. I will rally my knights and prepare for an assault. But know this—if your plan falters, the consequences will be severe. I expect nothing less than complete success."

Gilgamesh bowed his head, a gesture of respect and gratitude. "You have our word, my lord. We will not fail."

Earl Ashur turned to one of his advisors, who had been standing silently in the corner. "Send word to the barracks. Mobilize the knights and prepare for deployment at dawn. We march on the ruins."

The advisor nodded and hurried out of the room, the sound of his footsteps echoing down the hall. The Earl turned back to Gilgamesh and Garrett, his expression stern but resolute. "You have until dawn to finalize your preparations. Do not disappoint me."

"Thank you, my lord. We'll be ready." As he left the audience chamber, the weight of their mission settled over them. The night was far from over, and the battle ahead would be fierce. But with Earl Ashur's knights at their side and his determination unshakable, he knew they had a chance to strike a decisive blow against Yatan's Believers.