Ambush (II)

The riders moved with well-honed discipline, swiftly traversing the two mountain ranges that framed the narrow pass. Hooves pounded against the rocky terrain in a relentless rhythm, and the soldiers perched atop their steeds and scanned every crevice and cavern. Nothing escaped their vigilant gaze. Within minutes, they had combed every recess of the mountains. Then, in a practiced maneuver, they regrouped near their leader.

"Lord Zalasar," one of the scouts reported, "we searched the entire mountain range. There is nothing there."

Zalasar narrowed his eyes as he considered their findings. He trusted these men implicitly; they had served under him for many years, proving their loyalty and demonstrating a singular combination of skill and efficiency, so if they say there was nothing, then even if he went himself, there would be no trace of enemies.