The Vorath’s Calculation

Beyond the walls of Valdris, where the crimson glow of the Vorath army illuminated the darkened forest, the Vorath commander stood amidst its forces. Unlike the savage, mindless warriors that composed its ranks, the commander exuded a cold, calculating aura. It was a towering figure of shadow and obsidian, its jagged armor etched with pulsating red runes. Twin horns curved menacingly from its helmet, framing glowing eyes that seemed to pierce through the night.

The Vorath referred to it as K'zathra, a title meaning "Harbinger of the Eternal Void." Among its kind, K'zathra was renowned for its strategic cunning. It was not driven by bloodlust but by an insidious purpose: the complete subjugation of the human world for its overlord.

K'zathra raised a clawed hand, and the murmuring of its lieutenants ceased. Around the glowing central fire of the Vorath encampment, five sub-commanders knelt, their grotesque forms reflecting the light. Each bore scars and symbols of rank, their loyalty to K'zathra unquestionable.

"We stand at the precipice of human resistance," K'zathra began, its voice deep and resonant, like the grinding of ancient stone. "Valdris is their last line of defense along this border. If it falls, the path to their inner cities will be wide open."

One of the sub-commanders, a hulking beast with a single molten eye, growled. "Their walls are weak. Their soldiers weaker. We could crush them within hours."

K'zathra's glowing eyes flicked to the speaker, silencing him with an imposing glare. "Their weakness is irrelevant if we fall into their traps. The humans may be fragile, but they are clever—especially the one who leads them."

Another commander, lean and serpentine, hissed. "You speak of this Kael Draven?"

"Yes," K'zathra replied. "He is unlike the others. He fights with desperation, but it is not blind. He anticipates our movements, adjusts his strategies quickly, and refuses to retreat. He has become a thorn that must be removed carefully."

K'zathra moved to a glowing projection stone at the center of the camp. Placing a clawed hand on the surface, it activated the device, and a shimmering image of Valdris appeared in the air.

"Their walls are fortified, their traps laid," K'zathra said, pointing to key choke points. "But their strength lies in their unity. If we fracture their defenses and sow chaos within their ranks, the city will collapse without a prolonged siege."

The molten-eyed commander snarled. "What do you propose?"

K'zathra's claw traced a line along the map. "We will divide our forces. The bulk will press their western barricades, keeping their attention focused there. Meanwhile, a smaller detachment will infiltrate from the north, where their defenses are weakest."

The serpentine commander tilted its head. "How do you plan to bypass their northern fortifications without detection?"

K'zathra's lips curled into a sinister smile. "We use the humans against themselves. Their city is filled with fear and uncertainty. There are always those willing to betray their kin for the promise of survival—or power."

It gestured to a shadowy figure lurking just outside the circle of light. The figure stepped forward, revealing itself as a human—gaunt and trembling, but with a dark determination in their eyes.

"This one," K'zathra continued, "will ensure the gates are left unguarded when the time comes. They have provided us with details of the human defenses, in exchange for safety once the city falls."

The molten-eyed commander sneered. "Trusting a human is folly."

K'zathra's eyes glowed brighter, silencing the dissent. "This human understands the cost of failure. They know what awaits them if they betray me."

The human swallowed hard, nodding fervently. "I'll do as you command, great one. Just spare my family."

K'zathra ignored the plea, turning back to the map. "Once the northern gate is breached, the detachment will wreak havoc within the city, targeting their supply stores and cutting off their escape routes. The chaos will draw their forces inward, leaving the western barricades vulnerable to the main assault."

The camp bustled with activity as the Vorath forces prepared for the coming battle.

K'zathra walked among its troops, inspecting their weapons and armor. It stopped before a group of hulking brutes, each armed with jagged blades. "You will lead the charge at the western barricades. Show no mercy. Drive them back and force them to commit their strongest fighters."

To the smaller, more agile warriors, K'zathra commanded, "You will form the infiltration team. Move swiftly, strike hard, and ensure no one escapes your path."

Finally, it turned to its sub-commanders. "You will oversee the chaos. Ensure our forces remain disciplined and focused. The humans must believe they are facing an unstoppable wave."

As the camp settled for the night, K'zathra stood alone on a hill overlooking Valdris. It stared at the distant city, its glowing eyes unblinking.

"Kael Draven," it muttered, the name heavy with contempt. "You are a worthy opponent, but this is the end of your resistance. Your fire will burn out, and humanity will kneel before the Vorath."

It clenched its claws, the runes on its armor flaring with dark energy. "This world belongs to the Void, and I will deliver it."