Chapter 25: Shadows of Retaliation

The aftermath of the battle against the first anchor lingered like a storm cloud over the coalition. The destruction of Zeyra's crystalline structure had been a significant victory, but Ethan knew it wouldn't go unanswered. As the group regrouped in a temporary encampment near the Emberlands' border, the tension in the air was palpable.

Kael stood near the edge of the camp, their silver eyes fixed on the horizon. Ethan approached, the Forge within him humming faintly.

"You're thinking about her next move," Ethan said, his voice quiet.

Kael nodded, their expression unreadable. "Zeyra's retaliation will come swiftly. She's lost an anchor, and with it, a significant foothold in this region. She won't let us celebrate for long."

Ethan folded his arms, his gaze following Kael's. "Then we hit her before she can hit us. Take out the next anchor while she's still reeling."

Kael turned to face him, their expression softening slightly. "A bold plan. But we need more information. The locations of her anchors are scattered, and each one is more fortified than the last. Rushing in without preparation will only lead to disaster."

Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "So what's the play? We wait for her to make the first move?"

"Not quite," Kael replied. "We need a scouting mission. One of her lieutenants was seen in the Ashen Barrens, not far from here. If we can capture them, we might learn the locations of the remaining anchors."

Ethan's gauntlet pulsed, the light brightening slightly. "Sounds like a plan. Who's going on this mission?"

Kael's gaze sharpened. "You and me. This requires precision and speed. The Zar'Kar and Emberforge will remain here to fortify the camp and prepare for what's to come."

Ethan nodded, his resolve hardening. "Let's do it."

The Ashen Barrens lived up to their name. The landscape was a desolate wasteland, the ground cracked and blackened as though scorched by an ancient fire. Sparse trees, their branches gnarled and lifeless, jutted from the earth like skeletal fingers. The air was heavy with the smell of sulfur, and the faint hum of rift energy pulsed through the atmosphere.

Kael moved silently beside Ethan, their every step measured. "The lieutenant won't be alone. Expect resistance."

Ethan smirked, summoning a blade of light from the gauntlet. "Resistance is my specialty."

Kael gave him a sidelong glance, their lips twitching into a faint smile. "Let's hope your confidence holds up."

As they neared the center of the Barrens, Ethan felt the Forge react—a faint tug that guided him toward a cluster of jagged rocks. Nestled within the formation was a small encampment. Figures moved among the shadows, their forms obscured by cloaks that shimmered faintly with crimson energy.

"Zeyra's forces," Kael murmured, their voice barely above a whisper. "The lieutenant will be among them."

Ethan crouched low, his blade dissipating as he surveyed the scene. "How do you want to play this?"

Kael's expression was thoughtful. "We need to isolate the lieutenant. If we attack head-on, they'll scatter, and we'll lose our chance. A distraction could draw the soldiers away, leaving the lieutenant vulnerable."

Ethan nodded, his mind already racing with ideas. "Leave the distraction to me. Can you pinpoint the lieutenant?"

Kael's silver eyes glimmered faintly as they scanned the camp. "There. The one with the crimson staff. Their energy signature is stronger than the others."

Ethan followed their gaze, spotting the figure Kael had indicated. The lieutenant stood near the center of the camp, their staff glowing faintly as they barked orders to the soldiers around them.

"Got it," Ethan said, rising slightly. "Give me a signal when you're ready to move."

Kael nodded, their focus already shifting to the task ahead. Ethan took a deep breath, summoning a small construct—a sphere of light that pulsed gently in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it toward the far side of the camp. The sphere detonated on impact, sending a burst of light and sound through the area.

The soldiers reacted immediately, several of them rushing toward the disturbance. The lieutenant turned, their expression sharp as they barked more orders.

"Now," Kael said, their voice cutting through the tension.

Ethan moved swiftly, his blade reforming as he darted toward the lieutenant. The Forge's energy surged within him, his movements fluid and precise. The lieutenant barely had time to react before Ethan was upon them, his blade clashing against their staff in a shower of sparks.

The lieutenant snarled, their voice dripping with disdain. "The Wielder. Zeyra warned me about you."

Ethan smirked, pressing the attack. "Good. Saves me the introduction."

The battle was fierce, the lieutenant's staff releasing bursts of crimson energy that Ethan deflected with his constructs. Kael joined the fray, their silver blades slicing through the remaining soldiers with precision.

Finally, with a well-timed strike, Ethan disarmed the lieutenant, his blade pointed at their chest. "Start talking," he said, his voice cold. "Where are the rest of the anchors?"

The lieutenant glared at him, defiance burning in their eyes. "You think you've won? Zeyra's plans are already in motion. Destroying the anchors won't stop her."

Kael stepped forward, their blades still glowing. "Maybe not, but it'll slow her down. Now talk, or we'll make sure you never leave this wasteland."

The lieutenant hesitated, then sneered. "Fine. The next anchor is in the Shadowed Crags. But you'll never make it there alive."

Ethan lowered his blade slightly, his expression hard. "We'll see about that."

Kael incapacitated the lieutenant with a precise strike, their movements efficient and emotionless. "We have what we need. Let's go."

As they retreated from the camp, the weight of their mission pressed heavily on Ethan. The path ahead was dangerous, but with each step, they were getting closer to dismantling Zeyra's plans.

"One anchor at a time," he murmured, the glow of the gauntlet steady against the desolate landscape.