Espionage And False Info
Malakar's spy team, led by the cunning rogue **Veyla**, moved silently through Eryndor's forests. Their mission was clear—gather intelligence on Aria's forces, their defenses, and their weaknesses. But Eryndor's vigilance was not so easily bypassed.
Vesryn, the Shadow Stalker, tracked the spies with ease, his *Phantom Veil* skill making him invisible to their senses. He observed them from the shadows, relaying their movements to Aria and her council.
"They're heading toward the northern border," Vesryn reported. "They seem interested in our fortifications and troop movements."
Aria nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Let them see what they want to see. But make sure they don't leave with anything valuable. And if they try to cause trouble, eliminate them."
Vesryn smirked. "Understood, my queen."
---
While the spies gathered their information, Aria and her council devised a plan to mislead them. They created false troop movements, exaggerated the strength of their defenses, and even planted fake documents suggesting that Eryndor was planning a preemptive strike against Malakar's forces.
"Let them take this information back to Malakar," Aria said, her eyes gleaming with determination. "If he believes we're weaker than we are, he'll underestimate us. And that's when we'll strike."
Lyria, the Chief Diplomat, added, "We should also spread rumors among the spies that Bashda is planning to betray Malakar. If we can sow distrust between them, it might weaken their alliance."
Tharn, the Head Military General, grinned. "A clever plan. Let's see how Malakar reacts when his spies return with conflicting reports."
---
As the spy team prepared to leave Eryndor, Vesryn and his scouts moved in to intercept them. A brief but intense skirmish ensued, with the spies using their agility and stealth to evade capture. Veyla, the team's leader, managed to escape with the false information, but not without losing several of her team members.
"They're good," Vesryn admitted as he reported back to Aria. "But they fell for our ruse. Veyla escaped with the fake documents."
Aria smiled faintly. "Good. Let's see how Malakar reacts."
---
In his fortress in the north, Malakar received Veyla's report with a mixture of satisfaction and suspicion. The false information suggested that Eryndor's defenses were weaker than expected, but the rumors of Bashda's betrayal gave him pause.
"Bashda would not dare betray me," Malakar muttered, his eyes narrowing. "But we cannot afford to take chances. Kaelros, send a message to King Aldric. Remind him of the consequences of disloyalty."
Kaelros, the Shadowblade, nodded and disappeared into the shadows. Meanwhile, Malakar turned his attention to his war plans. "Prepare the army," he commanded. "We march on Eryndor in three days. Let us crush this kingdom of monsters once and for all."
---
In the Kingdom of Bashda, King Aldric received Malakar's message with a mixture of anger and fear. The warlord's thinly veiled threat was clear—any hint of betrayal would be met with swift and brutal retribution.
"We have no choice," Aldric said to his generals. "We must honor our alliance with Malakar. Prepare the army. We march on Eryndor in three days."
His generals nodded, their expressions grim. They knew the stakes were high, but they also knew that failure was not an option.
---
As the storm of war approached, Eryndor's forces worked tirelessly to prepare for the coming conflict. Tharn and Kaeltharion oversaw the fortification of the northern border, while Lyria and Grommash coordinated with the orcs and other demi-human allies.
Aria, meanwhile, focused on strengthening her own abilities. She trained with Kaeltharion, honing her *Blood Sovereign* and *Infernal Dominion* skills. She also spent time with the Triad, learning more about the Obsidian Shard and how to counter its power.
"The shard is tied to Malakar's life force," Eryndis explained. "Destroying it will weaken him significantly, but it will not be easy. The shard is heavily guarded, and Malakar will not part with it willingly."
Aria nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Then we'll have to find a way to get to it. No matter the cost."
---
As the sun set over Eryndor, casting its golden light on the bustling kingdom, Aria stood atop the walls, her gaze fixed on the horizon. The storm was coming, and it would be unlike anything they had faced before.
But Aria was ready.