When The Vanguard Came

The woman stepped closer, her eyes never leaving Talon's. For a moment, they simply studied each other ; two warriors measuring the weight of the world in a single heartbeat.

"We are the Vanguard of the Silver Host," the woman began. Her voice carried easily, echoing off the stone walls and the watchtower ruins. "We've held the southern passes for months, but now... they're coming faster, stronger. Shadow warriors. Beast riders. Things you haven't even imagined."

Garrett's hand shifted to rest on his sword pommel. Tony glanced sideways at Talon, his brow furrowed with a thousand questions.

"And you expect us to just fall in line?" Talon snapped. Her voice wasn't loud, but it sliced through the courtyard like a blade.

The woman didn't flinch. Instead, she slowly removed one of her gloves, revealing a scarred palm marked with strange silver lines that shimmered faintly in the sun.

"We're not asking," she said quietly. "We're offering a chance at survival. Alone, your Outpost will fall within a moon's cycle. With us, you may yet hold. You may even turn the tide."

Silence fell. Only the distant clatter of rebuilding and the nervous shuffling of villagers broke it.

Janzo stepped forward now, his usual shyness forgotten. "And what do you want from us? Supplies? Fighters? Control?"

The woman's eyes softened, just slightly. "All of it," she said bluntly. "And in return... we share what we know. Maps, hidden paths, the weaknesses of the enemy you've barely begun to face. We become one force, or we become dust beneath their hooves."

Tony scoffed, though his fingers twitched again. "Big talk from someone who rides up waving flags instead of standing in the mud with us."

She turned sharply, her gaze like a drawn bow. "I've lost half my blood kin in the mud. Don't mistake me for a politician."

Talon's jaw flexed. She glanced at Garrett, who finally nodded grimly.

"You'll stay tonight," Talon said, her voice low and final. "We talk at dusk. We decide then."

The woman hesitated, then inclined her head. "Agreed. But don't take too long. Every hour we delay... they get closer."

She turned and gestured to her riders. One by one, they led their mounts to the stables, wary eyes scanning every corner of the Outpost.

When they were gone, Talon exhaled shakily. She turned to Garrett, Janzo, and Tony.

"This changes everything," she murmured.

Garrett nodded. "We may not have a choice."

Janzo clutched his herbs tighter. "But how do we know it isn't a trap? We don't know these people. We don't know their true aim."

Tony stepped forward then, his usual smirk gone. "We have until dusk. Let's find out exactly who they are, and what they want — before they tear down these walls from the inside."Talon's eyes narrowed, her resolve tightening like a drawn string.

"Then we move," she said. "We watch. We question. We prepare."

Above them, a lone raven wheeled in the bright sky, its cry slicing through the quiet courtyard like a warning.

And as the sun crept across the battered stones, the Outpost braced itself — for a choice that could mean salvation or absolute ruin.

They had until dusk.

As the shadows lengthened, Talon felt it deep in her bones: by nightfall, the Outpost would never be the same again.

........