In a secluded corner of a limestone cavern, Veylin, Kale, and Gideon stood facing one another.
Outside, several GEBU Rangers slipped silently into the shadows to stand guard, ensuring that no outsiders disturbed their secret meeting.
"We don't know what the traitors originally wanted, but they must know about our cooperation by now." Veylin traced a finger across the area marked "Peaceful Bay" on the map. "The most direct way to sabotage it would be to assassinate someone at the top. Me, or Elias."
Kale stood beside him, his cloak concealing the hilt of his short sword.
"We can use that," Veylin continued. "I'll deliberately leak a false operational plan. A reconnaissance mission involving only me and my core personnel."
Elias, who had been wiping a hunting knife with a strip of cloth, stopped at those words.
"My lord Baron, that's too dangerous. Your safety comes first."
"The greater the risk, the sweeter the bait." Veylin took out a blank sheet of parchment. "Tomorrow morning, Gideon and I will personally scout the Wailing Stone Forest. The terrain is complicated. Pirates often use it as a supply transfer station, and it's a perfect place for an ambush."
The Wailing Stone Forest.
Kale knew the place: a narrow valley flanked by steep rock walls, easy to enter and difficult to escape.
Veylin looked at Gideon. "Spread the word, but don't make it too obvious. We leave at dawn tomorrow and need them to clear a safe withdrawal route in advance."
Gideon nodded solemnly.
"Our main force will take up ambush positions an hour beforehand, along the routes leading to the outskirts of the Wailing Stone Forest." Veylin turned to Kale. "Arrest anyone suspicious who tries to approach the forest. If they resist, kill them on the spot."
"Ola and the Knights' Order