Orcs in the Redridge Mountains

Dark Ranger Marla raised her head high and saluted. "Reporting for duty, ma'am."

Beside her stood two companions, Calila and Cleya. Both were core elites among the Dark Rangers.

Veronalara had finally received the people she had been waiting for. "You've worked hard, Marla. I think you already know why I sent for you."

The three Dark Rangers exchanged glances. "Yes, ma'am, we know. Tatsel's fleet was attacked, and you need us to investigate."

"Correct. But how do you intend to begin?"

Cleya said, "We plan to speak with Captain Harkel first. Once we understand what happened, we'll inspect the scene."

Calila remained deep in thought beside them.

Seeing her contemplative expression, Veronalara asked, "Do you have anything you'd like to share, Calila?"

"I thought we were supposed to find Lord The Witherer. Once he returns, none of these problems will be problems anymore."

Without a moment's hesitation, Veronalara replied, "Don't expect The Witherer to solve everything for us. We must learn not to rely on his strength."

"But, ma'am..."

"There's no time to look for The Witherer now, either. You didn't see what happened at the meeting. Tatsel has completely become a radical. She hasn't taken any extreme action yet, but I don't think she can control her anger—especially after she blamed the rest of us on the council for deciding to handle the Shadowfang and The Witherer incidents rationally."

"You mean she might retaliate against the Alliance?" Marla realized the gravity of the situation. She spread her hands and bowed deeply. "We'll get to work immediately, ma'am."

"All right. Go."

"So someone actually came to investigate. Dark Rangers."

Harkel sat in the ship's command room, looking out through the window. The Witherer had not been struck by cannon fire, and the damage was minor. A few repairs