A quiet calm lingered, and then life slowly returned to the clearing. One by one, the newcomers and the old hands exchanged names and short words, voices weaving lightly through the air. It was a simple circle of introductions—a first step toward becoming more than strangers.
Karl's eyes lingered on the young rhino. A calf now, yes—but in time? With enough food, training, and essence, it could grow into a living fortress, perhaps even rival Thorn's raw might or Ember's speed in its own way. His heart stirred with a flicker of excitement, though his face remained calm. After a pause, as if the moment demanded it, he spoke softly, "Korath. You'll be Korath."
As the light from the Summoning Gate dimmed, the clearing settled into a hush. The newcomers stood awkwardly beneath the watchful eyes of the veterans, the air thick with quiet curiosity.
Korath snorted, stamping his stone-plated hooves, small chips of dirt scattering with each step. His horn gleamed faintly, though his size marked him as only a calf. Thorn tilted his head, vines twitching, and crept closer, circling the young rhino with careful interest. The plant-beast gave a low, approving grunt, as if recognizing latent strength yet to be realized.
Ember swooped down from her perch, feathers flaring, sparks of storm-light brushing the air. She chirped sharply at the calf, tilting her head in judgment. Korath huffed in response, ears flicking. The brief clash of pride passed quickly—before Ember preened her feathers smugly and took flight again, declaring herself the superior elder sibling in the skies above.
Renn's eyes narrowed as he studied Korath, one hand brushing a trap he carried. "Strong… I can see it charging through obstacles if needed. Could be useful on siege assult," he said, nodding slowly.
Grok's bark-cracked grin widened, heavy fists clapping together. "When he's strong enough, I'll take him in the front with me. Let him smash through, and I'll finish what's left."
Karl's gaze softened as he looked at Korath, the young Stonehide Rhino. "Lysa," he said, voice firm but gentle, "this one will need guidance. You know the creatures better than anyone here. Take care of its training, its diet, everything it needs to grow strong."
Lysa nodded, stepping closer to the calf. Her hands glowed faintly with the energy of the Sanctuary as she reached out to Korath in a soothing rhythm. "Yes, my Lord. I will teach him everything and make him ready for battle as soon as possible."
Korath sniffed the air and shifted closer, tentative at first, then gradually trusted the calm authority in Lysa's presence. Thorn circled nearby, vines relaxed but alert, giving the young rhino space to acclimate.
Karl gave a small nod of approval. "Good. I hope under your guidance, it'll grow fast—and safely."
His gaze swept across the new arrivals—the eight fresh faces, particularly the young rhino, Tarran the spearman, Drael, and Liora the healer. He could feel it in his bones: these pieces, if guided correctly, could become part of something far greater. They had been summoned in perfect condition—no hunger, no fatigue, no wounds. That only made the next hours more crucial; there was no time to waste.
He stepped forward, voice firm and carrying over the clearing. "You should understand where you've come. This place is not safe. Beyond our barrier, beasts roam—some stronger than any normal person. And soon, when the barrier fades, they will strike if we let our guard down."
The weight of his words settled heavily. Mirael's hand trembled as she instinctively pulled Lyra closer. Doran's cheerful grin faltered, his knuckles whitening around the basket he still clutched. Even Tarran's spear wavered slightly as his eyes flicked toward the dark treeline. Ordinary people, suddenly thrust into an unforgiving world, felt the first pangs of fear.
Karl let them feel the weight of the truth for a heartbeat, then his tone shifted—steady, grounding, and unyielding. "But you are not alone. You stand in a Sanctuary, with fighters, with summons, with each other. Together, we are stronger than whatever waits outside. And together, we will endure."
One by one, the tension in their shoulders eased. Mirael exhaled slowly, drawing a deep breath as she steadied Lyra. Doran relaxed his grip on the basket, letting a small, cautious smile return. Even Tarran straightened, his eyes sharpening with resolve. The fear had not vanished, but it had been tempered by trust, and by the presence of those ready to stand beside them.
Karl gave a single sharp nod. "Good. Then listen carefully—we are going to hunt the wolf pack."
He drew a crude map in the dirt, marking the barrier and the wolve's last known location. "The pack numbers seven. Two are Bronze II, the rest Bronze I. Their lair lies about a mile west of here. If we do nothing, when the barrier falls, they will strike first. And don't forget—the rival Lord is a lurking threat as well. That's why we need to act first."
He looked around, ensuring everyone, especially the new arrivals, understood. "Drael, Tarran, Grok, Dren, Thorn, Renn, Ember, Lysa, and I will be in the hunting party. The rest of you stay inside the barrier and continue your tasks.
Doran, you'll take care of Korath for now—study its movements, understand its strengths and limits. It won't fight with us this time, but training it is crucial. Mirael and Lyra, you handle cooking and preserving our food. Orven, focus on keeping the area clean and organized."
Turning back to the hunters, Karl drew lines in the dirt to mark their strategy. "There are seven wolves. Our goal is to cut down their number which will make the main battle easier. Ember and Veyra will strike from a distance— His eyes moved to Ember.
"Ember — you fly up high. Take one down from the sky." Then to Veyra. "You strike from afar. Even a wound will help us."
He pointed to Lysa. "You will assist Thorn and Ember during combat. Ember will focus on both combat and support. Grok and Dren, hold one Bronze II wolf together. Drael, you take the other Bronze II. Tarran, support their flanks—your spear can pierce their hides."
Karl marked the remaining wolves on the map. "Thorn, Renn, Ember, and I will handle the Bronze I wolves. Veyra, continue sneak attacks as needed, focusing on assisting Renn in direct combat. Liora, stay ready for healing—watch, anticipate, and respond."
He straightened, letting the weight of the plan sink in. "We're facing two threats at once—wolves and rival Lords. Every decision matters. Support each other. Move carefully and stay alert. Injuries will happen, but you have Liora and me to heal your wounds.
A tense silence followed, each person absorbing the plan, feeling the pressure of the coming hunt, and the weight of the barrier slowly ticking down. Outside, the forest whispered its unseen dangers, the dual threats closing in like shadows.
The clearing hummed with quiet activity as the team prepared. Drael moved among them, his massive frame steady and assured, checking each warrior as a general would.
checking each weapon and gesture with a steady eye. Spears were inspected, shafts tapped for cracks, tips sharpened. Blades were honed to a fine edge, runes and etchings glowing faintly with the residue of their essence.
Karl gathered them together once more.
Then, one by one, they stepped forward, leaving the Sanctuary behind. The forest closed in around them, its shadows deep and watching. Karl led the march, spear held loosely but ready, eyes scanning the tree line. Ember soared above, wings cutting through the morning light, while Thorn padded silently beside him.