The Peltasts followed Zach from a safe distance, careful to avoid detection from the men he was leading away. Zach already knew exactly where to take them.
He stopped beneath a foothill, an elevated position on the outskirts of the city. Close enough to monitor the foundry, but far enough to remain unseen.
More importantly, it sat between the foundry and Elysium, making it a natural point of control over the surrounding terrain.
The approach wasn't rushed. Zach slowly and cautiously raised his fist, and the men behind him halted instantly.
One by one, they stood up from their snowmobiles and across from Zach. Their eyes scanned the treeline, rifles tracked likely avenues of approach, and for a brief moment the world seemed to hold its breath alongside them.
The Peltasts had circled off to the other side of the hill and advanced up the slope in staggered formation, boots pressing carefully into the snow to minimize noise. The incline worked in their favor.
