Chapter 76: Devil Bat Expedition [1]
Hours later...
Kaelor’s boots struck the cavern floor, each step stirring dust and whispering echoes along the vast stone chamber. He was the first to enter, descending from Titan’s back. His sword, Keranous, slid from its sheath with a glint of metal and weight of silence. He held it ready as he stepped deeper into the shadows, away from the light of the exit.
Behind him, Titan landed with a booming quake that shook stalactites above, causing dust to fall like snow. The beast’s heads growled low, sensing movement in the blackness. No doubt the bat-creatures heard the thunderous arrival, but that didn’t matter. Kaelor had not come to hide. He had come to kill.
One after another, the Bloodstone Archers glided down into the cavern, wings of black membrane spreading wide like shadows torn from the night sky. Their descent stirred gusts of wind.
The Guardsmen followed next, sliding down ropes in disciplined lines, armor clinking, paws striking stone with unwavering resolve. The air inside the cavern felt heavier, as if the mountain itself held its breath.
Kaelor turned to face the looming darkness ahead. With a slow gesture, he lifted a torch high, the flame flickering violently in the chill, damp air. The firelight danced across his solemn face, painting him in flickers of gold and shadow.
"Prepare yourselves," he commanded. His voice echoed, not just in the cavern, but in the hearts of every man present.
His voice had barely faded when the thunderous beating of wings rumbled in the air like the prelude to a storm.
"They’re here!" Kaelor bellowed, his voice echoing off the cavern walls like a warhorn. With a swift motion, both of his hands wrapped around Keranous’ hilt. The two runes etched near the cross-guard flared to life, burning with an ethereal red light, casting dancing shadows across his face.
"Guardsmen!" Hound’s roar ripped through the air, deep and guttural, shaking the bones of every man present.