Chapter 3 - 2 - The Shadow in the Grass
Riven’s hiding spot lay a fair distance from the heart of the battlefield. He had chosen a stretch of high ground covered in tall grass, about a hundred meters from the defensive fortress of the Kingdom of Belmore. The fortress—a crumbling grey stone structure—stood between the open plains and the looming mountains. Soldiers usually manned the watchtowers, but this morning, they were all too preoccupied watching the explosions and chaos erupting in the distance, their faces frozen in fear.
Riven could’ve stayed hidden safely within the fortress walls, quietly watching the battle unfold. But he had another purpose—so he didn’t.
He wanted to take something. Whether it was an artifact, a weapon, or information—anything that could be sold or used to survive with Mira. And this hidden vantage point was the best place to observe without drawing anyone’s attention.
The grass, rising up to his chest, concealed him perfectly. The cold morning air bit into his skin, but Riven didn’t complain. He was used to the cold, to hunger, and to fear.
He thought his hiding place was perfect—until he heard footsteps.
And the silhouette of a man.
Within moments, the shadows multiplied.
Ten figures moved swiftly and silently from the western side of the fortress. Their movements were nearly soundless, and their gear—dark, lightweight armor—blended in flawlessly with the ground and grass. But with one glance, Riven knew.
They were infiltrators from the Kingdom of Arkham.
"Are they trying to infiltrate the fortress?" Riven whispered internally.
But he quickly dismissed the thought. It wasn’t his business. He wasn’t a soldier. He wasn’t patriotic. He was just a street rat who knew one rule: when danger comes, run—or play dead.