Chapter 30 - Black Troll
The moon was still high when the warriors gathered on the roof of the Black Sails Inn. The sun was beginning to hint at its arrival as the group stared at Rygar in complete silence.
"Kidar and Taes, listen carefully," his voice was firm but low, so as not to break the silence of the night. "If anything goes wrong, retreat. This is a mission of extermination and rescue, not a mission for you to throw your lives away. If you think you can't retreat, shout my name as loud as possible. Don't hesitate. I will come to help, no matter where you are in the city."
The two leaders nodded, absorbing the gravity of his words. Without further ceremony, Rygar raised his hand and signaled for them to disperse. Like shadows, each group moved in a different direction, leaving only the wind as their company.
Rygar led his group toward one of the city's gates. Their main base was located a few hundred meters outside the city. He ran ahead with Yan close behind, Eidar carrying Rufus on his back, and the two additional warriors completing the rest of the group. The tension in the air was palpable, and even their careful steps seemed to echo loudly in the dark of the night.
As they advanced, Rygar instructed his group:
"Yan, you'll enter through the main entrance and kill everyone you can, using the fact that they recognize you as an ally."
The man nodded seriously, with a hint of fear, adjusting the sword at his waist with his remaining arm. Rygar then looked at Rufus, his gaze firm:
"Rufus, your position is behind Eidar. Always. Watch everything Eidar does. I plan to start your training right after this operation."
"Understood, boss," Rufus replied, trying to appear serious, which only made him seem more adorable.
They exited the city by jumping over the small wall, without alerting the guards, and continued running through the forest. Rygar could already hear various voices and smell the scent of many people in the distance.
After running along a small trail, they finally saw, ahead of them, the target of their mission: a massive complex surrounded by high walls. In the center stood a main building that seemed sturdy and imposing, with a faint glow from the torches still burning around it. His sharp senses made Rygar hear muffled laughter and the sound of music coming from inside.