The road drops into Bracken Hollow beneath a bruised evening sky. Alexandra reaches the wooden watchpost first, with Lia, Meryl, Shiro, and Kynd close behind, while frightened villagers cluster below the palisade.
Alexandra Feathercoil
Positions first. Put the trained hands along the wall, keep the ammunition together, and show every villager how to hold these weapons before the dark arrives.
Alexandra takes the watchpost steps two at a time and points toward the eastern wall, assigning firing lanes before Patrick can distribute the guns himself. The villagers fall silent, listening.
Lia Nirosa
Wait. These tracks circle the village instead of approaching it. I found this beneath the alder roots, and it bears a mark none of the beasts made.
Lia lays a black metal token on the post rail. Mud clings to its stamped spiral, while several sets of monster tracks converge nearby, then turn toward the tree line.
Alexandra Feathercoil
We can investigate after the village survives the first attack. Lia, take two scouts and watch the trees. Patrick, help me recruit defenders now.
Lia Nirosa
If we only brace the walls, we may defend exactly where the hidden hand wants us. Find the trail with me before it closes.
Meryl Cane
Both priorities are valid. Give the villagers the weapons, then spare us a moment to determine whether this token carries magic or merely authority.
Above the palisade, Alexandra waits for Patrick's answer with one hand raised toward the frightened villagers. Lia keeps her fingers near the token, eyes fixed on the darkening trees.
Establish a shared plan with Alexandra and Lia
Determine what the black token signifies