Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 27: Striking First

The sun had barely begun its descent when Kael and his forces rode out from Raventhorn Keep. Every moment mattered. If the gods' scouts reached the nearby village, word of the rebellion would spread, and the divine response would be swift and merciless.

Kael rode at the head of the group, his mind focused on the task ahead. Selene had already gone ahead with her team, moving like shadows through the forested paths. Varian had assured him that their movements were unseen, but caution was no longer an option.

The hunt was on.

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Selene and her team moved silently through the undergrowth, the scent of damp earth filling the air. They had tracked the scouts for the past half-hour, careful not to reveal themselves too soon.

"They're just ahead," whispered one of her men, crouching beside her. "Four of them. Heavily armed, but they don't seem to be expecting trouble."

Selene smirked. "Good. That makes this easier."

She signaled for her team to spread out, positioning themselves for an ambush. The scouts wore the silver-and-blue armor of the gods' chosen warriors—elites trained for battle, but not invincible.

Selene waited until the moment was right. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she sent a dagger flying. It struck the nearest scout in the throat before he could react.

The remaining three turned in alarm, but by then, Selene's team was upon them.

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Kael and the rest of his force arrived moments later, just as Selene's squad finished the fight. Three bodies lay motionless on the ground, while one scout, barely alive, struggled to rise.

Kael dismounted, his sword still in hand. "Did they send word?"

Selene shook her head. "We stopped them before they could."

The remaining scout glared at Kael, blood trickling from his lips. "It doesn't matter. You cannot run from them. The gods see all."

Kael stepped closer, his voice calm but firm. "Then let them see. But you won't be the one to tell them."

With a swift motion, he ended the scout's life.

The battle was brief, but its implications were clear. They had won this fight, but the gods' eyes were turning toward them.

Kael sheathed his blade and turned to his warriors. "We move. This was only the beginning."

As they rode back to Raventhorn Keep, Kael knew the real war was yet to come.

To be continued…