Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 28: Signs of War

The ride back to Raventhorn Keep was silent. Though they had eliminated the scouting party, Kael knew it wouldn't be long before the gods realized something was wrong. The death of their chosen warriors wouldn't go unnoticed.

As the fortress came into view, Kael's mind raced with preparations. They needed to fortify their defenses, train harder, and expand their numbers. The rebellion was no longer in the shadows. It had begun.

Darius rode up beside him. "We bought ourselves time, but not much. The gods will come looking."

Kael nodded. "Then we make sure we're ready."

---

Inside Raventhorn Keep, Varian awaited their return. He stood near the main hall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

Selene dismounted first. "The scouts are dealt with. No mess, no loose ends."

Varian exhaled slowly. "Good. But we have a problem."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"

Varian gestured for them to follow. He led them to the war room, where a map of the region was spread across a wooden table. Small markers indicated villages, trade routes, and—most importantly—locations where the gods' forces had been sighted.

"This report came while you were gone," Varian said, pointing to a newly marked location. "A battalion of divine warriors was spotted moving south, not far from here. They're not coming straight at us yet, but they're getting close."

Darius leaned over the map. "How many?"

"Over a hundred."

A heavy silence fell over the room. Their forces had grown, but they weren't ready for a direct assault from divine warriors.

Kael clenched his fists. "Then we need to act first."

---

The First Move

As night fell over Raventhorn Keep, Kael stood before his gathered warriors. The torches cast long shadows as he addressed them.

"The gods will come for us," Kael said. "We have two choices: wait for their wrath, or strike first."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some looked eager, others uncertain.

Kael's voice hardened. "I will not wait for death. We take the fight to them. We will strike their supply lines, weaken their forces, and show them we are not prey."

Darius smirked. "Now that's a plan I can get behind."

Selene nodded. "I'll lead a team to gather information. We need to know where to hit them hardest."

Varian exhaled. "This is risky."

Kael met his gaze. "So is doing nothing."

Varian held his stare for a moment before nodding. "Then let's make sure we do it right."

The rebellion was no longer just surviving. It was preparing for war.

To be continued…