Ravena Nightshade's voice was l lowing, her eyes fixed on the flames dancing in the fire pit. "We lost, Lilith. The battle of Burning Valley is over."
Lilith's expression was unreadable, her eyes gleaming with a faint, eerie light. "I know, Ravena. I saw the outcome. Kaelith's flames were too much for Corvus."
Ravena's gaze snapped up, her voice tinged with frustration. "Kaelith. He's a thorn in our side, always one step ahead. And Orion... he discovered our ambush troops. I didn't think he'd make it in time."
Lilith's smile was small, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "Orion's a problem, but he's a predictable one. He thinks in straight lines, follows the rules. We can work with that."
Ravena's laughter was low, bitter. "Predictable? He's got a streak of chaos in him, that one. And now he's got Kaelith and the Ardentian lords breathing down our necks."
Lilith's gaze turned inward, her voice barely above a whisper. "The Shadow King will rise again. We just need to be patient, wait for the right moment to strike."
Ravena's eyes narrowed, her voice cold. "Patience is running thin, Lilith. We need results. The others are getting restless, questioning our plans."
Lilith's smile grew wider, her eyes flashing with a malevolent light. "Let them question. We'll show them what true power looks like. The Shadow King's return is inevitable."
The flames in the fire pit seemed to dance higher, casting eerie shadows on the walls as the Nightshade sisters plotted their next move.
Ravena's eyes gleamed with a fierce light as she leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I've been preparing for this moment, Lilith. My army of shadows is ready to strike at the Dragon's Teeth. We'll crush the Ardentian forces, take the high ground, and choke the life out of Erenhall."
Lilith's eyebrows rose, her interest piqued. "The Dragon's Teeth? That's a bold move, Ravena. The terrain is treacherous, and the Ardentian lords will be expecting us to attack the capital directly."
Ravena's smile was a thin, cruel line. "Exactly. They'll be expecting a frontal assault, but we'll come at them from the shadows. My army will infiltrate the Teeth, take out the key strongholds, and hold the passes. The Ardentians will be trapped, unable to retreat or receive reinforcements."
Ravena's eyes gleamed with intensity as she studied the map of the Dragon's Teeth, her finger tracing the treacherous paths and hidden valleys. "The Ardentian lords are defending the Dragon's Teeth, Lilith. We've got Lord Thane's Black Cross Knights, Sir Bracken's Warhammer Knights, and King Kael's White Lion Order reinforcing the stronghold."
Lilith's gaze was fixed on the map, her eyes gleaming with interest. "That's a strong force. We'll need to be careful, pick our battles wisely."
Ravena nodded, her smile cold. "I know. But we've got the shadows on our side. We'll hit them from the flanks, use our assassins to take out their leaders. Lord Thane, Sir Bracken... they'll be our first targets."
Lilith's eyebrows rose. "And what about the White Lion Order? They're not to be underestimated."
Ravena's expression turned cold. "The White Lion Order is a problem, but we've got a plan to deal with them. Our shadows will infiltrate their ranks, sow discord and confusion. They'll be weakened from within, making it easier for us to crush them."
Lilith nodded, her eyes gleaming with approval. "I see. And what about Kaelith? He's not going to sit back and watch us take the Dragon's Teeth."
Ravena's smile grew wider. "Kaelith's got his Wolf Knight Order with Harlen's forces at Burning Valley, but he won't be coming to the Teeth anytime soon. The forces at Burning Valley are holding their ground, and we have other plans to deal with them."
Lilith's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "What plans?"
Ravena's laughter was low, confident. "Let's just say we've got a few... distractions in store for them. The Burning Valley will be a battleground, but the real prize is the Dragon's Teeth. We'll take the Teeth, and the Ardentians will be on the back foot."
The flames in the fire pit seemed to flicker in agreement, casting an eerie glow over the Nightshade sisters as they continued to weave their web of deceit and strategy.
Lilith's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "It's a solid plan, Ravena. When do we strike?"
Ravena's smile was a thin, cruel line. "Tonight, under the cover of darkness. The shadows will be our allies, and the Ardentian lords will be caught off guard."
Back in dragon teeth **
Lord Bracken's voice was gruff as he inspected the defenses of the Dragon's Teeth stronghold, his thick beard rustling against his armor. "We've got the walls reinforced, the gates secured, and the men are ready. We'll hold this stronghold, Thane."
Lord Thane's expression was grim, his eyes scanning the surrounding landscape. "I don't like it, Bracken. We've got too few men to hold this position for long. Where's Kael's reinforcement?"
Bracken snorted, adjusting his warhammer on his back. "Kael's got his White Lion Order here, but he's spread thin. The Burning Valley's a hot mess, and he's got his hands full with Harlen's forces."
Thane's jaw clenched. "I know. I just wish we had more men. The Nightshade sisters won't attack without a plan. They're like snakes, always striking from the shadows."
Bracken nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Aye, we've got scouts watching for any sign of movement. The men are on high alert. We'll spot them coming."
Thane's gaze turned to the darkness beyond the stronghold's walls. "I hope so, Bracken. I hope so. The Shadow King's influence is spreading, and I don't think we're ready for what's coming."
Bracken's expression was hard. "We'll hold, Thane. We've got the best knights in Ardentia. We'll make them pay for every inch."
The two lords shared a determined glance, their faces set against the coming darkness.
Thane's voice was low. "You think it'll be tonight?"
Bracken nodded. "Aye. They'll come under cover of darkness. The shadows are their ally."
Thane's eyes gleamed with a cold light. "Then let's make sure our men are ready. We'll give them a fight they'll never forget."