Night fell like a vast black velvet shroud, slowly blanketing the Blackstone Mountains. Only a few sparse stars flickered with dim light through the gaps in the clouds. Under the cover of darkness, the Pegasus Knight Squad approached the Blood Wolf Mercenaries' nest like phantoms. Before the outer watchtowers and outposts could react, the sentries were taken down by the knights' arrows.
As the knights drew near the cave entrance, the interior finally sensed something was wrong. Torches were lit, casting a dim yellow glow from the mouth of the cave, revealing panicked figures running to and fro.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!" Piercing screams echoed from within, shattering the silence of the valley. A few crossbow bolts were fired haphazardly from the entrance, but in the gloom and against the agile maneuvers of the Pegasi, the aim was atrocious, failing to even graze a knight's cloak.
"Charge!" Ed roared, leading the way. His Pegasus let out a shrill neigh, its wings beating powerfully as it accelerated like a white bolt of lightning straight for the entrance. The ten Pegasi following formed a white torrent, crashing into the bandit lair with unstoppable momentum.
A few mercenaries tried to resist, but they were like mantises trying to stop a carriage. Ed's longsword carved a lethal arc of light; the lead axeman didn't even have time to blink before he was cleaved in two. Blood splattered the rock walls, staining them instantly.
With the guards at the entrance neutralized, the knights dismounted and delved deep into the mountain to clear the area. The sounds of battle—shouts, clashing steel, and angry grunts—echoed incessantly. Half an hour later, the din finally subsided. The air was thick with the smell of blood, gunpowder, and dust. The final resistance was crushed.
Ed, carrying a dripping longsword, walked out of a deep tunnel, his chestplate flecked with dark red spots. "My Lord, the area is fully secured," he reported.
Leylo nodded, scanning his knights. They were leaning against the walls, catching their breath. No one was seriously injured, save for a few lucky bastards who had sustained minor scrapes.
"Casualties?"
"Two lightly wounded, it won't affect movement," Ed replied. "There were about fifty men left behind, and their will to fight was weak. It seems their elites are truly gone."
"Very well," Leylo's voice echoed. "First Squad, guard the entrance and clean up the signs of battle. Second Squad, follow me. Search the entire nest—especially for hidden wealth. The Blood Wolf group has occupied this place for years; their hoard must be substantial."
The knights began a floor-to-floor search of the complex cave system. It was much more intricate than it appeared from the outside—a labyrinth of man-made tunnels and chambers used as bedrooms, storage, and even crude cells. The air smelled of cheap ale, sweat, and a foul, musky stench.
In a spacious stone room that appeared to be the leader's quarters, knights found scattered coin purses and decent weapons, but nothing that matched "years of accumulated wealth."
"My Lord, no significant finds here," a knight reported. Leylo put down a crude map he had found; it marked dangerous areas with skulls. The map itself was valuable, but it wasn't the treasure.
"Keep looking. Don't miss a single spot."
"Awooo!" Moonlight's voice drifted from ahead.
Leylo and Ed followed the sound to the very back of the warehouse area. Moonlight was lying in front of a section of the rock wall, licking its fur. This wall was unusually smooth compared to the surrounding rough stone, with nearly invisible seams.
Ed explored the wall with gloved hands, pressing on specific points. With a faint click, the smooth rock face slowly slid inward, revealing a pitch-black opening.
"Found it!" a knight whispered, eyes gleaming. Leylo rubbed Moonlight's head and picked up the little silver dragon. "Good job!"
The knights entered with torches. It was a secret vault, about thirty square meters, much more refined than the outer rooms. As the light hit the interior, everyone gasped.
In the center sat several heavy wooden chests. Some were open, and the golden glitter of coins nearly spilled out. Next to the gold and silver were scattered multicolored gemstones—some the size of pigeon eggs. On wall racks stood finely crafted weapons and armor, some still flickering with a faint magical aura. On the other side were valuable ores, magic beast materials, and several locked metal boxes of unknown content.