Night fell.
Two knights dragged a haggard man into the study. His limbs hung limp, as if the bones had been removed, and he emitted the sour stench of the dungeons. His greasy hair was matted, and he collapsed onto the floor in a heap.
"My Lord, the minor leader of the Stone Crow Bandits has been brought," Ed reported.
Leylo's gaze settled on the man. His name was Fitch, nicknamed "Snake-Eye," a scout leader responsible for intelligence and infiltration within the Stone Crow organization. Currently, he possessed none of a bandit's ferocity—only deep, soul-piercing terror.
"Look up," Leylo commanded.
Fitch's body jolted. He struggled to lift his eyelids, and the moment his murky gaze met Leylo's cold eyes, he began to shiver violently. "Mercy, Lord... Mercy! I'll tell you everything!"
Fitch had originally been ordered by his leader, "Stone Crow," to disguise himself as a stableman in Sunset Town to kidnap a nobleman's daughter for ransom. After several days of "hospitality" from the Blackstone knights, he had spilled every secret he held.
"The location of the stronghold, the leader, their strength—tell me everything you know."
"Yes, yes!" Fitch stammered. "Our base is in the northern part of Iron Thorn Territory, near the Blackstone Mountains. There's a hidden valley called Raven's Nest Valley, about a hundred kilometers from here. Our leader goes by the name 'Stone Crow'—he's a powerful Tier 3 High Mage! The Vice Commander, 'Iron Arm' Rogge, is a Tier 3 Earth Knight. There are several other Tier 2 leaders..."
A Tier 3 High Mage and a Tier 3 Earth Knight.
Leylo's eyebrows rose. The Stone Crows were stronger than he had anticipated. A high-tier mage, if utilized correctly, could exert more destructive power than a knight of the same level.
"Very well," Leylo said neutrally. "Ed."
"Here, My Lord!"
"Take him with you. Mobilize fifty knights and a hundred retainers. Advance to the former Iron Thorn Castle, regroup with Bolin, and await my orders."
Gathering the Swarm
By afternoon the following day, the banners of Blackstone Territory fluttered over the former Iron Thorn Castle. Ed's vanguard had arrived and merged with Bolin's garrison.
Suddenly, a high-pitched cry pierced the sky. Twelve massive silhouettes emerged from the blue—led by a magnificent Storm Griffin King whose tawny feathers shimmered like polished metal.
Leylo jumped from Tempest's back as the flock landed, the wind from their wings snapping the surrounding flags. Ed and Bolin stepped forward to salute. Behind them, a burly, stoic middle-aged knight also knelt.
"Commander Monk, formerly of Iron Thorn Castle, greets the Lord!"
This was Monk, the most capable Earth Knight under the former Baron Mond. After Mond was stripped of his title, Monk had chosen to surrender. Leylo hadn't made things difficult for the local soldiers, allowing Monk to assist Bolin in managing the defense.
"Rise, Sir Monk," Leylo said, lifting a hand. "You are familiar with the northern terrain. You will accompany me on this operation."
"I am honored to serve!" Monk knew this was his chance to prove his worth.
"Ed, have the scouts returned?"
"The Pegasus Knights have conducted reconnaissance toward Raven's Nest Valley, My Lord," Ed replied.
"Good. Feed the griffins. The army will rest for one hour, then we march!"
Raven's Nest Valley
The army moved through the rugged mountain paths, led by Fitch, who was tied to a scrawny horse. Near dusk, they reached their destination.
Raven's Nest Valley was a geographical death trap. Shaped like a giant gourd, the entrance was a narrow pass that allowed only two or three riders abreast. On either side stood sheer cliffs, perfect for an ambush. Inside, the valley opened up, revealing flickers of torchlight and crude structures.
"My Lord... this is it," Fitch whispered, trembling.
Leylo scanned the entrance and the cliffs above. "Sir Monk, what do you know of this place?"
Monk spurred his horse forward. "My Lord, this is a famous danger zone. If archers are stationed on those cliffs, a frontal assault will result in heavy casualties."
Leylo nodded. He didn't intend to waste his men's lives in a meat grinder. He held total air superiority; he could dismantle their defenses from the sky.
"Ed, you are in command of the ground forces. Thor, your Armored Rhino will break the gate. Bolin, Monk, assist the assault."
Leylo looked up at the darkening sky, his eyes cold. "I want Raven's Nest Valley secured before nightfall. We stay there tonight!"