Calm Before the Storm

The next morning brought a pale and gray dawn. The fortress was cloaked in the hush of fresh snow. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the faint clang of hammers from the forge marked the rhythm of life continuing, even with the growing unease that hung in the air. Whispers moved like shadows through the halls: another battle might come - a clash to rival the great one from a year ago.

Akari scampered softly beside Noel as they walked into the main hall. The squad was already gathered. Branek leaned against a wall, arms crossed, his expression calm but alert, the hilt of his massive sword resting against the floor. Lysandra stood nearby, leaning on her staff and nursing the remnants of last night’s indulgence, eyes still sharp despite the hangover. Ansel adjusted his robes, humming a hymn under his breath, though the tremor in his hands betrayed his nerves.

Noel’s eyes swept across them, quiet happiness hidden beneath his reserved demeanor. He greeted them with a firm nod, his voice steady. “Ready yourselves. The patrol today won’t be any easier than the last. I don't have to tell you to check your gear. You all know the drill.”

Seren appeared, hefting his enormous sword over one shoulder before planting it firmly against the wall. His tone was clipped and firm. “The whispers are true. Scouts report increasing movement in the tundra. If this swells into what happened last year… be ready to defend this place to the last man.”

Akari’s ears flicked uneasily. The weight in Seren’s words pressed against her chest, cold as the wind outside. She caught the faint shadow in Noel’s expression but stayed silent.

“Sir Caldris and Master Artisan Mira stay behind again,” Seren continued. “We’ll need them here if things turn dire.”

Caldris approached everyone, his expression warm but measured. He adjusted the strap on his staff and gave a small bow. “Good morning. Glad to see you all prepared and ready!” His gaze swept over the squad, lingering on each member of the military just long enough to note their strengths and apprehensions.

“I trust you’ll do well today. Stay sharp, and remember your training.” Caldris gave a small nod toward Barkley, whispering something to the wolf that made its ears perk in response. Akari’s tail twitched slightly, sensing the unspoken exchange and the quiet understanding between the two.

Noel gathered the squad. He inspected Branek’s spear, Lysandra’s staff, and Ansel’s satchel. His tone was calm but firm. “We return before sundown, no matter what.”

He paused, scanning each face. “Branek, Lysandra, Ansel. Remember what we practiced. Trust yourselves, trust each other.”

Branek shifted his weight, eyes momentarily distant. Akari noticed it. He seemed to see someone else instead of Noel. Recognition, or perhaps a memory, flickered in his eyes, then vanished behind his usual gruff composure.

Lysandra adjusted her staff, muttering, “Nothing worse than yesterday’s mess is out there.” Confidence laced her tone now, even in the face of looming danger, though Akari noted a flicker of tension when she flexed her fingers around the staff, as if preparing for the unexpected.

Ansel tensed slightly. Seren’s mention of a battle like last year had rattled him, and his hymn fell quieter than usual, a tentative prayer for courage. Akari noticed his glances toward the horizon, the silent worry in his eyes hinting at the trials that might lie ahead.

Noel cleared his throat and attempted to encourage the squad, but his words stumbled and fell flat. “We’ve trained for this… remember your formations, spacing… but I… I think you can manage it.”

Silence.

Akari stepped forward, voice calm but firm, and addressed the squad instead. “We've all got this! One step at a time, together. Let's look forward to coming back home and sharing a meal again!”

Immediately, the squad’s posture straightened and tension eased; her words carried the confidence they needed, succeeding where Noel’s had not.

Lysandra raised an eyebrow at Noel, smirking, “You call that encouragement?”

Branek grunted, “Better than nothing. At least the little fox here is better with words.”

Ansel offered a small nod, though his fingers tightened around his satchel straps. Akari could sense his nervous energy, but also his willingness to try.

Akari stepped closer to Noel, whispering just enough to guide and support him. “Your words matter to them,” she murmured. “They’ll listen more than you think.”

Noel gave a brief smile, a flicker of relief passing through his eyes. “Right… I just need to remember that. I'm not the most positive person in the fortress.”

Akari’s tail twitched in response, brushing against Noel’s leg. She felt the budding tension in him as he prepared the squad for departure. The squad lined up, boots crunching in the fresh snow, each member carrying their own resolve.

Caldris stepped forward once more to address Noel's squad. He gave each member a nod. “Remember, observation and patience save lives. Branek, your experience counts here. Lysandra, your precision with the staff could tip the scales. You've always been one heck of talent. Ansel, your calm in the midst of chaos is more valuable than you think.” He smiled briefly, the kind of reassuring smile that lent quiet strength to the group. “Even I learn something from each of your strengths. Today will be a test, but you won’t face it alone.”

Akari realized how caring Caldris is and how he was a perfect foil to Seren's more serious and strict nature. The two worked as leaders in perfect harmony. Despite being young, he knew how to easily make up for the military's emotional shortcomings. He had told Akari he had become the leader of the northern mages a year ago, but it felt like he had been in this position for years.

The gates creaked open, revealing the snow-blanketed tundra beyond. Akari’s ears flicked, tail swishing anxiously. This patrol would not be like the others. Her senses tingled as she noted every subtle shadow seemed to be moving across the tundra, or was it her eyes playing tricks on her? Out here, every detail could mean the difference between life and death.

Seren’s words echoed behind them: “Watch for signs. Do not underestimate what moves in the snow. Today could be different.”

Then one step.

Two steps.

Three.

Today was a day where it would be different for the little fox's squad.