Helmar abandoned the eastern barracks before Rod attacked it.
At dawn, Renn's forces found its doors barred and its firing positions occupied by wooden figures wearing spare helmets. The deception bought Helmar less than an hour. Dirk's scouts noticed that none of the shapes moved when sunlight crossed their faces.
The defenders had withdrawn toward the central building and mine.
Rod did not rush after them. The empty barracks might contain traps, concealed soldiers, or records worth preserving. Ward specialists entered first while Dain's formation protected the approaches.
They found two delayed fire runes beneath the records room.
One had already begun heating. The specialists disabled it before the stored documents ignited. The other was attached to a support column and would have brought part of the building down upon anyone trying to save the files.
"Helmar wants evidence destroyed more than he wants this position held." Renn said.
