In the goblin village.
The golden eagle landed, dust puffing as its talons gripped the outpost rail. Its feathers were ruffled from flight, its amber eyes sharp with urgency.
Krivex was already waiting.
He extended his arm. The eagle hopped onto it without hesitation and let out a soft cry. Krivex leaned close as the beast tilted its head, tapping lightly at a leather-bound message capsule strapped to its leg. He unfastened it and quickly scanned the tight, coded script.
His expression tightened.
Without a word, he turned and ran.
...
Inside the command tent, the air shifted the moment Krivex stepped in. The captains, Skitz, Aren, Skarn, Gobo1, and the others, were mid-discussion over patrol rotations when they saw his face.
"What is it?" Skitz asked, standing upright.
Krivex didn't waste time. "A scout spotted an armed unit in the east quadrant. Not Pentaline. Different armor, different crest."
