Max tightened the strap on his leather armor. The predawn air carried an autumn chill, biting through the thin protection. Around him, the convoy bustled with final preparations. Guards checking weapons, merchants securing cargo, and stable hands finalizing the harnesses on draft horses.
"Fifteen wagons in total," Brian announced, striding through the gathering with Atlas at his heel. The war lion's golden mane caught the torchlight, muscles rippling beneath tawny fur. "Seven carrying standard provisions, eight with sealed containers. The sealed ones take priority if we encounter trouble."
Darius snorted, tapping his sword hilt. "What trouble? It's a half-day journey through territory we've patrolled for decades."
"Self-satisfaction kills you," Violet replied, adjusting her quiver. Her gryphon Astra circled overhead, wings spread wide against the gray sky. "There must be a reason why father assigned all of us."
Max scanned the convoy, noting discrepancies from regular supply runs. The sealed containers bore warding sigils, protection against magical interference. Relic materials, likely destined for reinforcing the citadel's defenses.
In his previous timeline, this mission had proceeded without incident, a forgettable task barely mentioned in passing. Yet Father had assigned five siblings rather than the usual escort complement.
"Max! Stop daydreaming and mount up," Ervan called, already astride his stallion. His bear-eagle hybrid, Górn, lumbered beside him, feathered wings tucked against a massive body.
Hazel bounded past, practically vibrating with excitement. "Wohoo! Finally! Action after weeks of monotony!"
His golden wyvern Zyke chirped enthusiastically, tail lashing as he perched on Hazel's shoulder guard. Unlike the others' bonds, Zyke remained small enough to ride with his master, compensating with speed and agility what he lacked in size.
Max swung onto his horse, a bay gelding selected for steadiness rather than speed or power. No magical beast accompanied him, Cinder remained a formless presence, detectable only through their growing connection. He positioned himself near the middle of the formation, where observation would prove easiest.
"Remember the formation," Brian called as gates swung open. "Darius forward scout, Ervan left flank, Violet right. Hazel and Max center with the convoy. I'll take rear position."
The procession moved through the massive citadel gates. Max watched Violet's expression as they passed beneath the archway. No recognition of potential seal damage, despite their visit to the archives yesterday. Archdeacon Martel had intercepted them, offering explanations about routine maintenance that satisfied Violet but confirmed Max's suspicions of sabotage.
Now this mission pulled them from the citadel just hours before the expected attack.
"You look troubled," Hazel commented, guiding his horse alongside Max's. "What are you worried about? Worried about wolves eating your face off?"
"Just analyzing potential routes," Max replied, unfolding a small map. "The eastern pass offers better visibility but exposes us to archers from the ridge. The forest path provides cover but limits maneuvering space if we're ambushed."
Hazel stared at him, brows furrowed. "Tell me. Since when do you analyze military strategy?"
"Since always," Max responded smoothly. "No one bothered asking me that question."
Their conversation ended as the convoy entered the forest proper. Towering pines created a natural canopy overhead, dappling the path with irregular shadows.
Max tracked their position mentally, cataloging landmarks against his memories. The smell of pine sap and loamy earth filled his nostrils, occasionally punctuated by the metallic tang of the sealed containers.
An hour passed in relative silence. Bird calls gradually diminished, replaced by an unnatural stillness that prickled Max's awareness.
Danger approaches...
Cinder's warning matched Max's own instincts. He edged his horse forward, positioning himself near the lead wagon.
"Something's wrong," he said quietly to the driver. "The forest is too quiet."
The man nodded grimly. "Noticed that too, young lord. Animals gone silent means predators."
Max scanned the underbrush, catching glimpses of movement between trees. "Not ordinary predators."
The attack came with frightening speed. Massive wolves burst from the forest, bodies twisted by corruption. Black veins pulsed beneath patchy fur, eyes gleaming with unnatural purple light. Their howls carried demonic undertones that sent horses into panic.
"Defensive positions!" Brian's voice boomed over the chaos. Atlas roared, leaping forward to engage the largest wolf.
Max guided his horse toward the center wagon, eyes rapidly assessing the battlefield. The wolves moved with coordinated precision, targeting specific points in their formation. Not random beasts, directed attackers with tactical purpose.
Darius charged forward, his warhorse trampling a smaller wolf while he dispatched another with his sword. Ervan commanded Górn to take flight, providing aerial reconnaissance while he protected the left flank. Violet unleashed frost arrows that slowed the creatures' movements, Astra's talons ripping into those that broke through.
Hazel laughed with wild abandon, meeting the wolves head-on. Zyke launched from his shoulder, spitting golden flame that ignited fur and flesh. "Come, little puppies! Show me what you've got!"
Max spotted the pattern while others fought. The wolves weren't trying to destroy the convoy, they herded it, pushing them toward a ravine half a mile east where a larger ambush likely waited. The pack leader, a massive beast with bone spikes protruding from its spine, coordinated the effort through short, distinctive howls.
"We're being funneled!" Max called out, pulling alongside Brian. "They want us in the cliff!"
Brian glanced sharply at him, then surveyed the battlefield. Recognition dawned in his eyes. "What's your assessment?"
"Northwestern cutback through the rock formation," Max replied instantly. "The passage is narrow but defensible. We sacrifice speed for security."
Brian hesitated only briefly before nodding. "Darius! Ervan! Go push west toward the stone teeth!"
The convoy shifted direction, wagons lurching as drivers redirected their terrified teams. The wolves intensified their assault, particularly against the western flank where Max had identified the escape route.
Hazel whooped with delight, charging into the thickest concentration of beasts. "They don't want us going this way! It must be right!"
Max spotted a wolf circling behind Hazel, preparing to lunge. Without hesitation, he spurred his horse forward, drawing his sword. The blade caught the creature mid-leap, opening its throat in a spray of black-tinged blood. The wolf collapsed, body convulsing as corruption leaked onto forest soil.
Hazel spun around, eyes widening briefly before his face split into a grin. "Good kill! Maybe you're not completely useless after all!"
The convoy reached the stone formation, a series of massive rock outcroppings resembling fangs. The narrow passage between them allowed only one wagon at a time, creating a bottleneck that would slow their progress but provide defensible positions.
"Hazel, take point!" Brian commanded. "Darius, Ervan, hold the rear! Violet, support from above! Max, oversee the wagons through the passage!"
Max positioned himself where he could monitor the entire operation. The wolves circled but hesitated to approach the confined space where their numbers provided less advantage. He noticed the pack leader retreating, possibly to regroup or report failure to whatever controlled them.
For twenty tense minutes, they navigated the stone teeth. When the last wagon cleared the passage, a collective exhale of relief rippled through the convoy.
"Quick thinking, Hazel," Brian said as they regrouped. "Spotting their strategy saved us considerable trouble."
Hazel blinked in surprise, then grinned. "Of course! I'm not just muscle, you know."
Max said nothing, focusing instead on organizing the wagons back into formation. Violet rode up beside him, giving him an appraising look.
"That was your analysis, not Hazel's," she said quietly. "I heard you tell Brian."
Max shrugged. " We are saved. The result matters, not who suggested it."
"Since when are you this tactical?" She studied his face. "First the council meeting, now this."
"I've always observed," Max replied. "People see what they expect to see."
Violet frowned but didn't press further. The convoy resumed its journey, reaching their destination without additional incident. The sealed containers were transferred to waiting church officials, who whisked them away behind heavy doors.
As they prepared to return to the citadel, Darius clapped Hazel on the shoulder. "Good work today brother. Father will be pleased."
Hazel glanced briefly at Max before nodding. "Just like you, I'm doing my part too."
Max mounted his horse, hanging back as his siblings led the return procession. He didn't correct the misattribution or seek acknowledgment. Glory held no value compared to the information he'd gained, confirmation that demonic influence already spread through the region, manipulating wildlife and coordinating attacks.
Time grew shorter with each passing hour. As they approached the citadel, Max noticed smoke rising from the southern tower, exactly where the first incursion would begin in his original timeline.
'Will the timeline change or not?' Max looked at the smoke with a pale face and worried eyes.
"Max, what happened?" Violet looked him in the eyes. "Are you sick?"
"Nothing, sister. I'm fine." Max answered it with a fake smile.
Violet noticed it but let it slide for now. As they get closer and closer to the tower, the worry on Max's chest can't be held anymore. They all marched towards the tower without knowing what would happen.
Only Max knows what would happen, but he can't say it to anyone. They just mock him for joking or telling something nonsensical.
As they reached the tower gate, Max's mind was racing.
'Were we already too late?'