The information did not come clean.
It never does.
That was what the elven guild master said before even explaining the reason for the summons. We were gathered in a simple room, maps spread across the table, recent markings scratched in charcoal. There were more people there than usual. Humans, elves, a few adventurers I didn't recognize.
"We lost two scouts," the master said. "And one informant."
The silence was immediate.
"So this isn't just training," Vespera commented quietly.
"It never was," he replied.
An older elf pointed to the map. "Recent movement to the north. Empty villages. Trails erased."
"That's an advance pattern," Elara said. "Clearing before occupation."
"Or preparation for something larger," I added.
The master nodded. "The Sixth General is moving. Not openly, but steadily."
Liriel crossed her arms. "He's testing territory."
"He's gathering resources," the elf corrected. "And eliminating interference."
The mission was clear. An information collection point had been compromised. We needed to confirm what was lost and, if possible, recover records. Nothing heroic. Nothing glorious.
"Reduced group," the master said. "Fast. Precise."
We went with just the four of us and two elves. The path was narrow, passing through ancient ruins. The air felt heavier there. There were no signs of recent battle, which was worse.
"This is too quiet," Vespera murmured.
"Stay alert," I replied.
We reached the site at dusk. The post was destroyed. Not burned. Dismantled. As if someone had far too much time.
Elara knelt near marks on the ground. "They were taken. Not killed here."
"That means interrogation," Liriel said. "Or something worse."
We entered carefully. There was blood. Little of it. Spread out too much to indicate a quick execution.
"Documents?" I asked.
"Some," one of the elves replied. "But incomplete."
That was when we heard movement.
Creatures emerged from the shadows. Not many. But organized. Coordinated attacks.
"Defense," I said.
The fight was quick, but violent. One of the elves was wounded while protecting Elara. Liriel restrained her power again, visibly frustrated. Vespera kept the pattern, far too precise for someone who used to fight the way she did.
When the last enemy fell, the cost became clear. The wounded elf was bleeding heavily.
"He needs help now," Elara said.
"Take the records," I ordered. "I'll cover."
"Not alone," Vespera replied.
We went back together.
On the return, we confirmed what we feared. The records indicated that the Sixth General was studying combat patterns. Groups. Routes. Reactions.
"He's learning," Liriel said.
"And fast," Elara added.
When we delivered the material, the master remained silent for a long time.
"This confirms it," he said at last. "Time is not on our side."
The wounded elf was taken for treatment. The other did not survive the journey.
That night, no one slept well.
Information had been obtained.
But the price had been paid in blood.
And that made one thing clear.
The enemy was not waiting.
He was preparing.