They got to work.
The tunnels leading into the mines were narrow—perfect for bottlenecking an attacking force. They reinforced the entrances with fallen rocks and wooden barricades.
Traps were set—spiked pits, collapsing tunnels, and hidden tripwires designed to break the enemy before they even reached the heart of the mine.
Weapons were sharpened. Bows were strung. Every rebel, from the youngest recruit to the oldest veteran, prepared to fight.
But they needed more than traps.
They needed a plan.
Aldric studied the map, his mind racing. The mines had three exits—one main entrance, one smaller tunnel that led into the valley, and a hidden shaft deeper in the caverns.
That was their advantage.
If Cedric's men attacked head-on, they could lure them into a trap—then escape through the side tunnels and hit them from behind.
Aldric's lips curled into a grim smile. It was risky—but so was everything they'd done so far.
The Enemy Approaches
At dawn, the first scouts arrived.
