The morning sun crept over the horizon, casting long shadows over the barracks of the Maelyss soldiers, its golden rays doing little to warm the cold stone walls that had seen too much blood spilled the night before. The air was thick with the lingering scent of ash and death, reminders of the brutal onslaught that had claimed so many lives. Inside the largest of the barracks, a solemn meeting was being held. Eight men gathered around a long oak table, their faces grim, eyes hollowed by sleepless nights and the weight of their duty. 

At the head of the table sat Counselor Vardek, a man of sharp features and sharper wit, known for his icy demeanor and unyielding resolve. His robes, a deep crimson, draped over his thin frame, and a golden chain of office gleamed against his chest, signifying his authority. The men around him were hardened soldiers, captains, and lieutenants of the Maelyss, each bearing the scars of countless battles, both physical and emotional.

Vardek cleared his throat, the sound slicing through the heavy silence like a blade. "We are gathered here today," he began, his voice low and measured, "to address the grievous losses we have suffered at the hands of the Limb Haltuers."

The men around the table shifted uncomfortably, some glancing at the empty chairs that stood as a stark reminder of their fallen comrades.

"These beasts," Vardek continued, "are unlike any we have faced before. Their sheer size and strength make them formidable foes, and when they come in hordes, as they did last night, they become near unstoppable."

Captain Mura, a broad-shouldered man with a scar running down the side of his face, spoke up, his voice rough from years of barking orders on the battlefield. "The men fought bravely, Counselor, but we were outnumbered. The Haltuers were relentless, their skin as tough as iron. Our weapons, even with Euna, barely made a dent."

Another man, Captain Bram, a lean and wiry soldier with a hawkish gaze, leaned forward. "A fair number of men lost, but replaceable," he said, his tone detached, as if discussing the loss of mere supplies.

A murmur of discontent rippled through the room, and Lieutenant Garreth, a burly man with a temper as fiery as his red hair, slammed his fist on the table. "A statement for someone who only sits inside the fort and orders men what to do," he growled, his blue eyes blazing with anger.

Bram's gaze turned icy as he stared down Garreth. "Mind your tongue, Lieutenant," he said coolly. "I am captain, and it is my duty to sit here and give commands because I have much higher responsibilities. I do not take this loss lightly."

The tension in the room was palpable, but before it could escalate further, Captain Jossan, a veteran soldier with a calm and steady demeanor, intervened. "Enough," he said, his voice carrying a tone of authority that demanded respect. "We all know the cost of last night's battle, and bickering among ourselves will not bring our brothers back."

Silence fell once more, heavy and oppressive.

A voice, quieter but laced with respect, broke the silence. "Only a foolish man would attack a Limb Haltuer alone," said Lieutenant Orin, "not if you are Lieutenant Xapa Worlfort, of course."

A murmur of agreement followed, and the conversation shifted to the infamous Xapa Worlfort. "He's different," said Mura, nodding. "The strength, the brilliance… Xapa is a killing machine when it comes to Haltuers. I've seen him take down three on his own, without so much as a scratch."

The men exchanged nods, their expressions softening as they spoke of the legendary warrior who had earned a reputation as the Haltuer's bane.

Vardek allowed the conversation to continue for a moment before steering it back to the matter at hand. "Regardless of Xapa Worlfort's prowess," he said, "we must focus on the larger issue—the loss of so many Maelyss soldiers. We cannot afford such casualties. We will report back to the Headquarters and request fifteen more soldiers for the Redhills Region."

The men nodded in agreement, and with the issue settled, the meeting drew to a close. As the officers began to file out of the room, Vardek's voice cut through the air once more.

"Castel, remain."

Lieutenant Castel, a young man with a sharp mind and a reputation for strategic brilliance, paused and turned back to the table. He approached Vardek, who had moved to the large window overlooking the mountains beyond the village. The view was breathtaking, but Castel knew that Vardek’s mind was far from the serene beauty outside.

"Tell me, Castel," Vardek began, his voice contemplative, "what happens if the Haltuers attack during daylight?"

Castel frowned, unsure of where this line of questioning was leading. "The Haltuers are creatures of the night, Counselor," he replied carefully. "They fear the light, it is their one weakness, a gift from Paladin, a sign that the gods are on our side."

Vardek turned from the window to face Castel, his expression unreadable. "And what if they did not fear the light? What if they could roam freely in the day as they do in the night? Would we still stand a chance?"

The question hung in the air like a dark cloud. Castel hesitated, searching for an answer that might satisfy the Counselor’s unspoken concerns. "It would be a different battle," he said finally, "one where our advantage would be lost. But we would fight, as we always have."

Vardek's lips pressed into a thin line. "The light is all that stands between us and annihilation, Castel. But we do not even know why it repels them. The mystery of the Haltuers remains, and as long as it does, we are fighting an enemy we barely understand."

Castel could sense the unease in Vardek’s voice, a rare crack in the Counselor's otherwise stoic facade. "Perhaps it is better that way," Castel ventured. "Paladin’s light is our shield, our protection from the darkness. If we understood the Haltuers too well, we might find our faith questioned."

Vardek's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing. "Or we might find a way to be free of them entirely. Imagine a world where we are not bound by the fear of nightfall, where our people can live without the shadow of these monsters looming over them."

The thought was tantalizing, but also terrifying. Castel did not know how to respond, so he remained silent, allowing Vardek to ponder his own words.

"Do not speak of this to anyone, Castel," Vardek finally said, his voice low and commanding. "The men must not lose hope. We will continue to fight in the darkness, but always with an eye on the light."

Castel nodded, understanding the weight of the conversation he had with Vardek. "As you command, Counselor."

Vardek turned back to the window, his thoughts now hidden behind the mask of authority once more. "Go," he said quietly. "We have much work ahead of us."

As Castel left the room, he couldn't shake the feeling that something dark was stirring within the Counselor’s mind.