The riders moved fast across the plains. Logan sat at the front of the wagon this time the Guardian Blade strapped to his side. Mira rode beside the caravan on a light beast. Renn stayed inside gripping the stabilizer charm. The Coalition escort followed tightly. The wind whipped across their faces. Dust trailed behind them like a banner of urgency.

Logan’s thoughts churned. If the Silver Courts captured the forge they would control every future weapon in the realm. They would twist his designs for war and domination. They would enslave innovation. He would become the spark that burned nations instead of the spark that lifted them.

He clenched his fists. Not happening.

Hours later the caravan reached the border where the plains dipped into rolling hills. Smoke rose in the distance. Not campfire smoke. Dark heavier smoke rising from large structures burning under attack.

Mira spotted it first. That is the Coalition compound. They are in full battle.

Renn nearly dropped his charm. We are too late

Logan shook his head. No. Not late. Just in time.

They drove the beasts harder. As they approached the ridge overlooking the compound they saw the battlefield below.

The Coalition compound was surrounded by Silver Courts forces. The attackers wore silver trimmed armor and moved with strict formation. Mages launched shimmering pulses against the walls. Siege constructs like giant bone armored beasts rammed the gates. Coalition guards fought desperately from the ramparts with crossbows and spears but the assault raged with overwhelming force.

Logan’s chest tightened. His forge stood near the back of the compound still intact but its walls shook from magical impact. Sparks rained down. Workers ran for shelter. Thalen Voss directed defenses near the main tower shouting orders over the chaos.

Mira whispered. If we do nothing they will overrun the compound within the hour.

Renn looked at Logan with fear and trust. Logan what do we do

Logan inhaled slowly. His voice steady. We change the battle.

He stood inside the wagon and opened the Guardian chest. He pulled out the crossbow and loaded a bolt. He strapped several more bolts to his belt. Then he stepped out of the wagon ready to jump into the fight.

Mira called out. Logan you cannot just charge them

Logan answered. Watch me.

He slid down the ridge and sprinted toward a lower vantage position. Mira cursed and followed. Renn stayed in the wagon trembling but holding the stabilizer charm ready to assist if needed.

The first Silver Courts mage noticed movement and sent a bolt of silver light toward Logan. Logan rolled behind a rock. The blast scorched the ground but he came up firing. The Guardian Crossbow bolt struck the mage’s shoulder sending him staggering back from the wall. Coalition defenders cheered.

Logan shouted. Their mages break first. They rely on formation. Disrupt them and the whole line collapses.

Mira nodded and hurled a reinforced throwing blade. It sliced through a second mage’s cloak breaking his concentration. The shimmering attack dissolved.

Thalen noticed them from the tower. Logan Mercer Get to the inner gate We must regroup

But Logan shook his head. If we fall back they push inside. We hit them from the ridge first.

He fired again. The bolt punched through a shield. The soldier dropped.

The Silver Courts commander spotted Logan and pointed at him. Take the outsider alive Kill the rest

Logan felt a chill. They would not stop. Not ever.

Mira shouted. Logan more from the left

He turned and fired. The bolt smashed into a charging soldier’s chest. Coalition defenders took the chance and renewed their assault.

The battlefield shifted rapidly. Energy pulses lit the sky. Metal clashed. Screams echoed.

Logan ran toward the lower gate pulling a small beastbone plate from his belt. He snapped it into place over the crossbow barrel and fired again. The shot struck a Silver Courts construct in the leg knocking its balance. It toppled sideways.

Renn shouted from the ridge. Logan incoming right side

A mage prepared a massive blast aimed at Logan. Logan braced himself. Then Mira jumped forward slamming her blade into the ground beside him. The magic core inside the handle triggered a vibration that deflected the blast upward. A shockwave rolled across the hillside.

Logan caught himself and stared at her. Nice timing.

Mira grinned. Do not die before we fix your forge.

Renn finally gathered courage and ran down from the ridge holding the stabilizer charm. He pointed it toward a group of mages and released a pulse of his own. The charm emitted a disruption wave that caused the enemy’s spells to flicker and collapse.

Renn gasped. It worked. It actually worked.

Logan shouted. Then do it again

The three of them pushed forward breaking the enemy formation piece by piece. Coalition defenders followed their lead. The Silver Courts mages faltered under the pressure. The siege beasts lost coordination. The entire assault line weakened.

Thalen shouted from the tower. Push now Drive them back

The Coalition fighters surged. The Silver Courts realized their advantage was slipping and began to retreat in controlled formation. The commander glared at Logan with cold fury. This is not over Mercer The Courts do not forget

Logan aimed the crossbow at him. Neither do I.

But the commander vanished behind a smoke burst and the remaining troops withdrew.

Silence fell across the battlefield. The compound walls smoldered. Several buildings burned. The ground was littered with broken armor and scorched stone. But the forge still stood.

Thalen approached Logan breathing hard. You came back. You should have fled. But instead you saved this place.

Logan shrugged tired. I built something here. I am not letting anyone steal it.

Thalen placed a hand on his shoulder. Then from today forward we fortify this compound with everything the Coalition has. No kingdom will crush our work again.

Mira and Renn stood beside Logan exhausted but proud. Logan looked at them. We did it. We protected the forge.

Thalen nodded. Yes. But this is only the beginning. The Silver Courts have declared you an enemy. And the realm will respond.

Logan stared at the burning remains of the battlefield. His chest felt heavy but determined.

If they want war
I build weapons
If they want dominance
I create balance
If they want to control me
I forge my own path

Logan Mercer was done running.

He lifted the Guardian Crossbow.

And whispered.

Let them come.