The hidden path wound through the forest like a living tunnel Vines arched overhead creating a canopy that glowed faintly with the warden spirit’s magic No ordinary traveler could have found this passage The forest itself guided Evan and the scouts Their footsteps silent upon moss softened soil

Hours passed under the glow of the living tunnel until the vines thinned and the sky appeared again The air grew colder the scent of metal thickening Evan signaled for the scouts to stay low They had reached the outskirts of the plateau

The relay station stood ahead a wooden and stone structure surrounded by watchtowers lit by dim enchanted lanterns Poachers moved with precision men carrying crates chains and sealed scrolls that emitted faint sparks The cages still stood in rows though some were now stacked in wagons preparing for transport

Evan spotted the frost tail elk lying weakly near a wagon Its icy pelt dulled Its breathing shallow The mana owls were nearly motionless The crystal horn doe barely lifted its head A heavy chain bound its neck Evan felt his heart harden

Dalen whispered softly We strike now

Evan nodded but slowly No noise No confrontation We take them one by one

He divided the scouts Scout Pair One will free the smaller creatures Scout Pair Two will disable the chains and spell locks Scout Pair Three will cut the carrying ropes Dalen will guard the perimeter Evan will free the fragile frost tail elk and the crystal horn doe

The rescue began like a silent breeze
The scouts crept between wagons shadows merging with the dark ground Masks of crushed herbs covered their scents The poachers remained unaware speaking loudly near the supply tent bragging about payment expected at dawn

Evan slipped behind a wagon examining the lock of the frost tail elk’s cage The chain glowed faint red representing a draining enchantment Evan touched the chain lightly feeling the cold burn of mana extraction He pulled a wrapped tool from his belt and inserted it between the glowing links He twisted with slow pressure until the enchantment cracked with a faint snap The chain dimmed losing its glow

The elk stirred weakly Evan whispered gently I am here You are safe now

He unfastened the final clasp The cage door opened silently The elk tried to stand but faltered Evan slipped his arms beneath its neck helping it rise careful not to harm the fragile creature The elk leaned on him trembling but accepting support

Meanwhile the scouts freed the ember fox lifting it gently into a large cloth pouch lined with soft fabric The fox blinked confused but did not make a sound The mana owls were wrapped carefully wings supported and secured

Dalen cut through a wagon rope and whispered One more cage to go

But at that moment a soldier emerged from a tent stretching his arms Another yawned by the guard tower Evan froze holding the elk close The soldiers looked around suspicious but saw nothing unusual They grabbed their spears and returned inside

Evan signaled softly Hurry

The scouts moved faster freeing a final pair of glow antler stags and guiding them toward the living path where vines silently parted

Evan supported the elk toward the forest line the crystal horn doe limping behind him Guided by soft whistles the rescued creatures crossed into the living passage one by one disappearing into the vine tunnels

Then a shout erupted from the relay station A poacher stumbled out of a tent pointing wildly The cages They are open

Another yelled Someone is here Spread out Find them

Dalen whispered we need to go now

Evan nodded Retreat

The scouts moved into the vines but Evan stayed a moment longer helping the frost tail elk take its final step into the tunnel As he turned a burst of light illuminated the clearing

The scar faced poacher from before stepped into the open his eyes blazing with fury His voice echoed through the night Wilder

Evan ducked into the vines as chains snapped behind him The tunnel sealed instantly closing like a mouth swallowing the forest shut No human could follow

The poacher shouted curses slamming his spear against the ground The convoy guards scrambled in chaos Animals gone chains broken wagons empty

Inside the living passage Evan breathed heavily Dalen rested a hand on his shoulder You saved them all

Evan nodded gripping the elk’s side gently The creatures moved weakly but safely deeper into the sanctuary’s path guided by vines that carried them like guardians of the night

Once they reached the sanctuary the villagers cheered quietly not wanting to frighten the weakened animals The herbalist rushed to treat them the warden spirit lowering its antlers spreading healing warmth across the wounded beasts

Evan stood breathless watching each creature settle into safety relief mixing with exhaustion

Dalen approached smiling but with caution Varrick will be furious He will send more soldiers stronger ones

Evan looked toward the forest beyond the sanctuary The relay station would not forget this rescue The Obsidian Court would not ignore this blow

We rescued them tonight Evan said But the fight has only begun

The warden spirit’s light brightened as if acknowledging the truth

The Arcane Wilds had declared their resistance
And the kingdom would hear it soon enough