The ridge turn lay two hours north of Wraithpath Forest. A narrow, curved path carved between a rocky cliff on one side and a steep drop into dense forest on the other. In daylight it was difficult terrain. In predawn shadow it became a trap waiting to spring.

Erian and the team arrived while the sky still held the deep blue of early morning. They moved quickly. Daris placed rune anchors along the cliff wall. Soft light pulsed with each anchor as they bonded to stone. When the caravan crossed the anchors they would weaken the transport’s chain enchantments and slow the beasts enough to allow intervention.

Rolan checked the path’s width. “Wagons can’t turn here. If we block the front and back they’re trapped.”

Jana climbed the ridge above. She positioned herself to watch for torches approaching from the forest. Selin prepared salve and calming aids for the beasts. Erian examined the area where the Crownmane would likely pass. He mapped a mental plan for disabling chains safely.

Minutes stretched into tense silence.

Then Jana signaled.

Torchlight.
Multiple wheels.
Chains rattling.

Erian motioned for everyone to take positions.

The caravan approached slowly. The narrow ridge forced them to move in single file. Several handlers walked ahead, checking the trail. Behind them came two small cages strapped to wagons. And behind those in the dim light Erian saw the shape he feared most.

The Crownmane Beast.

Its chains glowed in the cold air. Its mane flickered with subdued anger. Vorrek walked beside it like a proud commander escorting a war machine. His eyes scanned the ridge constantly. He sensed danger.

Erian whispered to Daris, “Activate the anchors.”

The runes pulsed. A faint hum vibrated through the cliff.

The front handlers stumbled. The Crownmane halted abruptly. Its chains reacted with brief sparks. Vorrek turned sharply, scanning the path.

Then his eyes landed on Erian.

“So the inspector chooses the ridge,” Vorrek said. “Bold. Foolish.”

Erian stepped forward calmly. “Release the Crownmane. End this now.”

Vorrek laughed. “I survived your collapse. I survived your raids. You think a ridge will stop me?”

He snapped his fingers.

Handlers drew blades. The escorts behind the Crownmane readied chains. The wagons rattled as beasts inside cried out.

Rolan stepped forward. Jana dropped from the ridge, landing behind two handlers. Selin moved toward the smaller cages. Daris charged a rune slip.

The ridge erupted into conflict.

Two handlers rushed Erian. He sidestepped the first, struck the second with his forearm, and focused on the Crownmane’s primary chain instead of fighting. Vorrek noticed and lashed out with his enchanted whip chain.

The chain struck the ground beside Erian, sending a tremor through the ridge.

“Touch it again,” Vorrek snarled, “and I will crush you.”

But Erian saw what Vorrek missed.

The Crownmane felt the ridge’s mana. It sensed open space. The suppression enchantments flickered. Daris’s anchors weakened the chains more effectively than expected.

Erian reached for the chain plate again. Vorrek moved to intercept but Rolan stepped between them. His spear clashed with Vorrek’s chain. The echo rang down the ridge like a bell.

Selin unlocked the smaller cages, calming the frightened beasts and guiding them away from the cliff. Jana blocked an escort from striking Daris. The ridge became a frantic dance of movement.

The Crownmane roared.

The sound shook the cliff. Small stones fell from above. The creature strained against its bindings. Mana burst from its mane in bright ripples.

Vorrek shouted, “Hold it. Reinforce the chains.”

Erian shouted, “Daris now.”

Daris threw a concentrated rune charge at the main chain brace. The metal glowed bright then cracked with a loud snap.

The Crownmane pulled.

The chain shattered.

The beast surged upward with a roar that echoed across the valley.

Handlers stumbled back. Two fell. The wagons rattled violently.

Vorrek stared in stunned anger. “No.”

Erian stepped between Vorrek and the beast.

The Crownmane locked eyes with Erian. Its breath steamed heavily but its posture was not violent. Its mane glowed with wild mana but lacked the frenzy of full rage.

Erian sent a calm mana pulse forward. Slow. Steady.

“Go,” he whispered.

The Crownmane huffed. It turned toward the forest side of the ridge and leaped down the slope with immense grace. Trees bent under its landing. It vanished into the depths of Wraithpath.

Vorrek screamed. He spun toward Erian. “You destroyed everything. Do you understand what you’ve done?”

“Yes,” Erian said. “I restored balance.”

Vorrek charged.

Rolan intercepted him but Vorrek’s rage made him ferocious. He broke Rolan’s guard and swung the chain toward Erian. The chain hit a rune anchor Daris placed earlier. The enchantment rebounded. The force backlashed through the chain and struck Vorrek’s own arm. He dropped the weapon with a grunt.

Jana kicked him behind the knee. Selin threw a weighted rope that wrapped around his wrists. Rolan used his spear to pin him against the cliff wall. Vorrek struggled but fatigue and backlash weakened him.

Erian stepped closer. His voice firm. “You are under arrest. For illegal capture. For ecological damage. For endangering the kingdom.”

Vorrek spat at the ground. “The black market won’t fall with me.”

Erian replied calmly, “It already started.”

The last handler surrendered. The ridge grew still except for the low groans of beasts breathing slowly after the chaos.

Erian looked toward the forest where the Crownmane disappeared.

Balance was returning.

But the war with the black market was far from over.