The group huddled low behind the brush as Leo began sketching another rough map into the dirt. The firelight from the monster camp flickered faintly through the trees behind them, casting long, wavering shadows.
"They’re not expecting trouble," Leo said, voice quiet but firm. "That gives us the edge."
Greg tapped one knuckle against the ground beside the drawing. "Those two orcs by the fire are the first problem. If they shout, the whole camp will be up in seconds."
"And the big one walking around?" Crystal asked, resting her elbow on her knee. "Looks like a commander."
"Exactly," Leo replied. "If he joins the fight early, it’ll turn into a brawl. We need to isolate him or drop him fast."
Aria leaned in, fingers gently tracing part of the rough map. "What if I lure a few to the edge with sound? Make it seem like something’s hunting them from the trees."
"That could thin them out," Leo said after some mental deliberation. "If you can keep it subtle, they might not sound the alarm right away."
Greg tapped one knuckle against the ground beside the drawing. "Those two orcs by the fire are the first problem. If they shout, the whole camp will be up in seconds."
"And the big one walking around?" Crystal asked, resting her elbow on her knee. "Looks like a commander."
"Exactly," Leo replied. "If he joins the fight early, it’ll turn into a brawl. We need to isolate him or drop him fast."
Aria leaned in, fingers gently tracing part of the rough map. "What if I lure a few to the edge with sound? Make it seem like something’s hunting them from the trees."
"That would thin them out," Leo said. "And if you can keep it subtle, they might not sound the alarm right away."
Greg nodded. "Once they move to investigate, I can jump from the ridge and take the orcs at the fire. Fast and hard."
"I’ll back you up," Leo said. "We hit them at the same time from different angles. No hesitation."
Crystal spoke next. "I can take the left side. If any goblins run for weapons, I’ll intercept."
Penny raised a hand. "And what about me? Should I just wait behind a tree and try not to get stepped on?"
Leo looked over at her, then shook his head. "Actually, you’ll be the signal. As soon as you see Aria’s distraction work, open the Mourning Howl. Hold it high."
Penny blinked. "You want me to be... dramatic?"
"You’re good at that," Leo said, not unkindly. "And that thing stands out. They’ll look toward you. That gives Greg and me our opening."
Penny smirked and gave a half-salute. "Finally, someone appreciates my theatrical flair."
Aria nodded toward the camp. "I’ll start the sound when I’m in position. You’ll hear a low chime three times. That means it’s begun."
Leo looked around the circle one last time. "We move on the fourth. Stick to the plan, and don’t let them regroup."
Everyone nodded, silent now. The tension was real, but not panicked.
Aria stood up, her wings unfurling behind her in a smooth, practiced motion. The faint rustle of feathers was the only sound she made before she crouched and leapt into the air, disappearing into the dark canopy above.
The fire in the clearing below crackled steadily, casting flickering light over the makeshift tents and slow-moving goblins. One of the orcs leaned back, lazily gnawing on another chunk of charred meat, completely unaware of what was coming.
Penny watched Aria disappear, her eyes narrowed.
"Wings," she muttered. "She just lifts off like it’s nothing. Must be nice."
Greg glanced over at her, amused. "Knowing you, you’d probably build yourself a pair."
Penny’s face lit up. "Actually, that’s not a bad idea. With bones for the frame and stitched hide for the sails, maybe some tension wire for balance..."
Leo didn’t even look up from the camp below. "No."
"Don’t encourage her," Leo said flatly, still tracking movement through the trees. "The last thing we need is you launching yourself off a cliff strapped to a skeleton kite."
Greg snorted but said nothing else. Crystal remained quiet as well, tilting her head just slightly as if listening for something.
A soft chime rang out from the distance. The first signal.
Penny straightened, grip tightening on the Mourning Howl’s handle.
A second chime followed. She flicked the umbrella open with a clean snap and stepped forward into the clearing’s edge.
The third chime came.
Penny raised the Mourning Howl high, its black canopy catching a glint of light as it shimmered above her head. The movement drew eyes almost immediately. One of the goblins squinted up at her, already reaching for its weapon.
That was when Leo launched himself off the ridge towards the distracted goblin. His foot connected with its face.
The goblin was unable to stop Leo’s momentum and fell backwards but still it couldn’t escape death as Leo’s weight followed through and its skull was crushed when Leo touched down.
Leo’s landing was clean. His claws sank into the dirt as the goblin beneath him crumpled with a sickening crunch. He didn’t pause. He twisted low and drove a clawed hand into the next one’s ribs.
The goblin shrieked, stumbling back, only to catch a blur of movement from the ridge above.
Greg landed next, slower but heavier, his Titan form adding bulk but not slowing his practiced technique. His movements were controlled and precise, like a fighter who knew exactly how to take down an opponent.
The first orc turned just in time to raise its arms before Greg stepped in and threw a short, compact elbow. It crashed through the orc’s guard and caught the top of its head.
The orc’s body went limp and dropped like a sack of grain. Greg pivoted on his heel, kept his weight low, and swept the legs of a second goblin with a powerful, sweeping motion.
The sweep caught the goblin solidly below the neck, and with a sickening crack, it launched the creature clean off its feet. The goblin flew through the air like it had been hit by a speeding truck, limbs flailing helplessly before it crashed hard into a tree and slumped to the ground, motionless.
Greg barely slowed, stepping forward to stomp on its chest with finality.
Penny watched from above with wide eyes. "Okay, that’s a little hot," she muttered.
The men of the party were throwing hands and from where she stood, Penny felt like they may be able to do it by themselves even if they didn’t have the plan!