General Helliana and a few chosen soldiers moved in the shadow, her elite unit following closely behind.
Their movements were a masterclass in stealth and precision, honed through countless practice and battles. Each step was calculated, each breath controlled.
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The din of battle raged around them, but they were silent, slipping through the chaos like phantoms.
As they approached the enemy lines, Helliana raised her hand, signaling her unit to halt. She surveyed the terrain, her keen eyes picking out the weak points in the Hobgoblin defenses.
With a nod, she led her warriors forward, weaving through the enemy ranks with practiced ease. Hobgoblins fell to their blades without a sound, their deaths unnoticed amidst the clamor of the main battle.
Their objective was to reach the rear of the Hobgoblin army and eliminate King Kraggul. The plan hinged on Warchief Kargoth's ability to draw the bulk of the enemy forces to him, creating the perfect diversion.
Helliana's unit moved swiftly and efficiently, exploiting every gap in the Hobgoblin defenses.
As they neared their target, Helliana's senses were on high alert. Every rustle of armor, every whisper of movement was noted and assessed.
The tension was palpable, but her resolve was unshaken. They had to succeed. Failure was not an option.
Finally, they reached the rear of the Hobgoblin lines. Helliana signaled her unit to spread out and create a perimeter. She moved forward, her eyes locked on the figure of King Kraggul atop his massive Warhog.
The Hobgoblin king was a formidable sight, clad in dark armor, his presence commanding even from a distance.
With a silent nod to her unit, Helliana advanced. The Hobgoblins guarding their king were few and far between, their attention focused on the battle ahead.
One by one, they fell to Helliana's blade, their deaths swift and silent. She approached King Kraggul, her heart pounding with anticipation.
This was their moment.
Helliana turned to see General Vargash and his troops, mounted and menacing. She was completely surrounded.
"You . . ." Sweat trickled down Helliana's face. "You planned this. You lured me here."
Vargash cracked his neck, his voice a guttural rumble. "You're strong, General Helliana. We needed to minimize our losses by isolating you. You should be honored for the special treatment."
Helliana remained calm, her eyes scanning the enemies before her. "Tell me, Hobgoblin, how did you uncover our strategy? There are countless tactics we could have used. I refuse to believe you stumbled upon this by chance or figured it out on your own."
Vargash smirked. "You're right, but knowing that won't save you now."
Helliana's brow furrowed as she recalled the previous night. No Orc would ever betray their race and clan; their pride was too great to be a traitor. They would rather die than commit such an act of disloyalty.
Then it hit her. Last night . . . while discussing their plans, someone had entered their tent to bring food.
General Helliana gritted her teeth in anger, her body shaking with rage. It could only be them! "Those damn lizards!"
Vargash chuckled, savoring her frustration. "Don't blame them too much. Our king promised to spare their lives if they cooperated with us.
"At first, they hesitated. But when we breached the Gate of Iron Maw, those lizards finally made their decision. They chose to side with our king. Smart choice."
"Smart?" Helliana spat. "Those cowards and traitors have sealed their fate to slaughter! Those fools!" She knew there was no way the Hobgoblin king would keep his promise.
The Hobgoblins intended to dominate the entire barren wasteland, and that meant exterminating everyone who wasn't a Goblin or Hobgoblin. Their treachery was a temporary measure, and Helliana knew the Hobgoblins would betray their newfound allies at the first opportunity.
Those foolish Lizardfolk . . . they should have never trusted the Hobgoblins! They should have never taken them in! If King Kraggul didn't kill them, she would do it herself.
"You shouldn't be worrying about those lizards, Orc. Worry about your own life," Vargash sneered, raising his hand to signal his troops to attack.
Helliana braced herself. If she was going to die here, she would take as many Hobgoblins with her, including General Vargash's head!