Three days after the Solari spies were apprehended in Iron Hearth, the southern route of Oakhaven was intentionally left hollow.
There were no patrols. No tanks. No infantry stationed at the observation posts. Only the wind whistled through the dry trees, and dust danced over the dirt roads. To anyone watching from a distance, the path looked like an invitation—a gap in the Sudrath defense that shouldn't have existed.
Rianor Sudrath stood atop a small hill overlooking the path. Beside him, Elara sat in her wheelchair, a crystal tablet in her lap displaying a map with sensor dots intentionally deactivated in that area. The morning breeze brushed against their faces, carrying the scent of dry earth and wild grass.
"Are you certain he'll take the bait?" Elara asked, her voice soft.
