The village was silent as Roshan and Nyx selected their warriors.
Paralyzed tribe members were being tended inside dwellings, slowly recovering but still weak. The unpoisoned survivors watched from windows and doorways as their leopard chief prepared to leave.
No one spoke.
But the weight of their hope, their grief, their desperate need for justice hung heavy in the air.
Roshan chose carefully.
Kyren - experienced tracker, fast runner, excellent in close combat.
Darion - ranged specialist, calm under pressure, strategic thinker.
Talon, Mira's grandson - young but skilled, fierce loyalty, knows his grandmother's medicines.
Three more leopard warriors, all proven in combat, all volunteers who'd asked to go the moment they'd recovered enough to stand.
Nyx's selections were equally precise.
Zephyr - scout, silent movement, exceptional night vision.
Kaine - heavy fighter, intimidating presence, unwavering in battle.
Four more panthers, all experienced, all grimly determined.
