As Beta Samuel stood at the edge of Barduff Castle's great gates, surveying the darkness beyond with his sharp eyes, the night was tense. The burden of accountability weighed heavily on him; prompt and strategic action was necessary to ensure Serafina's safe return.
With a piercing and authoritative voice, Samuel turned to address the gathered troops. "We move in groups that are synchronized. There is a trail that rogues follow, and I plan to locate theirs. We'll begin at the eastern border, where patrols last observed strange activity.
The men, all experienced combatants, gave a sympathetic nod. Already, a team of trackers began smelling the ground, their senses sharpened for the job.
Samuel turned back to the perceptive maid who had shown her worth in emergency situations and said, "Henrietta, I need you for communication." "I need to know right away if there are any new developments from Jacob's end."
Henrietta nodded firmly and went out to work with Jacob and Leah. Samuel looked to Darius, a warrior who was his greatest tracker. "You lead a group across the western landscape. Keep an eye out for any indications, such as disturbed soil or strange smells.
With the help of the moonlight, the soldiers transformed into strong, agile wolves and ran into the night. As Samuel led his crew toward the eastern boundary, he himself transformed, his fur bristling. With a mixture of rage and resolve driving him, he drove his crew ahead despite the subtle but noticeable smell of rogues.
After several hours, Darius's cry rang out through the night just as annoyance was about to overwhelm him. Immediately, Samuel and his soldiers veered off course and raced in the direction of the call. They discovered trails that led into the dense woodland when they got there. There was the faint but indisputable smell of serafina.
Samuel's wolf instincts flared and he growled. They were near. They were hunting.