Inside the council hall.

The returning ranger squad knelt on one knee before Kaen Eowenríel, reporting their findings from their perilous expedition.

"Your Majesty," their leader began, "our squad followed the edges of the previously charted map and ventured toward the center of the Troll-woods. Deep in the heart of the forest, we discovered signs of Orc activity…"

As it turned out, the squad had stumbled into a gathering ground for Orcs after reaching the forest's depths.

There, hidden within a secluded valley, they spotted four to five dozen trolls—and more alarmingly, a massive congregation of Orcs.

Those creatures had established a formidable stronghold right in the hidden recesses of the valley.

Initially, the rangers had planned to return and report the discovery immediately.

But they had ventured too deep. Orc patrols and wargs roamed everywhere, making movement dangerous.

To avoid detection, they had to proceed with utmost caution—stopping frequently and navigating stealthily through the undergrowth.

That was why they had failed to return on time and had been presumed missing.

After hearing the full report, Kaen asked, "Do you have an estimate of the Orcs' numbers? Were you able to get a clear view of what's hidden inside that valley?"

"Apologies, Your Majesty," the ranger replied, "the valley was too heavily guarded. We could only observe from the outskirts—there was no way to approach without being seen."

Kaen gave a reassuring nod. "You've done well. Just returning safely with such vital intelligence is no small feat. Go now—rest and recover. Your service will be rewarded."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

Once the ranger squad had withdrawn, Kaen turned toward the guards at the entrance and ordered, "Send for Commander Lairon."

…

Before long, Lairon arrived and bowed respectfully. "My lord, what do you require of me?"

Kaen said, "Your ranger squad just returned. I assume you've been briefed. Tell me—what do you make of the situation?"

Lairon nodded and paused to gather his thoughts. "I believe the creatures in the forest's depths may have already sensed our presence. They're gathering their strength, preparing to strike first."

"After the battle at Azure Spring, the Orc chieftain retreated with three thousand wounded. And we mustn't forget—there's another Orc tribe dwelling in the northern reaches of the forest."

"If those two tribes join forces, and the troll clans of the forest join them, they'll form a force we cannot underestimate."

"Our strength has grown, yes—but they won't sit idly by and wait for us to attack. They will strike preemptively."

Kaen's gaze sharpened, but a flicker of approval flashed in his eyes. Among all his warriors, Lairon was the only one with the potential to command as a true hero unit. He was not only meticulous in thought but humble in conduct.

It was clear from his words that Lairon had thought this through even before stepping into the hall.

Lairon continued, "My lord, Elariel Town has no walls. We cannot afford to fight defensively—not against this threat. The cost would be too great. We must take the initiative."

Kaen replied, "There's a reason I've had you send rangers into the woods all this time—to chart the forest's geography. I've been preparing for this very scenario."

"Now we know where they are—but they haven't yet discovered us. The advantage is ours."

"That's why, Lairon, I want you to finish mapping the entire Troll-woods within one Month."

"When the time comes, I'll personally lead the charge—into the forest, to cleanse it of darkness!"

Lairon immediately dropped to one knee. "I shall act according to your will."

…

Lairon wasted no time.

The very next day, every Dúnedain ranger was dispatched into the forest to continue mapping its terrain.

Dúnedain rangers were formidable warriors—on par with the Noldor Elves in raw prowess. They were like elite special forces of the pre-firearm era.

In small-scale skirmishes, they were unmatched—masters of ambush, scouting, and stealth.

In large-scale combat, they were top-tier troops, capable of standing toe-to-toe with any race.

Their ancestors—the three great Houses of the Edain—were legendary fighters, renowned for slaying trolls as easily as others felled Orcs.

Unfortunately, the Northern Dúnedain were now few in number. Even their total population likely numbered only in the tens of thousands.

Most of them still held unwavering loyalty to the royal bloodline. They would not bend the knee to another.

For that reason, Kaen often lamented that he could not form a full-fledged Dúnedain army under his own banner.

…

Kaen had assumed Lairon would need at least a full Month to complete the map of the Troll-woods.

To his surprise, Lairon returned in just half that time—with his entire ranger unit in tow.

He brought a hand-drawn map to Kaen and knelt respectfully. "My lord, the ranger unit has completed your assignment. This is the full map of the Troll-woods."

Kaen took the map eagerly.

He saw that every valley, every stream, every Orc encampment and sentry post within the forest had been painstakingly marked.

His face lit up with joy. He pulled Lairon to his feet and clapped him firmly on the shoulder.

"Well done, Lairon. You and your rangers have rendered great service!"

"To lift the burden from my lord's shoulders—is my duty," Lairon replied solemnly.

"Good! I've taken note of your achievements. When the war is over, all who served with valor will be duly rewarded."

"Thank you, my lord!"

Lairon smiled. He could tell from Kaen's reaction that the hardships of the past two weeks had not been in vain.

"Now," Kaen said, "summon Caden and the others. It's time we plan our next move."

"At once!"

…

Inside the council hall once more, all the commanders had gathered.

When Kaen announced his intent to strike into the Troll-woods, Caden was the first to rise.

"Your Majesty! The heavy infantry are ready to lead the charge. Point us to the enemy—we'll smash them head-on!"

Zakri added, "Our archers as well! We've been shooting targets for days. We're long overdue for a proper battle."

Mundar grinned. "Your Majesty, I haven't seen any action since we left the Misty Mountains. This time, I must fight!"

Even Cathril chimed in, "Cavalry may struggle in the forest—but we can dismount and fight on foot!"