CHAPTER 292: RECONNAISSANCE

The captured elf’s body lay nearby, his blood still drying on the cave floor.

"Huangyan, you’re our key to getting inside," Grim said, pointing to the dead patrol leader. "Strip his armor and equipment. Your half-elven heritage should be enough to pass inspection."

Huangyan examined the corpse with professional interest. "It could work. The armor’s a bit large, but elven equipment is designed to be adjustable."

"What about magical identification?" Captain Wei asked. "Don’t elves have ways of recognizing their own people?"

"They do, but it’s not foolproof," Huangyan replied as she began removing the dead elf’s gear. "Especially when activity is high. Guards are more focused on external threats than verifying every face they see."

"Your mission is reconnaissance and prisoner location," Grim continued. "Find Lianna and the other high-value prisoners. Map the interior of the central complex. Identify guard positions and any weaknesses we can exploit."

"And if I’m discovered?"

"Signal us and fight your way out. We’ll create enough chaos to cover your escape."

Huangyan nodded as she held up the elven armor. The intricate metalwork was designed for someone taller and broader, but elven craftsmanship included adjustment mechanisms that would accommodate her smaller frame.

"This will take some time to fit properly," she said. "What will the rest of you be doing?"

Grim’s smile was cold and predatory. "We’re going to send a message."

An hour later, Captain Wei and his sergeants were dragging the dead elves from the ambush site toward the trees along the convoy route.

Grim had selected a grove of ancient oaks that provided clear sight lines from the elven camp while offering dramatic staging for his psychological warfare.

"This one here," Grim directed, pointing to a particularly tall tree. "The patrol leader goes in the center where they can’t miss him."

Sergeant Liu grimaced as she helped position the first body. "This is rather disturbing, my lord."

"It’s meant to be," Grim replied, using rope to secure the corpse to the tree trunk. "I want every elf in that camp to see what happens to their patrols."

The work was grisly but efficient. Seven elven bodies were arranged throughout the grove, each one positioned to be clearly visible from multiple angles.

Their weapons were scattered on the ground as if dropped in panic, and their armor showed the precise cuts that had killed them.

But the most disturbing element was what Grim did next.

He scattered elven ears beneath each tree, creating small piles of the severed trophies that would be impossible to miss.

The message was unmistakable: the hunter who had been terrorizing elven patrols was escalating his activities.

"Forty-six pairs spread across seven locations," Grim said with satisfaction. "That should get their attention."

"It’ll certainly get someone’s attention," Captain Wei observed.

"It helps," Grim said confidently. "Scared enemies make mistakes. Mistakes create opportunities."

Meanwhile, Huangyan had finished adjusting the armor and was applying subtle cosmetic changes to enhance her elven appearance. She darkened her eyebrows and used makeup to sharpen her facial features, emphasizing the elven heritage that was usually less obvious.

"How do I look?" she asked, turning to face the group.

The transformation was remarkable. With the elaborate armor and cosmetic adjustments, Huangyan could easily pass for a young elven warrior, especially at a distance or in poor lighting.

"Convincing," Grim admitted. "Remember, you’re a messenger from the eastern patrol route. You’re reporting increased human activity in the hills."

"Which is technically true," Huangyan said with a slight smile.

"Stay in character no matter what happens. Elves are arrogant by nature, so project confidence even if you’re uncertain. And if anyone asks for specific details about your unit, deflect by asking about the convoy preparations."

"Understood."

Huangyan began her descent toward the elven camp while Grim and the imperial soldiers took up positions to observe both her infiltration and the camp’s reaction to their gruesome display.

The first test came when Huangyan approached the outer perimeter. Two elven guards moved to intercept her, their hands resting casually on their weapons.

"Halt," one of them called out in the elven tongue. "State your business."

"Messenger from the eastern patrol," Huangyan replied in fluent elven. "Commander Valdris sends word of increased human activity in sector seven."

The guards exchanged glances. "Valdris? Didn’t his patrol return this morning?"

"Different unit," Huangyan said smoothly. "We’re running extended reconnaissance due to the convoy tomorrow."

"Papers?"

Huangyan produced a document case taken from the dead patrol leader. "Route assignments and threat assessments."

The guards examined the papers briefly, more concerned with the official seals than the specific content. After a moment, they waved her through.

"Report to Commander Thalorin at the central complex," one guard instructed. "He’ll want to hear about the human activity."

"Of course," Huangyan replied, maintaining her confident demeanor as she entered the camp.

From his concealed position, Grim watched through a telescope as Huangyan moved deeper into camp.

Her performance was flawless, projecting the kind of casual arrogance that would make her blend in perfectly.

The camp was even larger than it had appeared from a distance. Huangyan counted at least two hundred and eighty elves going about various duties.

She made her way toward the central complex. The prison buildings were exactly where the captured elf had indicated, with heavy security around the structure that presumably held the high-value prisoners.

"You there," a voice called out as she approached the central building. "I don’t recognize you."

Huangyan turned to face a well-dressed elf whose armor indicated an high officer rank. "Lieutenant Silvara, eastern reconnaissance," she replied without hesitation. "Reporting increased human activity to Commander Thalorin."

"Silvara?" The officer frowned. "That’s odd. I received a message this morning that Lieutenant Silvara was killed in a patrol ambush yesterday."

For a moment, the camp seemed to hold its breath. Huangyan felt her hand drift toward her weapon, but she forced herself to remain calm.

"That would be Lieutenant Silvara of the seventh company," she said smoothly. "I’m Lieutenant Silvara of the third reconnaissance unit. Perhaps the eastern command should consider how they adress elves."

The officer stared at her for several seconds, clearly trying to decide whether her explanation was plausible. Finally, he shrugged.

"Report to Thalorin immediately," he said. "He’s been expecting word from the eastern patrols."

"Thank you, sir."

Huangyan continued toward the central complex, her heart racing but her expression unchanged. The building was heavily guarded, with at least twenty elves stationed around its perimeter.

"Commander Thalorin is expecting me," she told the guards. "Lieutenant Silvara, eastern reconnaissance."

"Wait here," one guard replied, disappearing inside the building.

While she waited, Huangyan studied the prison complex to her left. The building was constructed of heavy stone with barred windows that were set high in the walls.

She could see movement inside some of the windows, confirming the presence of prisoners.

More importantly, she could hear voices speaking in what sounded like Celestis dialect.

"The commander will see you now," the guard announced, returning from inside.

Huangyan followed him through corridors lined with maps and strategic documents. The elven command center was impressively organized, with detailed intelligence about human settlements and military positions throughout the region.

Commander Thalorin was exactly what she expected from an elven military officer. Tall, elegant, and radiating the kind of casual superiority that made elves so insufferable to deal with.

"Lieutenant Silvara," he said without looking up from his maps. "Report."

"Increased human activity in sector seven," Huangyan replied. "Small groups moving through the hills, possibly scouts or advance units."

"Numbers?"

"Difficult to determine. They’re staying hidden and moving carefully."

Thalorin finally looked up, his ancient eyes studying Huangyan’s face. "You look young for a reconnaissance lieutenant."

"I’ve been serving in the eastern territories for thirty years," Huangyan lied smoothly. "The mountain air keeps one looking fresh."

"Indeed." Thalorin returned his attention to the maps. "These human activities, do they pose a threat to tomorrow’s convoy?"

"Possibly. I recommend increasing the escort and varying the route."

"The route cannot be changed. Too many variables depend on precise timing." Thalorin made several marks on his map. "But additional security can be arranged."

"Will the high-value prisoners still be transferred as scheduled?"

"Of course. The mountain stronghold requires those prisoners for interrogation. The noblewoman especially has proven resistant to our methods."

Huangyan felt a surge of satisfaction. Lianna was definitely here, and she was scheduled for transport tomorrow.

"Perhaps I could inspect the prisoners before departure?" she suggested. "Ensure they’re fit for travel?"

Thalorin waved dismissively. "Unnecessary. Captain Morvain handles prisoner management. Your concern is perimeter security."

"Of course, Commander."

"Return to your patrol area and maintain surveillance. Report any significant human movement immediately."

"Yes, sir."

Huangyan left the command center with detailed knowledge of the convoy timing and confirmation that Lianna would be among the transported prisoners. Now she needed to locate the exact holding area and assess the possibility of rescue.

As she walked past the prison complex, she noticed a guard rotation in progress. For a brief moment, the side entrance was less heavily monitored.

She slipped around the building’s corner and found a service entrance that appeared to be used for food delivery. The door was unlocked.

Inside, the building was divided into several holding areas. Huangyan moved carefully through corridors lit by lanterns, listening for voices or signs of prisoners.

In the central section, she found what she was looking for.

Through a barred door, she could see a common area where several prisoners sat on wooden benches. Among them was a woman with dark red hair whose posture and bearing suggested noble birth despite her current circumstances.

"I found you."

A hand was placed on Huangyan’s shoulder as she spoke.