All That Was Left: Book I: Survival

49 Zarun

I had gotten the report the morning after. That was 2 weeks ago, but the contents still plagued my mind:

"Raid at Snake's Tail Forest Camp

Attackers: Bandits (Young 12-14)

Friendly Casualties:

13: 9 Injured, 4 Dead

Enemy Casualties

3: 2 Injured, 1 Dead

Report: A distraction was initiated when the Northern third of the camp was set ablaze with tents and watchtowers being burnt to the ground. While troops were sent to investigate, Komodo Rhinos were set loose, trampling and injuring the majority of the camp defenders while killing one. 2 Infiltrators were pursued into the forest while using stolen explosives to ward off Fire Nation pursuers. The escapees were chased to the river where they were cut off and forced to make a last stand. They injured one soldier, but were brought down with one being killed instantly and the other receiving major injuries. On a return to the camp, one addition infiltrator was spotted and engaged in combat. 3 of our men were injured while the fourth died of blood loss from his injuries. The infiltrator was injured and rendered unconscious. Following the battle, it was realized that supplies from around the camp, mainly food, water, medicine, and weapons was missing as well as a cart. The Area west of the forest was investigated, but no trace could be found. We assume there had been one additional infiltrator who managed to escape with a fair amount of supplies. I have dispatched search parties around the Forest to find our target. He will be found. He has Citadel to the South, a river to the north and us to the East. We know where he's going.

Lieutenant Zi-Wong"

Idiots. The lot of them. These were Hornets. I knew they weren't Rats. I saw the body they brought in. Meeko. He's normally acting security at the Hive. What was he doing all the way outside the wall? I intended to find out. Nurse Zey had come into my office a few minutes ago to tell me that Danev was awake and stabilized. The other one, Aden, was still unconscious. Say he's in a coma. Probably for the better too. If there's one thing Aden was known for on the streets, it was his temper and what he's capable of when he's angry. I was more than happy to have Danev be the one I talked to.

I put on the rank paldrons and bracers before I left. I didn't believe that Danev would be intimidated by me, but I do believe that it's important that he remembers the power I have in Citadel. I need him to remember what happened to the Hornets the last time they crossed me.