Chapter 74: Attack

Hunter's POV

Another long day in the lab was finally winding down. I stretched, wincing as my spine crackled in protest. Hunching over bubbling vials and jars of viscous solutions does hell on your back. But creating the alchemical formulas and weaponry that kept Fort Aldo defended required sacrifices. No rest for the weary rebel leader.

My new assistant, a gangly youth named Wren, scurried over to collect the day's finished projects with reverent care. The boy was all knees and elbows, but he followed instructions to the letter and never complained about the tireless hours. I supposed I couldn't ask for much more in an apprentice.

"Excellent work today, Wren," I said, clapping him on the bony shoulder. "Get these stored in the vault and then you're dismissed."

He nodded eagerly, balancing the volatile mixtures. I watched critically to ensure nothing sloshed over the rim as he shuffled toward the heavily fortified storage room. Small careless mistakes with my creations could have c