Hastiin Dííl would be Hastiin Sani’s successor someday. There were no secrets kept from Hastiin Sani’s second-except one. Only the leader of the Brotherhood of Warriors knew the identities of all the warriors, who also never assembled at the same place and time. In case of an emergency that left Hastiin Sani incapable of passing on the names, there was another secure, but lengthier, process in place. In the Brotherhood of Warriors’ long history, it had never been necessary to use that alternate method of verification.

Ranger glanced across the way and saw his fraternal twin brother, Hunter, take a seat to the left of Hastiin Sani. Hunter now served as HTO, Head of Tactics and Operations.

Hastiin Sani stood and faced those gathered there. “I’ve seen something deeply disturbing,” he began, his voice low and commanding in the nearly total silence inside the cave. “Soon, we’ll all be tested…and some of us will fail. Our resources will be taxed to the limit, and our faith in this brotherhood pushed to the breaking point. You’re the leaders of our special units so I’ve called you tonight to prepare you. Although no specific images came to me, just impressions, I can tell you this-the danger I speak of is almost here.”

Hunter Blueeyes stood up as the medicine man sat down. “Look, listen, and reach out with your other senses to search for any signs of trouble. I’ll be ready to help anyone who encounters a situation. You know how to reach me. I’ll be available round the clock until the crisis has passed.”

Ranger looked at the light and dark shadows that played on the warriors’ faces. He could feel their readiness for action and their desire to fight this new threat.

Hastiin Dííl stood up next.