5 AM Whispers: The Sainted Wizard and the Lower Plains Surge

Friday, December 26th, 2025 — 5:00 AM

The coffee is black, the cabin is still, and the Hedge Gate is pulsing with a rhythmic, heavy thud. It’s not the wind. It’s the sound of thousands of hooves hitting the permafrost.

The report is grim but clear: The Mongol Centaurs have launched a massive surge from their Lower Valley Plains Stronghold. They aren't coming from the sides; they are sweeping upward, a pincer movement rising out of the plains to choke both the Western and Eastern Valleys at the same time. They want to cut the highlands off from the rest of Zimrala.

Today is the Feast of Saint Stephen, and the timing couldn't be more critical.

I. The Surge from the Plains

The Lower Valley Plains Stronghold is a hive of heathen activity. From that low-ground base, the Mongol Centaurs have a clear shot at the heights. They move with the speed of a grassfire, hitting both valleys before the local militias can even light the signal fires.

Tactical Point	Movement	Enemy Force	Objective
Lower Plains Stronghold	The Base of Operations	Mongol Centaur Command	Logistics and Siege Support.
Western Valley	Upward Sweep	Light Horse Archers	Harassment and flanking.
Eastern Valley	Upward Sweep	Heavy Lancer Centaurs	Total occupation of the pass.

II. The Stephenite Intervention

This is why we need the Stephenite Specialty Wizard. As the Patron of Horses, he is the only one who can stand at the "V" where the valleys meet and command the surge to halt. He doesn't use walls; he uses the Word of Order.

While the Mongol Centaurs think they are rising to conquer, the Sainted Wizard is preparing to "Box" them in. He’s standing on the ridge overlooking the plains, holding a staff of Tygerian Oak, ready to convert the lead Khans before they reach the high gates.

III. The Order of the 26th

We believe everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. A disorganized defense is just a slow death. The Sainted Wizard is bringing the "Iron Bridle" to the mouth of the Lower Plains. He is there to show these heathens that their power comes from the horse, and the horse belongs to the Saint.

The Iron Steed in the drive is vibrating in sympathy with the galloping hooves below. The Sight Unseen Spirit is watching the treeline, his silver eyes fixed on the smoke rising from the plains. The battle for the valleys has begun, but the Patron of Horses has taken the field.

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Product Identity & Legal

The following items are designated Product Identity of Arthur Earl C. Hedges Jr. / The Adventures of Captain Hedges: The world of Zimrala, the Mongol Centaur Hordes, the Lower Valley Plains Stronghold, and the Stephenite Specialty Wizard. The specific "Hedge Wizard" persona and the Iron Steed. Monsters! Monsters! is a trademark of its respective owner. © 2025 Arthur Earl C. Hedges Jr. All rights reserved.