The decision had been made, the die cast. After a gruelling meeting filled with dire reports and difficult choices, the expedition to Lumenar was formalized. It was a desperate gamble, as the way to Lumenar is south of Tallenwood forest and with the Goblin King setting up base in Tallenwood, there may not be an easy way to get through. The Elves of Lumenar are also not particularly welcoming of other races, at most conducting some trade activities on the border but otherwise mostly keeping to themselves within Lumenar. Making contact and then convincing the elves to even initiate diplomatic discussion about an alliance may just be wishful thinking. Our only advantage is that by advising them about the threat of Neverus, the Elves may be more inclined to discuss an alliance. The weight of this perilous mission, the potential consequences of failure, hung heavy in the air, a suffocating presence that even William, the outsider, could feel.
If Aver could forge an alliance with Lumenar, the benefits would be immense, and would significantly tilt the scales of the conflict. The elves, renowned for their mastery of magic, could provide a crucial source of magical firepower, complementing Aver's predominantly martial strength. Their archers, legendary for their accuracy and range, could rain down volleys of enchanted arrows upon the enemy ranks, decimating their formations and disrupting their advance. Their mages, skilled in the arts of illusion, enchantment, and elemental manipulation, could counter the Dark Legion's necromantic horrors, bolster Aver's defences, and unleash devastating spells upon their foes. The alliance would not just be about shared strength, but about shared advantage, the elves filling in the magic gap, and providing long distance support, forcing the Dark Legion to consider their own battle strategies.
The party, a carefully selected group assembled for their specific skills and knowledge, was a testament to the gravity of the situation.
Julia Blackcombe, the A-rank mage, was an obvious choice. Her magical prowess was undeniable, her knowledge of elemental magic extensive. Her family connections, though currently a source of personal turmoil, also gave her a unique understanding of courtly etiquette, of the subtle nuances of diplomacy, skills that might prove invaluable when dealing with the notoriously proud and reclusive elves. However, Julia’s initial reluctance was obvious, her gaze kept drifting towards the eastern windows, as if picturing the embattled Oakenfall, her shoulders tensing with each imagined clash of steel. The thought of not being there at Oakenfall, while others fought and died, clearly gnawed at her conscience. But Borin convinced her, that her affinity with magic and knowledge of both elven and courtly customs would be crucial to this expedition’s success in forming an alliance with Lumenar. Convinced against her initial instincts that she would be of greater use as part of the expedition, Julia reluctantly agreed to the mission, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on her shoulders.
This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
Jett Shadowfox, the A-rank scout, was a living embodiment of the wilderness. His weathered face, a roadmap of wrinkles and scars, spoke of countless journeys through treacherous landscapes, of encounters with dangers both mundane and magical. He was a master of stealth, of tracking, of survival, his knowledge of the Tallenwood Forest unparalleled. His senses were remarkably acute, his hearing capable of detecting the faintest rustle of leaves from afar, his vision able to discern subtle tracks invisible to the untrained eye. These abilities alone will make him indispensable in avoiding the Goblin King and his army stationed in Tallenwood forest. Jett has also had brief past interactions with the elves, limited though they were, made him an indispensable asset, a bridge between two vastly different cultures.
Sir Roland, the knight captain, represented the might of Aver's military. A veteran of countless battles, his body was a tapestry of scars, each a testament to his courage and resilience. He exuded an aura of authority, of disciplined strength, of unwavering loyalty to his kingdom. His presence was a reassurance, a symbol of the kingdom's commitment to this mission, a guarantee of protection against the dangers that lay ahead. Renowned for his devastating might with a longsword, it is rumoured he has cleaved many of the Dark Legions forces in two during his time on the front lines. Sir Roland will also serve as the leader of this mission, his leadership experience, honed over years of commanding troops in the field, would be crucial in maintaining order and discipline within the small, diverse group.
And then there was Caspian Aver, the second prince of the realm. A stark contrast to the seasoned warriors and skilled mage who comprised the rest of the party, Caspian was a scholar, a diplomat, a man of gentle demeanour and refined intellect. He was more at home amongst dusty tomes and ancient scrolls than on a battlefield, his hands more accustomed to turning pages than wielding weapons. His knowledge of elven history and customs was like an encyclopaedia, his recall of obscure treaties and forgotten lore bordering on prodigious. He also has some awareness of the elven tongue from his research, not fluent by any means given it is a language not spoken outside of Lumenar, but sufficient to get a high level understanding. This may prove to be useful should discussion and negotiations take place with the elves. His presence lent the expedition a crucial element of legitimacy, of royal authority, a clear signal to the elves that this was not a mere scouting party, but an official delegation from the Kingdom of Aver.
It was a well balanced team, with three strong individuals more than capable of holding their own in a fight, their varied skillsets complementing each other to work through most situations. Caspian’s inclusion did pose some problems given he isn’t a fighter, but this mission was not about attacking, instead was to sneak pass the Goblin King’s army stationed in Tallenwood and stealthily entering Lumenar to negotiate an alliance. If lady luck is with them, there won’t be any fighting at all. The true difficulty of this mission lies with convincing the notoriously reclusive Elves of Lumenar.
William, upon learning about the proposed members of the expedition was awed by the calibre of the team put together. But more importantly to him, William wanted to join the team knowing that EMMA would be of immense help.
