Elven Rebirth

Chapter 17. Return

Eryndor stood tall, surveying the wind-wolf pack before him. The remaining wolves, now under his command, awaited his orders.

"Listen, wind-wolves," Eryndor began. "Take your young and march to the dark forest. Seek out Grimp, the goblin leader. Tell him I sent you."

The wolves exchanged glances, then nodded.

The female Alpha's sister, now the pack's leader, stepped forward. "We obey, Eryndor. What awaits us in the dark forest?"

"Protection and strength," Eryndor replied. "Grimp will provide for you. You'll become part of something greater."

The wind-wolves howled, eager to begin their journey.

As they gathered their young and set off towards the dark forest, Eryndor watched.

Once they vanished over the horizon, Eryndor reached for the space pouch.

A small, ordinary-looking pouch, it possessed a separate dimension.

Eryndor had acquired it from the Adventurers Guild.

He opened the pouch, revealing a vast, empty space.

With a swift motion, Eryndor began storing the fallen wind-wolves into the pouch.

Their bodies disappeared into the separate dimension.

Eryndor sealed the pouch, satisfied.

"Time to return to Kryptoria," he thought.

With the wind-wolf pack under his control and their hides safely stored, Eryndor set off.

Eryndor entered the Adventurers Guild, space pouch in hand.

He approached the mission desk, where the bored-looking man sat.

"Wind-wolf hides," Eryndor said, handing over the pouch.

The man took it, disappearing into the back room.

Minutes passed before he returned, a pouch jingling with coins.

"Twenty silver coins," he stated, handing Eryndor the pouch.

Eryndor accepted it, gratitude on his lips. "Thank you."

The man barely acknowledged him, already focused on paperwork.

Eryndor turned to leave but halted.

Nearby adventurers discussed the King's latest decision.

"...heard the King's sending soldiers to the dark forest," one said.

"In a fortnight," another added. "Finally taking action."

Eryndor's ears perked up. This changed things.

He blended into the crowd, listening intently.

"...rumors of a dark elf leading the darkness," a third adventurer said.

Eryndor's eyes narrowed. His identity remained secret, for now.

The adventurers continued gossiping.

"...heard the King's joining forces with the elves," one said.

"To take down the dark elf who is organizing a rebellion," another added.

Eryndor's expression turned grave.

If humans and elves united against him, his army would face immense pressure. He needed to act swiftly.

Eryndor slipped away, unnoticed.

Outside, he quickened his pace.

Best to return to the dark forest, prepare ambushes and traps.

His mind racing with strategies.

Eryndor arrived at the inn.

"Ella," he called.

The middle-aged innkeeper emerged.

"I'm leaving," Eryndor said. "Keep the money. I have no use for it."

The innkeeper's eyes widened.

"Thank you, sir. May the roads be kind to you."

Eryndor nodded.

He gathered his belongings. Shouldering his pack, he departed.

Through the city gates, he left Kryptoria.

The same gates he had entered, full of uncertainty.

Now, he was a leader, just like back in his previous life. Now he was a dark elf with a growing army. Yet whatever luck he had in his previous life had brought him something that was frequent in his previous life.. a looming war. Eryndor sighed and began his trip back to the dark forest.

Inside King Ryker's castle, the King and General Adolph strategized.

"Take a thousand men," King Ryker instructed. "Eliminate this dark elf, Eryndor, once and for all."

General Adolph nodded. "I'll ensure his defeat, Your Majesty."

Just then, Princess Isabella entered.

"Father, may I suggest something?" she asked.

King Ryker raised an eyebrow. "Speak, daughter."

"I'd like to accompany General Adolph on this mission," she said.

King Ryker's expression turned thoughtful.

"Isabella, this is war. It's no place for a princess."

Isabella's determination shone. "I've trained in combat. I can help."

King Ryker hesitated.

"Very well," he said finally. "But on one condition: you'll marry the Prince of the Eastern Kingdom, as arranged."

Isabella's face paused, then nodded. "I accept." She had her own plans. There was no need to to agree to her father's request since she knew she will not be returning anytime soon.

General Adolph looked surprised, "Your Majesty, is this wise?"

King Ryker's voice firm. "I've made my decision."

Isabella curtsied. "Thank you, Father."

General Adolph bowed. "I'll ensure the Princess's safety."

King Ryker's eyes narrowed.

"Remember, General, your primary goal is Eryndor's defeat."

General Adolph nodded, "I won't fail, Your Majesty."

Within the Heartwood Palace of Elysia Forest, Lyrien and Grand Elder Thorne convened.

"Human soldiers will march through the dark forest's outer rim," Lyrien explained.

Grand Elder Thorne nodded, intrigued.

"And our elven army?" he asked.

Lyrien's eyes sparkled. "We'll take the Lizardmen Lake route, avoiding detection. Then, we'll join the humans, launching a pincer attack on Eryndor."

Grand Elder Thorne's face lit up, "Brilliant, Lyrien! This strategy ensures victory."

Lyrien bowed. "I've studied Eryndor's tactics. He won't expect our combined forces."

Grand Elder Thorne's voice turned stern.

"Eliminate Eryndor at all costs. His darkness threatens our realm."

Lyrien's determination hardened, "I won't fail, Grand Elder. Eryndor will fall."

Grand Elder Thorne placed a hand on Lyrien's shoulder.

"Go, Lyrien. Take whatever measures necessary. Elysia's safety depends on it."

Lyrien nodded, resolve burning within.

"I'll mobilize our forces immediately."

As Lyrien departed, Grand Elder Thorne's gaze lingered.

The fate of Elysia hung in the balance.

Meanwhile in the dark forest, Grimp was now overseeing the training of the goblins and newly acquired orc soldiers.

"Lord Grimp," Thorik the leader of the hunters came up to Grimp. He had a grim look on his face.

"What seems to bother you?" Grimp asked him.

"We have noticed some movement within the Elven army in Elysia forest. Their soldiers have begun organizing themselves." Thorik said.

"You mean that they are planning an attack.. on us no doubt." Grimp said while Thorik nodded to affirm Grimp's speculation.

"With our current strength, we will be annihilated. We barely have enough soldiers to face one-third of the elven army." Thorik voiced out his concern, but Grimp merely frowned.

"The King will return before the attack of the elves. Trust in your King. And I am certain the three generals will make it back in time as well." Grimp said and then placed a hand on Thorik's shoulder.

"Don't lose your will to fight before the battle even begins. We will be victorious." Grimp said with conviction.