Elven Rebirth

Chapter 18. Preparation Of War

Eryndor arrived at the goblin village, tired from his journey. He could see the goblin village was still prospering even at his absence, truly Grimp was doing a wonderful job. The training goblins were happy to see their King return. He was their motivation.

After having the usual meal of grilled meat and fruits, Eryndor summoned Grimp immediately.

Grimp rushed in, concern etched on his face. He hadn't even known that Eryndor had returned.

"Eryndor, my lord," Grimp said, bowing.

Eryndor nodded and then asked for a detailed report on the day-to-day affairs of the goblin village, which Grimp recounted, but then he hesitated when he got to a point. Eryndor could see the hesitation on his face.

“What seems to be the problem?”

"The elven army prepares to march against us," Grimp reported.

Eryndor's expression did not change as Grimp had expected, rather Eryndor smiled.

“I've been expecting that. It's not just the elves though." Eryndor said. "The human King has allied with them. Their armies will march together."

Grimp's eyes widened.

"This changes everything," Grimp muttered.

Just then, Thorik, the Head Hunter, knocked on the door.

"Enter," Eryndor called.

Thorik stepped in, bowing.

"My lord, the three generals have returned," Thorik announced.

Eryndor's interest piqued.

"Let's see," Eryndor said, standing.

Grimp followed Eryndor and Thorik outside.

The village was cramped. A horde of goblins, orcs, Lizardmen, and harpies stretched before them. Harpies are creatures with the body of a bird, usually an eagle or vulture, with wings and sharp talons. Face and upper body of a woman, often beautiful but fierce. Long flowing hair. Overall, harpies are dangerous when it comes to aerial attacks.

Eryndor's eyes widened.

The sheer number of goblins and monsters took his breath away.

Grimp grinned. "Our forces have grown," Grimp said proudly.

Thorik nodded, "The generals brought many warriors," Thorik explained.

Eryndor scanned the faces of those in front of him, he could see they were ready to follow him where he went.

His army was formidable. But the looming war weighed heavily on his mind.

Eryndor turned to Grimp.

"Grimp, oversee the organization of our forces," Eryndor instructed.

Grimp nodded, eager.

"I'll ensure everything runs smoothly," Grimp said.

Eryndor shifted his gaze to the three generals.

"Generals, follow me," Eryndor commanded.

The generals trailed Eryndor into his palatial hut.

Inside, Eryndor closed the door.

"The humans and elves plan to attack us," Eryndor began.

The generals exchanged grave glances.

"What do we know?" General Korga asked.

"The human King has allied with the elves," Eryndor explained.

"They'll march together, aiming to crush us."

General Vexar's face darkened.

"We can't let that happen," Vexar growled.

General Gorthok nodded.

"We'll need a solid strategy," Gorthok said.

Eryndor unfolded a large map.

"I've studied their movements," Eryndor said.

"The humans will march through the dark forest's outer rim."

"The elves will take the Lizardmen Lake route," Eryndor continued.

"Our advantage lies in knowing their plans," Eryndor emphasized.

The generals pored over the map.

Their faces reflected determination.

"What's our plan, my lord?" General Korga asked.

Eryndor's eyes gleamed.

"We'll prepare an ambush," Eryndor said.

"In the heart of the dark forest."

The generals nodded. Their faces set with resolve. The war council had begun.

Eryndor and the generals pored over the map, discussing potential ambush sites.

"We need to funnel them into kill zones," General Vexar suggested.

"Agreed," Eryndor said. "The narrow passes in the dark forest will work to our advantage."

General Gorthok pointed to a location. "What about the old ruins?"

"Perfect," Eryndor said. "We can set traps and ambushes there."

Eryndor's eyes narrowed, studying the map.

"I think the elves will attack through the Lizardmen Lake route," Eryndor said.

"Why?" General Korga asked.

"A hunch," Eryndor replied. "Place all our Lizardmen in the lake, prepared to strike."

General Vexar nodded. "That'll give the elves a nasty surprise."

Eryndor's experience as a former military commander guided his strategy.

"Here, here, and here," Eryndor pointed, marking potential ambush sites.

"We'll need to conceal our forces," General Gorthok noted.

"Leave that to Grimp and the goblins," Eryndor said.

As they discussed, Eryndor's mind replayed battles from his past life.

He pinpointed vulnerable areas, anticipating enemy movements.

"We'll need to reinforce the eastern flank," Eryndor said.

"And prepare for a possible flanking maneuver," General Vexar added.

The generals nodded, impressed by Eryndor's tactical expertise.

With each passing moment, their plan solidified. Their forces would be ready. The enemy would walk into a deadly trap.

Within the Heartwood Palace, Lyrien prepared for battle.

He donned his steel armor, adorned with green and leafy designs.

The armor gleamed, reflecting his determination.

A soldier entered, saluting Lyrien.

"Lord Lyrien, the army awaits your orders," the soldier said.

Lyrien's gaze hardened.

"Tell the men to form the tri-leaf formation," Lyrien instructed.

"We'll march through the Lizardmen Lake route."

The soldier nodded, understanding.

"Yes, Lord Lyrien. We'll be prepared for the enemy's aquatic forces."

The soldier saluted again.

Lyrien dismissed him with a nod.

As the soldier departed, Lyrien clenched his fist.

"This ends today," Lyrien vowed.

"Eryndor, I should have eliminated you on the day you were born, nevertheless, "I'll exterminate you, and whatever you feel you have achieved will vanish."

He gazed out the window.

The elven army assembled, their banners fluttering.

Lyrien descended to the courtyard.

His steed, a majestic stallion, awaited him.

Lyrien mounted, his armor glinting.

The army fell silent.

Lyrien raised his voice.

"For Elysia! For the elves! March!"

The elven army surged forward.

Their march toward the Lizardmen Lake route began.

General Adolph, clad in shining knight armor, rode forth.

His diamond-handled sword gleamed at his side.

Princess Isabella sat astride her horse beside him.

Rows of soldiers marched behind, their armor clanking.

General Adolph scoffed, "All this fuss over one dark elf."

"I've fought wars with fewer men," he muttered.

Princess Isabella smiled, her eyes sparkling.

"Sometimes, the underdogs are greater than the wolves," she said.

General Adolph raised an eyebrow.

"Meaning?" he asked.

"The dark elf, Eryndor, may surprise us," Isabella replied.

General Adolph snorted.

"I doubt it. We'll crush him."

Isabella's smile lingered.

As they marched, the kingdom's landscape unfolded.

Rolling hills and verdant forests passed by.

Their destination was none other than the dark forest. Eryndor's domain.

General Adolph's expression turned grave.

"This is where the true battle begins."

Isabella's gaze never wavered.

"I'm ready," she said.

Their conversation ceased.

The only sound heard were that of marching soldiers. Their armor clanked. Their hearts beat. Ready for war