Finally, after what felt like an eternity, our mission of finding survivors and having to regroup had come to an end. In total, about 30% of the elven population in the city had perished. This included most of the city military. The heretics and demons had taken complete control of the city. Many elves were still missing such as Arron's parents and I could only hope they would find their way back to us.
"Let's head to the eastern forest where the refugees are. I can't bear the thought of them suffering anymore. We'll have to hurry before the Great Tree and its army of demons catches up to them. That is assuming the Great Tree is after them."
"Understood," the group replied.
We were currently inside the eastern district, and it was somewhat intact similar to the southern district in the inital stages. The demons and the heretics seemed to be concentrating their attacks in the other districts.
The refugees were gathering in the forest just outside of the city, and we decided it would be best if we joined them like I had planned.
As we made our way towards the edge of the city, we encountered a few small groups of straggling demons. But we were able to dispatch them easily.
Finally, we arrived at the edge of the city. There was a large open field that led to the forest. We followed up a beaten down path towards the trees and found a large group of elves gathered there. They were huddled together, and they were clearly scared and confused.
"Is everyone alright?" I asked.
"We are well, Lord Thomas," one of the elves replied. "We are relieved that you have returned."
"We have come to escort you to a safe place," I said. "Let's head further east towards the others."
"Yes, Lord Thomas," the elf said.
"Lord Thomas," a male elf with long, blonde hair and blue eyes asked, "Will we be returning to the city? Is it safe?"
"No," I replied. "The city is not safe. It has been overtaken by the heretics and the demons. The Great Tree is aiding them, and they are intent on destroying the kingdom for reasons not yet known. Now let's march eastward. The others are waiting for us."
"Yes, Lord Thomas," the elf said.
The group of elves followed us as we marched further east.
We continued marching eastward, and we eventually came upon a large clearing in the forest.
In the clearing, there was a massive gathering of elves. There were thousands of them. They were all huddled together, and they were all scared.
I could feel the fear and uncertainty emanating from the group. I could see the look of worry on their faces. I could sense the pain and sorrow in their hearts.
I could feel the weight of their emotions, and it was crushing me.
I took a deep breath and steadied myself. I could not let them see me falter. I had to be strong for them.
I stepped forward and raised my hand.
"Everyone please listen to me!" I yelled to the now homeless elves. I used Imagination Amplification to boost the sound of my voice and the elves all turned to look at me.
"You have suffered a great loss," I said. "Your city has been destroyed. Your homes have been burned to the ground. You have lost loved ones. You are frightened and confused. You are unsure of your future. You are looking to me for guidance."
The crowd was silent.
"But I will not abandon you," I said. "I will not leave you to suffer. As your god and creator I swear to you that I will face the Great Tree and we will rebuild once more. I need all able bodied men to march towards the Great Tree with me. The women, elderly and children will remain here. The Great Tree's army is more than likely immense, and we will need all the help we can get."
A murmur swept through the crowd, and a sense of fear and anxiety was in the air.
"What are you saying, Lord Thomas? That's suicide! Haven't you seen those abominable creatures?" an elf from the crowd shouted.
"I understand your fear, and your concerns. But this must be done," I said. "I will not allow the heretics and the demons to destroy our kingdom. I will not allow the Great Tree to continue its rampage. I will not allow my creations to suffer. As your creator, I will bear the responsibility for their safety. I will do what must be done. Now, all able-bodied men, join me."