I awoke in the middle of the night to the sound of Althea swinging her sword. The sound of the wind being slashed apart echoed throughout the night. I rose from the ground and walked over to her.
"Couldn't sleep either, Althea?"
She paused for a brief moment before returning her sword to its scabbard. She then sat on the grass. "No, Lord Thomas. My mind is plagued with thoughts of battle. My body is restless. My heart is heavy. I fear what is to come."
I took a deep look at her under the brightness of the moon I had created. Her face was filled with worry, and her eyes were filled with anxiety.
"Althea," I said. "I know you are afraid. But you must have courage. You are strong, and you are brave. And most of all, you have me. Together, we can overcome any obstacle. Together, we can save this kingdom. Together, we will defeat the Great Tree."
I paused for a second and reached for her shoulders. "Be the brave warrior that I've had the pleasure of meeting and fighting with. You are strong and courageous. Help lead us into battle."
Althea's eyes brightened, and her worries seemed to have eased.
I felt the same and returned to my spot in the grass to rest for the remainder of the night.
In the early hours of dawn, I awoke to the sounds of the warriors preparing for battle. The smell of smoke and fire from various last minute preparations filled the air, and I could see the sun slowly rising from the horizon.
I sat up, and I saw Sophia, Arron, Kyran, and the other elves already awake.
"We are ready to depart, Creator," Sophia said. "We will follow wherever you lead."
I stood up and looked around to see the elves looking at me with hope in their eyes. They were ready to march to their deaths, and they knew it. All for the good of the kingdom and for me, their god and creator.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "Let's move out. We march for the Great Tree."
The warriors cheered and began to march out of the forest and towards the Great Tree.
The Great Tree was a good distance away from our encampment.
We had to travel through the forest, and then through the open fields. The journey was long and arduous, and we had to be careful not to run into any demons. Thankfully, our path was clear, and we made good time.
I could see the Great Tree in the distance. It was a towering monolith, and it was a sight to behold.
The Great Tree was a massive tree that stood at least a hundred feet tall. It was covered in a thick, green canopy, and its branches were laden with leaves. It was a beautiful sight.
The Great Tree's bark was rough and cracked, and it was covered in a layer of moss. Its roots were deep and strong, and they were spread out across the land.
As I got close to the Great Tree, I could smell the scent of earth and moss, and the sound of birds and insects. I could feel the energy of the tree, and it was powerful.
It was a magical place, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me but I knew that this feeling was more than likely an illusion. The Great Tree also radiated a malicious aura that was nearly concealed.
"Lord Thomas, look!" Althea shouted, pointing at the Great Tree.
My eyes widened in surprise as I saw the large number of heretics and demons suddenly surround us from the trees. 'They were waiting for us. This was an ambush.'
"Althea! Command the warriors!"
"Yes, Lord Thomas," Althea said.
"Elven warriors," Althea shouted. "Form a circle. Archers, to the rear. Mages, support the frontline. Don't let them breach the circle!"
"RAH! Time for a legendary fight!" Kyran shouted.
I was beyond impressed. Althea's leadership skills were incredible. She was able to get the elves organized and ready for battle in seconds. I knew that she would make a great commander, and I was glad that I had chosen her to lead the elven army.
"Creator," Sophia asked. "What should I do?"
I looked at Sophia and smiled.
"Help the wounded, and support the frontline," I said. "You are the only mage to my knowledge that can use healing magic. Your power will be crucial in this battle."
"Yes, Creator," Sophia replied with a bow.
"Egon, support the frontlines with your magic," I said to the elderly elf.
"Of course," Egon said.
"Arron, go and scout the enemy forces," I said to the young elf. "I need to know what we are up against."
"Yes, Lord Thomas," Arron said with a bow.
The elves were in formation now, and they were ready to fight.
I could feel the tension in the air. The elves were nervous, and they were scared. They had never faced such a large number of demons and heretics before. But I knew they were ready.
The demons and heretics charged towards us, and the elves responded in kind. They ran forward, and they clashed in a great battle.
The battle was brutal. Elves and demons alike were falling all around us.
The elves fought bravely, but they were outnumbered. The demons were stronger, and they were faster. They had the advantage, and they were winning.
I watched in horror as the elves were slaughtered. I could feel the bloodlust of the demons, and I could hear the screams of the elves.
I had to do something. I had to help them.
I used Imagination Amplification to conjure up a large shield that surrounded the elves. The demons and heretics slammed against it, and they were unable to break through.
"Kyran! Lead the charge! Break through their ranks!" Althea yelled.
Kyran led the charge against the enemy. He swung his sword, and he cut down demon after demon. He was a force of nature, and he was unstoppable. The elves followed behind him, and they were inspired by his bravery.
Kyran was a true warrior, and he would not stop until the battle was won. The elves rallied behind him, and they charged forward. They fought bravely, and they were determined to protect their homes and their families. I was amazed at Kyran's strength and his bravery. I was glad that he was on our side.
Then, out of nowhere, I heard a thunderous voice from the Great Tree. At that moment my instincts screamed at me to run and leave the world to a cruel fate.