In the center of Eldergrove, Chief Tharion's hall had become a symbol for surviving and uniting. Nowadays, its wooden building was quite makeshift. The large meeting warrant came up in just this way at a time when everyone who had anything to learn or offer. In front of him, in the center sat a large piece of very old oak furniture with a long back which created an alcove; Desks with writing or lockers stood at each end useful swivel chairs as needed stood scattered about from one end to another.
Undoubtedly there were books open on several of them and so they received regular daily use by all kinds of people on even which should have remained any bookshelf. 162 nearby, mina eyes filled with worry. "Eldergrove has always been a safe haven." Tharion's voice also sounded heavy and worried... But the events of recent time have transformed that. Eldegrove is now regarded as an enemy by neighboring villages, you see?--If only I could make you awared these threats, Jarec."
Jarec leaned forward,his expression serious. "Explain to me what we are facing. Some of the details."
"First there was Brackenridge," Tharion began. Their leader is the ruthless tactician Varden, a man who has learned his trade well indeed. Known for its skilled archers and guerrilla experienced soldiers, they believe the control of Eldergrove will release them entirely.. Varden thinks that controlling Eldergrove will enable him to dominate the entire area Velaris, self-assured and keen-minded Conciousess, commented thoughtfully, "Archers are hard to deal with at close–and you never know where they're going to show up." Tharion's finger moved on the map to the nest village. "Physical operation," he told them. "Hilda is a powerful woman--but rocks! has already united the different clans in that area beneath her banner Their strength (which they are famous for) lies not so much in numbers as brute force and tenacious power. The more they get back, the better they do! It's pressure angles that kill--they come out being able to pile on some thousands just last year; then this year's spare ordinary people must be taxed."
Mina added, "In captivity, Hilda aims to create a unified state During the second act she's holding us because, if she can manage it to take our village and place it inside a realm on its own both spiritually but also territorially then other clans will follow suit. No matter that there has never been anything of such tidal-wave importance which affected her own people so much. When certain humans herd together or combine elements mutually beneficially together without one-partyandy perhTofist organization, they coo crossing out various thinkers who would simplybe rooting legaciest. And that is the way things are going.
Consulted with Jarec before pointing at the next village on the map."After this one is Thornwood. Lead by Edris, were formed under his direction. They specialize in earth and plant manipulation, skills that can readily hold their own against any force against them on the ground. Edris went about seeking the ancient artifacts that some say are hidden in our forests."
"Heirs of soil and plant? That could be tricky." Jarec looked sober. "You could easily cut off our supply lines or lock us in our own town."
Lastly, he pointed to Shadowfen. "And lastly, Shadowfen. Lysandra is a Gifted of Nyx. Where residents learn from the best shear warriors, it houses spies who succeed in the dark and masters of assassination. Lysandra wants to exploit the resources of Eldergrove to aid in her political expansion."
Velaris snorted."Assassins and raiders. Always vigilent, especially at night."
Tharion looked at Jarec triumphantly."Each of these villages has some unique reason for coveting Eldergrove. Everything poses unique threats. The need exists for defense against all the possibilities before this. And that's why I need your assistance, Jarec. If your strength is coupled with Velaris's savvy, things will go better."
Determination began to settle on Jarec's face instead of his earlier expressions of helplessness. "We'll do our best to defend Eldergrove. But I have also been thinking. It might be less dangerous for us if we made friends with one of the villages in return for protecting their land."
Tharion lifted an eyebrow. "Made friends? Who did you have in mind?"
Jarec gazed at the map for a moment. "Brackenridge would seem to be the most practical of the choices. Varden is a strategizer. If we could make him see that an alliance with Eldergrove would offer more tactical benefits than taking us over, a potential opponent might become a great friend of ours."
He gave them what they wanted.
"Indeed." replied Velaris with a warped twist of the lips. "I agree with Jarec. Varden is a smart man, if we make a good case he may well choose an alliance over war."
"It is a gamble," Mina said cautiously. "Varden is cunning by reputation. He might regard a partnership as temporary, for the sole purpose of being able to attack us later."
Being strategists, Velaris countered: "That may be true, but at least a temporary partnership could purchase us time. Time enough to put our guards on the alert, to get the lay of things, to steel ourselves for the inevitable double-cross."
"She is wise," said Tharion, folding his arms and givinghis beard a pensive pull. "On both counts there is something to it. Yet we must take care. An alliance could make us stronger or else expose us to attack from an unexpected quarter."
"I see your point," Jarik answered. "The consequences, however, of all this are not lost on me. We must face all other threats, which is a key in itself: But to the same degree, shoring-up our defenses and gathering intelligence becomes essential; and then forming an alliance can give us what we need when dealing with these others."
Tharion chuckled softly as a sense of hope again flickered in his eyes. "Very well. We shall send messengers to Brackenridge and see whether Varden is amenable to an alliance or not. In the meanwhile our defenses must become stronger, and we must prepare for the worst."
As the evening closed in on them, the three sat up late into the night plotting how to ready Eldergrove for the battles ahead. The burden of responsibility they had to bear was heavy, but so too was their determination. Eldergrove would not submit to encroaching threats; it would stand firm inspired by the tenacity of its leaders and the bravery of its defenders.
Ten days later, the hall was filled with a strained anticipation as the envoy from Brackenridge returned. The travel-stained clothes and haggard face paid tribute to the urgency of his mission.
There was a flicker of hope in Chief Tharion's eyes as he rose from his seat. "Well, tell me what news you have from Varden?"
The messenger bowed respectfully before speaking. "Varden has agreed to give us his allegiance. But he wonders how we intend to recover the costs."
Everyone sat forward, the room suddenly so tense that you could feel it.
"He insists that Mina marry his son in order to firm up this partnership,"
A collective gasp filled the hall and the horror of it all was written on everyone's face. Mina was surprised, Tharion's face changed from hope to wrath mixed with anxiety.initially.Jarec's heart pounded. He exchanged glances with Velaris, whose eyes met his with a hint of worry and furtiveness. Mina moved forward, her voice shaking. "Marry... his son? But..."
Tharion struck his fist down hard on the table, the sound echoing throughout the chamber. "That's absurd! Mina is not a piece to be bartered with!"
The messenger's trembling voice continued, "Varden believes that this union will serve to maintain peace between our villages."
Velaris leaned in, hissing under his breath. "A trap, perhaps? Varden is cunning, and his son... who knows what kind of person he is?"
A surge of protectiveness for Mina welled within Jarec. "You don't think we should make this decision too a little...?"Tharion's eyes sparkled with resolve. "We'll have to find another way. I will not surrender Mina to the alliance."Mina spoke a bit more confidently now. "Father, if this marriage will secure Eldergrove's safety, I am willing to consider it. But we must be cautious and sage. We need to learn more about Varden's son and what his real intentions are."Jarec nodded, his thoughts racing. "We need to ask more questions. Without knowing what we're getting ourselves into, it's impossible to make a decision."
Each person in the room was silent, all thinking deeply about what this meant. If Eldergrove was to continue surviving then its alliance with Brackenridge might be the key--but at what cost!? With determination in his voice Tharion broke the silence again. "We send a trusted spy to Brackenridge, hoping to investigate this Varden junior. Meanwhile we prepare our defences and make read For whatever is in store." The messenger nodded, radiant relief on his face. "I will tell your decision to Varden. He expects a reply soon." When the messenger was gone, the hall bore witness to a still heavy atmosphere. The situation had gotten worse, and with the fate of Eldergrove on the line Jarec and Mina were both well aware that difficult times lay ahead. It was their best hope--but also likely be their greatest entanglement, unless they trod carefully.