The strategy room, deep within Eldergrove, was dim—the air thick with tension. Chief Tharion spoke at the head of the table, flanked by Mina and Jarec. Velaris perched on a high shelf, glinting with guile in the depths of meld souls.
Chief Tharion's voice was a lynx-eyed flash. "This is an intolerable proposition. Mina cannot be bartered in Varden's game of othdra ofendra.
Mina, white as death, made no move. "Father, we need to hear all the options. It is Eldergrove's survival that we need to consider."
He swung his gaze toward Velaris, wary. "What do you think, Velaris? Can we trust him?"
Velaris leaped lightly onto the table, with a grace that seemed to demand notice. "Trust is a dangerous thing, my friends," he said. "But deceit? Now that's something entirely in our hands." His eyes sparkled with an impish light. "I say we accept what Varden is offering. We turn his own cock-sureness against him."
The chieftain scowled. "Accept? Are you daft?
"Not mad. Strategic. Here's what we do: we publicly accept the marriage proposal. This will lull Varden into a false sense of security. He'll think he has the high hand, and it is then that he will begin to make mistakes."
Mina nodded slowly. "Go on."
Velaris went on, his voice low, full of conspiratorial confidence. "Mina, you'll win the trust of the son of Varden, there. Pick his brain over everything Brackenridge's defenses possess and everything about their internal politics. Feign interest in their alliance, in the marriage. Let him believe, really believe you adore him."
Jarec squinted. "And what do we do with this information?"
Velaris' smile grew. "We shall use it to our advantage. I will feed Varden false information regarding Eldergrove's defenses, inflating his confidence beyond control. He will believe he can readily overpower us, should he ever try to betray the alliance. This is what will keep him complacent."
Tharion's gaze softened with realization. "We're setting up the wedding as a trap."
Precisely," Velaris affirmed. "On the day of the wedding, we ensure Varden moves many of his key warriors and resources to Eldergrove. This will make Brackenridge vulnerable. Our scouts will gather intelligence on their now-exposed defenses."
Mina canted forward as her eyes went serious. "And then we strike."
"Exactly," Velaris said. "During the chaos of the wedding, I will sabotage key elements of Brackenridge's contingent. I'll cut communication lines and isolate their leaders. Eldergrove's forces, now fully prepared and strategically positioned, will launch a surprise attack on Brackenridge."
Tharion's eyes blazed with determination. "We turn Varden's own plan against him."
Mina looked at her father, her resolve firm. "Father, I can do this. For Eldergrove."
Tharion set a hand on her shoulder, his face full of pride and pain. "Very well. We go with Velaris's plan. But we must be watchful. The wrong step, and it shall cost us everything."
Jarec nodded, a newfound respect for Velaris in his eyes. "We will make sure everything is in place. Varden won't know what hit him."
Velaris perked back up to his roost with a pleased glint in his eye. "Then let the games begin." The room filled with a renewed sense of purpose. They had a plan, and though it was risky, it was their best shot at securing Eldergrove's future. Velaris's treacherous mind had given them a fighting chance, and they were ready to take it. But everyone present at the room notice the frown that displays on tharion. Everyone becomes quiet.
The strategy room remained quiet as Tharion, Mina, Jarec, and Velaris sat around the table, deep in thought. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, reflecting the gravity of their discussion.
Chief Tharion broke the silence, his tone cautious. "Velaris, your plan is bold, but there are several flaws we must address before proceeding." Velaris arched an eyebrow. "Flaws? Do explain, Chief Tharion." Tharion leaned forward, his expression serious. "First, the public acceptance of the marriage proposal. Eldergrove is small, but word travels fast. If Varden has spies within our village or allies who are sympathetic to his cause, he may become suspicious if we agree too quickly. We must craft a convincing narrative to justify our decision."
Mina nodded slowly as the weight of her father's words hit hard.
Tharion continued, "Second, the information gathering. Mina, you will be in constant danger while interacting with Varden's son. If he senses even a hint of deception, he could retaliate swiftly. We need a backup plan to extract you if things go awry."
Mina looked resolute. "I realize that, Father. We will plan it to the minutest."
"Third," Tharion said, turning to Velaris, "spreading false information about Eldergrove's defenses. If Varden's scouts are competent, they may notice discrepancies between the false information and what they observe firsthand. This could lead to suspicion and investigation, jeopardizing the entire plan."
Velaris's eyes narrowed, considering the challenge.
Tharion nodded. "Fourth, the wedding as a trap. While it could work, we must consider that Varden may also use the event to gather intelligence on us. If we allow too many of his forces into Eldergrove, they could turn the tables, using our own village against us. We need a contingency plan to contain them if things go wrong."
Jarec spoke up, "We could set up concealed defenses and hidden forces around the village. If Varden's men try anything, we'll be ready to strike swiftly." Tharion sighed, the weight of responsibility evident on his face. "Finally, the surprise attack on Brackenridge. We must ensure our forces are not only prepared but also capable of executing a coordinated strike. Any hesitation or miscommunication could lead to a disastrous counterattack. We need to drill our forces extensively and have clear, reliable lines of communication."
He leaned back, eyes boring into him. "Honestly, Velaris, I don't see how this can be done without huge risk. I don't want Mina in that kind of danger."
Velaris, sensing the gravity of Tharion's hesitation, stepped forward, his expression resolute.
"Chief Tharion, I understand your concerns. But I assure you, I will have countermeasures in place. We will craft a narrative that makes our acceptance believable and reluctant, to avoid suspicion. I'll ensure we have a solid backup plan for Mina's safety. We will weave the false information seamlessly into our real defenses, making it convincing. And on the day of the wedding, we will have contingencies to contain any threat."
Tharion looked at Velaris, his eyes filled with doubt and worry. "You're asking me to risk everything on a plan filled with uncertainties. What if we fail?"
Velaris didn't flinch for a moment. "We won't fail. I'll see to each and every detail with my own eyes—leaving nothing to the winds. This is our one chance to turn Varden's strength into his weakness.
Mina looked at her father, her voice resolute. "Father, we can do this. We just need to be thorough and careful."
Tharion put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. The expression gentled but stayed cautious. "I believe in you, Mina. And I trust Jarec and Velaris. But we should be vigilant. Leave nothing to chance." Jarec nodded. "We'll work on refining the plan. We'll make sure every detail is covered and every potential flaw is accounted for." Tharion finally sighed, the decision weighing heavily on him. "Very well. We will proceed with Velaris's plan. But remember, one misstep could cost us everything."
The room filled with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. With Tharion's insights and Velaris's assurances, they knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger and complexity, but they were committed to protecting Eldergrove at any cost. They would refine their strategy, address every flaw, and prepare for the ultimate test of their cunning and resolve