Night blanketed the borderlands of Eldenia as Arthur stood still, gazing into the faint light of the approaching dawn. From within his cloak, he retrieved a slender bamboo tube and played a clear, short melody on a whistle. Moments later, a Windwhisper bird alighted gracefully on his arm.
The bird was covered in pristine white feathers, with a tail tinged in delicate emerald green that shimmered like starlight in the breeze. Its vivid blue eyes sparkled with intelligence and spirit, seemingly capable of delving into the depths of one's heart. These birds, symbols of Airtulan, were said to respond only to warriors who truly communed with nature. They were known for their unwavering loyalty in delivering messages to those who needed them most.
"Friend," Arthur murmured to the bird, his tone gentle yet solemn. "Carry these messages to Aldan of the Northwind Tribe, Taka of the Green Shadow Tribe, and Elder Maeldor of the Ancient Deer Tribe. This is for the safety of Airtulan."
The Windwhisper bird chirped softly, as if acknowledging his words. Arthur carefully attached several compact scrolls to the rings on the bird's legs, ensuring they were securely fastened. Raising his arm, he released the bird, which soared into the sky, disappearing into the glow of the rising sun.
As he watched the bird fade into the distance, Arthur felt a surge of mixed emotions—pride in Airtulan's unique culture and an undercurrent of anxiety over the impending crisis.
The next day, the Windwhisper bird crossed Airtulan's border, arriving at the Northwind Tribe's watchtower. It perched on the wooden windowsill of Aldan's council chamber, where he was in the midst of a discussion about food reserves with his deputy. Halting his conversation, Aldan approached the bird and carefully removed the scroll from its leg.
Unrolling the parchment, his brows furrowed as he read: "Movements from Strongson's army… It seems the situation is even more dire than anticipated."
Meanwhile, Taka of the Green Shadow Tribe was patrolling the forested frontier. The bird darted through the dense woods like a flash of white, landing gracefully on his shoulder. Stroking its head, Taka retrieved the message, reading it with a thoughtful expression: "Arthur's reports are never trivial… but this development is graver than we expected."
Finally, the bird delivered Arthur's final message to Elder Maeldor of the Ancient Deer Tribe. Maeldor was overseeing a ceremonial training session with young hunters when the bird descended. Accepting the message, he scanned its contents, concern flashing in his eyes: "It appears we must unite once more. Inform Selena—this concerns the future of all Airtulan."
Selena, upon receiving the news, convened an emergency meeting of tribal leaders in the council hall of Airtulan's eastern territory. Outside, rolling mountains and verdant forests painted a serene backdrop, though the air was thick with the tension of looming conflict. Inside, the dimly lit chamber was heavy with responsibility, each leader acutely aware of the burden they bore.
Selena stood at the head of the table, her gaze steady and commanding.
Taka of the Green Shadow Tribe spoke first, his voice firm and urgent: "Leon has already marshaled his forces. Eldenia's situation is on the brink of eruption. We can't sit idly by—shouldn't we act immediately? If we hesitate, Airtulan's border security will be in grave danger."
Taka's words reflected his tribe's signature decisiveness and agility. Known for their swift and tactical prowess, the Green Shadow Tribe often favored direct action to neutralize threats.
Elder Maeldor of the Ancient Deer Tribe, however, responded in a measured tone: "Combat should be our last resort. Acting in haste could lead to reckless decisions. Airtulan's future cannot rest on impulsive actions. Strongson's Leon, though powerful, is not an opponent we can confront without significant repercussions. A direct clash might plunge us into deeper peril."
Maeldor's calm and reasoned demeanor embodied the wisdom and foresight of his tribe, which prized long-term strategy over immediate gains.
Aldan of the Northwind Tribe weighed in next, his voice tinged with concern: "Strongson has already advanced on Eldenia. We cannot stand by idly. If we fail to prepare, we risk losing our territory. Yet rushing into battle might provoke Leon further and render our strategy meaningless."
Selena listened intently to the varied perspectives, her expression unreadable as she processed the input. Finally, she spoke, her tone low yet resolute: "I understand your concerns." She paused, her piercing gaze sweeping across the room. "Leon's army is formidable. If we attack prematurely, we'll be dragged into a prolonged conflict we cannot afford. However, doing nothing will allow Strongson's forces to threaten our borders unchallenged."
Maeldor's keen eyes narrowed slightly as he began to grasp Selena's line of thought. "You're suggesting we weaken Strongson's supply and command structures without engaging them directly?"
Selena nodded, her gaze shifting to the distant mountain ranges beyond the window, her thoughts seemingly reaching out to the vast land she sought to protect. "Exactly. Strongson's army relies on continuous supplies to maintain its campaign in the East. Our priority is to disrupt their logistics, forcing their troops into a vulnerable position."
Taka's eyes lit up with understanding. "If we can sever their supply lines, Leon's forces will falter. Their morale will plummet, and they may even be compelled to retreat."
Aldan, after a moment's reflection, added cautiously, "But such actions will undoubtedly provoke Strongson. How do we safeguard ourselves against Leon's retaliation? How do we secure our position amidst this turmoil?"
Selena turned her attention to Maeldor, her lips curving into a faint, knowing smile. "Aldan's concern is valid, but we cannot let fear deter us from seizing this moment. Inaction will only embolden Strongson's advance."
Maeldor nodded thoughtfully. "If we can accurately pinpoint Strongson's movements and supply routes, we could strike with precision, minimizing risk while maximizing impact. I'll dispatch scouts to gather intelligence behind enemy lines."
Selena's gaze hardened with determination. "Then it's decided. Maeldor, assign your most skilled scouts to monitor their supply chains. Taka, ready your forces to respond to any sudden developments."
Rising to her feet, she declared with unwavering resolve: "We must act before Leon's plans fully unfold. Targeting his weakest point is the key to reclaiming the initiative. This battle will determine Airtulan's survival—and our future."
With Selena's command issued, the tribal leaders dispersed, each to execute their role in the unfolding strategy. The room emptied, leaving Selena alone in the chamber.
Staring out at the vast expanse of mountains and plains, she knew that this war would not only shape Airtulan's destiny but potentially alter the balance of the entire Eastern Continent.
Meanwhile, in the Silver Wolf Tribe's camp, Deputy Commander Zack was in close communication with the generals, ensuring that every aspect of the army's preparations was in perfect order. Zack, a tall and imposing figure with a resolute face and eyes gleaming with courage and wisdom, immediately began organizing the Silver Wolf warriors upon receiving Queen Selena's command to convene. Responsibility for the tribe's forces was handed to Zack by Aldan, who then departed for the border to fortify defensive structures in anticipation of unforeseen developments.
"All units, assemble and advance swiftly! We cannot afford a moment of complacency," Zack ordered with a commanding tone. Warriors quickly donned their armor, the crisp sound of weapons clashing echoing through the camp as the atmosphere shifted into one of intense readiness.
"Move out!" Zack raised his longsword high, signaling the troops to march towards the southeastern border. The elite warriors of the Silver Wolf Tribe moved with disciplined strides and unwavering determination, embodying the essence of a highly trained and battle-hardened force. Their lithe frames, piercing gazes, and synchronized movements resembled a pack of wolves ready to strike, prepared to confront the looming conflict head-on.