Chapter 28: The Beginning of the Ferelden Movement
That night, the tents of the Everia family's army were lit by the soft dancing light of torches, but the atmosphere remained tense. In the distance, scouts began to return one by one, reporting their observations of the movements of the Marquis of Ferelden.
The Seventh Elder entered the main tent where Eric and the Fifth Elder were discussing. "Ferelden is not retreating," he said matter-of-factly. "Instead, they are building additional camps near the border. The number of troops has increased—I estimate there are 1,500 now."
Eric clenched his fists, but his face remained calm. "Just as I thought. He never intended to back out."
The Fifth Elder sitting next to him opened a map of Ferelden, showing the location of the Ferelden army camp. "They are already in a strategic position. If we attack first, they can turn the narrative around and accuse the Everia family of being the aggressors."
"So, we still can't do anything rash," Eric sighed. "Any other reports from the scouts?"
The Seventh Elder continued. "I also found something interesting. There was a small group from Ferelden that set off east a few hours ago. They didn't bring many soldiers, but there was a man dressed in rich attire in the group. I think he was an envoy."
Eric narrowed his eyes. "Emissaries? Where are they headed?"
"They are heading to Marquis Aldebrand's territory," the Seventh Elder replied. "I believe they are looking for allies."
The name of Marquis Aldebrand made the atmosphere in the tent even heavier. Marquis Aldebrand was one of the lords of the region who often remained neutral, but his power could not be underestimated. If Ferelden managed to draw Aldebrand to their side, the Everia family's position would become even more difficult.
The Fifth Elder spoke up, "We must act quickly before he can ally. If Aldebrand joins Ferelden, we will have no choice but to go to war."
Eric was silent for a moment, trying to process this information. In a situation like this, every move had to be calculated carefully. He looked at the Seventh Elder. "Send scouts to follow the group. I want to know what Ferelden has to offer Aldebrand."
"And if Aldebrand has already decided to side with Ferelden?" asked the Seventh Elder.
Eric smiled faintly, but there was a firmness in his voice. "If that happens, we must make Aldebrand doubt his decision. We must use all the information we have to show that siding with Ferelden was a big mistake."
---
Meanwhile, in the tent of Marquis Ferelden, the discussion was taking place in a much darker mood. Marquis Ferelden stood in the center of the tent, surrounded by several of his advisors and military officers.
"How long are we going to wait, Marquis?" asked one of the officers impatiently. "Our troops are ready to attack at any moment. We can crush them before they have time to plan anything."
Ferelden raised his hand, urging the officer to be quiet. "Patience is the key to victory. The Everia family is known for their strength, but if we move now, we will only strengthen their position in the eyes of the kingdom. I want them to be seen as the ones who started the conflict."
One of the advisors approached. "But Marquis, what if they manage to attract allies before us? Their territory may be small, but their influence within the kingdom is still quite large."
Ferelden smiled coldly. "That's why I sent an envoy to Marquis Aldebrand. If he sides with us, no one can stop us. And even if he remains neutral, it's enough to weaken the Everia family's position."
He looked at the map in front of him, his finger pointing towards the Everia family territory. "We will wait. Let them make the first move. When they are off guard, we will destroy them in one strike."
---
On the other hand, Eric returned to the tent after discussing with the Seventh Elder and the Fifth Elder. In his mind, he kept thinking about the plan that must be carried out immediately.
"I can't just wait for them to attack first," he muttered to himself. "If we keep defending like this, we'll lose momentum."
His mind went back to the artifact he found in the Ruins of Lumina. He knew that the artifact could be the key to turning the situation around, but its power had not yet fully awakened.
"I must use this time to perfect my powers," Eric thought. "But I also cannot ignore the threat before me."
Eric knew he had to make a tough decision in the next few days. This war was not just about defending the Everia family's territory, but also about defending his family's future.
Eric gathered the elders, including the Seventh and Fifth Elders, for a deeper strategy discussion in the main tent. The swaying torchlight cast shadows on the walls, adding to the tension in the room.
"We don't have much time," Eric opened the meeting. "Ferelden has shown its ambition. They will not back down without a result. If we just wait, it will be the same as handing over control to them."
The Fifth Elder nodded. "You are right. But their strategy is clear—to force us to be the first aggressors. If that happens, they can claim the moral high ground before the kingdom."
Eric looked at the map of the territory before them. "That is precisely why we must play their game. Seventh Elder, you said that an envoy was sent to Marquis Aldebrand. If Ferelden is trying to attract allies, then we must act faster."
The Seventh Elder raised his eyebrows. "You mean we should contact Aldebrand too?"
Eric nodded firmly. "Not just contacting him, but making sure he stays neutral or, if possible, on our side."
The Fifth Elder looked thoughtful. "But, Aldebrand is a pragmatic person. He won't take big risks unless there's a real benefit to be gained."
Eric smiled faintly. "I know. Therefore, I will go and meet him."
All eyes in the room were on Eric. The Fifth Elder looked shocked. "That's too dangerous. If Ferelden finds out about your plan, they could ambush you on the road."
"I know the risks," Eric replied. "But this is a step that must be taken. I carry the Everia family name, and I have proof that Ferelden is not acting in the name of justice alone. If I can speak to Aldebrand directly, I can make him doubt Ferelden's offer."
The Seventh Elder took a deep breath. "Then, I will go with you. There is no other way."
"No," Eric replied firmly. "You must stay here and make sure our defenses are ready. If Ferelden attacks while I'm away, you're the only one who can lead the elders."
The Seventh Elder stared at Eric with sharp eyes, but finally nodded. "Alright. But I will send some of my best guards to accompany you. At least, that can give you some protection."
Eric nodded, accepting the suggestion. "We also need to develop a defensive strategy. Ferelden may be waiting, but they could make a move at any time. Fifth Elder, I want you to keep a close eye on their troop movements. Report any changes, no matter how small."
"Understood," replied the Fifth Elder.
---
Meanwhile, at the Ferelden Camp
Marquis Ferelden stood at his planning table, surrounded by his officers and advisors. In front of him, a messenger had just arrived from Marquis Aldebrand, bringing the long-awaited news.
"Marquis Aldebrand extends his greetings," said the envoy, bowing. "He is still considering your offer, but he asked for time to make a decision."
Ferelden smiled coldly. "Time is something we cannot afford to give too much of. Send a message back to him. Tell him that if he sides with us, he will get additional territory after the Everia family is destroyed."
The advisor next to him looked doubtful. "Marquis, isn't that too risky? Giving Aldebrand additional territory might weaken our position in the future."
Ferelden looked at the advisor coldly. "Risk is part of victory. If we succeed in destroying Everia, Aldebrand will have no choice but to stay on our side. And by then, we will be stronger than ever."
He looked at the map sharply, his finger pointing at the Everia family territory. "Be prepared. If the Everia family makes even one mistake, we will attack without mercy."
---
Back to Eric
That morning, Eric prepared for the perilous journey to the Aldebrand region. With some of his best guards and a personal envoy, he carefully left the Everia family camp. The journey was fraught with danger, but Eric knew he had no other choice.
"One wrong move, and this could be a disaster," he thought. "But if I succeed, it will be a great victory for the Everia family."
A turf war looms, and the future of the Everia family hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, other enemies are making moves, hiding their intentions behind a cloud of political intrigue.
---
The journey to Marquis Aldebrand's estate took longer than expected. The path they took was full of narrow paths that were easy to ambush. Despite this, Eric still led the group with a calm demeanor, exuding the aura of a true leader. He knew that his every move was being watched, perhaps even by Ferelden spies.
The Seventh Elder had warned him before his departure. "Aldebrand may be neutral, but he is an opportunist. Do not be careless. Even your words can be a sword that turns against you."
Those words kept ringing in Eric's mind. However, he still believed in his ability to talk to Aldebrand. For him, preserving the future of the Everia family was everything.
---
Meanwhile, at Everia Camp
The Seventh Elder stood at the edge of the main camp, gazing at the horizon slowly reddening with the morning sun. He hated to let Eric go without his direct supervision, but he had no choice. The situation at camp also needed his supervision, especially with the recent news that the Marquis of Ferelden seemed to be strengthening his position.
The Fifth Elder approached him with a serious expression. "Ferelden forces have been seen moving heavy weaponry to the western side of the border. It seems they are trying to block our access to the rest of the country."
The Seventh Elder nodded slowly. "It's a move to isolate us. They want to make sure no reinforcements come."
"What should we do?" asked the Fifth Elder.
"Make sure we keep an eye on them, but don't react too quickly," the Seventh Elder replied. "Eric has given orders to hold. We should wait until he returns or gives new instructions."
The Fifth Elder looked dissatisfied. "But what if they attack first?"
"If that happens," the Seventh Elder said with a sharp glare, "we will give them resistance they never imagined."
---
In Aldebrand County
Eric finally arrived at the territory of Marquis Aldebrand after a long journey. The sight of the majestic Aldebrand castle stood in the middle of the highlands, surrounded by prosperous-looking villages. The security at the main gate was tight, but the messenger accompanying Eric immediately handed over an official letter from the Everia family.
After a while, a well-dressed servant came to meet them. "Marquis Aldebrand is waiting. Please come with me."
Eric stepped into the castle calmly. Inside a large hall filled with artistic carvings, Marquis Aldebrand sat on his majestic chair, surrounded by advisors and several armed guards.
"Ah, Eric Valentinus Everia," Aldebrand greeted with a faint smile. "It is an honor to receive the heir of the great Everia family in my domain. Tell me, what brings you so far from your borders?"
Eric returned the smile, hiding the tension he felt. "Thank you for your welcome, Marquis. I come with a message, not only from my family but also for the future of our land."
"Oh?" Aldebrand crossed his arms over his chest. "The future, you say? I heard that Ferelden also spoke of the future when they sent their envoy a few days ago."
Eric nodded, remaining calm. "And I'm sure they promised to give you anything you want, as long as you side with them."
Aldebrand chuckled. "You're right. They know how to persuade someone."
"But they didn't say what would happen after that, did they?" Eric looked at Aldebrand seriously. "Ferelden may seem strong now, but they won't stop after the Everia family is destroyed. They will continue to advance, and anyone they deem a threat will be their next target. Including you, Marquis."
Aldebrand looked at Eric with a sharp gaze. "That is a serious accusation, Eric. Do you have any evidence to support your claim?"
Eric took out a document from his pocket, showing it to Aldebrand. "This is a report from our spies. Not only has Ferelden deployed troops to our borders, but they have also begun preparations to fortify the borders of your territory. They do not plan to share power, Marquis. They plan to control it."
Aldebrand read the document carefully, his expression turning serious. "This is… interesting information."
Eric stepped closer. "The Everia family does not seek war, Marquis. We only wish to protect our land and our people. But if Ferelden continues to push, we will have no choice. I came here to make sure you know what is going on before you make a decision."
Marquis Aldebrand was silent for a moment, then looked at Eric with a faint smile. "You speak with courage, young man. But I have not made a decision. I need time to consider this."
Eric bowed respectfully. "Of course, Marquis. I only ask that you consider it carefully. Whatever your decision, its impact will be felt far beyond our borders."
---
Return to Ferelden
In Marquis Ferelden's tent, one of the advisors rushed into the tent. "Marquis, we have received a report that Eric Everia has gone to see Marquis Aldebrand."
Ferelden narrowed his eyes. "So he decided to make a move. Interesting. Send shadow troops to monitor them. Make sure he doesn't leave Aldebrand territory easily."
The advisor was doubtful. "Are we going to attack him there?"
"No," Ferelden replied coldly. "Let him think he is safe. But if he makes even one mistake, we will exploit it. I want to make sure that Aldebrand will not see the Everia family as a reliable ally."
---
The intrigue deepens. Eric must convince Marquis Aldebrand before the shadow of Ferelden destroys everything. But with shadowy forces lurking and Ferelden's cunning games, time is running out. What will happen to Eric and his family? The arc of the territorial war has only just begun.
End of chapter