Chapter 30: Rising Tensions
The night was growing late, but the tension in the Everia family's main tent was still thick. Eric sat at his desk, contemplating as he stared at the map of Ferelden spread out before him. His mind was filled with possibilities. The Marquis of Ferelden had prepared everything meticulously, while he was still struggling to prepare the Everia family for what might come.
The Seventh Elder sitting across from him looked calm, but his eyes carried an undisguised worry. "We know that Ferelden will try to provoke us," the Seventh Elder said, opening the conversation. "However, we must be careful. Taking any rash steps will lead us into open war, and that will be the end of us."
Eric nodded but said nothing. He knew every inch of the situation. The Everia family was cornered, and one mistake could be fatal. However, he also knew that they didn't have much time.
"What about Marquis Aldebrand?" Eric asked, finally opening his mouth. "Do we have any more information?"
The Seventh Elder sighed, his eyes looking out of the tent as if searching for answers in the night. "The party that went to Aldebrand has returned, but they brought nothing but information. Aldebrand doesn't seem too open to an alliance, but he hasn't completely closed the door either. He's still on a very cautious stance."
"So, he hasn't chosen a side yet?" Eric asked, more to himself than the Seventh Elder.
The Seventh Elder shook his head. "Not yet. That means he is probably waiting for the right moment to make a decision. And we must make sure that we give the right impression—especially to Aldebrand—that choosing Ferelden was the wrong move."
Eric stared intently at the map in front of him. "We need to create an opportunity to draw Aldebrand to our side. However, we also need to show our strength without scaring everyone away."
The Fifth Elder who suddenly entered the tent added, "But don't forget, Eric, that we also have to maintain our position in the eyes of the royal family. If we show too much strength, it could make the royal family feel that we are threatening their stability."
Eric looked at him seriously. "I know. We have to be careful, but if we just defend and don't act, we'll lose more support."
After a few moments of silence, the Fifth Elder spoke again, his voice low but determined. "I think it's time for us to prepare a surprise attack. We could start with a small attack on the Ferelden forces. That would send a strong message that we will not back down."
Eric considered the Fifth Elder's suggestion, then said, "A small attack could give them an excuse to provoke us further. We need something more measured, more strategic."
The Seventh Elder added, "Can we use our information about Aldebrand's entourage? Given his neutral position, if we can show that Ferelden is trying to frame him, perhaps that might change his mind."
Eric looked at the two elders seriously, thinking hard. "We will use that information. If Aldebrand can see that Ferelden is only trying to use the situation to their advantage, he might turn on them."
The Seventh Elder nodded in agreement. "I will set up scouts to make sure we get more information from Aldebrand. If there is a chance, we will deliver this message directly to them."
Eric stood and looked out of the tent, feeling the tension growing. "We can't just wait for them to make their move. It's time for us to take a more decisive step. If we can change the course of this game, then the war we've been trying to avoid can be avoided."
He faced the Seventh Elder and the Fifth Elder, his eyes full of determination. "Prepare everything. We will start moving, slowly but surely. There is no room for mistakes anymore."
---
Meanwhile, in the Ferelden camp, the Marquis of Ferelden gathered his advisors and military officers. His face was full of anger and frustration.
"You're not fast enough!" he shouted, looking at each of them. "They know we're moving. The Everians are smarter than I thought. We need to speed up our plan before they reorganize."
One of his advisors answered cautiously, "Marquis, should we speed up the attack or wait for them first?"
Ferelden looked at him sharply. "We will move faster, but not at full strength. I want them to feel cornered and eventually attack. If they attack first, we will have a reason to fight back."
In this tense situation, both sides prepare for a major clash that will determine the future of their lands and families. While Eric thinks of more calculated moves, Ferelden also moves quickly to trap the Everia family in difficult decisions.
One thing is certain: war is approaching.
---
The atmosphere that night was increasingly like the rumbling before a storm. Eric and the two Elders continued their preparations. Silently, Eric knew that every decision they made would have major consequences. The tension around the Everia family was growing, and the line between defense and open war was growing thinner.
Meanwhile, inside the Everia family camp, their warriors began to feel the same tension. They heard whispers of a possible attack and many felt pressured by the uncertainty. But amidst the doubts, one thing was certain—the Everia family's long-known strength was their hope.
On the other hand, Marquis Ferelden is also increasingly determined to intimidate the Everia family. Making plans faster than expected, Ferelden is determined to force the Everia family to make a move first, so that he can declare them as the ones who started the conflict.
The Seventh Elder returned to the tent with the scouts' report. "Aldebrand doesn't seem to be planning on making a hasty decision. He's waiting to see how this battle develops. That means we have a little more time," he said.
Eric nodded, remaining calm even as his mind raced. "If Aldebrand remains neutral, then we must strategize carefully. We cannot give them a reason to move against us." He paused, looking at the elders. "We need to decide who to contact. There is an opportunity to approach Aldebrand more closely. If we can convince them that we are stronger, perhaps we can gain their support."
The Fifth Elder pondered, thinking hard. "How about we approach some of the younger members of the Aldebrand family? They might be more easily influenced."
Eric raised his eyebrows, considering the suggestion. "Perhaps. They are more likely to see immediate benefits from this alliance. We should seize this opportunity."
Meanwhile, in the Ferelden camp, Marquis Ferelden was having a meeting with his top officers. The atmosphere was tense, more about timing and strategy than fighting ability. Ferelden realized that the Everia family was watching him closely, and that made him even more wary.
"We must act immediately, or they will decide to attack us first," he said in a low, but firm, voice. "Wait for the signal to begin. When they move, we will give them an unexpected blow."
Psychological warfare is now a weapon for both sides. Ferelden, who prefers to move in the shadows, tries to trick the Everians into making the first move. Meanwhile, Eric, despite being cornered, knows that if they make the wrong move, everything could turn against them.
The Seventh Elder returned to Eric, reporting the latest developments. "The information about Aldebrand's entourage is increasingly pointing to the possibility that he is playing both sides. If we can find a way to exploit this information, we may be able to cut him off from Ferelden."
Eric stood up, his eyes intently on the map. "We must act with extreme caution. There is no room for error. If Aldebrand truly wants to take a neutral position, then we must prove that we are the stronger choice."
The Fifth Elder added, "If we move too quickly, we may give the impression that we are panicking. But if we wait too long, we may lose momentum. We must find the right middle ground."
Eric nodded with increasing determination. "We will move in the shadows, without giving them a reason to fight us first. We will show our strength but in a more subtle way."
---
At Ferelden Camp
The Ferelden envoy who first went to Marquis Aldebrand returned with a gloomy face. He submitted a report to Marquis Ferelden. "Sir, Aldebrand seems to be more cautious than we thought. He has not made a final decision, but he has not ruled out the possibility of allying with us."
Ferelden smiled, albeit sarcastically. "That's better than I expected. This is still a great opportunity. We just need a little push to convince Aldebrand that siding with us is the right choice."
Marquis Ferelden stared at his family map, planning his next move. "We will change our approach. I want a stronger envoy to Aldebrand. This is not about troop strength, this is about convincing them that we have the advantage in this battle. We will make them feel that the Everia family has already lost before the fight."
---
Eric's Next Steps
Eric sat back at his desk, considering the words of the Seventh Elder and the Fifth Elder. A big decision awaited. They had to move without leaving any traces that their opponents could exploit.
"We will use the power in the shadows," he murmured. "But we must also send a clear signal to Aldebrand. We will use a plan that will make him feel that siding with us is a wise move."
The Fifth Elder stood up, ready to carry out the order. "I will arrange everything, Eric. We must move quickly."
Eric nodded. "After that, we will try to make big moves that will not only put pressure on Ferelden, but also show the royal family who is truly in a stronger position."
With that, Eric planned the final move that would decide the fate of this war. Tensions were running high. On the Ferelden side, they were preparing their strategy. Once the attack began, there was no stopping them.
---
With steps approaching open confrontation, both Eric and Ferelden must decide who will make the first unexpected move. Here, everything that has been prepared will be tested.
The Last Step of the Night
After hearing the plan outlined by the Seventh Elder and the Fifth Elder, Eric finally stood up from his chair. He stared at the night sky through the window of his tent, feeling the cold air creeping in.
"If Ferelden wants to play in the shadows, we will be an even darker shadow to them," Eric murmured. "Make sure that every step we take not only strengthens our position but also shakes their convictions."
The Seventh Elder smiled faintly. "The Everia family has never lost in this game. We will make sure that history does not change."
Eric nodded firmly. "Alright. Start the preparations. Tomorrow, we will begin the first step of this plan."
With that, the Elders left Eric's tent, leaving him alone. Eric closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to calm his mind. It would be the last quiet night before the storm came.
And when dawn breaks, the Everia family will show the world that they are still a force not to be underestimated.
End of Chapter 30