Elven Rebirth

Chapter 10. Temporary Alliance

Eryndor approached the hut, guarded by two goblins who bowed and opened the door for him.

Inside, the three humans sat on the floor: Princess Isabella, Lady Commander Adara, and Sir Edward.

Eryndor's gaze settled on them. "What brought you to the Dark Forest?"

Lady Commander Adara's eyes flashed defiance. "We demand release. You have no right to hold us prisoner."

Eryndor frowned, his expression stern. "Release you? Be thankful I didn't have you executed for trespassing into my clan and killing two of my men."

Sir Edward's face paled, while Princess Isabella's eyes widened in fear.

Lady Commander Adara's jaw clenched. "We were on a mission to retrieve a rare herb. We didn't mean to trespass."

Eryndor's interest piqued. "A rare herb? Which one?"

The humans exchanged uneasy glances.

Lady Commander Adara hesitated before speaking. "Dragon's Breath. Rumored to grow only in these woods."

Eryndor's eyes narrowed. "What's your true purpose for this herb?"

The humans' silence was palpable.

Eryndor stood, his voice firm. "I'll return later. Perhaps you'll be more forthcoming."

With a nod, he exited the hut, leaving the humans to ponder their situation.

Outside, Grimp awaited him.

"Chief, what's your plan?" Grimp asked.

Eryndor's gaze lingered on the hut. "We'll learn more about this Dragon's Breath. And their true intentions." Eryndor then walked towards to his enormous hut.

Grimp sprinted up to Eryndor, his face eager. "Chief, the humans wish to tell you everything."

Eryndor's interest piqued, he turned back toward the prisoner's hut.

Upon re-entering, Princess Isabella's eyes met Eryndor's, determination etched on her face.

"We'll cooperate," Lady Commander Adara said. "In exchange for our release."

Eryndor nodded, intrigued. "Speak."

Princess Isabella took a deep breath. "We come from the Western Kingdom of Krytoria. Our kingdom has long maintained friendly relations with the elves of Elysia Forest."

Sir Edward added, "We've traded goods and knowledge for years."

Princess Isabella continued, "I was sent to negotiate for increased supplies of rare herbs, seeds, and water crystals for the seeds. But most crucially, I aimed to convince the elves to share the Dragon's Breath herb."

Eryndor's ears perked up. "Dragon's Breath." This was his main objective for returning to listen to them.

Lady Commander Adara explained, "It enhances flame magic when consumed as a tonic. Our kingdom's mages believe it could revolutionize our warfare and industry."

Eryndor's mind whirled with implications. The elves' secrets were more valuable than he'd imagined.

"What makes you think the elves would share this herb?" Eryndor asked.

Princess Isabella hesitated before answering, "We've offered significant trade concessions and... promised to aid the elves against any threats."

Eryndor's gaze narrowed. "Threats?"

Sir Edward leaned forward. "Rumors of dark forces gathering here in the dark forest. We'd help protect Elysia Forest in exchange for the Dragon's Breath."

Eryndor's thoughts swirled with strategic possibilities. If he could obtain these herbs, food in the goblin village won't be a problem anymore. And with the Dragon's Breath, he could advance his flame magic.. from all round, Eryndor could just see the pros and none of the cons.

Eryndor's thoughts danced with the potential of Dragon's Breath. His flaming sword magic would skyrocket, and perhaps he could craft new fire spells.

He turned to the humans, a calculated smile spreading across his face.

"For now, you're free to move around the village."

Lady Commander Adara's eyes narrowed. "You promised our release."

Eryndor's smile broadened. "Yes, of course. But I never said when. Bear with me for now."

Princess Isabella's face fell, while Sir Edward's jaw clenched.

"I'll let you return to your kingdom," Eryndor continued, "but first, I need your expertise when I obtain this Dragon's Breath from the elves."

Lady Commander Adara's voice turned icy. "You expect us to help you steal from our allies?"

Eryndor shrugged. "Call it... acquisition. You'll provide strategic insight, and in return, I'll ensure your safe passage home."

The humans exchanged uneasy glances.

Princess Isabella spoke up, "We can't betray our allies."

Eryndor leaned forward, his eyes glinting. "You'll do what's necessary to return home. And I'll do what's necessary to protect my clan."

The air thickened with tension.

"What exactly do you want?" Princess Isabella asked.

Eryndor smiled and said, "As you can see, I rule over the most of the goblins in this dark forest, and as we all know, goblins are not the proficient in farming and barely know the difference from tilling and and sowing. But with your help, they will learn, and with those elven seeds sown here, food will no longer be a problem."

Commander scoffed, "Even with the seeds, you will still need the water crystals. I don't think those prideful elves will wish to make a deal with a dark elf and a group of goblins."

Eryndor's smile extended even wider, "Who said anything about making a deal with them?"

Princess Isabella gasped at what he was implying, "You don't mean?.."

Eryndor stood up abruptly, still smiling. He clapped his hands once in praise, "Exactly. I will be going there to relieve them of those things without them knowing, and you, Commander Adara, will be helping me. In exchange, you get the Dragon's Breath and your freedom."

Commander Adara frowned and asked, "How can we trust what you say? What if you just eliminate us after getting what you want?"

Eryndor smiled at her, "You don't. You just have to trust me." He then paused and his words sink in, "So, do we have an understanding?"

Commander Adara looked at her companions who nodded their approval. Their aim was to get those necessities as well. She sighed and then spoke in a firm tone, "You must understand that this is just a temporary alliance."

Eryndor nodded, "I won't have it any other way. We leave as soon as the moon shows it's light."

They all nodded, and began to plan on for the upcoming raid.

After leaving the trio, Eryndor called Grimp over. Grimp came and gave a slight bow.

"Grimp, I want you to take a few capable goblins with you and scout for other goblin clans and villages, return after four days, I believe it's time to increase our numbers." Eryndor said. He knew very well that as soon as the Princess and her companions return to their Kingdom, it won't be long before they launch and attack on them.

As Grimp bowed and left to attend to the task, Eryndor gazed at the setting sun. He could not help but burst out laughing, "The goddess isn't going to like what happens a few years from now. But it's necessary, I don't plan on being the underdog in this world. I will stand at the very top.”