Elven Rebirth

Chapter 13. To Kryptoria

Within Heartwood Palace, Elysia Forest's seat of power, Grand Elder Lyrien and esteemed elven elders convened around a polished wooden table. Their deliberations were interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Enter," Lyrien called out.

An elven soldier stepped inside, bowing deeply.

"Forgive the interruption, Grand Elder. I have crucial information."

Lyrien's gaze narrowed. "This meeting is of utmost importance. Make it brief."

The soldier apologized. "I understand, Grand Elder. But this concerns Eryndor."

The elders' interest piqued, they leaned forward.

"Speak," Elder Thalion urged.

The soldier took a deep breath. "While searching for Eryndor, we encountered a horde of goblins. But what struck us was that they were from different clans, yet moving together, peacefully."

Elder Namarie's eyes widened. "Impossible!"

The soldier stood firm. "I assure you, Elder, my fellow spies and I witnessed it. We decided to follow them, and what we saw was... marveling."

The elders exchanged intrigued glances.

"Continue," Lyrien commanded.

The soldier's voice filled with awe. "We saw goblins constructing homes, training with swords, mastering magic arts, and practicing archery. Their organization and discipline were unmatched."

Elder Thalion's brow furrowed. "And Eryndor?"

The soldier's eyes locked onto Lyrien. "We saw him, Grand Elder. Clad in magnificent armor, with a red cape billowing behind. Every goblin bowed as he passed. It was... reverent."

The room fell silent, the elders' faces grave.

Lyrien's expression darkened. "This sounds like more than mere leadership. Eryndor may be forging an empire."

Elder Namarie's voice trembled. "The implications are dire. We cannot underestimate Eryndor's power."

The soldier's words hung in the air, foreboding and ominous.

"We once considered the goblin clans scattered and weak," Elder Thalion said, "but now, united under Eryndor's leadership, they pose a formidable threat."

Elder Namarie nodded gravely. "Facing them alone would be disastrous. Our armies would be hard-pressed to match their numbers."

"Then we must seek allies," suggested Elder Eirlys.

Lyrien's eyes narrowed. "I propose we send an envoy to the human kingdom of Kryptoria. We've identified the source of the dark force gathering in the Dark Forest. Eryndor's rise to power threatens their borders as well."

The elders nodded in agreement.

"Summon Captain Fiannor," Lyrien instructed. "Task him with selecting a team to journey to Kryptoria. They will request King Ryker's assistance in addressing this growing menace."

Elder Thalion stood. "We must emphasize the urgency of this situation. The humans cannot afford to underestimate Eryndor's power."

Lyrien's gaze swept the room. "Prepare the envoy. We will offer our expertise and magical prowess in exchange for Kryptoria's military might."

The elders dispersed, each attending to their assigned tasks.

As the meeting concluded, Lyrien's thoughts turned to the uncertain future.

"Will the humans recognize the danger Eryndor poses? Or will pride and skepticism blind them to the impending storm?"

Eryndor sat upon his throne, his palace a testament to his growing power. He contemplated the future, knowing the humans would eventually come for him.

"Grimp," he summoned.

The loyal goblin appeared before him.

"Summon Shaman Korga, General Gorthok, and Archer Vexar," Eryndor instructed.

The three clan leaders arrived, their faces set with determination.

"My friends," Eryndor began, "our army grows strong, but we require more. I have a plan."

Their eyes locked onto his.

"Each of you will head east, seeking out goblin and beast clans. Recruit or conquer, whichever necessary."

Shaman Korga nodded. "The Shadowhand will spread our influence."

General Gorthok cracked his knuckles. "The Ironfist will crush those who resist."

Archer Vexar smiled. "The Paradya will pick off stragglers."

Eryndor's gaze turned to the west.

"I'll journey to Kryptoria, disguising myself as an adventurer. I'll gather intel on their military, their weaknesses."

Grimp's eyes widened. "Ingenious, my King! Hiding in plain sight."

Shaman Korga grinned. "The humans will never suspect a thing."

General Gorthok chuckled. "We'll strike when they least expect it."

Archer Vexar nodded. "Our King's wisdom is unparalleled."

The clan leaders departed, tasked with their missions.

Eryndor's thoughts turned to Kryptoria.

"Time to play the role of a lifetime."

Eryndor focused inward, accessing the system. "System, get me a few things to change my looks. If I am to infiltrate the Kryptoria Kingdom successfully, I need to be under their radar."

"Ding!

Ordinary traveler's clothes purchased for 50 points. Old, worn sword purchased for 20 points. Leather backpack purchased for 30 points. Hair dye, black, purchased for 10 points." The system confirmed the purchases.

Eryndor donned the traveler's attire, buckling the old sword at his side. He slung the leather backpack over his shoulder and applied the hair dye.

His long blonde hair now black, Eryndor examined his reflection in a nearby mirror.

Unrecognizable.

He exited the palace, where Grimp and the clan leaders awaited.

Their faces burst into laughter.

"By the gods, my King!" Grimp choked, holding his belly.

Shaman Korga grinned. "You look like a genuine adventurer."

General Gorthok chuckled. "Who'd suspect our mighty King beneath that humble guise?"

Archer Vexar clapped Eryndor's back. "May the road rise up to meet you, my King."

Eryndor smiled, pleased.

"Grimp, oversee the village in my absence. Ensure our plans proceed without hitch."

Grimp bowed. "As you command, my King."

With a final nod, Eryndor set off toward Kryptoria.

The clan leaders watched him disappear into the horizon.

"He walks among humans, unseen," Shaman Korga whispered.

"A true master of deception," General Gorthok added.

Archer Vexar nodded. "Our King's cunning will bring us victory."

Eryndor trekked for hours, navigating through the dense forest, passing by ferocious beasts. As sunset loomed, he reached the forest's edge.

Time to camp.

He kindled a fire, roasting the meat he'd brought from the palace. The savory aroma filled the air.

As he ate, movement and voices caught his attention.

Ignorable, likely human adventurers.

The voices drew closer.

Four men, clad in leather armor and wielding swords, emerged from the nearby bushes.

Their leader, a burly man, chuckled. "See boys, the gods smile on us – an elf! How much at the auction house?"

A companion laughed. "Thirty thousand gold coins, give or take."

Eryndor's gaze locked onto the men, his expression neutral.

The burly man sneered. "Well, elf, looks like you're worth a fortune."

Eryndor's thoughts raced. His disguise had fooled them, but now he faced slavers.