Elven Rebirth

Chapter 30. Better than expected

The throne room buzzed with tension as nobles, military leaders, and clergy gathered for the emergency meeting.

Knight Commander Adara frowned. "We can't change our strategy based on the whims of a lone adventurer."

General Adolph countered, "Adam Hill's insights are valuable. We can't ignore the threat Eryndor poses."

Duke Ravenswood sneered, "A lowly adventurer? What does he know of war and strategy?"

Lord Harrington turned to Duke Ravenswood, "What do you know about war and strategy? Where was your war and strategy during the first battle against Eryndor, no don't tell me, but I would like to know where your war and strategy was when the thunderwolf pack ravaged through a village and killed of almost all it's residents. That lowly adventurer faced off against the vicious pack alone, and won. So until you do the same, I suggest you sit down and don't even speak another word."

The entire throne room was silent. No one had expected such an outburst from the rigid and uncaring Harrington.

Bishop Vasquez cleared his throat and broke the silence, "We must consider the moral implications of rushing into battle."

Princess Isabella spoke up, "But don't we risk losing everything if Eryndor grows stronger?"

The debate raged on, with no resolution in sight.

Just as tensions seemed to boil over, the King slammed his fist on the armrest.

"Enough!" he thundered. "Summon Adam Hill."

The room fell silent.

A guard bowed. "At once, Your Majesty."

Moments later, Adam entered, his eyes scanning the room.

The King gestured. "Adam Hill, share your thoughts on our strategy against the Dark Forest."

Adam's gaze locked onto the King. "My concerns remain, Your Majesty. Delaying the attack will only strengthen Eryndor."

Duke Ravenswood snorted, "And what makes you an expert?"

Adam's expression remained calm. "I've seen the Dark Forest's power firsthand. I've fought Eryndor's minions."

The room erupted into argument once more.

The King's eyes narrowed, studying Adam's every word, every gesture.

Adam's eyes scanned the room, sensing unease. He worried they had seen through his deception. If they suspected lies, they might attack him on the spot.

"I... I must clarify," Adam stammered, revising his words. "I didn't face Eryndor's top warriors. I fought ordinary goblins in the Dark Forest during a recent adventure."

The room fell silent.

"But these goblins were different," Adam continued. "Stronger, faster, and more organized. I've never seen anything like it."

Knight Commander Adara raised an eyebrow. "Exceptional goblins, you say? That's troubling."

General Adolph leaned forward. "Tell us more, Adam. What made these goblins stand out?"

Adam took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Their armor was better crafted, and their tactics were coordinated. They seemed to have a leader, someone.. or something.. guiding them."

Princess Isabella frowned. "This changes things. If ordinary goblins are becoming stronger, we must reassess our strategy."

The King nodded thoughtfully. "Adam, your insight is valuable. We will consider this new information."

Adam exhaled silently, relieved. He had dodged suspicion for now.

But as he glanced around the room, he noticed Duke Ravenswood's piercing gaze.

"You're hiding something, adventurer," the Duke's eyes seemed to say.

Adam's unease returned. He could tell that for some reason unknown to him, this middle-aged man in front of him didn't like him one bit. Although he could escape if his plans were exposed, but that didn't mean he would like that. And now this Duke Ravenspoop or whatever was about throw a wrench in his plans.

Adam furrowed his brow, pretending to think. "There's more. I saw orcs, lizardmen, and goblins working together in the Dark Forest."

Gasps filled the room.

Duke Ravenswood's face turned red. "Impossible! They're sworn enemies."

Bishop Vasquez looked horrified. "This is a nightmare."

But General Adolph, Princess Isabella, and Knight Commander Adara exchanged knowing glances.

The King's expression turned grave. "Adam, thank you for your honesty. Your words change everything."

Adam bowed. "My duty, Your Majesty."

The King turned to the council. "We must act swiftly. We can't let Eryndor unite our enemies."

General Adolph nodded. "We need a unified force to counter this threat."

Princess Isabella added, "And we require strategic allies."

Knight Commander Adara suggested, "The elves. Their archers and magic would be invaluable."

Bishop Vasquez hesitated. "But can we trust them? It was due to their incompetence that we lost the previous assault we planned. We lost more than five hundred men without any tangible result."

The King decided. "We have no choice. We must call upon the elves. Prepare for a mega assault on the Dark Forest. With thousands of trained soldiers and an unwavering faith, we will squash this Eryndor from existence."

Duke Ravenswood scowled but nodded. "I'll mobilize my knights."

General Adolph stood. "I'll coordinate with the military."

Princess Isabella smiled. "I'll send envoys to the elven kingdom."

Knight Commander Adara saluted. "I'll lead the vanguard."

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as the council began making preparations.

Adam watched, his mind racing. The kingdom was walking into his trap. He could not believe he was orchestrating everything and playing all these people by the nose. If not for the fact he was to play his role to perfection, he would have burst out in laughter.

But General Adolph's piercing gaze lingered on Adam. The General was seriously contemplating about something.

The meeting ended and Adam stepped out of the castle, the evening sun casting long shadows across the courtyard. He headed toward the barracks, lost in thought.

"Adam Hill!"

General Adolph's voice called out.

Adam turned to see the General approaching.

"General Adolph, sir."

"I have a task for you, Adam," the General said, his eyes serious. "I want you to join the troops safeguarding our supplies."

Adam wanted to protest. "Sir, I'm capable of fighting on the front lines. I can take on Eryndor's armies." How could he perfect his plan if he was kept away from the frontlines.

General Adolph's expression remained stern. "That's precisely why I want you on supply duty, Adam. You're strong, and I need someone reliable to protect our rear. If the goblins try anything treacherous, I want you there to counter it."

Adam considered the General's words. It made sense. If the army lost their supplies, they won't even be able to last a day, much less the one week the King designated them to conquer the dark forest. This was an opportunity he could not miss.

He saluted. "Yes, sir. I'll ensure the supplies are safe."

General Adolph nodded, a hint of a smile. "I knew I could count on you, Adam. You're a valuable asset."

The General patted Adam's shoulder. "You've got strategic thinking, bravery, and skill. Keep that up, and you'll go far."

Adam watched as General Adolph walked away, a sense of pride and purpose swelling within him.

A sly smile spread across Adam's face.

This assignment would give him access to the kingdom's supplies and strategic information. His plan was falling into place.

Little did General Adolph know, Adam's true identity was the same Eryndor they were after. It's like having a lion standing in front of you, but still searching for it.

Adam's smile grew wider as he turned toward the barracks, his mind already spinning with strategies to undermine the kingdom's efforts.