Thorian’s POV

One Hour Prior

As Thorian practiced his Earth Spikes and Water Prison, Alacritas rushed toward him, his face etched with urgency. "My lord, a grave situation has unfolded in Locksley."

The stressed timbre of Alacritas's voice brought Thorian's training to a halt. He turned, concern furrowing his brow. "Steady yourself and recount precisely what transpired."

With a nod, Alacritas began, "William Ravenwood, the Lord of the city, has mysteriously vanished. Despite hours of relentless search, the army has yet to uncover his whereabouts."

Thorian felt his heart stutter at the news, yet before he could articulate a response, Alacritas pressed on. "His son, Tristan, is currently assembling a search party, having received information that the Lord was last seen near our side of the forest."

"Is that so?" Thorian's eyebrow arched in intrigue. "Have any of our own witnessed him?"

Regrettably, Alacritas shook his head. "No, my lord. To our knowledge, he simply disappeared without a trace."

Absorbing the gravity of the situation, Thorian's gaze fell to the ground in contemplation. "This reeks of Nalia's involvement. She alone possesses the means to make him vanish with such ease."

His reasoning leading him to a dire hypothesis, Thorian looked up sharply, a question burning in his eyes. "You mentioned someone informed Tristan about his father being spotted near the forest, correct? Do we have any idea who this informant might be?"

"No, his identity remains a mystery," Alacritas admitted, his head shaking with uncertainty. "All we know is that he's an elderly man, seemingly a mere civilian."

Thorian's response was a sigh of exasperation. "Such an obvious ploy, yet that fool is blindly marching into it," he muttered, his frustration palpable as he bit his lower lip in thought. "I see through Nalia's scheme now. She aims to dethrone the Ravenwood lineage, installing her pawns in power while she orchestrates from the shadows. In doing so, she'd wield absolute control over the city and its assets, sidestepping the turmoil tied to her illegitimate claim."

Alacritas, understanding the gravity of Thorian's insights, nodded in agreement. "What of Tristan, my lord? If he's walking into a trap, does this mean that Nalia will ambush him?"

"Exactly," Thorian confirmed with a weary sigh. "As William's rightful successor, Tristan stands as a thorn in their side, difficult to manipulate. Their best course is to eliminate him under the guise of an unfortunate encounter with the forest's beasts."

Alacritas acknowledged this grim analysis with a nod. "What are our orders, my lord? I stand ready to execute your will."

"Summon Forlune, Zogarth, and the remaining council members. Have them convene at the Village Hall," Thorian commanded, urgency lacing his voice. "Time is of the essence."

With a determined nod, Alacritas set off to gather the council, his steps quickening as he moved to carry out Thorian's orders throughout the village.

After Alacritas's departure, Thorian found himself ensconced in solitude, his mind a whirlwind of strategy and concern. Nalia, your ambitions will not go unchecked. Yet, engaging in open conflict with you now would be decidedly ill-advised, Thorian pondered, his brows knitting together in concentration. This situation demands a delicate approach.

Realizing the urgency of swift action, Thorian reached out through the psychic bond he shared with his ally. "Harald, I need to mobilize a significant portion of our forces beyond the village boundaries."

Harald's response, deep and resolute, echoed in Thorian's mind. "I assume you're involving me in this conversation to oversee the village's defense in your absence."

A nod, unseen but understood, was Thorian's reply. "Indeed. I need someone who is strong and trustworthy to keep the village safe. Knowing you stand guard, I can address these pressing issues without the shadow of concern for our village's safety."

"I grasp the weight of your request," Harald assured. "Proceed with your plans without any worry. The village shall remain safe under my watch."

A smile of gratitude graced Thorian's features. "Thank you, Harald. You are always very reliable."

With reassurances exchanged and his mind somewhat eased, Thorian traversed the village pathways, his thoughts racing ahead to the meeting. As he neared the Village Hall, a familiar presence drew his attention.

“Ah, Thorian, I was looking for you,” Nox approached with a jovial air, his smile broad. Yet, the gravity of Thorian's demeanor didn't escape him, prompting a shift in his expression. “Did something happen? You look very concerned.”

Not wishing to dampen Nox's spirits, Thorian lightly dismissed the inquiry. "It's a matter of little consequence," he deflected, steering the conversation towards Nox's recent endeavors. "And you? Has Whisperwind taught you about the arts of Shadow Manipulation?"

With enthusiasm, Nox confirmed, "Indeed, he has. He also let me buy a compatible skill with it. Wait, let me show it to you."

With a grin, Nox executed a swift leap, his form seamlessly merging with the shadows on the ground, vanishing from sight entirely.

"I am here," Nox's voice came unexpectedly from behind, his hand lightly tapping Thorian's shoulder.

Startled by Nox's sudden reappearance, Thorian spun around, his eyebrows knitting together in bewilderment. "How did you manage that? I saw no sign of your movement."

“Shadow Transportation," Nox revealed with a laugh. "Master Whisperwind described it as briefly going to another realm, only to come back from a nearby shadow."

Thorian's eyes widened in appreciation. "That's an exceptionally useful ability. It could prove invaluable to us."

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"I thought you might find it interesting," Nox said, his smile lingering. Then, lowering his voice, he pressed, "Now, will you tell me what's been weighing on you, Thorian?"

With a heavy sigh, Thorian opened up. "The situation is quite complex. Nalia, the one who nearly ended your life, has initiated a coup in the neighboring city. She's now after the city lord's son, aiming to eliminate any rightful heirs. We must intervene to protect him."

"That sounds straightforward enough," Nox replied with determination. "Why not simply just go and defeat those people right now?"

Thorian let out a light chuckle at Nox's simplicity. "The matter is more intricate than it appears. However, we will act promptly."

As Thorian's gaze shifted past Nox, he noticed Forlune and the council members approaching. With a knowing smile, he remarked, "And by promptly, I mean this very moment."

Thus, Thorian, with his council and fifty of their elite warriors, made their way toward the outer gate. Glancing sideways, he posed a question to Alacritas. "William has another son besides Tristan, correct?"

"Yes, my lord," Alacritas affirmed with a nod. "He has a son named James Ravenwood."

"He, too, is at risk," Thorian declared with a sense of urgency. "I need you to ensure his safety immediately. Make it appear as though they fled in fear for their lives."

"Understood, my lord," Alacritas replied, prepared for the task at hand. "I shall head to Locksley without delay."

With those final instructions, Alacritas vanished into the woods, swiftly navigating from one tree branch to another.

Meanwhile, Thorian was deep in contemplation about Tristan's predicament. To convince Nalia her plan has succeeded, I must feign Tristan's death. But the execution of such a deceit... how shall it be done? he pondered.

As the solution dawned upon him, a sly smirk spread across Thorian's face, accompanied by a chuckle of satisfaction. Yet, as he looked at Elder Omn, he wondered about the repercussions of his plan on his allies.

Deciding to address these concerns directly, Thorian beckoned the elder. "Do you require my counsel, my lord?" Elder Omn inquired, taken aback by the summon.

"I seek your perspective on a particular strategy," Thorian explained. "Would you or your kin object to the slaying of a hobgoblin during our mission to aid the humans?"

Elder Omn responded with a dismissive shrug and a chuckle. "In our skirmishes with other tribes, such acts are commonplace. I doubt any of our folk would bat an eye over it."

"Excellent, that simplifies matters considerably," Thorian acknowledged with a nod, then turned to his general. "Forlune, come here."

Heeding his lord's call, Forlune, the Celestial Kobold Champion, stepped forward.

"I need you to locate and eliminate a hobgoblin with haste. Make sure that the deed is done cleanly and bring the body back here," Thorian commanded.

Puzzlement etched Forlune's features, yet he nodded in agreement. "I am assuming that you a plan in mind. Is that right, my lord?"

"There is a plan," Thorian confirmed with a nod. "But time is of the utmost importance."

Grasping the urgency, Forlune vanished into the forest, his form cloaked in an aura that allowed him to traverse the terrain with the speed of lightning.

With Forlune dispatched on his grim mission, Thorian beckoned Nox closer to share the intricate details of his strategy.

"Think you're up for this?" Thorian inquired once he had laid out his plan.

Nox responded with a nonchalant shrug and a chuckle, "Shouldn't be too hard. But, I must admit, your plan is very creative. It never would have crossed my mind."

"It is only possible because of your unique skill," Thorian acknowledged, sharing in the laughter.

Shortly thereafter, Forlune made his return, bearing the lifeless body of a hobgoblin. Handing over the corpse to Nox, the assembly of monstrous warriors then set off towards Locksley with astonishing velocity.

It wasn't long before the clamor of human voices reached Thorian's ears. He raised a hand, signaling for a momentary pause. "Hold," he commanded softly.

Before advancing, Thorian employed both Elemental Sight and Predator’s Gaze, surveying the surroundings. His enhanced vision immediately unveiled the silhouettes of assassins lurking at a considerable distance from Tristan and his guards, poised for an ambush. Fortuitous timing on our part, Thorian noted to himself.

Without further delay, he made his way through the underbrush, emerging boldly before the humans. "Who dares to trespass in my domain?" he thundered, augmenting his voice with mana to resonate more profoundly.

The reaction from the humans was as expected: a mixture of fear, bewilderment, and confusion painted their faces. Amidst the general disarray, a single young man found the courage to respond, while his companions succumbed to their fears.

"We are searching for my father," came Tristan's firm reply. Thorian nearly let slip a chuckle at the sight of the young warrior's valor, reminiscent of his acquaintance, William.

Yet, Thorian was bound by the guise he had donned, tasked with convincing a hidden audience of his ruthlessness. He presented Tristan with a dire choice: face collective demise or sacrifice himself alone.

As Thorian flaunted his overwhelming might, a second youth rose to challenge him.

"Die, you monster!" Oswald charged, his defiance bold yet futile against Thorian's superior speed. Thorian took a moment to appraise Oswald, noting the young man's fiery red hair and deep brown eyes. Could this be Johannessen's offspring? Thorian mused, intrigued by the stark contrast between Oswald's valor and his father's unscrupulous nature.

Aware of the Strongheart lineage's ties to Nalia, Thorian recognized an opportunity to shift the balance of power. Effortlessly, he neutralized Oswald's attack, snapping the spear and seizing him by the throat.

In a whisper meant only for Oswald, Thorian imparted a cryptic assurance. "Your friend will emerge unscathed. Be wary of your own family. Expect my communication shortly."

Oswald's features contorted with confusion, his breaths shallow as he grappled with Thorian's words. Yet, Thorian could divulge no more. Under the watchful eyes of Nalia's spies, he had to tread carefully, ensuring not to arouse undue suspicion. Thus, with a calculated motion, he threw Oswald, sending him tumbling back among his allies.

After Forlune dispatched General Henry, Thorian approached Tristan, offering him the opportunity to utter his "final words." Following this solemn moment, Thorian delivered a strategic slash with his sword, a maneuver designed to maintain the illusion of combat and ensure the hidden assassins harbored no suspicions.

As he encapsulated Tristan within an earthen dome, Thorian exchanged a glance with Nox, signaling the commencement of their intricate ruse. Concealed amidst the foliage, Nox leveraged his shadow manipulation to slip into the dome alongside the hobgoblin's corpse, tasked with exchanging the garments of Tristan and the deceased.

To buy Nox the necessary time for this delicate operation, Thorian engaged in an elaborate display of theatrics.

“I shall not make of your death a spectacle,” Thorian raised his hand and started conjuring his flames slowly.

“No!” Oswald, spurred by confusion and a singular resolve to protect his friend, rose to confront Thorian once more. "You will not take his life!"

Seizing this moment, Thorian allowed Oswald to draw near, only to repel him back toward his comrades with a calculated kick.

Hopefully, that provided you sufficient time, Nox, Thorian thought, confident in his companion's efficacy.

In a silent affirmation of Thorian's hopes, the mana signatures of both Nox and Tristan vanished from within the dome, leaving behind only the hobgoblin's body.

Now, it’s finally time to end this farce.

Harnessing a significant portion of his mana, Thorian summoned a fireball of unparalleled magnitude. Opting for raw fire manipulation over conventional spellcasting allowed him to infuse the projectile with an overwhelming surge of power.

With precision, Thorian hurled the colossal fireball toward the earth dome, igniting it in a spectacular blaze designed to mask the culmination of their scheme.