The adventures join the elven captain with her subordinates. Walking away from the kingdom’s lower rung, they proceed to the middle rung. The kingdom’s middle rung is quite similar with Arche’s commercial district. Elves thrive and commerce with each other. Some adventurers who arrived earlier are hanging out, waiting for further instructions.
“Looks like the middle rung is way livelier than the lower rung.” Milas comments.
“The lower rung’s job is to protect the upper and middle rung. The citizens of lower rung dedicate their lives as bastions of the kingdom.” Ayala explains.
“That sounds terrible, captain. You’re using the poor elves as living shields from the insectoids?” Rez answers back in dismay.
“This always has been for centuries. Nobody complains since each of them has sacred duties. Don’t ask any further.” Captain Regina angrily complies.
“That’s why Ayala and I volunteer to rebuild the lower rung. We want to at least make the lives of those from the lower rung better.” Averill whispers to Rez to inform him.
The group finally arrives at the kingdom’s highest rung. Elven nobility and captains have deep conversations. Merchants discuss the waning economy of the kingdom.
Captain Regina brings the adventurers and her subordinates to the elven council. The elven hall, unlike the buildings of the lower rung, has better fortifications. The elven hall is made out of iron wood, marble sculptures, gold trinkets and centuries-old masonry.
“Greetings adventurers.” The elven elders bow down to Captain Regina and the adventurers. Calma reaches out the document to one of the elven servants. She then hands over the document and each elders review the important document. After several deliberations, they decide to start the meeting.
“As you can see, we are outnumbered, our forces are not enough to take out the insectoids. Most of the adventurers, mercenaries and mercenaries who went ahead of you were captured. Probably the insectoids plan to gather them for food.” A stern-looking elder explains their situation.
“That sounds terrible!” Milas exclaims out of disgust.
“Wars involve ransacking of supplies and civilians.” Corbin explains to Milas who never once experienced war between countries.
“This is the harsh reality you must face, little lady.” Randor comments.
“Their food supply is also running low due to their increased appetite. Their queen demands for more meat. The mushroom forest isn’t enough to satiate their hunger.” Another elven elder speaks up with worry on her face.
“So what are the plans for this situation?” Randor questions.
“For your task, Averill and Ayala will lead each of you to each designated quest. Some of your companions would assassinate the queen. We will provide the latest coordinates tracked by the other adventurers and elven knights.” Captain Regina answers the prince’s inquiry.
“Where is the queen recently located?” The prince asks again.
“She is currently hiding in an underground network of tunnels. Her lair filled with mushroom trees and fungi. You’ll never see the sunlight since it’s underground but the fluorescent plants glimmer in the dark. The path will be treacherous as the queen anticipates assassination from her enemies.”
“I have another question. How did the insectoids invaded you?”
“There was once a far-flung civilization that stood before the elven civilization. We reclaimed the older civilization's kingdom as our ancestral lands. This is the only place where the World Tree grew massively. The insectoids meanwhile bore network of tunnels on the older civilization’s land. They were ahead of us regarding building tactical infrastructures.”
“We also received reports from other adventurers. Some insectoids are apparently rebelling from the queen. We want you to confirm it.” An alluring elven senior adds other tasks for the adventurers.
“Anyone speak insectoid?” Rez jokes casually.
“Fortunately, I am knowledgeable when it comes to communicating with insectoids! My grandfather’s grandfather taught me very well when I was young!”
“Aren’t they just doing hisses and shrieks?”
“They’re not mere noises. An insectoid’s creak can have different meanings. It ranges from greetings to scream of pain”
“We never knew that Ayala’s obscure skill would be useful in this crisis.” Randor commends the proud elven knight.
“Thank you for joining us. Adventurers, you’re now dismissed. The elders and I would have more deliberations, Please proceed to the elven barracks and make your preparations.” Captain Regina sends the adventurers to the elven barracks.
On their way to the elven barracks, Averill hurriedly went ahead of them.
“You can’t have a full rest without filling your stomachs. I’ll be cooking a special meal for you, friends. ” She smiles and waves then sprints ahead to the barrack’s kitchen.
“I wonder what our elven friend would prepare for us?” Calma craves for a rich, warm and creamy soup.”
“Still thinking about that? They’re low on supplies.” Corbin rebuts.
“Elven dishes are known for their plants and vegetables. They have more nutritional value compared to what we regularly eat at Arche.” Nia recounts one of the books she read at the Arche’s library.
“Nutrition? The food’s flavor matters the most.” Rez sneers cheekily.
Inside the elven barracks, the adventurers settle down. The cozy barracks is filled with other adventurers, mercenaries and elven knights. The mess hall’s hearth burns brightly with flame runes. The mercenaries are having a contest of strength through arm wrestling. They even ask the adventurers and elven knights to bet for the winner. While the youngsters are excited to bet, the senior adventurers and elven knights mind their own business. Some of them share gossip from each kingdom.
While the adventurers take their rest at the mess hall, Averill approaches them. She was sporting another casual dress for the kitchen. Averill prepares her signature vegetable stew. It has a pungent smell with dark purple color. Greens, mushrooms and reeds stick out of the mixture. Their expectations for an unforgettable meal lowers.
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“Ah, what’s this?” Milas looks terrified to the foreign cuisine.
“It’s elven vegetable rations. Good enough to replenish nutrients for your body. You can even last for a week without eating anything else!”
“Averill always cooks the best dish in the barracks!” Ayala enjoys her bowl while Nia carefully stares at the still bubbling stew.
“Bottoms up!” Rez recklessly took the stew out of courtesy. Then he lost consciousness after the lethal gulp.
“Please enjoy!” Randor pretends to enjoy swallowing the stew but his stomach aches and he hunches in pain.
“May the rays of Solne have mercy on me.” Calma chugs the bowl with no hesitation. He feels dizzy afterwards.
“Soldiers should not be picky.” Corbin doesn’t mind the inedible stew and proceeds to eat it. His face turned pale blue yet he mustered his strength to carry on.
“Oh I see, I must have mixed up some cocoa, iron, protein, herbs, roots, coal and carb essence on the stew, I’m terribly sorry!” Averill takes back the stew immediately.
“Mind if I join you in the kitchen? I would love to learn your elven cooking.” Nia volunteers to cook with Averill. She wants to make Averill's dish more palatable for her companions.
Most of the adventurers either have to use the outhouse or hurl out the inedible stew. Only Corbin sits silently as if the stew is fine. He ate less savory rations like boiled leather, bitter shrubs and small insectum. Ayala wonders why the adventurers won’t take Averill’s famous elven stew. She has been eating the same military-style stew for years, having no adverse reactions to her.
An hour later, both Averill and Nia arrive with another set of dinner. This time it’s a pleasant vegetable soup with a leaven pan on the side.
“Thank goodness, Nia taught me very well. I have so much to learn about cooking.”
“You don’t have to be upset, big sister, your cooking is fine the way it is. We have to make do with what supplies we have.” Ayala cheers up her senior knight.
“No thank you Averill, I also learned from you. Unlike the food in Arche, Ironthorne has very rich and nutritious vegetation. No wonder why you live healthier and longer.” Nia complements.
“How can I make my dishes better like yours?”
“The secret for a sumptuous dish is making things simpler.” Nia replies to Averill who is curious about cuisines outside her kingdom.
“No need to apologize, what matters is your hospitality.” Randor compliments the sorry elf. This time he graciously takes the new soup and also dips the toasted pan.
Ayala also takes a sip and she is surprised by the delicious taste. For the first time, she tasted something exquisite compared to her daily rations. The rest of the adventurers dig in and fill themselves in content. They also convinced Corbin to taste the new dish despite him being full.
After their peculiar experience, the adventurers volunteer to clear the dining hall. The men take the dishes back to the kitchen while the women tidy up the tables. Small acts of courtesy are their way to repay the elves' generosity.
Afterwards, they went to each of their quarters and had a well-deserved rest. Each elven quarters has a bed, closet, desk and a bath. It may not be as luxurious as the adventurer’s lodge at Arche but it’s cozy enough. They took the opportunity to clean themselves and have a well-deserved rest.
Their supposed rest is cut short by wee hours. An elven soldier alerts the guests by tooting a warhorn. It reverberates across the quarters, waking up and pestering the sleepy ones. They had no time to freshen up or even eat breakfast. All them gather at the mess hall.
“Listen up soldiers, today is another raid against the insectoids. The first few raids were unsuccessful. We lost good people for our safety. Some even got captured as the enemy’s living provisions. We may be short of warriors but don’t let the bitter defeat deter you.”
Captain Regina stands tall in front of the mess hall. She opens a large scroll containing the new plan of attack. Written in elven language, only the intricate illustrations are discernible for the foreigners.
“We have a crossroad that leads to each area. One group would assassinate the queen. The other group would coordinate with the exiled insectoids. Ayala would lead the coordination since she specializes in communicating with them. The rest would rescue the captive adventurers and soldiers. Expect heavy assault both from the guards and elite insectoids. Any questions?”
“What do you mean by exiled insectoids? Don’t they share the same goal of gobbling up everything?” Rez immediately questions Captain Regina.
“Not all insectoids agreed to invade Ironthorne. Some of them decided to retreat to the southern wastelands and spend the rest of their lives there.” Ayala comments.
“Like any nation, there are various factions. Not everyone agrees with their rulers.” Randor recalls what he learned from his political tutor.
“I’m curious what made those exiled insectoids disobey their queen.” Calma wonders.
After the quick question, everybody assembles to their repective respective groups. Some senior elven knights roar to invoke bravery. Other recruits steel themselves to face the numerous insectoids. Captain Regina assigns each of the available adventurers mercenary and knights. Randor would lead the queen’s assassination. He handpicks Rez due to his specialties with sabotage and traps. Few mercenaries would assist them on the way. Averill will take the rescue mission. The insectoid stronghold is heavily guarded so she asks help from Corbin, Milas and the rest of the elven knights. Ayala would make contact with the insectoids who defected from the queen. Calma and Nia get assigned with her since they are proficient with negotiations as well. The other hired adventurers would protect Ayala since she’s the only capable negotiator.
Before the whole group ventures out, each of them huddle.
“Ready to get fame and glory, mister Infernal?” Randor teases Rez who is still assembling new batches of explosives.
“Don’t ask about it, I’m always ready.” Rez sneers after packing all the explosives at his satchel.
Their fellow mercenaries diligently await for Randor’s command.
“Coming from different walks of life, I’ve heard your feats and strengths. I would like you to lend your strength, allies-in-arms.” Averill humbly asks Corbin, Milas and the elven knights.
“I got your back, Averill!” Milas confidently answers.
“On it.” Corbin prepares his sword.
“We will ensure your safety, lady Averill.” The elven knight replies to her.
While everybody is getting ready, Ayala looks very worried. She hasn’t graduated from the knight’s academy and she is entrusted with a very crucial task.
“Big sister, I can’t do my part without you!” Ayala whines.
“You have Calma and Nia to help you, don’t worry.” Averill comforts her younger companion.
“But, but, but, I don’t wanna be separated from you!”
“Captain Regina has already assigned us. Let us believe in her wise strategy. Besides, you are doing well at the academy. We will eventually meet again after the quest. I promise you.”
“Really?” Ayala answers teary eyed.
“Yes we will, beside’s you’re almost a fully-fledged adult. I trust your skills as an insectoid whisperer.” Averill gives Ayala an assuring headpat and she finally smiles.
“Have no fear Ayala, I’ll give my best to protect both of you and Nia.” Calma assures his team. Ayala’s heart skipped a beat to excitement upon learning her teammates. It’s the charming cleric plus the mysterious priestess from the east.
“You do look prepared, we’re also counting on you.” Nia affirms the now invigorated elf.
“Yes I am, thank you everybody!” Ayala gains the courage to push forward after the heartwarming advice.
“If you need help, we will be on your side.” The hired adventurers encourage Ayala. For them, Ayala is like their little sister burdened with a serious duty.
“Are you done with the huddling? Good. Now we are ready to march. We will keep in touch with the elven elders through these runic tablets”. Captain Regina hands out a slab of glowing rock to Randor, Ayala and Averill. The rune’s blue-tinted glow penetrates their hands .
“How does this work?” Milas wonders with the strange elven device.
”Simply place the runic tablet on your palm, concentrate on who you would talk with and your consciousness will be projected to the elven hall. The elders and I would take updates from you from time to time.”
“That’s an impressive elven technology, I wonder if we could take a sample of this device. Randor murmurs to himself. Arche needs to develop more technologies to catch up with others.
The group went in their separate ways. Each took a winding road leading to different routes. Randor and his assassination team take the moldy road with giant mushroom trees. There are traps awaiting for those who wish to harm the queen insectoid.
Averill and the rescue team exits from the kingdom gate to the main tattered road. While they pass each of the kingdom’s rung, elven villagers greet and cheer for their success.
Ayala and the negotiation team follow the southern road to the jagged wastelands. The insectoids who exiled themselves from the rest of the colony chose to stay away from the queen’s influence.
“May the spirits of the World Tree bestow its blessing upon you.” Captain Regina wishes luck for the whole group. She heads to the elven hall to commence the mission.