"Yes, I am. The enemy has numbers, but probably doesn't have anyone with real strength. I think this is a good chance for you to get some experience planning and running a battle. Lin and I will just observe and help if needed."

Lin says "We will only step in if a powerful demon is present. The kids will be helping with the battle and will also be under your command."

Brightfire says "I'm not sure if I am ready for this!"

Silverleaf says "Sure you are! You will be fine!"

Silverstream says "This is part of being the leader of the warriors. I agree with Ash that this is a good time for you to step up."

Stillwater says "This is the path you have chosen. Now is the time to figure out if you can handle it or if you need to quit."

Brightfire says "Fine! I will plan and lead the battle! Is there anything you want me to pay attention to, Ash?"

"Limit the damage to the harbor as much as you can. We will be using it as a base for the ship, so the more damage done the more we have to repair."

Brightfire says "Alright, got it."

With that, I sit back and watch as Brightfire starts planning for the battle. I fully expect the harbor to take damage, just as long as they don't burn it to the ground it should be fine. None of the docks are big enough for Athena, so it is going to need modifications anyway.

In fact, I am half tempted to make a drydock for her, it would make modifications easier. However, the pontoons mean that the drydock would have to be absolutely huge. Compared to building a drydock she would fit in, it might be easier to just modify her in the water.

I won't be doing the modifications right away, so I have some time to think about how I want to do it. While I am thinking about the ship, Brightfire is telling the others her plan. I am also listening, but I don't say anything because it sounds like a good plan.

I am far from being a strategist, so there is no guarantee that I could come up with a better plan. Although, I plan to step in if it looks like any of the elves or my kids are going to die. I didn't go through all that effort to rescue them just to have them die here.

They are so close to being able to see their ancestral home, it would be too sad for them to die now. Suddenly, thoughts of the elven crown pop into my head, I never did study it much. The reason I thought of it now is because it is possible that it could help the elves.

Of course, considering my curiosity, as soon as I think of it I take it out of my pouch. I stare at it for a few seconds before I realize that the room has gone dead silent. When I look up, I find Stillwater and the others down on one knee staring at me.

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"What?! I haven't even put it on yet!"

Stillwater says "It seems that you don't need to. I could feel it as soon as you pulled it out."

"Hm, that's interesting. Can you stand up or do you need permission or something?"

Brightfire says "I guess we need permission, because I can't move."

"Alright, you may rise."

Silverleaf says "Nope. I still can't move!"

Lin says "Try putting it on."

Since Lin's idea makes sense, I put the crown on and then tell the four of them to rise. This time they are able to stand up, but they all continue staring at me.

Athena says "Master, you may need to speak louder. Every elf on the ship is currently kneeling towards the bridge."

"Ugh. Can you pass my voice to them so that I don't need to roar?"

Athena says "Of course, master."

Shortly, Athena confirms that all the elves have heard me and been able to stand up. It didn't work like that on the humans, so I totally wasn't expecting this. However, when I focus on the crown, I find that I can feel every elf on the ship.

Studying the crown for a minute, I am surprised at how many options it gives me. At the same time, I also find that there is a slight problem. The crown can allow me to buff the elves, but there is a requirement.

"Stillwater, what would you say if I said I wanted all the elves to acknowledge me as their king?"

Stillwater says "Are you kidding? I would be thrilled!"

Silverstream says "We are all ready and willing to swear our loyalty to you, Ash. We just thought that you wanted to keep us at a distance."

"I just didn't see any need for formalities. I already consider you my people. However, now there is a benefit to doing so."

Stillwater says "What benefit?"

"The more elves that recognize me as their king, the stronger the powers of this crown. Also, I will be able to give a buff to those elves by using the crown. It should help in the coming battle."

Before I can say anything more, the four of them as well as the other elves on the bridge all kneel. Then they swear their loyalty to me as their king and the crown reacts. Beams of golden light shoot out of the crown and hit each of them once they are done with the oath.

"I wasn't expecting that! Are you all alright? The light didn't hurt you, did it?"

Stillwater says "No, it didn't hurt."

Silverleaf says "It felt really good! It was warm and gentle!"

"That's good. Did it do anything to you?"

Brightfire says "I feel stronger somehow. It did something, but it is hard to tell what."

Silverstream says "I feel the same, but it isn't a big change, I don't think."

"Can you tell if it is temporary or permanent? Does anything look different on your character screens?"

Stillwater says "It looks like my stats went up a little bit. I think it might be permanent."

Lin says "Can't we just have another elf check? If they tell us their stats before and after they swear loyalty we should be able to find out."

Stillwater says "I will have Sheraf check her stats before she swears loyalty. Then we will know what the effect is."

"Alright. We also need to get the rest of the elves to swear loyalty before we reach the harbor. At least those that are willing to. I don't want anyone to be forced."

Silverstream says "I don't think that will be a problem. I don't know of any elf that is going to be unwilling."

Brightfire says "Give us a few minutes, we will gather all the elves on the main deck. Then they can all swear loyalty to Ash."

"Alright. I will wait here."

Brightfire, Silverstream, and Silverleaf leave to go gather all of the elves. Stillwater fetches Sheraf and has her check her stats before she swears loyalty to me. Once she finishes the oath and is hit by the golden light she checks them again.