--------

The homeland of the High Elves was what one could call the ideal starting and development place for a magically advanced civilization. Ulthuan was a roughly circular almost continent-sized landmass, open only at the most southern part of the circle where massive sea gates barred entry into the inner sea. The circular landmass was also divided into the inner and outer circle by a mountain range that extended all the way around, with very few navigable passes that were all heavily defended. The lands were fertile and rich with resources, especially those on the inner circle. Several island chains also surrounded the main landmass. The mountains held deposits of several valuable metals, including Ithilmar, one of the most magical and easiest to utilize metals in the world, and magical ley lines were practically everywhere. It was like some god had created the ideal home for the Elven people.

And in turn, the High Elves had created a bulwark that had stood against the ruinous powers countless times. The Mountains of Caledor were filled with nests of Dragons that the local princes rode to battle, the magical kingdom of Saphery was home to the most brilliant mages in the world, Tiranoc was famed for its chariots, and Ellyrion for its light cavalry especially. Avelorn, the home of the Everqueen, was also home to many types of forest spirits that often stood with the Elves in their direst of emergencies. And that was all before this world had been transported into this universe and became a Core World.

That wasn’t to say Ulthuan or its inhabitants were perfect. Their entire race was prone to deadly intrigue, and the kingdoms of the elves often fought with each other, even if not through open war. Most of the outer circle of northern Ulthuan had been ravaged by war and magic and was now barely better than a wasteland. The famed Dragons of Caledor had mostly fallen asleep before fate brought the world into this universe and forced all of them awake. Many of the previously impregnable fortresses of the Elves now lay in ruin due to constant assaults by various enemies. Even now, large portions of the Kingdoms of Nagarythe and Chrace, the northernmost kingdoms, were controlled by Slaaneshi Demons and Druchii, the dark cousins of the High Elves. Ghostly pirates kept raiding the southern coasts of Ulthuan, while raids of Orcs and Goblins wound their way to the island.

Yet, despite the struggles, none of the new arrivals could deny the beauty of the place, as Seraphiel’s ship slowly flew over the land. They’d taken along Teclis and his retinue to bring the High Loremaster back to his people as quickly as possible, so that he may aid in the defense, while General Kuren, Logain, and Ukitake were leading their own forces here using their own transportation.

They flew over the northern portion of Ulthuan, observing the Demonic forces below, and the seemingly endless numbers of the enemy were slightly daunting. That the armies of the Elves managed to hold them back was commendable. “How are we approaching this?” Tatsumiya questioned.

"I assume kinetic strikes from orbit are out," Wrex grunted, disappointed.

"Yes, I would rather there be an Ulthuan left after this war," Teclis responded wryly. Ironically, most armies had been forced to develop some sort of defense against those kinds of attacks after having reached this universe, even if such attacks were expressly forbidden by the gods on inhabitable worlds. "It seems we need to lure N'kari out. He's our main target."

"Well, luring someone or something out usually requires a bait," Kaede stated. "What can we use as a bait?"

“I’m afraid our options are a little limited on that front. The best I can come up with for now is me and my brother. The Demon has shown a special desire to eliminate the line of Aenarion, meaning the two of us, out in the past, and we’ve had to fight him before. I don’t think his obsession has disappeared, just because the situation has changed.” Teclis speculated.

"That basically means putting the two of you in a vulnerable position where he can reach you." Seraphiel pointed out. "And it has to be an actually dangerous position and not one that just seems a little risky. From what I remember, the Demon is quite wily, and will most likely suspect a trap if it's too obvious. His kind is called Keeper of Secrets for a reason. Ideally, that’s when we’d spring the trap on him.”

Wrex grunted. “If this Demon is even half as smart as you imply, he’ll know he’s the linchpin of this whole thing, so he’ll know it’s a trap, and he’ll try to trap our trap. Our trap needs to be more effective.”

Teclis nodded at that. “That is what we surmised as well. It is also why we reached out for help. He’ll expect anything we can throw at him. You and the others? Well, he’ll likely expect something, but hopefully not all of you. Or at the very least that our trap will be more effective than his.”

“What can he theoretically throw at us? To trap us I mean?” Tatsumiya asked. “It’s always preferable to be aware of the enemy’s capabilities.”

“Obviously Demons. Lots of Demons. Powerful Demons. Multiple Greater Demons even.” Teclis stated the obvious.

“How strong are we talking about when we talk about Greater Demons? I have plenty of experience fighting Demons of various kinds.” Tatsumiya questioned.

"They vary greatly in power and ability, but level-wise, they range anywhere between level 750 and 1500," Teclis revealed, causing some of the others to give a whistle, and Wrex to grin expectantly. "Someone like Skarbrand or N'kari himself might approach level 2000 even."

“That…might be a bit of an issue.” Kaede frowned. “I’m confident in my abilities, but taking out a named Demon twice my level seems a bit…bold.”

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“There’s a reason why Greater Demons usually require someone really special or several lesser powers to take down. Even before the system, and counting both this world and that other universe, people who could take on Greater Demons by themselves were extremely rare. I suspect their immortality gives the Demons a rather large advantage in this universe, although I suspect it also comes with weaknesses.” Seraphiel stated. Even among the Aeldari, those that could take on a Greater Demon alone with confidence numbered a few dozen spread over all the Craftworlds. Phoenix Lords, a few Farseers, a few Autarchs, a handful of Solitaires.

“Luckily having Dragons helps a bit.” Teclis assuaged them. “Also, they aren’t in any way immune to magic. In fact, the very opposite. And that is something I and those that work with me are very good at.”

“I’m more worried about any other tricks they might have. Things could take a very bad turn if N’kari brings in other potential allies he might have, not just Demons. Chaos has many servants and many allies, willing and unwilling.” Seraphiel added.

“Luckily, many of the enemies of the High Elves are not stupid enough to ally themselves with Chaos. Even the Druchii, who are also attacking Ulthuan, mostly know better. They might avoid directly fighting each other, but they will not join forces to attack together either.” Teclis added.

“Unless something has changed.” Seraphiel burst that bubble, just to avoid jinxing things.

“Unless something has changed.” Teclis allowed. “We shall try to prepare for them as well.”

--------

The capital city of the Elves was a dazzling display of marble, artistic buildings, color, and opulence. Lothern was the gateway between the outer and the inner seas, and as such the hub of trade between the Elves and everyone else. The city wasn’t famous for its magic or dragons, and even militarily it was mostly known for its marines, the Lothern sea guard, but it was the beating economic heart of Ulthuan. Some would say it was the beating economic heart of the world.

They’d landed their ship at the docks and went straight towards the palace, as they would need the new Phoenix King Tyrion for their plan to work. The palace itself was everything the city was, only more. Rich, opulent in ornaments, highly stylized, and a den of intrigue. With the High Loremaster and the king’s brother leading their group, which now included General Kuren, Logain, and Captain Ukitake, no one was going to bar their path.

The reception they received was not the best though, as Seraphiel had expected. As soon as Queen Alarielle saw her face, the Queen’s expression turned stormy. “Arrest that woman right now!” The Queen ordered without hesitation, pointing at Seraphiel.

The guards lining the King’s audience chamber moved to comply but were suddenly halted in their steps when a heavy pressure of two [Reiatsu] crashed on them, the one exuded by Captain Ukitake being the stronger of the two. The air in the room grew so thin that everyone affected had trouble breathing. “What is the meaning of this?” Ukitake asked coldly. “You beg for our help, and when we come to provide it, you try to arrest one of us? Is this how much the word of Ulthuan is worth?”

King Tyrion, in full armor and one of the few not affected too badly by the pressure, rose up. "Stand down. Disregard the Queen's order, and any similar orders she might make in the future." His rebuke, while masked in some politeness, was a direct slap against the Queen’s authority, especially since the room held other nobles of high rank, so the rebuke was quite public. He looked at the Queen with dark eyes. “We will have words about this later.”

In response to the guards withdrawing, Ukitake and Seraphiel dispelled their [Reiatsu]. The Queen scoffed before getting up from her throne and storming out of the room. "Well, that was…somewhat expected but not very pleasant," Teclis commented lightly. "With that out of the way though…" He turned to his brother. "I brought us the aid we require."

Tyrion’s eyes had been locked on Seraphiel for a moment, but he pulled himself together and glanced at the others. “So you have. You always come through brother. I assume you have a plan as well, one best not discussed so openly?” The King also obviously noted the physical change in his brother, though did not address it directly.

"Naturally," Teclis said simply, inclining his head a bit. Tyrion was still the king after all. As the arrivals, aside from Teclis, were not part of Ulthuan, they were not expected to bow and scrape.

"Then I suspect we withdraw to discuss things more privately," Tyrion stated. "The court is dismissed.”

The other nobles, some of them princes of their own kingdoms, threw curious glances at the recent arrivals, especially Seraphiel who had caused such a reaction in the Queen, but did disperse as ordered. Those gathered were far from the full court, but word would still spread.

The King, and a handful of his guards, led everyone to a smaller room, and the king ordered refreshments to be brought to everyone. “Still enjoy Elven Wine Seraphiel?” The King asked, his voice tinged with many emotions.

"Works just fine for me," Seraphiel responded with a small smile. "You've been through a lot, haven't you Tyrion?"

“I have,” The stoic Elven man nodded. “Though I suspect not as much as you. I thought you had died. I mourned for you. We all did.”

“That is a little generous, in light of what just happened with the queen.” She pointed a little sarcastically. “Though I did tell you my stay was temporary.”

Logain interrupted roughly. “Look, I’m all for catching up, but we have work to do, and I suspect you’ll have time to share later.”

“While a little impolite,” Ukitake glanced at Logain. “My friend here is not wrong. We need to get the wheels moving.”

“I can already somewhat suspect what sort of plan you have come up with.” Tyrion pointed out. “You want to use me and my brother as bait, before collapsing on N’kari and taking him out.” He was an expert military leader, so figuring something like this out wasn’t too difficult.

"That is the basic gist of it," Teclis admitted. "Just because it's obvious, that doesn't mean it's not the best option."

“It’s also the option the enemy will expect. That won’t stop it from working, but we need to expect a trap from N’kari as well.” He nodded. “That’s not a bad thing. If things go our way, we’ll be able to take out not just him, but the forces he wants to use to spring the trap with. Likely consisting of his elites and strongest allies. Both sides know it’s a trap, the only question is who can bring out the most forces into the trap. Either way, one party will be decapitated.”

"Sometimes simple is the best," Logain stated.

“Indeed. We will need to sell it though, which means my brother and I need to be in actual danger. Which means many good Elves will need to die.” He was stating the obvious, but it didn’t make it any less sad.

“How do we spring the trap?” Logain changed the topic into particulars. “My men can create portals to bring people in, but we would need to know when and where.”

“I can shroud something from sight. Even from the sight of someone extremely powerful for a brief time.” Kaede pointed out.

“Something like the flying fortress of the Draenei perhaps?” Seraphiel asked suddenly.

"That…would be challenging but not impossible," Kaede said carefully. "It would cut into the time I could do it for, but it's doable."

“I see where you’re going with this.” Tyrion nodded. “Position the fortress above me and my brother, and swoop down with the majority of our forces when N’kari springs his trap. The fortress is large enough to hold quite a lot of forces. I’m fairly certain I could convince Prince Imrik to bring a few of his fellow Dragon riders along. Teclis could bring some of the best mages.”

“Would also eliminate the problem with our portals.” Logain nodded. “If we had visual of the battlefield the whole time.”

“Something to note.” Seraphiel interrupted. “While the Demons of She Who Thirsts are not the most perceptive, that honor goes to the servants of the Changer of Ways, they are quite adept at weaving illusions of their own. It is entirely possible for them to be able to hide their forces similar to ours, and attempt to twist the minds of our forces so that we’ll end up attacking each other.”

"Indeed." Tyrion nodded. "The forces of Slaanesh excel in speed and warping the minds of their targets. We need to be extremely careful."

General Kuren stepped forward. “Then it is a good thing we have several Paladins and Clerics amongst us, as well as our Angelic friend. The Light is strong in dispersing such effects and holding them at bay.”

“In that case, there’s a situation in the north that would provide for a good excuse. Tor Findor is heavily under siege, and it would not be odd for me to personally lead reinforcements to relieve the beleaguered fort. It is also likely that those reinforcements will be ambushed on the way there.” Tyrion suggested.

--------