Chapter 22

Compromise

Upper Water Month, 14th day, 17.00

"Sir, is everything okay?"

No, actually the flood of thoughts that gripped Maximilian's mind did anything but put him at ease.

"Yes, I was just going over some documents. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lobato."

His bodyguard lowered the head in reverence. Even in complete calm, he was always alert and snappy, ready for action. A quality to be commended.

The carriage where the Cardinal and his entourage were located was spacious enough for him to recheck the papers and writings he carried with him without particular trouble. Maximilian doubted that rereading old rulings would benefit the task at hand, but caution was never too much.

"Re-Estize has changed. It no longer looks like the old decadent capital I remembered."

It had been years since the last time the Cardinal of Darkness had set foot in the region, but he could hardly say he was impressed. The number of bandits who had attacked them over the course of the trip was highly disheartening.

What a waste of lives... Always a shame to spill the blood of fellow humans. Well, for Lobato and the members of Ashendust Scripture it had to be even worse. Needing to call on members of the guardians of their sacred oasis showed how understaffed they were.

"They say that the Golden Princess' reforms have been very favorable to the people. Discontent has diminished in recent years, although we are not yet certain that a new administration is not to be preferred."

"The Empire continues to have expansionist aims toward these territories. And now that their warrior captain has abandoned the capital, the Kingdom seems to lack an adequate military force to repel any assaults. How much longer can they hold out? A couple of years? Maybe a luster."

"Perhaps longer. Some of the most influential nobles are receiving some funding from the Council State. Personal armies equal to the legions of the empire may arise in the future, time permitting."

Maximilian listened to his assistants' remarks, not giving them too much weight. At the moment, the fate of the Re-Estize Kingdom was not among their priorities.

He would have preferred to conduct the negotiations in a different place, but the Argland delegation had been adamant about choosing a neutral territory in order to begin their meetings.

"Do we know the exact location where we are heading?" One of the guards who were in the compartment of the carriage with them asked.

"It seems that one of the nobles of the Kingdom has made available one of his mansions just outside the capital," replied the Cardinal, still with his eyes turned to his papers. "We will settle in the Fire Cathedral in the capital, and then head in the evening to our destination."

"Officially we are here on a religious visitation, aren't we?" His secretary observed, pulling some old religious books out of a shoulder bag. "We will try to mend fences between our faiths. Or at least that is what the king and the other nobles believe. Although I didn't think the bishops of the Four Gods would so easily agree to cover our tracks."

"Surely they are under the payroll of one of the great nobles, or perhaps even a member of the royal family," Maximilian replied, disappointed by his collaborator's naiveté. "It is, therefore, categorical to leak as little information as possible. Do not be afraid to perjure if you believe you are being spied on."

"Your Holiness, do you think that is possible? They still remain devoted defenders of humanity like us, differences aside."

"I am sure of it. After all," a sardonic smile broke out on the man's face. "That's what I would do."

The Cathedral dedicated to the Fire God -the religion of the Four made no distinction between the sex of the Gods, unlike the faith of the Six- was an imposing and opulent building, contrasting with the other, simpler structures in the neighborhood in which it stood.

"Welcome," a short, plump man with small, round, intelligent eyes greeted them. "I am Gael. I hope the trip has not caused any problems. We are pleased to host such an important personality as you, Cardinal Maximilian."

Judging by the clothes he wore, and the procession of servants awaiting his orders, it must have been the bishop in charge of receiving them.

"The pleasure is all ours," replied the man from the Theocracy, trying to peer into his host's intentions. He did not seem particularly dangerous but, as is known, appearances can be deceiving. "I mean no offense, but the journey was long. My men and I would prefer to retire to our rooms if you don't mind."

"Of course, of course." Fortunately, the little man did not seem to be offended by their attitude. "My deacons will lead you to the places we have assigned to you. If you would be so kind as to follow them."

The accommodations that were provided to them were not particularly comfortable, but they were more than enough for the time being. Maximilian did not count on staying more than a few days. He hoped to finish as quickly as possible and hurry home.

"What time is our appointment, Your Holiness?" Lobato asked, intent on inspecting their assigned room. Excessive caution, perhaps. But it was a quality Maximilian appreciated in a bodyguard.

"In a few hours. I don't think we'll have to wait long. Take advantage of this time to rest. We cannot be found unprepared."

No one was even remotely touched by the idea of contradicting him. The journey had been exhausting for everyone, and those moments of calm and rest were savored with relish.

But the best moments tend to pass quickly. The sun had not yet finished setting, that one of the Cathedral deacons came to warn them that the time had come for departure.

"Lobato, you and your men always be on guard. But do not utter a breath without an order from me."

"Yes, your holiness!"

"You," he said, addressing his secretaries. "Do not speak without my permission. Have you checked that you have taken all the necessary documents?"

"Yes, your holiness!"

After the recommendations were finished, they were able to leave. Fortunately, it did not take them long.

When they arrived, the moon was shining high in the starry sky. The mansion that served as cover was more modest than the Cardinal had expected. Maximilian was not a fan of pomp and circumstance, but from one of the infamous six great nobles, he would have expected more ostentatious pageantry. He did not know whether to be positively amazed or deeply disappointed.

Either way, that was a welcome day. At the entrance, a slender, inquiring-looking man engaged in the same pleasantries they had received from Gael in the Fire Cathedral only a few hours earlier.

"I hope you don't mind, but my master preferred to remain anonymous. It will be only you and the gentlemen of Argland Council State who will be present tonight, besides me that is." Explained the butler with precision. "Should you need anything, you will find me in the kitchens. My name is Calcano."

Maximilian knew who the mysterious master -or perhaps it would have been better to say, count- was. But he saw no reason to dispel that illusion of secrecy.

"I thank you," the Cardinal merely replied. "Are we the first ones here?"

"No. The Council State committees are waiting in one of the upper rooms. Come, let me accompany you."

The small group climbed the stairs and entered a large, unexpectedly spartan hall. A long table in the center, on which were resting lamps emitting a warm fire, was the only decoration along with some shelves placed in the sides.

As he had already reported, Calcano some figures were already seated in their seats. As soon as Maximilian saw the one who appeared to be the leader, he could not help but refrain from cursing his opponents in his mind.

'Of course, they would have sent one of them. What should I have expected?'

"You must be Cardinal Maximilian, I presume." A long, sharp hand was offered to the Slaine man as a token of friendship. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Giltho Kana. Representative of the elves of the Council State of Argland. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is all mine." Maximilian reciprocated the gesture, gazing fixedly into his counterpart's green eyes, taking the utmost care not to fix his view too much on the pair of pointed ears that towered from the man's youthful face. "Let's not waste time, shall we?"

Sitting down at the table with his assistants, the Theocracy jurist noticed that accompanying the elf were several hooded figures. Of course, they had not been the only ones taking precautions, not that he had expected otherwise. One, in particular, caught his attention, given its petite size.

"You know why we requested this meeting, don't you?" The jurist thought it was best to start the discussion as soon as possible, without getting lost in idle chatter.

"I don't. You tell me." The smirk that hung on Giltho's lips provoked a fit of irritation that was hardly kept at bay by the Cardinal.

Maximilian noticed that Lobato had his right hand on his sword, as if he was going to draw it at any moment.

"I advise you to stand still," said the small hooded guard, a little girl judging by her voice, noted earlier. A mask entirely covering her face was now visible. "You wouldn't want to go home with a few more holes in your body, would you?"

"Come on, come on. No need to get carried away, Evileye," the elf soothed her, without losing his good humor. "I know you care for my safety, and for that I am grateful. But I'm sure our dear friends in the Theocracy have no intention of starting trouble, am I right?"

Maximilian would have expected anything but to be treated cordially by a long-eared. Would it have made the negotiations easier or more difficult? Still no clear idea in his mind.

"Yes, I agree."

"Then we can continue. Actually, would you like some wine? We have a bottle from the former Empire of Sorsilia that is excellent. A refugee friend of mine offered it to me as a gift when he was my guest. I can vouch for its quality!"

"One glass certainly can't hurt." As soon as the answer was given, another of Argland's soldiers handed over a pair of glasses pulled from one of the shelves, along with a bottle of red wine.

As the drink was poured for him, the Cardinal noticed the skin on the bodyguard's hands. Yellow, with some black stripes forming a striated pattern.

'That there is not a single human being among their delegation? Perhaps a way to taunt us.'

In any case, he could not let his prejudices risk blowing up the negotiations. Maximilian accepted the wine, which he drank with gusto. He had to admit, it was truly exceptional.

"Very good indeed." Giltho seemed to appreciate the compliment, although he continued to be silent, waiting for the Cardinal's reply.

"The Theocracy would like to review the non-aggression treaties made in the past and amend them," he began, scrutinizing his interlocutor for any reaction. When the jurist realized that it would not come, he continued. "In fact, we would like to propose a military alliance to dispose of a common enemy."

"Oh, who are you talking about?" The elf asked, showing false curiosity. No doubt, the target was known to him.

"The king of the elves. Decem Hougan." Maximilian replied, pretending that his opponent's question was genuine.

"Interesting. But, correct me if I'm wrong, in a military alliance both sides should be able to provide the… let's call it raw material. And it seems to me that you are currently rather lacking in that."

A lump in the throat. The jurist knew they were starting from a disadvantageous position, but he did not think they would be so forthright in pointing it out.

"This I can guarantee is not a problem. In truth, we are more than confident that we can deal with our enemy on our own as well. But we need guarantees to avoid ... disturbances during our campaign."

If they were going to be honest, they might as well do it all the way. Attempting to distort their intentions would prove counterproductive. Everyone in that room knew about the Black Scriptures, and everyone was aware that the Theocracy was willing to use them to get rid of their nemesis. The question then was "How would The Argland Council State react?"

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

Finding out was the key part of his mission.

"Let's suppose you are telling the truth. What will we gain, besides the death of a common enemy? It seems to me that your conditions are rather lacking." That mocking expression continued to irritate Maximilian, but he could not blame the elf. What they were offering at the moment was not very advantageous for a nation that could count on the protection of the Dragon Emperor's son.

'They didn't send him here just because he is an elf and they wanted to anger me. He is the representative of the entire skeptical faction to a future alliance. If I can convince him, we will have much less resistance than expected.'

Licking his lips, on which the taste of wine had pivoted, he retorted, "We don't offer just that, of course. In addition to leaving your people freer range in the human nations of the region, we also bring an offer of peace."

"Meaning?"

"The end of slavery and the complete liberation of every elf in the territory of the Slaine Theocracy, as well as the end of slave markets."

That statement must have struck a deep chord, because everyone stood still, dismayed, for a few seconds. Even Giltho had taken on a more serious expression.

"Human," the elf had dropped all masks of friendliness. "Are you joking? Because it's not funny. I don't believe you. The costs you would face would be incalculable. Besides, who can assure me that what you say is true?"

"Each of the Cardinals, including the Pontifex, is willing to sign a magical contract that would result in death if not fulfilled." To do so they would have to resort to fifth-tier magic. The Theocracy would have no problem with that, and the Cardinals were confident that the sorcerers of Argland might be capable of as much.

Giltho stood up. He began to unbutton the silk shirt he was wearing, resting it in the hands of one of his staff. "Thank you Gagaran."

Then he turned around, showing his back to the men of the Slaine Theocracy.

The whiplash marks were evident. Not even the smallest area of skin had been left uncovered.

"I was a slave for a couple of years before I decided to free myself and kill my master. By now this goes back more than seventy years, but as you can also see, I decided to leave the marks of that time on my body." He put his shirt back as he returned to his seat. "As a reminder. I didn't want to forget what was done to me. What you did to me."

Neither Maximilian nor any other member of his entourage dared to say anything. The Cardinal had seen in the span of his life far worse spectacles than the one just shown him, but he felt it was not appropriate to point this out to his interlocutor.

"My apologies."

"How old are you, human? Fifty? Sixty?" The elf asked him.

"Fifty-seven." He replied, adjusting his glasses that were beginning to fall back on his nose.

"You humans cannot comprehend... I am three hundred and forty-four. The war began when I was already a man, having spent years considering humans as inseparable comrades. I fought countless wars together with members of your kind, to protect an ideal I thought was shared." The taste of memories was beginning to set in. He rubbed his eyes, which were beginning to water. "And then, overnight, I found myself thrown into a conflict I could not understand. I had to kill those I considered friends. I was betrayed, I was captured, and I had to leave my home to make a new life for myself!"

A drop of sweat on the Cardinal's forehead was the only reaction the elf got. Did he expect more?

"Representative Giltho. We are politicians, not actors. It is not in our interest to put on a show." Maximilian tried to calm him down. "Humans have also suffered greatly from the king's betrayal."

At his last words, Giltho's guards and Lobato's men moved in unison, ready to give battle. Maximilian realized he had said one word too many. He would have preferred to avoid it, but he was ready to cast a spell if it helped.

"Enough." Unexpectedly, it was the elf who nipped hostilities in the bud. "We are not here to fight. The cardinal is right. I got carried away by my emotions. I will be honest. I don't like you."

"The feeling is mutual."

"But..." the Argland man heaved a deep sigh. "The chance to save my suffering brothers and sisters could never happen again. So, in spite of myself, I am forced to accept."

"I'm glad you can see it the right way."

"Mind you, this does not mean that we have an agreement. There are endless details to review and I continue to respond to the Argland Parliament in its entirety."

It was a start at least. Maximilian could say he was satisfied.

"Tell me, in absolute confidence, do you actually have a way to kill the elf king?"

"We have something, yes." The Cardinal tried to remain vague; he could not yet trust completely. "I'm sorry, I can't say more."

"That will be enough." The elf's face contracted into a grimace as his ears waved in a funny motion. "Being able to see that bastard dead might also justify an alliance with you."

Upper water month, 15th day, 8.00

"Is everything all right?"

Gazef brooded for a moment before giving an answer. "I think I could be better, but all in all I'm not complaining."

Although weeks had passed since the siege, and his body had fully recovered, he still felt mental fatigue gripping him.

"The queen is waiting for us. Try to show yourself as proud and mighty as the hero you are."

Had he truly been a hero? Gazef was not so convinced. In the end, those who had brought victory had been Nigun and his men. The same men who had preferred not to be rewarded that day, deeming it more prudent to continue to remain in the shadows.

"Leaving such nonsense aside, how is your arm, Cerabrate?"

The Holy Knight twirled the limb in question, showing that it was fully functional. "It hurt like hell at first, but now it's perfectly fine."

"I'm glad of that," Gazef replied with a friendly smile. They had lost many valiant soldiers recently, and seeing a fellow comrade recover from his wounds brought relief to his soul. "Are you alone today? Lilianne and Imilcone are not with you?"

"Imilcone still needs to fully recover from the effects of the resurrection, and Lilianne has decided to stay with him."

The arcane caster of Crystal Tear had only managed to come back to life through a ritual performed in the Theocracy and, return trip included, still felt weakened. It was not strange that his companion had decided to stay by his side, avoiding what was a ceremony that Gazef could not quite understand the point of.

Or rather, he did understand it. A victory was still a victory, even if the number of casualties had been so high that he wondered if the price paid had justified the outcome. And the demi-humans did not seem defeated at all, far from it. They had managed to push them back for the time being, but soon they would return. And this time they would not be able to count on the surprise effect to triumph.

Still ... on the other hand, celebrating success was the perfect way to keep morale high. And the Gods knew how much they needed it at that moment.

"Aren't you worried? About what happened in the forest of Evasha, I mean."

The rout against the elves had reached his ears as well. He was not a natural citizen of the Theocracy. As atrocious as it had been to think so, for many of his people the 100-year conflict had achieved almost a cultural value. It was a truth that was unlikely to be challenged. But now…

"I don't know," he answered truthfully. "I certainly take no pleasure in knowing that so many brave men and women died. But I feel it as something distant, which does not concern me. Perhaps I have spent too much time in this kingdom."

"I wish I had your cold blood. Sometimes I think I get too emotional. A quality a leader should keep at bay."

"I'm not as special as you think," a slight blush colored the former mercenary's cheeks. "I just try to take an objective view of the situations that come before me."

"Maybe..." The adventurer was unconvinced but decided not to press the matter further. "Now, come. It's our turn. The queen is waiting for us."

Upon entering the throne room, Gazef was reassured to find that nothing had changed. The same painting depicting the nation's founding dragon continued to observe him from the center of the room, but this time his gaze did not penetrate the Slain captain's defenses.

"You are in the presence of Queen Draudillon Oriculus!" Announced the ringing voice of the prime minister. "Please pay your respects!"

Gazef did not let it be repeated twice. His body found it natural to bow as if it were a gesture he had honed since he was a child. Curious how quickly the things that make us most uncomfortable can turn out to be simple with only a little practice

"Please, stand up!" The queen's voice was as usual firm but also understanding. Yes, even though he had met her only a couple of times, Gazef could be convinced in thinking she was a good ruler.

This time the queen had decided to welcome them in her adult form. Cerabrate seemed disappointed; perhaps he had expected a more lavish welcome. Instead, it was just the four of them in the room plus the jade guards.

"Your majesty," did not matter. Gazef preferred that more intimate atmosphere. He would have hated a ball or some other strange reception typical of nobles. "Let me thank you for summoning us. To be in your presence is an honor for simple villagers like us!"

"No, it is I who should thank you," the woman replied sincerely. Yes, she was quite different from the nobility Gazef was used to. "General Barca informed me of your valiant resistance. The nation is indebted to you. I only regret that I have no way to properly reward you."

"Don't even say that!" Cerabrate sounded unexpectedly enthusiastic. "Your gratitude is all we could ever require from you! Just knowing that I can bask in your smile is more than enough to motivate me to fight! My queen, every sword of mine is always at your disposal!"

"T... thank you." Queen Draudillon looked embarrassed. Perhaps because she did not feel she deserved those praises? Or possibly because of something else?

Gazef had to admit that there was something about it... off. Not that he was an expert in matters of the heart, and perhaps he had misunderstood what were merely phrases of affection, but there was a vaguely...disturbing subtext to his companion's words.

"...In any case," the woman resumed. No, there was definitely something bothering her given the irritation she was struggling to hide. Gazef cursed himself for not being able to quickly grasp others' emotions. "I want you to pass on every possible request of yours to my prime minister. I don't want to promise anything, but I give you my word that we will do everything to fulfill it."

There was nothing the former mercenary wished for. But he knew that many of his men had small requests that seeing fulfilled would benefit them. So, he began to write down everything he could remember on the parchment the prime minister offered him.

Cerabrate, on the other hand, continued to stand still, watching the queen. If it were not impossible, Gazef would have sworn he was annoyed about something. But what? Try as he might, he could not give himself a concrete answer.

"Okay, I'm done," he said, passing the pen back into the official's hands. "I think my demands are reasonable."

Magone, the prime minister, took a quick look, muttering in a low voice. "Prayer books, some local food of the Theocracy, equipment, and specific magical items. Yes, it will take some time, but it should be doable."

"Perfect," good news at last. Seeing his unit happy would make him happy, too. "Now I'd say we can go. I don't want to waste any more of her majesty's time."

"Oh, don't worry Sir Stronoff," Queen Draudillon had heard his words and rushed to reassure him. "I am always delighted to receive a hero like you and ... Cerabrate. I could never consider it a waste of time!"

Gazef bowed, not knowing what to say. The former mercenary hoped that gesture was enough to show his appreciation for the consideration given.

When her guests had left, Queen Draudillon could finally relax.

"Did you see the way that pervert was looking at me?" She asked Magone. "If I hadn't returned to my adult form, he would have jumped on me. How disgusting!"

"Would you rather not see him live again, your majesty?"

"Nono. People might start to get suspicious if we no longer celebrated the national hero," but did such an individual have to be the national hero? The ruler of the Draconic Kingdom could not help but wonder if some past life of hers had committed some grave sin to have deserved such a headache. "As much as it pains me to admit it, he is our most valuable asset at the moment. So, we'll hold up the game as long as it lasts."

"What if he asks for more than just attention?"

The very thought made the queen shudder. No, better not to think about it too much also because they both knew the answer.

"To change the subject, the Theocracy is also having a hard time. I never thought an army of fanatics could end up like that." The first time she had heard the reports of that battle, Draudillon had thought it had been a prank. Or an elaborate plan by some enemy of the Theocracy in order to discredit it in the eyes of international viewers. However, it was all true.

"Maybe it's all a set-up by the Cardinals," the prime minister speculated. But he did not seem very convinced. "A way to justify non-intervention in the future."

"But for what purpose? Besides, didn't they just inform us that a special unit would soon arrive to defend us against the Beastmen?" No, the debacle had to be true. The fact that they could not accept it easily only showed how high confidence was in the Theocracy's war capabilities. "This will have to be a lesson to us. We cannot continue to rely on outside help to safeguard us."

"I completely agree, my queen." Magone handed her more papers to fill out. As endless as the problems to be addressed. The queen steeled herself, knowing that everything she did for her subjects was enough to make her find new vigor.

"If only the threat were over. Or at least stopped long enough to get us on our feet. A miracle would be welcome at this time."

"Perhaps your progenitor will return one of these days, ending the war. After all, this kingdom is his creation."

"It would have been more likely for the demi-humans to surrender and beg us to become our slaves." She retorted to that utterly ridiculous hope. "I haven't heard from him since I was a child. The last thing he said to me before he disappeared forever was 'Goodbye, little lizard. I leave this kingdom in your hands. A more important task awaits me. A task on which even your future may depend.' And then poof, he took flight."

The relationship with her great-grandfather could hardly have been called 'loving' by human standards. But Draudillon knew that a small complicity had been established, during her 'training years.' She also knew that wishing for his help was foolish. Dragons -true dragons like the Brightness Dragon Lord- did not care about silly social constructs like family.

The queen looked at the portrait that towered above her throne. She felt so small in comparison.

'What are you doing now, great-grandfather? Would you be proud to see how I protect your heritage?'

"Is everything all right, your majesty?"

Draudillon lied. "Yes, everything is perfect."

And then she returned to her work.

Upper Water Month, 22nd day, 8.00

"So, this is Evansha Forest." Antilene thought about what would be the most appropriate emotion to describe her state of mind. Euphoria? Joy? Disappointment?

She would have expected a welcoming committee. Perhaps an army sent by her father as a warm greeting. Instead, nothing.

Trees, trees, and more trees silhouetted on the horizon like drops in the sea.

"I don't know, I would have expected a little more attention." He looked at Charon's Guidance, which he clutched tightly in his hands. "My friend might get bored if I don't let her get some exercise right away."

"We are just at the beginning of our 'outing'." Said Black Scripture's second seat, Saturn Deuxième Ensiculus, also known as Time Turbolence. "To get to the capital of the elf kingdom, proceeding at a normal pace could take us weeks. We will have time to be able to stretch, Lady Zesshi."

Antilene looked at the little guy; he was right. The excitement was making her impatient, but just a little longer and it would all be over.

"So," she asked, addressing the other Black Scripture members present. "What's the plan? Let's keep going until we get to Crescent Lake and then..." an arrow hit her bare cheek. The tip snapped upon contact with her skin. "Excuse me."

"About forty meters southwest..." Cassandra Delphic Sibyl, One Thousand League Astrologer, did not finish speaking when she saw only a cloud of smoke come to life from where the half-elf had been standing just seconds before.

"So much dust..." Another of the women in the group, also known as Divine Chant, complained. "Was it really necessary for us to come too?"

"If things were to become dangerous, we should be prepared to sacrifice ourselves to allow Lady Zesshi to escape, Elena." An imposing man, as solid as the shields he wielded, took up a battle stance. Cedran Talos Michael, also known as Myriad Barriers for his impenetrable defense.

Not that there was any need. Antilene returned in a flash, carrying a pair of stunned elves in her arms.

"Okay," a smirk that elicited dismay in the faces of those present curved into her mouth. "Just these two. I don't think they know much, but one can never be too careful."

"L-Lady Zesshi," a sleepy-looking woman with long blue hair interjected. Her submissive tone slightly irritated the half-elf, who struggled not to take her back for her behavior unbecoming of a member of the Black Scriptures. "Are you s-sure you didn't kill them?"

"Don't worry, Infinite Magic." The girl handed the two stunned bodies to the last member of the small group. Edgar Kukuhu Beaumarchais, recognizable by the chain he always carried. "You of all people should know that I can calibrate my strength perfectly."

"Y-Yes."

"It's odd anyway," Saturnus brooded. "What were these two doing around here? That they knew where we were coming from?"

"I don't think so," replied Antilene, as she slipped on her armor helmet. "Simply, now that they thought humans were no longer in the area, they tried to get into areas of the forest they previously avoided. And they were lucky enough to encounter us."

"Why attack us, then?" Cedran asked, returning to a more relaxed position. "They could have tried to avoid us or run away."

"Rancor," the half-elf explained, with an unusual schoolmarm air. "They thought they had finally managed to get rid of the humans, but unfortunately they were wrong."

She could almost feel pity for those elves. Surely living under her father could not have been easy. But at least they would soon be free.