Exile heaved a sigh as he sat at the table, looking over a number of reports. ‘It’s nearly time for Noslin to return. The dwarves should be close to arriving as well…’ Exile hummed as he studied a particular report that showed the progression of Beans’ followers. ‘They’ll soon arrive at the mountain pass into Yugrund.’
‘Bjorn has recovered, and I’ve successfully turned him into a hero. I guess it’s about time to face Parthus again.’ Exile nodded solemnly. ‘I wonder if Thovok’s people have prepared what I asked of them…’
Exile was growing impatient. They were mostly stuck doing the administration for the war efforts, meaning that very few in the alliance had gained any levels. Like many others, he just wanted to get this situation under control so that they could afford to focus on their own power. ‘It should be about time for me to visit Eraldsfen. Plus, I’ve already revealed Skovi so I can actively send him along for this fight.’
“I know that look…” Beans whispered in Exile’s ear, startling him as she placed another report down in front of him. “You’re going to the Mortal Realms again, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, but it’s to do with saving your people this time. We’ll have some time off after we complete the handover to Noslin and the others. You’ll need the rest before the fight.” Exile stated grimly as he glanced over the new report that depicted the number of supplies for the NPCs.
“Do you think we can stop them this time?” Beans asked as her hand trembled.
“Hm, with what I have planned, we should be able to stop them this time. But these reports show that they’re making progress all over Skardia.” Exile replied as he handed a report to her.
“Is this real?” Beans asked as her eyes went wide.
“Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it.”
“But it says that Aeri led Kaleidoscope in a cooperative strike with another Pantheon against the Sommerdan invasion…”
“And failed… Yes.” Exile shook his head as he remembered the contents. Aeri had been killed… twice in that battle. It seemed that the Civil War was having a much stronger effect on this Holy War than he thought it would have. He expected the Ruling faction Pantheons to slow the Sommerdans down. “It’s because they are united while we are fractured, Beans. If this goes on, there won’t be a Skardia left for us to fight over.”
“Can we even do anything about it though?” Beans chewed on her lower lip as she glanced over the casualty count.
“I think we’ll have to call a truce and work with the Ruling faction to stop this invasion first. But they’ll only listen to us if we can grasp a win here in the Silverfang Mountains.” Exile pointed to the mountain pass on the map. “It’ll be the first real victory any Skardian Pantheon has won. So they’ll have to give weight to what I say.”
“Do you think it will be enough?”
“Oh, I’m sure they’ll be interested once the details of the fight come out. Anyway, help to take care of the place while I’m gone.” Before Beans could complain about it, Exile activated his Avatar spell.
Exile felt the familiar sensation of descending appear as a lightning bolt struck the temple in Eraldsfen. The scene attracted the attention of everyone in the village, but nobody dared to rush to the temple when they felt Exile’s presence wash over them. Ania, Thovok, Bjorn and Harik were the only ones who felt relief at that event.
The four came together from different parts of the village and walked together to the temple. Nobody stopped them to ask what was going on. They just knew that something big had to be coming for Exile to descend again so soon after the last time. The four of them crossed the threshold together, only to see Exile seated on the stone throne that had been placed there for him. His head rested on the palm of his hand as his elbow rested on the arm of the throne.
As the four came close, each of them kneeled in front of Exile, keeping their heads bowed in respect. They were both excited and worried about what news he had possibly come to give them this time.
“Stand… I bring important tidings and orders for all of you…” Exile’s voice sounded ancient, like a mountain in their ears as they steadily rose to their feet and gazed upon him. “The time is nigh to confront the invaders from Sommerdan. Harik! You will lead your forces to the Silverfang Mountains and prepare to meet them in battle there.”
“Excuse me, Lord Exile…” Harik hesitantly replied. “But that would leave Eraldsfen defenceless. And from what you’ve said of the invaders, I don’t believe I have enough warriors to stop their march into Yugrund.”
“Hm, Thovok…” Exile turned his piercing gaze on the dwarf. “How long until the warriors of your kingdom arrive?”
“They should be here the day after tomorrow…”
“Will there be enough to make a significant impact on a large scale battle in the mountains?” Exile asked with a heavy tone.
“Lord Exile, with all respect, we are dwarves… Even a few of us could win an outnumbered fight if it is in the mountains…” Thovok chuckled.
“You heard him, Harik. You will set out in two days when Thovok’s people arrive. Pick a small group of warriors to remain behind for Eraldsfen’s protection. Ania, you will also accompany them. Yours and Bjorn’s power will be needed to tip the scales even further in our favour.”
Ania bowed her head as Exile turned to look at her. “I will be honoured if it helps to spread your greatness.”
“Hm… Good. Since you are agreeable, I will be sending someone special along to help protect you.”
The four of them frowned as they glanced at Exile. Who could he be talking about? Were they not the four with the closest connection to him amongst mortals?
“Skovi… Come.” As Exile spoke, a swift breeze stirred in the temple. The four NPCs turned to glance at a dark corner behind the throne, where that wind seemed to settle.
Two large eyes glared back at them from the darkness. The beast behind those eyes was massive, with snow coloured fur. The faint patter of paws on the stone floor could be heard as the creature walked out of the shadows to sit at Exile’s side.
“Those eyes!” Bjorn exclaimed. “It’s the beast from the cave!”.𝙘𝒐𝒎
Ania and Harik turned to Bjorn in shock as Thovok looked on with confusion. However, a warning growl escaped from Skovi’s throat when he was labelled as a simple beast.
“Foolish human! I am no mere beast!” Wolfish snarls mixed with the human words as Skovi glared at Bjorn. “I am a servant of Lord Exile! You would do well to remember that!”
All but Bjorn was taken aback by Skovi when he spoke. However, the way that Exile ran a hand through the wolf’s fur told them that he was of no threat to them.
“Bjorn… Did you forget that Skovi saved your life after your fight with Skourj? I suggest you treat him with respect if you don’t want to become his next meal.” Exile chuckled as the four of them looked at him with blank expressions.
However, Exile did not miss the eager expression on Thovok’s face when he looked at Skovi. It was almost a certainty that the dwarf wanted to study the wolf to further understand the gods.
“Ania…” Exile looked her in the eyes as he softened his expression. “Skovi will mostly protect you on the battlefield. No matter what, I don’t want to see you get killed. Though, if your father or Bjorn is in a life-threatening situation, Skovi will abandon you to save them. So don’t be reckless.”
“I… understand, Lord Exile. Thank you for your concern.” Ania blushed as her eyes found the floor.
“You are important to me… So this much is only natural.” Exile nodded as he turned his attention towards Thovok.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed that Ania’s face had turned scarlet after his last statement and even a hopeful and encouraging look had appeared on Harik’s face. Exile sighed as he studied the dwarf again. It was time to find out if what he wanted was ready.
“Thovok… Do you remember what we spoke about when I was last here?”
“Of course, Lord Exile.” Thovok nodded with a serious expression that caused the other three to become confused.
“And?” Exile cocked an eyebrow as he waited for the response.
“Hm, the King’s armour and sword are ready for Harik. Bjorn’s hammer and shield will be finished tomorrow. Lady Ania’s spear and armour are also ready.”
Exile nodded his head happily at the progress. He had kept his request secret from the others, after all, so he was happy that they would be ready for the battle.
“Oh, and Bjorn’s gift for you is almost ready as well…”