21. Aldric

21

ALDRIC

I gather everyone in the library that has become our council chamber, my jaw clenched as I relay Elowen's intel. The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on us all.

"We can't let those bastards catch us off guard again," I growl, pacing the room. "Last time, they used the sun to their advantage, blinding us as they swarmed the base."

Raziel's eyes narrow. "How many were there?"

"Hundreds," I reply, the memory of that day still raw. "They surrounded us completely. We didn't stand a chance."

Selene leans forward, her voice soft but determined. "We need to draw them away from the base before dawn."

Nikolai nods in agreement. "Surprise them as they come through the portal."

"Exactly," I say, slamming my fist on the table. "We'll use their own tactics against them."

Jessa's eyes light up. "We could set up decoys, make them think we're unprepared."

"Good thinking," I nod, impressed by her quick strategizing. "Elowen, you've seen their movements. Any insights?"

Elowen steps forward, her green eyes blazing with determination. "They seem to be assigned in small groups, coordinated. If we can disrupt their formation early, we might stand a chance."

I feel a surge of pride at her tactical thinking. "Alright, here's the plan. We'll set up a perimeter around the portal, hidden in the trees. As soon as they start coming through, we hit them hard and fast."

"What about magic?" Selene asks, looking at the vrakken men.

"Many haven't practiced outside of battle magic in a long time," Raziel interjects. "We can station the strongest we do have to create barriers, counteract their spells."

I nod, my mind racing with possibilities. "We'll need every advantage we can get. Jessa, Nikolai, I want you two leading our ground forces. Raziel, Selene, you'll stay back to protect the base."

"And us?" Elowen asks, her eyes meeting mine.

"You and I will lead the initial strike," I reply, my voice softening slightly. "And we'll fight like Akeldama himself."

I stand before our assembled forces, my eyes scanning the faces of both vrakken and humans. The gravity of our situation weighs heavily on my shoulders, but I push it aside. We have work to do.

"Listen up," I bark, my voice carrying across the training grounds. "We've got two days to prepare for this attack. Every second counts."

Elowen steps forward, her presence a steady force beside me. "We'll be dividing you into squads based on your strengths. Each group will have a specific role in the upcoming battle."

I nod, appreciating her calm demeanor. "Vrakken with wings, you'll be our air support. Those skilled in magic will focus on defensive spells and barriers. The rest of you, prepare for close combat."

We move through the crowd, assigning roles and grouping fighters together. I catch glimpses of determination in their eyes, mixed with fear and anticipation.

"Jessa, Nikolai," I call out. "You'll be leading the far side forces. Nikolai, get the air assault ready. Jessa, you'll be right below him on the ground. Make sure everyone's equipped with proper armor and weapons."

They nod, immediately setting to work. I watch as they guide groups to the armory, fitting each fighter with protective gear and handing out an array of blades and bows.

Elowen's voice cuts through the commotion as our ranks settle back into place, looking for new directions. "Remember, we're not just fighting for ourselves. We're fighting for every base, every life the dark elves have threatened. This is our chance to strike back."

Her words seem to ignite a fire in our troops. I feel a swell of pride, both for her and for the warriors before us.

"Alright," I growl, clapping my hands together. "Let's see what you've got. Pair up and show me your best moves. We'll be running drills until every last one of you can fight in your sleep."

As our fighters begin to spar, I move among them, correcting stances and offering advice. Elowen does the same, her keen eye catching details I might have missed.

"Keep your guard up," I hear her instruct a young vrakken. "The dark elves will exploit any opening they see."

I can't help but smile. She's come so far from the fierce but untrained human I first met. Now, she moves with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.

Pride swells in my chest, mingled with a fierce protectiveness I can't shake. But I know better than to coddle her now. She's proven herself time and again.

After hours of training, we finally let the warriors have a break. "Elowen," I call out, my voice carrying across the training grounds. She turns, her green eyes meeting mine with a questioning look. "I need you to lead the reconnaissance team."

Surprise flickers across her face, quickly replaced by determination. "You got it," she nods, already moving towards a group of our stealthiest fighters.

"Take Jessa with you," I add. "You'll be our eyes and ears out there. I want to know every move those bastards make before they make it."

Elowen's lips quirk into a half-smile. "Consider it done."

I turn to address the rest of our forces. "Listen up! Elowen and Jessa will be leading our scout team. Tomorrow, they'll be providing us with crucial intelligence. Your lives may depend on the information they bring back, so get some rest and be ready to train and prepare tomorrow."

As our fighters disperse for the night, I feel a presence at my side. Elowen stands there, her face set in determined lines.

"Thank you," she says softly. "For trusting me with this."

I meet her gaze, allowing myself a moment of vulnerability. "You've more than earned it. Just... be careful out there."

She nods, understanding the weight of my words. Then she's gone, moving to gather her team.

I watch her go, my chest tight with emotions I can't fully name. But there's no time for that now. We have a war to prepare for, and I'll be damned if I let the dark elves catch us unprepared again.

Our small group gathers in the dimly lit library, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows across our faces. It's late, but the energy in the room is palpable. We're all on edge, knowing what tomorrow brings.

We spent every second of the last day and a half getting ready for the attack. And while it left us with little time, we're ready.

At least I have to hope.

"Alright," I say, my voice low and gruff. "Let's go over this one last time."

Raziel nods, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I've got our strongest magic wielders ready. They're prepared to throw up barriers and counter any spells the dark elves might hurl our way."

"Good," I grunt, feeling a small measure of relief. "The squads are as ready as they'll ever be. We've drilled them hard these past two days."

Jessa leans forward, her face set in fierce lines. "Nikolai and I will lead the attack from the far side while you and Elowen attack from the near side. We'll give them no room to breathe."

Nikolai nods in agreement. "We've got some tricks up our sleeves. They won't know what hit them."

Elowen looks around before her eyes land on me. "We're coming at them from all sides, ground and air. There's no way they get through us."

Pride and fear trickle through me as I look at her. I hope she's right, but I know that not everyone will survive tomorrow. As a warrior, though, I know I can't think of that so I block it from my mind.

"And if they do," Selene adds. "They won't get to the base through us." She bumps Raziel who nods.

"We won't let this base go down," the Elder says softly. "The dark elves have to learn that they've underestimated us for far too long."

I nod, feeling confident. "Alright," I say finally, straightening up. "We've done all we can to prepare. Now all that's left is to fight like Akeldama himself when dawn breaks."

I look around at our small group, these warriors I've come to trust with my life. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, we make those bastards regret ever setting foot on our land."

Everyone disperses at that, making their way out of the room and to their corridors. My eyes land on Elowen, who hasn't moved yet. I give her a slight smile.

"Want to walk with me, Red?"

She nods, giving me a grin that doesn't quite reach her eyes.

I walk Elowen to her room, our footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. As we reach her door, we both hesitate, neither wanting to break this moment of peace before the coming storm.

"Tomorrow," I say, my voice low, "you'll finally get some of that revenge you've been waiting for."

I expect to see a fierce light in her eyes, but instead, Elowen looks subdued. Her gaze is distant, lost in thought.

"Hey," I nudge her gently, "I thought you'd be more excited about this. Isn't this what you've been training for?"

She looks up at me, her green eyes filled with an emotion I can't quite place. "I always thought I wanted to fight the dark elves. It would have been easy because I had nothing left to lose," she says softly. "But that's... that's no longer the case."

Her words hit me like a physical blow. I understand their weight, the implications behind them. Without thinking, I pull her close, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. She responds immediately, her arms wrapping around my neck.

When we break apart, breathless, Elowen takes my hand and leads me into her room. The door closes behind us with a soft click, shutting out the world and its impending dangers.

For these last few hours of peace, there is only us. We make love with a desperate intensity, each touch, each kiss a silent promise. As we finally drift off to sleep, I hold Elowen close, cherishing these moments of tranquility before the dawn brings war to our doorstep.