"In times of despair, an old ally is worth more than a thousand new ones."
I swallowed hard and turned to Tavon. "I have an idea," I said, my voice slightly strained. "The old mine nearby... It could be the key to our victory."
Tavon and Thalgar turned to me, their expressions filled with questions. I bit my lip, trying to steady my breath before continuing. "I know that place. When I was younger, I used to train around the ruins of Kael'thar, and Grandpa once told me about an abandoned mine. That mine has a massive pit left from past excavations, with a decaying bridge hanging above it—so old it's on the verge of collapsing."
I locked eyes with Tavon. "We need to reduce the number of soldiers on the front lines and set aside those who can still stand. We lure the goblins toward that bridge."
Thalgar narrowed his eyes, skeptical. "Are you suggesting sacrificing those soldiers by making them walk across that broken bridge?"
"No." I met the beast's gaze firmly. "If our soldiers are the ones crossing, the bridge will collapse before the goblins even reach it."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heartbeat. Thalgar still looked doubtful, while Tavon seemed deep in thought, weighing my plan carefully. Before I could say more, Finnian stepped forward, his sword still clutched tightly in his grip.
"Even if we manage to lure the goblins to the bridge, are you sure there will be enough of them to make a real impact before the bridge gives way?" he asked, his tone sharp yet laced with concern. "The moment too many of them step on it, the whole thing will collapse on its own before we can trap them all."
I met Finnian's gaze, realizing he had a point. But I wasn't about to give up. "We can reinforce the bridge temporarily," I said, turning to Zura, who stood silently, her face filled with worry. "Zura, you can use your ice magic to strengthen the bridge's structure just long enough for the goblins to gather in large numbers. Then, we destroy the bridge."
"Before they reach the bridge, the soldiers must retreat in a controlled manner, not all at once. Once enough goblins are there, I'll be the one to lure them onto the bridge and trigger the explosion."
Zura's eyes widened in shock at my request, and she immediately shook her head, her expression turning more anxious. "No, Elenio. That's too dangerous! If you're still on that bridge when it collapses, you'll fall into the pit with them!"
Tavon, finally speaking up, nodded in agreement with Zura. "Your Majesty, this is too risky. Even if we can reinforce the bridge temporarily, the explosion that destroys it could pull you down as well. We cannot gamble with your life."
I let out a deep sigh, trying to suppress my frustration. They didn't understand—I had already considered the risks. I knew this wasn't a perfect plan, but I also knew it was our only chance to take down a large portion of the goblins. If we hesitated any longer, more lives would be lost, and we would be left without enough resources for the next battle at Greenreach.
"I understand the risks," I finally said, my voice trembling slightly but firm. "But you all know as well as I do—we have no other choice. If we keep holding our ground like this, we'll be wiped out before the next wave even arrives. I'll be careful. I promise."
Finnian crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at me. "Are you trying to be a hero? You know what, Zura is right. You don't even have magic, Elenio. You'll only make things worse."
I knew that. Even now, my legs trembled so violently that I could barely move. If I failed, I would meet the same death as before—I knew that. But I couldn't back down. Grandpa was in a coma. I had to act, at least for that old man.
I lifted my chin, trying to display a courage I didn't entirely feel. "That's why I need you to buy me ten minutes. I have my own plan to get out of there."
Zura bit her lip, still looking unconvinced. "But what if you don't make it out in time, Elenio? What if—"
"I will make it out," I cut her off firmly. "Trust me. I'm not a child anymore, Zura."
She finally nodded, though reluctantly. Finnian let out a long sigh before saying, "Alright. But if you die, I won't hesitate to claim Zura and your throne right in front of your grave."
Tavon took charge, instructing the soldiers to retreat gradually while spreading out, leaving ten selected warriors to lure the goblins toward the bridge. They needed to ensure that no one drew more attention than necessary. Zura and Finnian headed for the bridge while Thalgar carried Aarav's unconscious body to safety before rejoining Tavon.
"Ten minutes, Tavon. Zura, go with Finnian and reinforce that bridge!" I commanded as I mounted one of the horses that had broken free from its carriage.
"Elenio, where are you going?!" Zura, now riding in the opposite direction, looked panicked as I took off toward the ruins of Kael'thar instead of following her.
"I'm going to secure a way to escape the bridge and provide a hiding place for our soldiers! Trust me—I'll be at the bridge in ten minutes!"
I urged my horse forward, feeling the vibrations travel through my body as the distance between me and the others grew. I was sure Tavon and Zura were still confused by my decision, but I had no time to explain. I knew what lay ahead.
Kael'thar wasn't just some forgotten ruin—I had been there before, trained near its remains, and listened to stories about it from someone who understood the land better than anyone I had ever met. That person had once told me that this place harbored something so ancient that even their kind hesitated to approach it.
But I was different.
I hadn't just seen it. I knew it.
Something dwelled within these ruins, something that breathed with the forest, that lived in the shadows of the ancient trees—something that could not be tamed, could not be summoned at will. Even the one who had taught me was astonished to learn that I could approach it, that I could stand in its presence without fear.
I had never been raised like other members of the imperial family, trained in swordsmanship or magic within the palace. Since childhood, I had been taught to understand and sense the power of nature and to survive in ways that could not be found in books or formal training.
Whenever we traveled through forests or wildlands, the one I called my teacher always reminded me: If you cannot rely on magic or the sword, then listen to the earth, the wind, and the water around you.
And now, I was following those words. I knew that deep within Kael'thar's ruins, there was something that could help me. I just had to reach it before it was too late.
I pulled my horse to a stop in front of the ruins and dismounted with steady steps. The ground beneath me trembled faintly as if recognizing me as if welcoming me back.
Without hesitation, I stepped deeper into the ruins. Cold air whistled through the ancient, timeworn stones, whispering something only I could understand. This was the right place.
"Kaeltharion," I called softly, my voice nearly lost in the wind. I crouched, pressing both hands against the cold earth, trying to feel the presence of something that had once aided me. "If you can hear me, I need your help once again."
There was no response. Only silence.
Yet, the air around me began to shift. The wind now carried the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves. It was as if something within the forest was acknowledging me. I raised my hand, fingers curling around the small charm that had been part of me since childhood—a five-leaf clover pendant, a gift from someone i know.
But not just a gift.
A vision of a woman with long, pink hair and the pointed ears of the Elven kind flashed through my mind.
"Never take it off in front of anyone. Midgaria will not accept the truth about you, Elenio."
This pendant was not just jewelry. It was a seal.
A seal that they had placed upon me to conceal the truth.
Without it, I was not human.
Without it, my true form would be revealed.
I bit my lip, feeling doubt creep into my chest. But I had no other choice.
Taking a deep breath, I unclasped the pendant from my neck.
The moment it came off, the air around me trembled.
I felt the shift in my body. My canines elongated slightly, just enough to feel unfamiliar yet not too pronounced. My ears, once rounded, gradually stretched into sharp, distinct points—a mark I had hidden from the world all my life.
I stepped toward a fractured stone, its surface reflecting the midday light of Solstara. In its cracked surface, my reflection looked different. My crimson eyes were deeper and more vivid—an unnatural hue that no human of the imperial bloodline possessed.
I lifted a hand, touching my own face, feeling the truth that had been buried beneath the weight of a five-leaf clover pendant.
The wind suddenly ceased.
An eerie silence blanketed the surroundings as if nature itself was holding its breath.
Then, a soft voice, like the whisper of leaves brushing against each other, echoed from within the ruins.
"Elenio... grandson of Rukasha. I almost did not recognize you had you not shown your Elven form."
I bowed deeply, showing my respect. "I need your help."
As I lifted my head, I finally saw him.
The guardian of Kael'thar.
A massive wolf, seemingly woven from the very essence of the forest itself. Vines and moss clung to his body, his thick fur shimmering like golden leaves under the light of Solstara. His eyes glowed a brilliant blue, reminiscent of an eternal spring.
His claws were sharp and unyielding, yet his steps were so light they barely touched the earth. Branching wooden antlers crowned his back, adorned with wildflowers blooming in between.
A low sound rumbled from his throat—not a growl of warning, but a call, deep and resonant.
It took me back to years ago when I was still a child.
I had wandered into this forest, following my grandmother, who was teaching me to listen to the voice of nature. The air here felt thicker, more alive than anywhere else. My grandmother, Rukasha, once said that the forest had a breath of its own, and if I was quiet enough, I could hear it speak.
But somewhere along the way, I got separated from her.
I panicked, calling out her name, but only the wind answered. With my small legs, I ran past towering roots, holding my breath whenever I heard the rustling of unseen creatures beyond the underbrush.
And that was when I found him.
He lay beneath an ancient tree, his massive body nearly hidden beneath moss and shadow. His golden fur was stained with blood, and the vines wrapped around him withered and scorched. It was an unnatural wound—I recognized the traces of magic—holy magic, the kind used by the Hierophants of the temple.
I didn't know what drove me then. Instinct? Fear? Or something deeper?
Despite the tremble in my knees, I stepped closer.
His luminous blue eyes flickered open, filled with pain and wariness. A weak growl rumbled from his throat, warning me to stay away. But I did not step back.
With unsteady hands, I tore a piece of my clothing, using it to wrap his wound as best as I could. I searched for the source of a nearby stream, cupping water in my small hands to wash away the dried blood from his fur.
He watched me the entire time, yet he no longer growled.
That night, I sat beside him, pressing my tiny hands over his wounds, wishing I could do more. I wasn't a healer—I didn't even have magic—but I wanted to help him.
Eventually, exhaustion claimed me, and I fell asleep by his side.
By morning, I woke to a warm breeze.
I lifted my head and found that I was no longer beneath that tree. Instead, I lay on a soft bed of grass, and before me stood the same great wolf, stronger than the night before.
He gazed down at me before silently lifting a paw, pressing it gently against my chest—a gesture I did not understand then. But I knew one thing.
He had saved me in return.
When my grandmother finally found me, she was stunned to learn that I had spent the night beside a being even the elves seldom approached. "Earning their trust is no easy feat," she had said, worry laced in her voice. "Not even for us, Elenio."
Since that day, Kaeltharion and I became friends.
And now, after all these years, he stood before me once more.
His presence was grander, his body more powerful, and his glowing eyes locked onto me with keen attention.
"Kaeltharion," I called his name again. "I know this is a lot to ask, but I have no other choice. My knights need help. I need you."
"Nature does not serve mankind," his voice echoed in my mind, sharper this time. "But you are different. You carry the blood of those who honor life, not destroy it."
He lowered his head slightly, his sturdy antlers trembling with a quiet hum.
"I will help you, my old friend."
Kaeltharion lowered his head slightly more as if agreeing to my request. "Place your hands on the ground, child of two worlds. Let this forest recognize you fully," he said, his deep voice resonating around me.
I hesitated for a moment before obeying his command. Slowly, I pressed both palms against the cold earth. The moment I did, a warmth began to seep through the soil and into my body, like waves of energy coursing through every fiber of my muscles.
The air around us changed. The trees rustled even though there was no wind. The massive roots beneath the ground stirred, moving like slumbering creatures awakening from a long sleep. A soft breeze carried the scent of wildflowers and damp leaves. I felt something extraordinary—the forest was speaking to me—not with words but with sensations, with emotions.
"They recognize you," Kaeltharion's voice was softer now, more welcoming. "You are of their blood, though not entirely. You respect them when others only seek to exploit them. That is enough."
I closed my eyes and let the feeling flow, sensing the pulse of the forest merging with my own. It was as if I had become part of it—the earth, the trees, and the wind all shared the same thoughts with me. When I finally opened my eyes, the forest seemed to glow with a new light, as if it was ready to aid me.
I nodded and spoke. "I need nature's help to hide the soldiers who will lure the Gehenna forces to the bridge near the abandoned mine. Conceal them and help me escape after we lead the enemy into the great chasm before the bridge is destroyed."
Kaeltharion listened in silence, his glowing eyes studying me intently. When I finished speaking, he gave a solemn nod. "I understand. The forest will conceal those who fight alongside you, and I will ensure your swift escape from the explosion. Climb onto my back, and I will see to it that you make it out safely."
I was taken aback by his offer. "You truly mean to help me?"
"I have never liked those who carry the blood of destroyers like humans," Kaeltharion replied firmly. "But you saved wounds that should have killed me. This is my debt, and I will repay it."
With slight hesitation, I stepped closer and touched his fur—soft yet textured like a fusion of leaves and wood. He lowered his body to make it easier for me to climb. As soon as I was seated on his back, I felt the immense power beneath me, like a living mountain.
"Hold on tight," he said before leaping forward with astonishing speed.
The forest seemed to part for us. Thick roots slithered aside, bushes bowed down, and branches pulled away, revealing a clear path. The wind roared past, carrying the scent of damp earth, wrapping us in an embrace of safety.
As we neared the bridge that would serve as our escape route, Kaeltharion came to a halt. "You know what to do. Give the signal when the time is right, and the forest will shield all those you wish to protect."
I nodded, my heart swelling with gratitude and determination. With Kaeltharion and the forest on our side, we had a chance to succeed. I reached for the clover necklace around my neck, allowing its power to shroud my current form and disguise me once again as a human.
In the distance, I spotted Zura and Finnian. They shared a single horse, with Finnian seated behind her, his arms wrapped securely around her waist to keep her from falling. His other hand gripped his shield tightly, ready to counter any sudden attacks.
Zura, her expression serious, extended one hand forward, casting a layer of ice across the bridge. The frozen layer slowly spread, reinforcing the fragile wooden planks just enough to support our plan. Every movement of the horse jostled them slightly, but Finnian maintained his balance, ensuring Zura did not lose focus.
They drew closer to the side of the bridge where Kaeltharion and I waited.
I took a deep breath before shouting, "Kaeltharion, run to the center of the bridge now!"
Kaeltharion leaped forward with tremendous force, causing the bridge to tremble slightly. As we passed Zura and Finnian, I saw Finnian tighten his grip around Zura's waist, keeping her steady on the galloping horse.
"Go! Move fast! Stay clear of the blast!" I called out.
Finnian gave a sharp nod, urging the horse into a faster sprint across the ice-covered bridge. Meanwhile, Zura glanced back at me, concern glinting in her eyes. "Be careful, Elenio!" she shouted before refocusing, strengthening the icy layer beneath them to keep the bridge stable.
From the forest path behind us, the sounds of heavy footsteps and battle cries grew louder. Knights, led by Tavon and Thalgar, emerged, herding a horde of goblins far larger than we had anticipated. I felt a surge of tension in my chest, but I held my ground.
As our soldiers reached the far end of the bridge, I ordered them to Scatter into the forest! Let them chase me!
They obeyed immediately. The moment they vanished into the woods, a breathtaking sight unfolded. The trees moved, their thick branches lowering to form natural barriers. Roots erupted from the earth, creating obstacles to slow the goblins' pursuit. Even the wind seemed to sharpen, lifting dust and leaves to mask the soldiers' escape.
Yet, the majority of the goblins still charged toward me, enraged by my presence and Kaeltharion's thundering steps on the frost-covered bridge. I took a deep breath and pressed a hand against Kaeltharion's body. "I need them all in the middle of the bridge. Give them a reason to come."
Kaeltharion let out an ear-splitting roar, provoking the goblins into a blind fury. They snarled and rushed even faster until most of them had crowded onto the bridge's center.
As soon as they were in place, I reached into the small pouch at my waist, pulling out my last three bottles of alchemical liquid—a flammable mixture I had used earlier to burn the goblin lord.
Still on Kaeltharion's back, I poured the contents along the frozen wooden planks of the bridge, ensuring every drop seeped in perfectly.
I flicked my lighter, creating a small spark—just enough to trigger a reaction. The fire quickly spread, licking the wood that had been soaked in alchemical liquid.
"Come on, Kaeltharion, it's time to go!" I called out.
Without hesitation, the guardian spirit leaped forward, carrying us away from the bridge in a single powerful jump, just as the explosion shook the air behind us.
Flames began to consume the bridge, devouring the alchemical fluid I had poured. But it wasn't enough. I reached for another bottle—one specially prepared to trigger a chain reaction. With precision, I hurled it straight into the spreading fire.
Within seconds, a massive explosion tore through the air, shattering the bridge into splinters. The sound of breaking wood and scattered debris mixed with the terrified screams of goblins who had realized the trap too late.
I clung tightly to Kaeltharion's neck, feeling the tremors of the blast reverberate through my body. The forest spirit executed another powerful leap just before the last remnants of the bridge crumbled beneath its paws.
We landed on the rocky cliffside where Zura and Finnian had taken shelter. The explosion sent tremors through the ground beneath us, dust and smoke filling the air. When the chaos finally settled, I turned back to see the bridge completely destroyed. The gaping chasm left behind was filled with debris and lifeless goblin bodies.
Sliding off Kaeltharion's back, I barely had time to steady myself before Zura lunged at me, throwing her arms around me so forcefully that my weak and frail body collapsed onto the ground. "Thank the gods, Elenio—you did it!"
I gave her a weary smile, rubbing my sore backside from the impact. "We did it, Zura."
Kaeltharion lowered its massive head, sniffing at my face like a dog searching for a scent on its master's body. Maybe the great spirit was checking for excessive wounds or bruises, wanting to make sure I was truly okay.
I let out a breath of relief, my body sinking into the ground as I gazed up at the sky, now tinged with the warm hues of twilight. My breaths were heavy, and every inch of my body ached as though all my strength had been drained.
Above me, Zura remained hunched over, her body pressing into my chest as if trying to reassure herself that I was still there. Her face was buried against me, her breathing uneven, and I could feel the faint tremble in her frame.
I wanted to lift my hand to reassure her that I was fine, but my body no longer responded. My eyelids grew heavier, and my consciousness slowly slipped away.
That was when Zura lifted her head, her eyes wide with panic. "Elenio? Hey, don't fall asleep yet!" Her voice trembled, laced with fear. She grabbed my face, gently patting my cheek, trying to keep me awake.
I could feel the three-night goddesses creeping in, replacing the light of Solstara, now sinking in the western sky. The sounds of the forest returned—the rustling of leaves and the soft symphony of nocturnal insects that should have been calming. Yet, in my mind, this peace felt hollow. This wasn't over.
There was still Greenreach, still trapped in the clutches of Gehenna's forces, waiting to be reclaimed. I let out one last breath before my consciousness faded completely.
In the depths of my mind, Aarav's face flickered. The man had been wounded, and I felt like it was my fault. I had let him enter this battle—dragged him into danger before he even fully understood his powers.
One more mistake, and it wouldn't just be an injury.
But I had no other choice. And that terrified me.
Zura's voice drifted further and further away, growing fainter.
Then, everything went dark.