The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

"Too many. They never expected the Commander to be rescued. They must be frantic."

"We must make haste."

Mariela and Celesse were insistent.

"Where can we go?" Alavin asked, his expression grave.

Celesse replied, "We hide as far and as long as we can. It's better than waiting here for death. We cannot let the Grand Elder get his hands on you, or all will be beyond redemption." "Lord Viperbane, Amber Valley, Cobalt Strike-all searching together. Can we really escape the forest?" Eyla interjected, her timing inappropriate, yet her point was valid.

Hamund stood, his expression resolute. "You take the Commander and leave."

"What about you?"

"Lord Viperbane's forces have caught up. We might evade them momentarily, but we won't escape the Cloudveil Woods. And even if we do, we can't shake them off our trail. There's only one way-I'll draw them off, then circle back to Cobalt Strike and try to rescue the Botanic Haven Elder. If that's impossible, I'll end him."

"What?!" The group was astounded.

"He's dead, so there's no need to worry about the Grand Elder uncovering the secret. Take the Commander and seek refuge in Bloodlore. The various organizations of the Northlands will deal with Lord Viperbane and the Grand Elder. No one will pursue the matter of the Kings' Acceptance, and Alavin's peril will be resolved." Hamund could have escaped, but only if he took Celesse alone. Yet, looking at the fallen Commander and those in the valley with Alavin, he couldn't bear to abandon them.

"No!" Alavin objected vehemently, moved by Hamund's noble sacrifice. But what good would killing the Botanic Haven Elder do? The Grand Elder and their cronies would never let the Commander go easily. They would exhaust every means to pursue and blockade, making it near impossible to reach Bloodlore alive. And if by some fortune they did, the Northlands would be thrown into chaos, fraught with uncertainties, and Stormcast would be in jeopardy.

"Don't be rash. Your survival means the Botanic Haven Elder did not die in vain." Hamund could only think of one way forward to return alone and draw attention, ensuring Alavin and the others could leave alive and spread the word to the Northlands, urging other organizations to punish the royal court and deal with the Grand Elder.

"No! Absolutely not!" Alavin paced the deep valley. He was not so cold-hearted and selfish as to use the deaths of Hamund and the Botanic Haven Elder to secure his secret.

"It's too late, you must go!" Hamund urged, signaling to Godfred and Grima to take Alavin away. Time was of the essence. He had to distract Lord Viperbane and his ilk quickly. Once surrounded, all would be lost.

"Thank you!" Grima and Godfred expressed their gratitude.

"Let's return to Bloodlore. I won't reveal your secret," Eyla promised.

"Wait!" Alavin raised his hand, gritting his teeth. He had made a decision. "Hamund, thank you for drawing away the search party, but don't engage them by force, and don't return to Cobalt Strike. Run as far as you can. Just keep Lord Viperbane and his followers occupied. The rest of you, escort the Commander out, and after leaving Cloudveil Woods, spread the word that Kings' Acceptance is with Stormcast, with me. Remember, don't spread the news too early. Delay it as long as possible."

"Have you lost your mind?" The others exclaimed in shock.

"I have a plan! I can resolve this."

Hamund rebuked, "Madness! Once the news spreads, the whole Northlands will converge on Stormcast. How will you handle that?"

"That's exactly what I want. Once the news is out, Lord Viperbane and Amber Valley will no longer cooperate with the Grand Elder, nor will they pursue you. They'll turn their forces to surround Stormcast, and other organizations and the royal court will also gather there."

"And then?" They looked at Alavin as if he were a fool or a madman.

"If it were only the Grand Elder, he'd attack Stormcast directly, but with the Eight Orders gathered and the Five Lords present, all vying for the legacy, they won't attack recklessly. They'll check each other. Then we'll expose the Grand Elder's treachery, sparking confrontation among the organizations and the royal court, buying time. I'll return as quickly as I can."

"What in the world are you planning?"

"When chaos reigns, it's time to strike with a heavy hammer! I'm going to get reinforcements. I'll wipe them all out in one fell swoop! I'll ensure that the vast Northlands will never again dare covet the power of my legacy." Alavin shouldered his pack. His gaze was resolute. "Godfred, take me to Watchful Shore!"