Elf Prince - Protected by the Elf Prince Part 3

Chapter 5

Keasatran

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It was evening when I had the Aear Lug messenger send for all the generals for a meeting. I had left the library and was in the Aear Lug War Room, sitting in an armchair at the end of a long table. At my end was a map of Oira Londe with location markers on them as well as movable pieces for enemies, allies, and other important points. The generals arrived at half past ten this morning. All of them were accounted for except one, a proud, haughty man called Syr'Balin. However, we couldn't wait for him, so I went ahead with the meeting.

We all discussed about the armies of the other kingdoms surrounding the borders of the Aear Lug clan, cutting off all access and preventing anyone from leaving by land. The generals all gave their reports on the armies and Cyran's raids, as well as any suspicious activities within the kingdom's towns and villages, and issues with supplies. After looking into each general's future, I had ordered the generals to send their armies to different strongholds throughout the Aear Lug kingdom, mostly in the swamps and forests. To prepare for the advancing armies. Places where they would be kept busy with no questions asked. I used the map as a guide point for each general and pointed out the positions of the Gaelin, Ilphas, and Sul Lanta armies lining up on the borders.

While the armies of the Gaelin would keep them busy, I could continue with my real role at the library. I was very careful with my words and made it seem like everything was Silvana's orders. As long as they thought they were serving her, I could persuade them into doing anything. I just needed to find a way to contain Silvana so she didn't ruin everything all over again.

"Make sure you follow the plan accordingly." I concluded, "Any deviation will destroy the kingdom and any chance for the rightful ruler to take their place in Oira Londe. Dismissed."

The generals stood up and departed from the room, talking amongst themselves. Some eager to please, others perplexed, but not a single one questioned anything. Just as I planned. As they were departing, the Aear Lug messenger came their way into the room. She had an anxious look on her face as she closed the door behind the others. I sat up in my chair to acknowledge her.

"Excellent timing." I said, forcing a smile, "Your report?"

"Pardon me, High Priest." said the messenger, "General Syr'Balin, who was supposed to show up, was reported dead in his tent at base camp."

I rolled my eyes as I clasped my forehead in frustration and pound my fist against the arm of my chair. He was the one Silvana had most influenced with her dark magic. I had trouble trying to persuade him as he would only listen to her.

"Damn him and his pride." I cursed under my breath.

I stopped myself and took two deep breaths. When I was calm again, I spoke up. "Anything else?"

The messenger stuttered slightly, as if she were afraid to anger me further. "Um... It was most likely a fight between him and the traitor, Prince Cyran. It looks like they were trying to save the general from a wound to his chest. Which makes no sense as the prince is a traitor to Princess Silvana."

I leaned forward in my chair, my elbows resting on the table and my hand folded towards my face in contemplation.

Hmm...what does he plan on doing? Most likely trying to gain information on troop deployment.

I looked at the messenger again. "What of the other soldiers in camp?"

"A-About thirty-eight have fallen," She answered nervously, "But the rest of the deployment is missing."

Hmm... Most likely taken as prisoners of war. The Prince seems to have a soft heart for his people despite his sister's ruling. That will be his downfall.