A Game of Flags

Chapter Ten: The Council of The Roads Ahead

𝗔s Perrin closed the door and went up the steps, the Monk said a few things to him as he was following behind.
"Perrin, my lad," said the Monk, "it is great people, who await you. Please do not think you are in any sort of trouble."
"Of course i don't think that!" said Perrin.
"Good, because i was beginning to worry with that look on your face."
And then they both went up the steps and into the building, where they saw a massive octagon table with chairs all around, many were Vylves, many were Dwarves, many were other Monks, some were famillar faces; Arathor, an example, Eli, another example, Elfair, and the other teammates he saw at the Tower.
"Take a seat," said Elafir. "This shall go on for a while."
Perrin nodded, as he walked past the Valves, Dwarves, and the Monks, and eventually sat down at his seat, with the fellow Monk sitting next to him.

The Meeting had now begun, with Elafir putting his hands on the table, and saying: "By all invitations; you guys know why you are here. Correct?"
Murmurs were heard from the chairs as they all nodded. "Good," said Elafir, "so - we are here to discuss about the Group that has recently entered Brookrill, they have made themselves at home, yes, but unfortunately they will not stay for a while. They have to get back on the road."
"Why back on the road?" said a Dwarf.
"Because they are attempting to get the Holy Flag," said Elafir, with murmurs being heard from the crowd, but he still spoke; "it is more of a diversion task - we do not know if it will work - hopefully it might!"
"Hang on!" said a Dwarf. "I thought those lads were here to stay because this is a peaceful valley! They're leaving! To do something that no one can do! They are mad!"
"You think we're mad!" said Arathor, standing up. "We're doing something that you guys can not even do!"
"Arathor, thats enough -"
"- No, no! These Dwarves! Thinking we are mad because we're trying to save the world! You have no idea what we actually are doing! You do not even have a glimpse!"
"I'd rather not have a glimpse, for your information!" said the Dwarf. "I will be laughing when you are dead!"
"Can you stop being so biased about this!" said Eli, slamming his hands down at the table. "We need to get the Flag, quick, too!"
"And i suppose you think you can do it, Eli the Vylf, huh?!" the Dwarf scoffed.
"That's not what i meant," said Eli, "i meant that we can not sit and do nothing about this. With war and all going on. We need to get the flag!"
The Dwarf scoffed again. "I'd rather be dead than see the Flag in the hands of a Valf!" said he, "who knows what danger you will bring to the world! Infact, you Valves cannot be trusted. Not even with a single thing!"
Rage and protest came from the other Valves, as they was shouting at the Dwarves, causing the other Dwarves to shout, with Elafir eventually shouting; "SHUT UP!"
And then, everything went silent, as Elafir sighed. "Thank you," he said, "now we can finally get back on track." He turned to Perrin. "Perekin," he said, "would you like to have an opinion on this?"
Perrin looked around, as everyone began to look at him, he sighed, as he stood up, and said; "Well, i believe that we shall stay for a little longer," he said, getting approves from Dwarves; "but i do not wish to stay forever, at one point we have to get back on track."
"That was what i was saying!" said Eli.
"Not your turn, Eli," Elafir turned back to Perrin, "thank you, Perekin, you can now sit back down."
Perrin bowed, as he sat back down, with Elafir continuing: "Meridith suggests you shall stay longer before getting back on the road; what do you say, Arathor?"

Everyone was now silent again, as Arathor began to speak: "I agree with Perekin," said Arathor, "we shall stay a bit longer and then get back on the roads. But the problem is - what if they get the flag? Infact, what if some unknown entity we do not know about gets it? Then we are all in trouble!"
"That is why you need preparation," said the Monk, "obviously this road will not be easy, infact, i don't think any of the journey will be easy. To be frank, we are going after something that is hunted by many. Who knows what entity we will come across? It could be a troll, or something deadlier."
"Thank you, Greflyn," said Elafir.
Greflyn had now sat down, with Arathor now speaking: "Greflyn, say, how did you come here. And why are you here?"
"Well, what do you mean?" said Greflyn.
"I can tell, there is a reason why you are here," said Arathor, "explain, if you please."
Greflyn sighed. "Alright then, but when i do explain. Get ready to hear facts you have never ever heard before."

"It was an average day for me, i was riding on my horse. Going through the lands of Ainkura, i was a traveling wizard - yes, a wizard, of the low ranks, i was going to visir another fellow wizard, Kuharad.
"I had to speak about what was going on with the conflict between Donrule and Nazrule, yes, I knew of the war, but I noticed more than ever it was getting hasty, and controversial, so of course I had to visit the Wise Wizard himself, in his realm; Nisegard.
"When I arrived I greeted Kuharad as usual, with the typical 'Hullo, Kuharad, my lad!'
" 'Welcome, Greflyn, lad,' said Kuharad, 'come! I shall show you the drama that you complaint about.'
"So we both went up the stairs into his Fortress, he took me to this room - thing - I have no idea, the Atrium was nice, with the Chandelier on top. With atleast four doors, printed on each side of the room. Although that is all I remember.
" 'It is great defenses upon us,' said I, 'with the war, everything could get out of hand. Kuharad, my wise lad, do you have any idea on how to solve this?'
" 'Well, solve goes a long way,' said Kuharad. 'Donrule tried that card once, it was a bad move. And with the stakes now, it is inevitable that we shall choose sides.'
" 'Of course! We are siding with Donrule, right?' said I, although I had no idea what his intentions were. 'Kuharad?'
"Kuharad had paced around the room, with his staff hitting the ground, in his red robes, they were more brighter than before. Which confused me. 'Greflyn, lad,' said he, 'what do you expect from this war?'
" 'What do you mean, friend?' said I.
" 'Well, you think this war can be resolved by truce, do you?' said Kuharad. 'I beg to differ, unfortunately. I have already chosen a side, and you shall follow me in that path.'
" 'A side,' said I, 'well, what side is it. Donrule?' but Kuharad was quiet, like he was leading me on. 'Donrule? Isn't it?'
" 'Is it that hard to figure out?' said Kuharad. 'Obviously not Donrule, i mean the Nazrule.'
"I was shook, him, of all people. Siding with the Enemy? It had to be a dream. 'Are you insane!' said I. 'Kuharad! This can't be you!'
" 'Greflyn, the situation has already been decided,' said Kuharad, 'we shall join, with him and kill the Dragon who tends to prevent it.'
" 'Arathor,' said I, as I went to leave the Fortress, but Kuharad had closed all the doors. 'You can't just say one's name and leave,' said Kuharad; 'this decision will be fatal for you, if you refuse. Of course, it'd be wise to join though.'
"'Friend,' said I, 'when did Kuharad the Wise abandon reason for insanity! You shalt be snapped out of it!'
"And then I rose my staff, but he kept swinging me around, over and over, and then I was eventually outcold, and then, I found myself in a forest, Floor Forty-Five; The Valley's of Brookrill."

Everyone at the Table was shook by Greflyn's story, before Eli eventually stood up and said, "I am sorry for what you had to go through, honest," said he, "but this wont change anything. I say we go."
"And i agree," said Arathor.
"So do i!" said Perrin.
The Dwarf looked at his fellow friends, before sighing, "Argh! It always had to be me to be convinced! I want to go!"
"Four people on this task so far," said Elafir, "not bad."
"Five," said Greflyn, as he stood up, clutching onto his staff. "I go too."
Elafir nodded. "Alright then, the Meeting is over. Companions! Get ready, your journey shall continue quite soon."
And then everyone left the room.

Eleven is soon!