The Heroine of Ferelden

Ch: 13

In the wake of the ambush by Lord Eamon’s forces and the successful counterattack led by Elra, she now turns her focus to what lies ahead. After ensuring that the wounded are cared for and assessing the losses, Elra decides to set up a strategic council with her most trusted companions to plan the next steps of their campaign.

As Elra's companions gather around the map, the atmosphere in the tent is tense but focused. The flickering lanterns cast long shadows on the worn faces of the group: Elra, Leliana, Oghren, Sten, and now Aneirin, who had joined them just before the council started.

Elra: "We've won a small battle, but the war is far from over. Lord Eamon’s forces are regrouping. They’ll strike again, but this time we’ll be ready."

Elra's gaze sweeps across the map before her, tracing potential routes and strategic locations, waiting for input from her companions.

Leliana: "There are whispers that Eamon may be looking to hire mercenaries. If that happens, we’ll be facing fresh enemies. We need to disrupt his alliances before they get stronger."

After Leliana proposes swaying minor lords to their side, Aneirin, who had been listening in silence, leans forward, his calm demeanor adding weight to his words.

Aneirin: "Diplomacy is not always about words, but also about what we can offer those lords—protection, resources, or leverage. The minor lords may not be as loyal as we think. They will shift with the wind if they believe it’s in their interest. You will need more than promises to gain their trust."

Elra nods, absorbing Aneirin's cautious insight.

Elra: "What do you suggest we offer them?"

Aneirin's eyes gleam slightly, as if he’s already thought this through.

Aneirin: "We can offer them something Lord Eamon cannot—protection from the darkspawn threat. Many of the lords have lost people to the blight. Remind them that Eamon's focus is on gaining power, not protecting their lands."

The room falls silent for a moment, as everyone digests the impact of this suggestion. Elra’s lips curl into a thoughtful smile.

Oghren: "Diplomacy’s fine and all, but we need to hit Eamon where it hurts. His supply lines. Without food and weapons, his troops will crumble. I say we sabotage his shipments—hit 'em fast, hit 'em hard."

Sten: "We must not spread ourselves too thin. Our forces are not limitless. A smaller, elite group should handle the sabotage, while the rest fortify our position here."

The conversation moves forward with tactics, but Aneirin watches carefully. He waits for a lull in the discussion, then adds another layer of caution.

Aneirin: "While you plan these maneuvers, don’t forget that Eamon has an apostate mage on his side who is likely working on countermeasures as we speak. We need to be wary of magical interference. Due to this reason, Eamon’s camp could be under the protection of enchantments or traps laid by that mage. We should prepare for that eventuality."

Leliana raises an eyebrow, glancing at Elra.

Leliana: "And here I thought you were just going to help us sway lords. Seems we have much more to plan for."

Aneirin smirks but his tone remains serious.

Aneirin: "Always plan for the unexpected, Leliana."

After the discussion, Elra's orders are clear: Leliana will handle diplomatic efforts, Oghren will lead the sabotage mission, and Sten will fortify their camp. Aneirin role was to deal with any magic issues that might hurt the mission.