The atmosphere at the councilor's office was dull and dreadful. The air thick with anxiety. Welberg was running on his feet back and forth by the window. Falrog stood at the door like a massive rock, unmoving, his features fixed like carved from stone.

  Helena, Valentina, Corella, and Jeen sat at the table with their gazes down. No one could utter a word after everything that happened. They were completely at a loss.

  The party was intercepted at the Company by Headmaster himself. The paladin rushed them towards the city hall without a single explanation.

  There Welberg Dan was relieved to hear about the missing beastfolk that were saved. No one even knew about the abductions to this point. It appeared that the cult operated with extreme caution.

  All the wounded were admitted to the hospital and treated, all costs covered by the city hall. Yet there was the other cost that lingered heavy in the air. The missing hero of the city. If even a single word were to spread out, the repercussions would hit hard.

  Another part of the issue was the elf Jeen. Weberg knew well that dealing with certain elven clans was like walking on thin ice itself, and this was definitely the one. Any political fallout was something a respectable representative would want to avoid at any cost.

  When he heard about an entire group of privileged elves missing, his face turned pale. Abducted by the organization operating within the hidden dungeon. All of that within the territory under the Empire’s protection. This was a dangerous precedent that could cause irreversible damage to the foreign relationships. And the councilor Welberg Dan, along with the headmaster Falrog Kriegrock, were the unfortunate two men. Entrusted with the task of avoiding the issue growing out of proportion any further.

  All the world’s worries were written on the face of the middle-aged administrator. He could feel it in his aching bones that the catastrophic storm was coming. All that while, Drake went missing after what appeared to be a deadly confrontation.

  The entire band of adventurers looked utterly disheveled. But this young group was the only one they could rely on during such a troubling time. All the big names were out of town for another week. With the situation getting only progressively worse given all the latest news.

  The head councilor stopped at the window, looking over the town, consumed deep by the thoughts. In the meantime, Falgor moved closer to the group. He studied the adventures in front of him with a focused gaze.

  Both Helena and Valentina were holding on by a thread. The women were shaken after the loss of their comrade. Their empty gazes darting around the room. The swordmaiden did her best to mask her worries, yet the tension was readable in her posture and over her face. While the ice mage demonkin, if even tried, did not succeed whatsoever. She was twitching and shuddering, clutching her staff, battling the swirl of emotions inside.

  Corella, on the other hand, was a bag of surprises. Farlog knew her fiery spirit and the reason she was called the new hope among the beastkin. Yet he could not imagine that after being captive and tortured, her fiery spirit would burn ever brighter. Her features were full of resolve and desire. He could see that she was ready to jump into action at as much as a simple notion. Moreover, the young feral maiden refused any treatment and offer to stay at the hospital. The nurses only managed to apply a few bandages to some of her worst wounds.

  The headmaster turned his head towards the elf. Jeen was a welcome addition. A powerful adventurer, known as “The Ranger.” He’s been leading the Endergleam Rangers Corps for over seven years, ever since he was the boy of fifteen. Yet the headmaster previously shared the careful caution with the councilor. Dealing with the elves more times than not brought disaster.

  He once again processed what the party told them. The sickening and shocking news is even on his long memory of accidents. A hidden dungeon now served as the base of operations for some strange cult.

  Abductions of beastkin and elves. Torture and experimentations. Foe that bested the young Drake Antos. Falrog knew how powerful the beast had been in order to overpower the rising star of his Company of Veloss.

  The man shook off heavy thoughts and finally returned to the present. There were matters that required careful investigation and their utmost dedication. Before the headmaster could say anything, Helena had already broken the long silence.

  “We have to come back! We need to find Drake!” Her intonation came out shaky.

  “Yes, we have to go there! He must be suffering!” Valentina cried out.

  “Count me in!” Corella jerked to her feet, turning her head. From her fingers, sharp claws released at the ready.

  “Don’t you even think about leaving me out. I’m coming too, no matter what!” Jeen raised his head as he butted in before the previous words even reverberated off the walls.

  Welber Dan’s contemplations were cut short by those loud declarations that filled the room. As the young adventurers argued the details of the future mission. The lively discussion was stopped by Falrog Kriegrock himself.

  “That’s enough! I can commend you lively spirits. It’s definitely great to be young. But don’t jump to conclusions. Hold your horses. It’s not that simple!” The booming voice filled the room.

  “What do you mean by that?!” Helena’s eyes widened as she retorted. “Drake’s life is at stake. We must do everything in our po…”

  Before she could finish, the headmaster glanced directly at her. The woman immediately toned down as she slumped back to the couch under pressure.

  “First, listen to what we have to say. Welberg, come closer.” The colossal man waved to the councilor.

  “There. I don’t like where this is going.” An older gentleman mumbled under his mustache, stepping closer to the group.

  “Since everyone finally calmed down. Let’s talk everything through.” Falrog clapped his hands with nearly a thunderous explosion, puffing wind into the faces of everyone present.

  “Head Councilor, start with the news you have received today. That very reason I caught them on approach.” The headmaster said, inviting another man to the conversation.

  “Oh, like a single piece of bad news is not enough for the day.” The thin man sighed as he exhaled a heavy breath before he continued. “We have received a report about a huge group of monsters, mostly hounds. This group was noticed to the far west of Vellos. Near the Farkley village. The group of knights was already dispatched. We suspect the same powers are at play.”

  “You mean to say that all of this was planned?” Jeen inquired, his blue eyes drilling the councilor.

  “Well, I can’t say for sure. But from what Flarog told me, it appears that way.”

  “What did you tell him, Headmaster?” Helena once again did not wait for her turn.

  “Combined with what you have told us, my suspicions only solidified. I think that cult wanted to repeat what had happened three years ago!” Falrog articulated slowly, lowering his gaze.

  “Repeat what?!” Valentina exclaimed, shaking her hands. “Do you mean that attack?!”

  “Yes, there is no other motive. Yet this time it seemed they had prepared far better and aimed for far worse. Attacking from multiple locations simultaneously. Still, thanks to Drake, we have one less to worry about.”

  “Huh, so you imply that young man singlehandedly destroyed the forces prepared to attack an entire town? I must meet him soon.” Jeen raised an eyebrow.

  “Well, yeah, he’s beyond capable. But I am not convinced that was all. My nose and my fists are itchy. That enemy he fought was far worse and stronger than the entire group. And I don’t expect them to use only two directions for the new assault.” The headmaster gazed at the councilor, who simply nodded and returned his attention to the sitting adventurers.

  “But where are you even going with this, headmaster? Don’t tell me!” Helena jumped to her feet, frantically throwing her hands in the air. “You, you can’t do this…you…can't.”

  “Bollocks already!” Falrog stopped, looking at the standing woman. “I know how you feel, but we do not have any other options.” The man added in a calm, soothing tone.

  The young lady stood there with an angry expression for a few moments before her features slowly relaxed. Yet she did not sit back. Instead, she crossed her hands and started tapping her foot on the floor.

  “Can you explain to me what this means?” Corella questioned, looking at the demonkin, her face puzzled.

  “Nothing good.” Valentina responded to the beastkin, looking at her with watery ruby eyes.

  “Listen, all. I know this may sound far from ideal at first. But believe me, this is the best option we have.” The towering man sounded confident.

  “Can you stop beating around the bush, headmaster? We already lost valuable time!” Everyone was surprised by the baritone of the slender elf breaking through with the hint of discontent. He took a few sips of the still-warm herbal tea.

  “Khm!” The headmaster coughed so strongly that the air pressured the eardrums. “I will ignore your tone, young man. This time only and only once.” Falrog, added with a hint of irritation.

  “Welberg?!”

  “Well. Where did we stop? Oh, yeah, sorry.” The councilor uncharacteristically stumbled for words for a moment. He immediately straightened himself up and adjusted his suit.

  “Just as Falrog mentioned. We are at the edge of crisis, and Vellos's safety is under threat. Lord Adonis had already dispatched multiple groups of knights around the region and close-by villages. But it is obviously not enough. He personally requested the help from the Adventurer’s Company. Special units were called in for the emergency.” The councilor paused, carefully thinking about the next words. Falrog did not wait as he took the words out of his mouth.

  “Still, we are sure that even that is not enough. Most of those parties are lower-ranked adventurers. We combined their groups together, some over a dozen. Moreover, Lord Adonis can’t call in the Royal Guard. Even with justifiable reason, it will take too long to get here. That’s why I need your cooperation.” The giant paladin’s face flickered for a moment, both proud and concerned.

  “That’s what she meant. We’re not going to rescue Drake, then?” The slender elf tried to guess. As he made another graceful sip. His gaze rested on the table.

  “What, we don't?! Why?!” Corella’s eyes widened with surprise.

  While both Helena and Valentina sat in silence. They had already seen through this. To both the headmaster’s and councilor's surprise, behind the facade of their amazing beauties lay a hidden layer of cunning intellects. There was no doubt those could go far.

  “Sadly, that's the truth. We can’t justify going back. The city is in danger, and we are short on manpower. Drake guessed it himself. We could already have been under attack. He knew and predicted that we needed reserves here. How did he figure that out?” Falrog scratched his bushy beard. His voice boomed across the room.

  Helena shuddered at the mention of their party leader’s name. She was about to interject but stopped herself. Did Drake really know? Was it part of his plan all along? What a fool! Why didn’t he simply tell us! The woman gritted her teeth when she asked.

  “So what do you want us to do?” Traces of life were heard to find in her voice.

  “The most important mission. Only for the four of you. We even have the most fitting person for this task. Am I right, Sir Berkswood, or should I use…” The headmaster looked at Jeen, waiting for the young one to respond.

  The elf slowly raised his head from his cup. His expression stayed plain.

  “Headmaster, I would like you to restrain yourself from using that name under any circumstances. Henceforth you know what to do.” The elf's deep blue eyes darted to Welberg instead. “I’m reasonably sure you understand the utmost enormity of this matter, Mr. Councilor.”

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  The three women exchanged perplexed glances, flashing their gazes around the room, each other, and finally at the blonde-haired elf.

  “Yes, I beg your pardon for this misunderstanding. You do not need to worry about it! Right, Falrog?!” The councilor shot back, anxiety in his voice, irritation in his gaze.

  “Well, I’ll keep that in mind, young… ranger! This should be enough, right?” The headmaster turned to the elf, shrugging, the massive armor plates moving like boulders.

  “This should suffice. Now, tell me, what is your offer?” Jeen turned his head to face the Falrog.

  “Wait, what?! Are you trying to remove us from this discussion?!” Helena turned on with a sudden burst.

  “On that, Miss Elberth, we are indeed pressed for time here. I’ll explain everything later. For now, please, just listen to what Falrog has to say.” The swordmaiden was unsure how to react to such sudden politeness from Wlberg. She decided not to push the matter.

  “Finally, it’s all sorted. I’ll continue.” Falrog exhaled profusely. He swiftly took a large cushioned chair at the far corner of the room and put it in front of everyone.

  The hulking man took a few moments to get comfortable inside the seat that could barely fit his frame, cracking under the weight of his gear. And he started talking, fast and a lot.

  It was as if the headmaster spoke with no end, going into weird details and sharing conclusions. Jeen and the rest of the group were barely able to insert their questions or entertain their curiosity. Even Wleberg Dan had a hard time when he would need to point out a few crucial details or explain how the city and the council can assist.

  At the very least, the details were clear now. The entire region was in dire danger. Reports were flowing from everywhere. And rushing to Drake’s rescue could cause more harm than good. Even Jeen was convinced that he had more chances of finding his brethren with the support from the Headmaster, ord Adonis and Councilor. But first, the group had to succeed on their mission.

  And that was where it became clear. The elf’s expertise has to play the major role. Jeen was a ranger, a tracker, one of the very best at that. The nickname that followed him was not just the sweet words. His skills were known far beyond his native kingdom of the wood elves. Far more than one could count, the adventurer and the ranger corps were hired by the neighboring kingdom or empire nobles. For tracking jobs, investigations, and other matters. Be it finding runaway spoiled kids and returning them safely home.

  The task for their small new group sounded simple. They had to locate one of the hideouts and prepare to repel the attack from that direction. If the situation allowed, they had to go as far as to eliminate the threat before it became an issue. A substantial reward was offered, along with the next step being the major rescue operation if all goes well. Yet this was not a mere feat to achieve.

  “I’m sure you can all agree that returning there is out of the question now. The town could be swarmed by the time we return, and we still have certain obligations to the lord. Fortunately, Drake had already dealt with most, if not all, of the potential attackers. And I, and no doubt all of you, want to believe that he is more than capable of getting himself out of that. Khm, problem.” Falrog looked exhausted as he finished his presentation.

  “My hands are sweaty with all that worrying. But I’m also sure the young Drake can take good care of himself. All those stories he told me…” The tired, sunken-eyed councilor looked like a proud father. Making everyone curious about the stories that man actually heard.

  “Oh, I did not mean to. I’ve gotten off track here. There’s so much work to do. Ugh, the papers will not fill themselves. Falrgor, please see the group safely out.” Welberg tapped the metal plate on the giant man's shoulder with a definite clang. Despite how enormous the headmaster was, the thin councilor stood the same height.

  “Make sure they rest well before departure!” The councilor added with a serious tone, showing at the door.

  “You’ve known me long enough. I will never. Overwork the young ones!” A wild grin appeared under the bushy beard of the headmaster as he rushed the band out.

  It was later in the evening when they managed to leave the city hall. Before they could even notice, they had spent an entire day arguing over the details, listening to the plans, and sharing worries.

  The orange sparkles of the dusk sun had already painted the cobblestones of the streets, and the fresh late summer evening air brushed against their faces.

  Yet it was unusual to stand there without Drake. That lively young man who fulfilled this town's best dreams and aspirations.

  Please, please, just be alive! Helena thought to herself as the four young adventurers departed.

  A hefty hot meal filled their stomachs. And the party was already resting at the Drake’s homestead. Helena and Valentina agreed that it would be best to spend more of their time together. The important assignment awaited them quite soon. And they had to work with each other.

  The headmaster told them to rest. While he mentioned that tomorrow morning they should be fully geared in prime fighting condition.

  Corella immediately departed to take a long, steamy bath. While Jeen sat at the fireplace. The young man read notes while scratching something in his notebook. The tedious long day was over, and everyone could get a breather.

  Helena gripped the stone railing until her knuckles turned white, her eyes searching the darkened horizon, as if a hidden dungeon was there. Valentina stood beside her, gaze glued to the dark trees, like Drake would suddenly appear from the forest. An invisible force weighed their hearts down. Both were wrestling with the decision they had made.

  “D-do you think he would understand?” The demonkin woman asked with uncertainty.

  “I don’t know, Val, I don’t know.” Helena replied, her voice weak, nearly a whisper.

  “What if he’s already… I mean… I know. But what are we supposed to do?” The ruby eyes of the woman glistened with tears. Slowly streaming down her smooth white skin, cheeks getting pink with heat.

  Helena stepped closer and brushed the tear from the cheek of the shuddering, timid demokin. There she goes again… Like a child.

  “Don’t get too worked up. I’m sure he’s fine… Fine… Just, maybe, not completely.” For some reason she could not find the confidence in her response.

  “You have to remember how strong and sturdy that maniac of a man actually is. Do you think something like that can repel him?” Helena let out an uncontrolled chuckle.

  Valentina raised her head. The long-haired woman’s face in front of her looked both puzzled and happy. Conflicting emotions ran their course.

  “I, I understand what you mean, but still. There’s this feeling, you know. It’s like I can’t shake it off. No matter how I try, I’m… scared.” Valentina slumped over the railing.

  The long-haired woman looked at her friend with obvious compassion.

  “It’s the same…for me too. There’s nothing weird. It's not strange at all. We must not lose faith. We have to trust Drake. He provided it more than once. Don’t you think so?” Helena tried to cheer the demonkin.

  Just you wait, you moonstruck. I’ll slap you to the grave myself. Why do I have to play your advocate? What soup did you have in your head to go there alone…? Helena gritted her teeth and turned away.

  Valentina straightened up as her eyes searched for a place to rest. The woman was contemplating, devoured by her thoughts. After a few moments her expression relaxed, and most of the tension left her frame. She clenched her fist instead.

  “You’re right! Thanks, I feel much better now. Thinking about the worst does not help the cause. We have to be ready for tomorrow!” Valentina’s words finally sounded clear and loud.

  “That is the right spirit. Let’s show him what we've got! And make him regret leaving us here. We’ll take all the glory for ourselves!” The tall swordmaiden dashed toward the timid ice-mage and pinched her hard into a hug.

  The cold evening air was filled with warm laughter as the pair returned. The elf did not move an inch from his spot. Only now he was reading some kind of fat tome with a plain leather cover with no embossing or titles.

  Hot tea was steaming as the two women joined the blonde-haired young adventurer. Jeen raised his head, studying the two stunning women with his piercing gaze. They looked even better in the dim light of the fireplace, smooth and refined features accentuated by the dancing shadows.

  The elf felt almost sorry they did not have enough time to talk more previously. The swirl of events took them too fast and too far. This time he was all pointy-ears to seize the opportunity.

  “So, this place belongs to Drake, you said?” He started with a question.

  “Yeah, this is… It’s our party’s base of operations, of sorts. The place is built where his family house was. Before the attack three years ago. You know about it, right?” Helena stated, as she tried to read the elf’s features. Strange, he looks surprisingly different now. Out there he was a usual adventurer. What’s this feeling I'm getting?

  In this light, the man looked no less distinctive, a sophisticated, mannered individual with a great sense of style and pricey jewelry. Giving the highly noble vibes. Especially after what had happened at the Head Councilor office.

  “I won’t say that I know much, but I heard the story. And now we know that it is tied to all the crap that happened now.” The elf replied with a barely noticeable nod and a hum.

  That there. Why did it sound so weird? Like, it’s not something he would usually say. Helena thought to herself. She turned to Valentina. The demonkin woman already covered herself with a wool blanket, drinking hot tea and watching the flames. So much for the Ice Queen!

  “That’s a very dry explanation for the event that took the lives of both Drake’s parents.” The swordmaiden blurted out in response.

  “Oh, I’m… Sorry to hear that.” The elf’s features dulled as he furrowed. “I’ll make sure to give him my condolences when we meet.” He put one of his hands to his shoulder and then moved it to the middle of his chest with a controlled, choreographed motion, lowering his head.

  “Let the forest mother Eshta guide their way.” Jeen murmured, barely a whisper.

  I see, so that’s true. The wood elves are close with nature. The woman continued to drill the young elf with her gaze.

  Valentina slowly slumped and leaned against Helena’s back. The mage girl was already half-asleep, drooling.

  “I’m hopeful this can happen soon. I mean, you’re looking for your brethren too.” Helena tried to pry just a little further.

  The young elf locked his blue gaze with hers. His smooth features were carved square by the dancing dim fire and shadows.

  “Indeed, as I told you when we met.” He leaned slightly closer. “Those are five of my rangers, very dear friends of mine that I’ve known since birth. I’m pretty sure you know what that means.” The wry smile covered his face as he leaned back.

  “Well, I didn’t mean it that way. It’s that… We will have to work together tomorrow, and I just wanted to get to know you better. I can understand that.” Helena turned her head. Her gaze now rested at the fireplace.

  “Everyone has secrets. Right, Helena of the house Elsberth?” The young elf slightly chuckled with a cunning look on his face. His eyes focused.

  “What do you mean by that?” Before she could finish, the young man in the green leather armor interrupted her as his eyes switched to the sleeping mage.

  “Or, maybe, the Kavardan friend of yours can tell more?”

  Valentina blurted a few words through the sleep at the notion of her name.

  “Wait, but how do you even…” The swordmaiden sprang to her feet, her hand resting at the hilt of her katana. The sudden movement threw the demonkin ice-mage off the couch with a thud. Her staff banged loudly over the wooden floor.

  “Hey! Take it easy, you ogre! Why did you do it, Helena?” Valentina straightened up, brushing off the dust from her robe. “And why are you…standing. Ah, come on! Don’t tell me it’s just like always.” The timid woman sighed and exhaled loudly as she examined both her anxious friend and the elf sitting with a straight face.

  “Did you even hear what he said?!” Helena shouted defensively, only to be stopped by Valentina’s sour, unconvinced gaze.

  “How many times did I tell you not to be so hasty? And I’m the one who's always impatient. Oh my goodness, you woman! You refuse to learn.” The mage girl slowly took the swordmaiden's fingers, one by one, and separated them from the hilt. After it was done, the demonkin then turned her head towards the elf.

  “So, what happened this time, Jeen?” Valentina tilted her head.

  “Nothing happened! He knew our family names!” Helena ranted again.

  “And…? What’s so strange about it?” The timid mage questioned, looking up at her friend, hands at her thighs.

  “Well, I mean, the look on his face…” The swordmaiden struggled to make sense. Her face was red, veins at her neck pulsating.

  “Look, WHAT?! On his face? Like, have you heard yourself? That does not make any sense. Have you become a face-reading oracle, or something?” Valentina looked perplexed as she leaned her head back, looking up, opened her eyes wide, and furrowed her brows.

  “Ha-ha! What a show!” Jeen suddenly burst into loud laughter. “Relax, ladies. I was just messing with you. You seem to be good friends. As a token of my apology, I’m going to share a piece of information with you.”

  “Again, just look at him. He’s the one who started this crap!” Helena still could not get a grip, ready to let loose.

  “Sush, relax! What’s gotten into you? The one who’s telling me not to get worked up. For once, heed your own advice.” Valentina chuckled as she slowly dragged Helena back on the couch.

  “Ah, alright, alright!” The long-haired woman barked.

  “So, are you willing to listen now?” The young elf questioned, with a hint of playfulness still in his voice.

  “Out with it!” The swordmaiden puffed her cheeks.

  “Can only pray that I’m not going to regret it.” Jeen murmured as he closed his book with a loud thud and put it into his leather bag.

  “Listen, the first time we met. I said my name was Jeen Berkswood…well… That is not entirely true.” The elf shrugged, scratching behind his ear.

  “Not completely? Like, how much are we talking?” Valentina raised her brow.

  “About a half of it!”

  “And that half is?” Helena asked, less anxious.

  “I’m not Berkswood. That’s a made-up name.” The blonde-haired young man paused, his blue eyes glistening as he brought the words slowly to his mouth. “My real family name is Elandor.”

  The words sounded like a crushing of the thunder. Sending shivers down the spine of the young demonkin as she shot to her feet, straightening up and tensing like a log. Her smooth white face froze like marble.

  “You must be cursing me!” The timid ice-mage shouted with her hands in the air.

  “Helena, tell me I’m dreaming. Or better yet, strike me. Do you have any idea who this is?” She turned to the confused woman and shook her a few times.

  “Don’t you get it! You steelhead! He is the son of Avelor, the King of the Wood Elves.” Valentina gasped for air, breathing heavily as her ruby eyes opened wide.

  “Ukh, now I see. I’ve seriously fucked…khm, miscalculated. Should have kept my big mouth shut.” The young man rubbed his eyes, blinking intensely.

  “Not a chance!” Both maidens shouted back so loud that the elf jolted back. The looks on their faces and hungry eyes were ready to devour him whole.

  Now they knew that the elf going by the name Berkswood was, in fact, none other than Jeen Ravenlor Elandor. The infamous seventh son of the King of the Wood Elves Kingdom of Endergleam himself.

  Blessed and oblivious, Corella enjoyed her steamy bath.

  I will try to bring the next chapter by Friday and maintain a dual-chapter-per-week release schedule!

  Action in Chapter 3!

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