The Legendary Mage (Alavin)

Chapter 221

Six nights hence, in the deep of night, the last of over two hundred thousand townsfolk safely fled the depths of the shadowy woods.

After six migrations, fraught with tension but free of harm, many of the Mallister family's guards were wounded, but thankfully, none were in mortal peril.

All rejoiced heartily, their cheers not truly erupting until they had left the embrace of Cloudveil Woods, breathing at last the sweet air of deliverance. Many embraced, weeping with joy, for their trials had ended, and it was time to return home.

The Mallisters scarcely rested, making rounds in the camp to console and comfort their people, as excitement and jubilation filled the vast encampment.

"Where's the team sent to scout the old town?" Alavin, not pausing to rest, sought out Lucan for a report.

"They've been returning with updates on schedule until today. They haven't returned yet," Lucan shared. He was also waiting for the hundred-man team that was due back at dawn, yet they were nowhere to be seen.

"What's the attitude of the mercenaries in the city?"

"Arrogant as can be! We've spread the word of the news, but none have left. Their shops and pleasure houses are still bustling. Some do not believe Cobalt Strike will pardon the Mallisters, while others reckon we'll need them to rebuild Stormcast and will invite them to stay and continue their trade."

Grima snorted, "Looks like we'll have to clash steel and spill some blood to make them see sense."

"Let's not rush to battle. Uncle Lucan, you stay and watch over the camp. I'll head to the old city to assess the situation." All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

"Tonight?"

"The sooner we resolve the situation in the old city and have our people settled, the safer they'll be. Every day outside the walls is a day of danger," Alavin said, his heart heavy with the weight of responsibility as he gazed upon the sea of tents.

Godfred spoke up, "My lord, let me take some clever lads to protect you."

"Let's go!" Alavin did not delay, shouldering his ancient sword and plunging into the darkness.

"Decisive as ever, my lord," chuckled Godfred, signaling his comrades to follow swiftly.

"Nothing will go wrong," Grima worried.

"Godfred is careful in his ways. Be at ease, he'll keep the young master safe," Lucan expressed his confidence in Godfred.

Before dawn, Alavin reached Stormcast, the city looming in the dark like a slumbering beast sprawled across the vast wilderness—immense and majestic. Yet inside, it was eerily still, without light or sound, like a city of the dead.

How could this be? If it was filled with mercenaries, there should’ve been chaos and clamor.

"My lord, over here!" Godfred called from a distance; he had found the hundred-man team.

Alavin hurried over. "What's happened inside?"

They were hidden in the dark brush. "My lord, Golden Scorch's forces attacked Stormcast."

"Golden Scorch?" Alavin was puzzled; he knew of Golden Scorch, and the Rocke family's relations with the Mallisters were generally cordial, with polite exchanges in normal times.

"What are they doing here?" Godfred frowned, their confidence could handle mercenaries, but not an assault from Golden Scorch.

"Just this morning, Golden Scorch brought thirty thousand troops and a thousand Mages, driving out all the mercenaries, and shutting down the shops. They are mighty strong in these parts, nearly rivaling Cobalt Strike, and with little effort, they cleared out everyone; none dared oppose them."

"And then?" Alavin looked back at the silent, dark Stormcast.

"All's been quiet since. We don't know what they're up to." They had been watching for a long time, not daring to leave.

Godfred's brow furrowed. "My lord, could the Grand Elder have orchestrated Golden Scorch's interference?"

The others shared this concern. All four ancient cities were Cobalt Strike vassals, and they wouldn't dare ignore a secret edict.

Standing in the dark, Alavin pondered and slowly shook his head. "The timing is wrong. The Grand Elder should only now be learning of what transpired in the Azure Mountain mines. Even if he were to scheme, the word would take some time to reach Golden Scorch, and their response wouldn't be until at least five days later."

"Could it have been arranged before?"

"Even less likely! The Grand Elder did not regard us with concern, and was confident in dealing with us within Azure Mountain. There was no reason to prepare a backup plan."

Godfred nodded. "You speak the truth, my lord. The Grand Elder now resorts only to skulking tactics, not open persecution. But what does Golden Scorch want? To control Stormcast?"

Alavin commanded, "Return and tell Uncle Lucan to bring three hundred of our troops here."