The homeland of the High Elves, Osuan, Kingdom of Eataine, and the capital of the High Elves, Lothern.
After many years, another war council was convened in the Phoenix King's court.
The most important High Elven lords in attendance were:
- Tyrion, Warlord of the High Elven War Council and Champion of the Everqueen.
- Teclis, Supreme Archmage of the White Tower of Hoeth.
- Belannar the Wise, second-in-command of the White Tower.
- Imrik, Prince of Caledor.
- Aisurion the Cold, Prince of Ellyrion.
- Korhil, Captain of the White Lions and personal bodyguard of the Phoenix King.
- Aislinn, Sea Lord and High Elven Admiral.
- Isadore, First Handmaiden of the Everqueen.
Interestingly, even the least powerful attendee, Korhil, possessed mid-level saint-like abilities, demonstrating the overwhelming power gathered at this meeting.
Contrary to expectations, Phoenix King Finubar did not attend this council. Instead, he had entrusted the war authority entirely to Tyrion, the Warlord he had appointed.
This was no surprise. Throughout High Elf history, Finubar has been considered an "exception." As a rare case among the Asur, Finubar was neither a great warrior nor a mighty sorcerer. He was known primarily for his achievements in diplomacy and internal governance. Lacking personal combat prowess, Finubar consistently made "logical" and "necessary" decisions, leaving the military aspects to Tyrion. Unlike past Phoenix Kings, he rarely led armies into battle. However, his personal charm was undeniable. Even Tyrion, Aisurion, and the Dwarven High King Thorgrim considered Finubar an exceptional diplomat, capable of genuine communication.
"Where is Caradryan?" Tyrion asked as he surveyed the room, noticing the absence of the Phoenix Guard's captain.
"Caradryan and the Phoenix Guard set out to engage the undead pirates near the Shrine of Asuryan on Flame Island. As always," Teclis responded in his typical monotone, devoid of any emotion. "He won't be attending."
"Good. I don't want to see his dull face or struggle to interpret his sign language," Imrik, Prince of Caledor, said arrogantly, his chin held high. "Can we get started now? Or are we just wasting time?"
Tyrion glanced at Imrik. The arrogance and brilliance of the Caledorian Prince were well-known throughout Osuan. As the last heir of the third Phoenix King's bloodline, Imrik had devoted his life to reviving the once-great Caledor Kingdom. He rallied the Dragon Princes, awakened ancient dragons, reignited Vaul's forges, and rebuilt Caledor's military forces. Although Caledor's current army was less than a third of its former strength, it was still the largest in Osuan, numbering around 50,000 soldiers.
Clearly, Imrik was willing to go to any lengths to restore his kingdom's former glory. Recently, it was rumored that he was planning to search for a lost Caledorian artifact, the Horn of the Silver Dragon. Rumored to be in the Dwarven Eight Peaks, the victory of the Eight Peaks Expedition had only strengthened Imrik's resolve to retrieve the horn, no matter the cost or opposition.
Imrik was also one of the few in the war council who openly disregarded Tyrion's authority.
"I'll start with the situation," Korhil, the White Lion captain, began, his imposing figure reflecting his vigilance. As the Phoenix King's closest confidant and bodyguard, Korhil's voice carried weight. "A few days ago, undead pirates attacked the ports of Tiranoc and Eataine. We're unsure how they bypassed our magical wards and treacherous reefs, but they managed to sack and burn two small ports. The Asur quickly evacuated, but the pirates pillaged and torched the harbors before attempting to attack Tiranoc's capital itself."
"Atylia led Tiranoc's forces and the Flame Guard into battle, successfully repelling the invaders," Korhil added.
"But intelligence suggests that more undead fleets are gathering, and they've started raiding our trade routes to the Old World. Three merchant ships have already been destroyed. If we don't act, these raids will continue," Sea Lord Aislinn reported. As the High Elven admiral, his words carried significant weight. "We cannot allow our sea routes to be severed."
"I'm surprised Tiranoc and Lothern's sea defenses didn't annihilate the enemy. Has the Asur spirit truly weakened to the point where these kingdoms need Caledor to protect them?" Imrik sneered.
"The undead were prepared. Reports indicate that their flagship is over three kilometers long, carrying dozens of undead legions, armed with cannons, and accompanied by massive necromantic creatures," Aisurion calmly stated, ignoring Imrik's taunts. "Recklessly engaging them would lead to unnecessary sacrifices. The Asur do not fear war, but we won't throw our lives away."
"Three kilometers long? With cannons?" Tyrion's brows furrowed as he turned to Aislinn. Even the largest High Elven dragon ships were barely over 200 meters long. "Very well, Aislinn. Send a fleet. I'll lead our soldiers personally to strike at the heart of these undead scum."
"I'm sorry, Lord Tyrion, but I can't do that," Aislinn replied flatly.
"Can't do that?" Tyrion's irritation grew. "Aislinn, explain yourself, or I'll find someone who can."
"The Dark Elf black arks and the Northern Marauder dragon ships have been harassing our northern coasts. We've deployed our main fleets to defend the northern shores, particularly Nagarythe and the Blighted Isles," Aislinn explained, pointing to the northern part of the magical projection of Osuan. "We can't afford to move our main fleet. I doubt you'd want the Dark Elves or Norscan raiders approaching the Shrine of Khaine."
"True, but that's precisely why we need to deal with the undead pirates now," Tyrion insisted. "We don't need the main fleet—just a few fast ships, a small force of Silver Helm knights, and some soldiers. I'll lead them myself. We all know how Nagash's undead operate. Take out their leader, and the rest will crumble. Leave that part to me."
"Perhaps this isn't the best course of action," Belannar the Wise finally spoke, his words measured. As Teclis's mentor and a trusted advisor, Belannar rarely spoke without purpose. "Before deciding on a plan, we must consider the potential consequences."
"Consequences?" Tyrion, growing more frustrated, managed to hold his temper. Belannar was not only Teclis's mentor but also a close friend, and his wisdom was well-respected. "With sword in hand and marching to the beat of war drums, there's no enemy I can't defeat."
"Prince Yvraine thought the same when he attempted to raid the undead's lair and end the threat once and for all," Belannar cautioned. "He failed. What we're dealing with is no ordinary sea. This is another great vortex, filled with winds of magic."
"Graveyard of Ships?" Tyrion's expression changed.
"Yes. Without a sizable fleet, we can't even get near the cursed sea, according to Mathlann's priests," Aislinn confirmed. "But as I mentioned, our navy is currently focused on the northern threats."
Reluctantly, Tyrion accepted Aislinn's assessment. The High Elven fleet, while still the mightiest in the world, could no longer dominate the seas as it had during the height of the Elven Empire. They could fend off any invasion of Osuan, but fighting on multiple fronts was now a challenge.
Growing impatient, Tyrion spoke again. "Very well, then. Here's the problem: Tiranoc and Eataine can't defend themselves. The entire coast of Osuan could become a battleground between us and the undead. Our lifeline is at risk of being severed, yet we have the world's strongest navy and can't do anything about it?"
"Lifeline? Don't pretend we don't know what you mean, Lord Warlord. You're talking about the trade routes, aren't you? Don't think we're unaware of the profits your brother's 'Tyce Trade Company' has been raking in," Imrik sneered. "Caledor has never relied on such things."
"So, Caledor isn't part of Osuan? Or do you believe that maintaining the trade routes, which sustain Osuan's economy and provide us with resources from across the world, is meaningless?" Tyrion shot back.
"Perhaps the profits are significant, but what's the alternative?" Imrik countered. "Is the Warlord planning to charge into the Graveyard of Ships himself? Truly a masterpiece. Maybe your exploits will be carved on the gates of Griffon Peak."
"Can't you spare a fleet, Aislinn?" Aisurion asked coldly, uninterested in the bickering between Tyrion and Imrik.
"No, I can't," Aislinn responded bluntly. "Prince Yvraine already proved that a small fleet would only add to the undead's forces."
"Then what about mercenaries?" Aisurion continued. "We could hire a fleet."
"Hire who? Northern Norscan raiders? Our Dark Elf cousins with their black arks? Or maybe we should contract a Slann mage-priest to part the seas for us?" Imrik
retorted mockingly. "Do not question my loyalty to Osuan, Prince of Ellyrion!"
The war council devolved into a heated argument, as was often the case in the political and intrigue-laden courts of the High Elves.
Teclis, ever the calm observer, closed his eyes and meditated. He was used to such squabbles.
Before closing his eyes, Teclis noticed Isadore, the Everqueen's handmaiden, standing behind Tyrion in silent support.
Teclis couldn't help but think that Tyrion resembled King Ryan of Bretonnia.
Both were of noble blood, undoubtedly descended from gods—Ryan likely from a first-generation descendant, and Tyrion from the great defender Aenarion's line.
Neither were originally the rightful heirs to their thrones, but both had maneuvered their way to the top. Tyrion controlled Osuan as its Warlord, while Ryan secured his throne in Bretonnia through marriage and the conquest of Mousillon.
Both Osuan and Bretonnia operated under dual political systems. In Osuan, the real power lay with the Everqueen, Alarielle, who shared a close relationship with Tyrion. In Bretonnia, it was the goddess Lilith, who also had an intimate connection with Ryan.
Alarielle's voice in the court was carried through her handmaiden Isadore, who was Tyrion's lover. Lilith's influence was channeled through the Lake Witch Morgiana, who shared a similar relationship with Ryan.
Tyrion had "persuaded" Alarielle through… intimate means. Ryan employed similar tactics with Lilith.
Both Tyrion and Ryan preferred close combat.
Teclis nodded to himself, satisfied with his conclusion.
Tyrion and Ryan—case closed! Q.E.D!
Once the arguments had subsided, Teclis finally spoke. "There's another fleet—our ally's fleet."
"Monkeys?" Imrik was quick to respond.
"Yes," Teclis confirmed.
"Monkeys? Dinghies? Are we playing marbles now?" Imrik laughed mockingly. "Remember the Red Pirate Incident? Those human fishing boats were no match."
(Note: The Red Pirate Incident refers to a notorious event in which the infamous Marienburg pirate fleet, the Red Pirates, miraculously bypassed Osuan's magical wards and raided a coastal town. They returned to Marienburg with their loot, only for Aislinn to later exact revenge by burning half the city and reclaiming the stolen treasures.)
"I'm not talking about the Empire's fleet," Teclis clarified. "I mean Bretonnia, the Knightly Kingdom."
"Fools, though their Grail Knights are formidable," Imrik admitted, recalling a battle decades ago when he and the newly crowned King Richard had fought together to fend off a Beastmen horde outside Couronne. "Still fools."
Richard's bravery and the Grail Knights' prowess had left an impression on Imrik, though he had also found Richard's habit of stealing his kills irritating.
"They have a Sea God Fleet equipped with ironclad ships—Dwarven ironclads," Teclis continued.
"…" The warlords of Osuan paused.
As much as they hated to admit it, the High Elf leaders knew the destructive power of the Dwarven ironclads. They had briefly allied with the Dwarves during a Waaagh! and witnessed the ships' capabilities firsthand.
"Ironclads? Humans? Why are you so obsessed with the outside world, little brother?" Tyrion snapped at Teclis. "What makes them so important to you?"
"And why are you so indifferent, big brother?" Teclis countered. As twins, he knew exactly what Tyrion was thinking. "You stay and defend Osuan, while I seek allies and power for Osuan."
"Fine. While you find allies for Osuan, I'll make sure there's still an Osuan to return to," Tyrion agreed, the twins reaching an understanding in an instant. Before anyone else realized it, the course of action had already been set.
Teclis quietly exited the Phoenix King's court.
"Lilith, your first step is complete."
"Next, we invite Ryan to Osuan."
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