The council room was unusually quiet.
A large map covered the centre of the table, its edges held down by several heavy objects. Small wooden markers had been placed across the borders, representing the positions of the patrols and the areas that had suffered the most damage during the human attack.
King Elijah stood with both hands resting against the edge of the table. Across from him, Xanden studied the reports scattered before him.
"How much damage?" Elijah asked.
"Less than we initially expected," Xanden replied, moving one of the markers. "The eastern border suffered the most. Two watchtowers were destroyed, and several of the smaller settlements were affected. Fortunately, most of the inhabitants had already been moved to safer locations."
"And the patrols?"
"Reinforcements have been sent. The western and northern borders are secure for now, but I wouldn't recommend withdrawing any of the additional guards just yet."
Elijah nodded.
