“The cost of this war keeps increasing…what are the dark elves after?” asked a clearly perturbed Xuzien.
“At this point my theory is that they are looking to side with Kana just long enough for their forces to be positioned properly to take out the allies along with the axis powers. They want to rule everyone and everything in Tuwa. It is a horrible cliche; however, it is likely at the heart of what they are striving for.”
“Does this change anything for me?” asked Xuzien darkly. His mood was getting worse and the reality of what had happened to both the giants and the town of Belva cut deep.
“Stay the course…not much longer now and Master Aiden will arrive at your first rally point. I need you to pay closer attention to Laikra Island from here on out. I have a bad feeling that the dark elves may get wind of the orb and decide to retrieve it for their ends and not Kana’s. This would be beyond disastrous…it is one thing to have Kana gain the orb; however, it is even more troubling if those dark fiends get their cursed hands on it.” The guardian’s mood was also growing dimmer as the conversation continued.
“I will do what I can. I will check on Master Aiden to see where he is at and then I will continue to prepare.” It was clear that his mind was moving into action mode and that he was done with the conversation. The guardian disappeared without further comment. He had known Xuzien his whole life and did not take offense by the way he communicated.
***
Lord Tyrienwalker waited patiently for Kana to arrive. They had much to discuss. He was very curious about this orb he had heard so much about. He thought that this may be something that he could obtain and use against the fallen guardian sooner rather than later. It would make the over throw so much simpler. It was actually poetic since this was obviously an object of great power or at least importance to the elementals. It was clear that possessing this magical sphere was crucial to both sides of the conflict; this was something he needed to know more about.
Kana appeared on the rocky island out of nowhere. The popping noise that usually precedes her arrival was muffled by the incessant winds. She walked resolutely to where Tyrienwalker waited for her. Behind her was a hidden entrance to a cave of no consequence…or so the fallen guardian thought. She did not relish working with the treacherous dark elves, however, all of her other alliances had proven weak and inept. The dark elves would be successful no matter what the cost. They were an almost unstoppable force and their recent successes were a clear indicator of just that. They had had more success in the brief time they had been a part of the conflict than all the other armies under her leadership combined.
“Why are we meeting here Tyrienwalker” she shouted over the wind. She did not like communicating via the mind with dark elves, especially this one. They were too powerful to let in.
“We need to discuss this orb you are searching for. What exactly does it do?” asked the dark elf smoothly. His voice carried clearly over the wind as though the elements had no effect on it.
“The orb is a profound source of elemental magic…something that you and your kind have always disregarded.” Kana did not like the show of interest by the dark elf. She knew that she needed to down play its importance so that they would leave it to her. Besides, she needed them to focus on their push east.
“Who is seeking out this object for you? Do you need assistance in retrieving it?” pressed Tyrienwalker. His cold eyes did not show any emotion or feeling as he stared Kana down.
“No, I have already sent a special force to retrieve the object. It is more of a precautionary move than anything. I do not want the other guardians to have possession of this powerful object. By wresting control of this orb from them we will have the advantage. Now, enough about this, what we need to discuss are the battle plans for moving your armies east.” Kana made it clear that she was done talking about the orb. She held the dark elves gaze long enough to ensure she was understood.
“Naturally, you cannot blame me for my curiosity. As far as moving our troops east, where do you want us to head first? I sense the Seda all around Renshaw, so I am guessing that we will head elsewhere first?” Tyrienwalker let the conversation move into this new direction. He knew what he needed to know…this orb was all important to Kana regardless of what she said.
“I want you to head south and help the orcs deal with those stubborn dwarves of Adem. There is a lava moat surrounding them and we can no longer allow this to keep us out. We need a way across and soon.” She knew that the dark elves could use their considerable dark magic to get around this formidable obstacle.
“I will come up with a plan to do just that and we will begin building the stronghold on the ruins of Belva.” He smiled darkly at this pleasant thought.
“I will leave you to it then” replied Kana briskly. She vanished again with an inaudible popping noise. Tyrienwalker followed suit and disappeared.
Laikra Island
The dark elves standing on the rock island of Laikra would catch the attention of anyone passing by. Seeing the Elilasnar above ground after centuries of being out of sight would have been enough to cause a ship to run aground. If someone was passing by who had more recent knowledge or information about the actions of this fallen race, they would have turned about and never returned to western Tuwa. There have been tales over the years of various legendary creatures or races that have caused real fear or terror…these pale in comparison to what fresh hell the people from Meleirelnar had unleashed on the giants and Belva.
The wind was almost gale force strength which did not seem to make any difference to the hooded figures. The cowls were drawn over their dark faces so it was impossible to know who was who. They did not do this because of their curse, which had been removed by Kana; they did it to protect themselves from flying debris. The waves crashed into the rock island of Laikra with such terrific force that the very ground shook where they stood several spans away from the shore.
“Why are we here my lord” boomed the voice of a tall and exceptionally stout elf. His white hair practically glowed from underneath his cowl. He face was resolute without a hint of emotion.
“There is a magical object that Kana is after and I have learned that this orb is the key to our ultimate designs” replied Lord Tyrienwalker. His voice was calm and he did not shout like his fellow to be heard. He had magically enhanced his voice to be heard above the sounds around them.
“What exactly is this orb? How will it help our cause with the keeper?” intoned a frailer looking elf. His features were completely hidden beneath the cowl…with the exception of his eyes. They gleamed an eerie silver color which gave anyone pause who look in his direction.
“The orb contains power over the elements of this world and will allow us to grant access to the keeper to enter the real world. Kana has different designs in mind from what I have gathered. She wants to use this device to subvert all the living creatures and peoples of Tuwa. I believe that we are included in this subjugation.” Tyrienwalker was cool and calm as he began to reveal the truth about the orb.
“So, I take it then that we will gain access to this orb for ourselves and take out Kana before she has a chance to take us out” replied a cool female voice. This dark elf had thrown back her hood so that she could look unobstructed at those in the circle.
“Right on one account…we will retrieve the orb and then give it to Kana so she can deal with the guardian council for us. Once they are out of the way, we can then manipulate her to bring to heel the rest of the peoples of Tuwa. During this process we will encourage her to use the orb to manipulate the underworld. With our guidance she will unwittingly open the lands of middle Tuwa to the keeper and his minions. Then we will be able to throw down that unworthy witch and take control of the orb for ourselves. It will be a symbol of our great victory over those who tried to oppress us.” The wind ceased for a moment at these boasts and the elves all nodded their grim satisfaction with their leader’s plan.