Secrets of the Swamps

Elias watched from a distance as the elf torn apart the enemies with magic and boosted the soldiers' fighting strength in her area, making a huge gap to flank the bunkered in shielded enemies.

"Wow, she is impressive!" Elias said aloud, and Loid shouted back, "Let's not get outshined. Come on!!"

Elias waved his sword forward, while shouting "We march on!"

With Loewe breaking the barricades, and the watch tower of the enemies is now exposed. The Liberation Army moved forward like a flood in the swamps.

Ranger Jeod took his platoon to his band of soldiers south to the first part of the swamp, that had a towering like village that was built into the trees. Elias thought that he was going to far with so few men. The risk of getting surrounded was high.

Yet Jeod pressed on, even drawing enemies to his band's direction. Elias started to worry, as he turned to Piper, "We need to get men out there, Master Jeod is in danger if we don't act now."

Which she turned to start issuing commands. However, the attention of the officers all went over to Rika as the elf started chanting and her fellow soldiers bunched up in a circle around her. Facing outward, as they looked ready to engage in battle but no enemies by them at the moment.

Rika finished her magic cast, turned to Elias and with a cold confident tone said, "I will show you what this elf can do."

As she let out a white light with her double headed lance. Casting teleportation for her small battalion. Which the light then suddenly appeared next to Jeod and his band. Which was many meters away. Now with double the fighting force, they surprise the Cornelian soldiers and overwhelm them with greater numbers and in a flanking position.

The Liberation young warriors were very impressed. Even Prescott had his jaw hanging low in amazement. Elias figured out, that Jeod was aware of this elf's abilities and with confidence was able to execute a battle tactic that few had seen in Aether.

Elias was now impressed. "Keep moving, all forces engage the other hamlet by the lake. We will punch through the shields."

Jeod at the other hamlet village turned to Rika. Such flawless technique, not rusty at all." which Rika replied, "I cannot be rusty, I been fighting for 10 years to keep the Cornelians away from the High Council. Mister Gray Beard is still showing strong fight spirit."

Jeod smirked at the mocking of gray growing in his beard now, "Hold fast, I did not refer to you. I have not chosen my grave yet. Let take this place and find this mysterious elven witch you hid away."

The last word Jeod laughed heartily. and Rika was quite amused but tried to hide her laughter.

As the Liberation Army pushed back the Cornelian soldiers to their last command post, where a thick soldier was loud and obnoxious but effective at defending the base. He had shiny polish armor and spear.

Rika approached him and said, "So you're the man responsible for this mess. Give me back my village this instant."

REplying to her was Captain Beau, "Oho? The swamp hides more elven witches! You don't look like the hag I/m after, but I suppose it can't hurt to take you in anyway."

With that the conflict of warriors clashed, and Rika said, "Let's see what you can do." Using her magic ice bolts to take down the command. It was parried by Beau with his large shield.

Which then Jeod and Keima as cavalry unit swept in to flank the heavy shields of Beau's defense. Pounding feet of the horses ran through and took out the last will to fight back by the Cornelians.

Captain Beau lying defeated but not dead, said. "Ah, my delicious dreams, crumbling to dust in my mouth." as he coughed up swamp water.

The victory secured, the inner circle of the Liberation gathered at the hamlet. Rika said, "Thank you both, I never could have restored peace to the hamlet without your help."

Elias asked, "And what of your elder? Is she unharmed?"

Rika seemed to become shy, "Ah, well...Perhaps it's better if I just introduced you. You too, Prescott."

Prescott spoke up, "Hm? I would never decline such an honor, my lady, but what reason could you possibly have for asking me to join?"

Rika replied, "You will see soon enough. Now, come along." as the small party consisting of Prescott, Elias, and Rika headed to the main official building in the hamlet.

Inside the spacious room of the elven witch, Rika stood with her back turned to the others. Prescott spoke up, "Tell us, Rika. Where is this elder that you spoke of?

Rika replied, "Still haven't caught on? You always were the most naive pup in the litter, my little shield." and with an astonished look Prescott blurted out, "That name! But nobody calls me that except ... Except that Eleven Ranger herself. No, I don't believe it. When I was a boy you look the same age, if not older."

Rika said, "Are you saying this elf is Decrepit? Old? Antique? Living as old without aging is something elves can do. I know humans are not familiar with such elvish ways. We are able to craft a spell that peels back the years and restore our youth every decade or so. I daresay it does dampen the magicks a small period every time we do so.

Prescott and Elias were amazed by the concept. Which Elias said, " 'Tis astonishing what miracles sorcery empowers."

Rika replied, "It is one of the most prized techniques our elders teach to the younger elves. And not a fat for the weak of heart. Prince Elias, I 'd very much like to resume my duties-and I'd like to do so in service of the Liberation. My name is Yuriko the Ranger and protector of the High Council. Ranger Jeod is familiar and my apprentice, commonly I let him call me Rika for short."

Elias formally greeted the Ranger, "The honor will be ours, Yuriko. It seems that this swamp can offer more than just dreary weather."

With that victory and meeting with the legendary Ranger. The elf brought her band of soldiers into the fold Liberation Army. Elsewhere, Captain Beau was reeling from his defeat.

Beau whimpered sad face exhaled, "Ahh, the draught of defeat is a bitter one indeed." Batiste asked, "Captain Beau, ser?" and Beau ranted, "It's all over, lad. I'll be tarred, feathered, and paraded through the streets like a mustachioed chicken for this."

Beau got up and, on his feet, and started walking. Batiste asked, "Ser? Where are you going?" and Beau replied, "I refused to play their farmstead fowl. There's one last haven that may offer us protection. But it is far, so very far. Do you have the pluck to make this trek with me?"

Batiste stood up straight as possible. "As I breathe and eat, ser! I'll follow you to the ends of the terra and back!" Beau nodded, "Good, then we depart without a moment's delay. Remember this day, lad....as our first booted step into the most lucrative trade you can imagine!"

That is when we see Yuriko the Ranger make her announcement to the officers and inner circle. As she ends with "I place my trust in you, Prince Elias."

It was already said before when Jeod and Yuriko were off updating each other. Yuriko confirmed her mission from the High Council is to protect the Royal Family of Aether. To defeat Dessel and his opposition to the Council.

Elias in his tent at night had worried thoughts, not of the excursion or the difficulties of the liberation of his homeland. He said allowed in a quiet voice. "All this progress, yet Lily still remains in grave danger..." With a big exhale he turned and saw Loid walking to him.

Loid said, "All that worrying is gonna kill you one of these days. Lemme guess-it's about Lily?"

Elias replied, "I couldn't pretend otherwise. You'd sniff put the lie before it scarce pass my lips. It's been some time now since she was abducted, and all I've been able to put forth are vague prayers for her safety."

Loid shook his head and replied, "You've done plenty. Look, I know how bad you want her back, but we're gonna need more people if we want a real shot at it."

Elias agreed, "Perhaps, yet the danger to Lily grows with each grain passing through the hourglass."

Loid replied, "Yeah, like that's the healthy way to think about it. Wellingtonia wasn't built in a day y'know. Besides, Liam is the last thing we've gotta worry about right now. But we're getting there. You're getting there. Even though you're real good at not seeing it. Just ... don't try to do this alone. Please. There's only one way we're saving Lily, and that's together. But we will save her-I'd bet my life on it."