The Myth is Real

For the first time in many years, the great hall of Brux’s capital building carries with it an air of genuine fear.

The messenger who’s just delivered this environment quickly bows his head and shuffles his way out of the doorway from which he came, his words now gone, yet loudly ringing in the ears of all still present.

“The King Avner Forteno IV is dead. The new king of Lio is King Vio Forteno V.”

All around the room, the village elders from all across the nation of Igna bow their heads in respect for the late king, the “Good King’ as many called him. King Avner had led the neighboring nation of Lio through a time of peace and prosperity that saw vast improvements in development and citizen’s treatment.

Furthermore, and crucially for those in this room, the late king’s rule also saw the reduction of tensions with the nation of Igna, and even the first trade between the two countries since before the War of the Central Lands that ended in 79 years ago.

“He was a good man.” Edred said. As the village elder of Brux and therefore the head of this particular Quarterly Summit, the 72 year old former adventurer and guild leader admired the late king greatly.

“Indeed he was.” Adds Vera, who herself is the village elder of North Tridonia, the second of the 5 major villages in Igna.

The elders of South Tridonia, West Tridonia, and Mons all nod in agreement as they process the terrifying ramifications of the news.

Lio, an ally and even trade partner to many of the elder’s villages present at the summit, would soon be counted as a potentially hostile enemy.

Felix Locke watches on as the room, normally so organized and formal, soon devolves into a mix of panicked suggestions and ill-contemplated plans.

Felix had spent the past few months learning how to perform his new job as the Attendant to the head of the Court of Igna, who was currently Edred. At just 20 years old, it was beyond impressive how he’d gotten the highly coveted position, and everyone present knew just how hard he’d worked to earn it.

Honing his skills for years as both an adventurer and part of the voluntary military force of Brux, he’d proved himself to be the best magic swordsman in the nation at just 16 years old. Two years later, he’d become captain of Brux’s military when he’d come of age, and soon after, the nation’s Court Attendant.

However, at this very moment, he had no idea how he could help in any way.

The role models he’d looked up to for all this time were lost, so what on Moare was he meant to do?

“Silence.” Edred’s booming voice, so rarely raised like this, rang through the room, leaving absolutely no sound in its wake.

“We are not unprepared for this, nor are we defenseless. We must not be rash. Igna is not at war, and we are not guaranteed to be.”

“If we do nothing, we will be left unprepared for a surprise invasion.” Mirza, captain of the national military and elder of Mons responds. Mons is located on Igna’s southern border, which borders a sliver of land owned by Lio before the Triien Mountain Range.

“It is indeed as you say.” Edred acknowledges, “But we will only make the small changes necessary for that outcome.”

Felix jolts in surprise as Edred follows this statement by addressing him personally.

“Yes, elder Edred?”

“Are you aware of the story of the Last Elf?”

It was an odd question, given the situation, but one Felix could answer nevertheless.

“Of course.”

The Last Elf was a folktale about an elf who had overwhelming magical power and was used time and again by the three nations, Lio, Rykaen, and Kyo, before choosing to settle in the Abandoned Forest of Igna, due to Igna’s regards for her wishes. Just about every kid in the country was taught this story as a way to preach treating others fairly.

The story ends with the elf asking to be informed of any threats Igna might face, so that she may repay the nation's kindness in their hour of need.

“Good, then you will set out at first light tomorrow.” Edred concludes, his tone that of a finality which Felix would not be allowed to question.

What he was to set out for, or why he was to set out at all, Felix had no idea. The story of the Last Elf was a myth meant to teach kids, so what sort of mission would it have to do with?

A few hours later, after the day’s discussion was concluded, Edred and the other elders of the 5 major villages joined Felix in his home to discuss further.

“I still think it was quite rash of you to announce that publicly.” Ilse says once more as they all sit in the modest kitchen.

Before Ilse became the elder of South Tridonia, she was a very talented merchant who traveled all over the country. She eventually settled back in her home village to take on her current job as well as teach many of the next generation about how to make their own path through life.

“I can’t help but agree.” Adds Lorna, the elder of West Tridonia. “It will only serve to add confusion amongst the elders of the minor villages.”

Edred concedes the point, admitting that speaking in that scenario was rash, but that he felt the need to calm the waters of the meeting.

Felix, beyond confused himself, just watched as their conversation came to a conclusion,

“Ah yes, Felix must be lost as well I suppose.” Edred finally realized, turning in Felix’s direction.

“You see Felix, the story of the Last Elf is true. It’s a secret that has been passed down amongst the major village’s elders for generations, and we must now place our hopes that the story is as it was told.”