Elder's Council Meeting //

  "Elder Moss, is the warrior selection complete?" Elder Jolen inquired.

  "Yes, Elder Jolen. I have chosen ten warriors who are ready to depart tomorrow," Elder Moss confirmed.

  "I see. Then, Elder Nard, have you informed them of the mission and the situation?" Elder Jolen asked, turning to another elder.

  "Yes, Elder Jolen. I have told them that they are a rescue unit dispatched to locate and aid the missing warriors," Elder Nard responded.

  "Good. However, I must remind you that this mission is not just about saving your son but rescuing all missing warriors. I trust that you have not taken any liberties with the details, as this mission is of utmost importance. Do you understand?" Elder Jolen said sternly.

  "I understand. I have provided them only with the necessary information—to focus solely on rescuing any surviving warriors they encounter and retrieving either their remains or any mementos," Elder Nard replied solemnly.

  "Good. I appreciate your understanding. I, too, feel the weight of this mission, as my own son has been chosen for it," Elder Jolen stated, his voice devoid of emotion.

  "Yes, I pray that your son and the others succeed in their mission," Elder Nard said earnestly.

  Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. The elders exchanged puzzled gnces before turning toward the entrance. Elder Nard, sensing the commotion, rose from his seat having an idea. The leather curtain was abruptly pushed aside, and a warrior burst into the room.

  “G-Greetings, Elders! Urgent news! One of the missing elf warriors has returned!” the guard announced breathlessly.

  "What?!" the three elders excimed in unison.

  "Who is it?" Elder Nard immediately demanded.

  "I-It's Warrior Faul," the warrior stammered, overwhelmed by the intense questioning.

  Without hesitation, Elder Nard surged forward, pushing past the warrior who bring the news, as he rushed out of the meeting room.

  "Where is he now?" Elder Jolen asked, his expression betraying a mix of shock and disbelief.

  "He is being treated at the Verdal healer’s pce. He was found badly wounded, chased by beast creatures" the warrior reported.

  "I see... that is good," Elder Jolen sighed in relief.

  Despite his efforts to remain composed, the news brought him some soce. he still worried for his son, who had been chosen for the rescue mission, the return of a missing warrior—previously presumed dead—offered a glimmer of hope.

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  Faul's POV //

  After leaving my lord’s dwelling, I wandered through the forest for three days, searching for my home. Along the way, I encountered various creatures that inhabited the forest before finally finding my way back.

  During my journey, my lord saved me once again with the dried meat he had provided. Though it was quite salty, it sustained me for three days, for which I was deeply grateful.

  Now, I stand before the elders and my fellow warriors, recounting our mission and my encounters with my lord and a tree nymph.

  "So, you’re the only one who survived?" Elder Moss asked, his tone carrying a note of approval.

  "Yes. The others were killed and devoured by the ants," I replied.

  "So you cim that the disturbance in the forest was caused by the ants, Warrior Faul?" Elder Jolen questioned, his voice ced with skepticism.

  "Yes, Elder," I answered firmly.

  "Hmm... is that so?" Elder Jolen mused, considering my words.

  "Are you certain it was not the fire dragon that caused this disturbance, rather than the ants, Warrior Faul?" Elder Moss interjected. Elder Jolen perked up at the question, as if waiting for someone to bring up the possibility.

  "I don't believe so, Elder Moss," I protested.

  "Oh? And why is that? Now that we know a dragon resides in the great forest, what makes you so sure it wasn’t the fire dragon that disrupted the bance?" Elder Moss asked, his tone accusatory.

  "Because my lord is a good dragon," I stated firmly.

  "You expect us to believe that? Dragons are known to be arrogant and selfish creatures. Perhaps the trauma you endured has clouded your judgment, Warrior Faul," Elder Moss retorted.

  "I think you are forgetting that another dragon violently attacked a tree nymph’s home, Elder Moss," I argued.

  "That may be true, but the dragon that attacked the tree nymph’s home is far from here. The dragon you serve, however, is much closer to our nd. Wouldn’t that make him a potential suspect for the disturbance in the forest?" Elder Moss reasoned.

  "So, are you suggesting that my lord should be branded as evil and decred an enemy of our people?" I asked, my frustration evident.

  "No, I have no desire to oppose the dragon you serve. I simply find it difficult to believe that he has no part in the changes affecting the forest’s inhabitants," Elder Moss crified.

  "We all know that dragons are seen as harbingers of chaos and destruction, but I assure you, my lord is not the kind of dragon you all assume him to be," I decred, anger rising in my voice.

  At my words, silence fell over the room. No one spoke, as they contempted my fierce defense of a creature feared by all.

  The elder's suspicion of my lord as the cause of the disturbance in the great forest is understandable. Even I considered the possibility at first. However, after spending only a short time by his side, I felt compelled to defend him at all costs. This was not merely out of pity but because of my loyalty and my desire to serve and be useful to him.

  "Warrior Faul, we mean no harm nor do we intend to insult your lord," Elder Jolen said, his voice calm yet firm. "However, it is difficult for us to believe that the dragon you serve is as noble as you cim." The others nodded in agreement, their skepticism evident.

  "I am not asking you to believe me," I replied. "I simply wish for you to understand that my lord is a good dragon. He saved not only my life but also that of a tree nymph—one thought to exist only in the ancient myths of our ancestors."

  A hush fell over the gathering as they processed my words.

  "Warrior Faul, did you happen to grow close to this tree nymph?" someone inquired.

  "No," I responded irritably. "I don't like that woman. She's rude and simple-minded, like a child."

  "I see," Elder Jolen mused. "Still, this is quite a significant discovery. If we could earn the favor of the dragon you serve, we might gain his protection."

  "If you seek my lord's protection," I said coldly, "then you should bow your heads and kneel in submission."

  "Warrior Faul, watch your words!" Warrior Doren snapped. "Are you suggesting we surrender ourselves and become his sves?"

  "No," I retorted mockingly. "What I am saying is that you should abandon your foolish notion of using my lord as your guardian."

  "You—!" Doren began furiously, but Elder Jolen swiftly intervened.

  "Enough!" the elder commanded before turning back to me. "Warrior Faul, what exactly do you mean?"

  "You seem to think you can control my lord like a domesticated beast," I expined. "But I warn you, he is a wise and powerful dragon. I once saw him cut down a Buvile Frog with a single swipe of his cws."

  "Hmph," Doren scoffed. "Killing a mere Buvile Frog is hardly impressive."

  "Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "What if I told you that the Buvile Frog he slew was far rger than any we have ever encountered?"

  Doren fell silent, realizing the implication of my words. A normal Buvile Frog was already a dangerous beast requiring a group of warriors to take down, but the one my lord had sin was even greater in size and strength.

  "We understand, Warrior Faul," Elder Jolen finally said. "Would you allow three of us elders to accompany you to your lord's dwelling? Perhaps there is a chance for negotiation and cooperation."

  "Hmm," I mused. "You may accompany me when I decide to return to my lord’s dwelling."

  "Thank you," Elder Jolen said with a nod of gratitude. "Now, it is time for us to take our leave."