The Seventh
Council of Five Dragons had gathered for an emergency meeting. Remanthilldros had called it urgently. All the dignitaries were present in a massive building on the outskirts of Setherin, topped by an oval crystal dome.
In the main cavern, on a raised bed, over which a banner representing a crowned dragon's head flew as a sign of leadership, rested the heavy bulk of Lord Remanthilldros. To the left, at the inner edge of the relatively small circle, sat Ophusus, Clan Champion of the brown dragons; further on, perched Neldar, head of the red dragons. Opposite him sat Mahyjon, the eldest of the white dragons. The last to arrive was Alesathr, Champion of the blue dragons.
The deliberations had already lasted an hour. Remanthilldros's risky proposal met with clear opposition from the majority of the Council. The ruler expected Neldar and Alesathr to oppose him, and he was prepared for that, but the resistance from the Snow Beast Champion surprised him. They must have gathered somewhere. He thought. I will flay my espionage service!
"Brothers," he began when the voices of dissent had died down, "we have the opportunity to strike a decisive blow against the pointy-eared ones! If we succeed in seizing control of the Portal in the human world, nothing will be able to stop us from our ultimate triumph. No one in Terranum will dare to oppose the one who controls the path to the humans. And we will control the humans themselves! Therefore, do not tell me you refuse to use the necklaces of transference!" His voice boomed, amplified by the cavern's good acoustics. "
Twenty of my remanthas, enhanced by magical implants, will control the exit from the Portal. Simultaneously, I will launch a decisive attack on the kingdom of Ellamina and seize the most important artery in Terranum.
" Neldar pondered. Everything is going according to plan. The Council's feigned opposition to the action on the Portal. As he suspected, Remanthilldros wants to attack both the Portal and the elves simultaneously. He will obtain the Council's consent. He decided to give the Lord some satisfaction.
"Lord Remanthilldros," he began, "the plan seems good, albeit risky. For my part and the part of the Clan I represent, I consent to its implementation." And he added silently, "it's time to hand victory to the elves on a platter."
"The Brown Dragon Clan also casts its vote," Ophusus said.
The other dragons also cast their votes. The triumphant Remanthilldros rose on his hind legs and spread his clawed wings, proudly displaying his bulk.
"Therefore, brothers," he began his closing speech, "By the power granted to me by the Council of Five Dragons, I hereby announce unanimous consent for an amphibious assault on the human world and the commencement of the invasion of Nessarithpolis.
"
The elven intelligence unit received a telepathic transmission, stunning virtually everyone in the entire division, from the Champion of the Red Dragon Clan himself. It wasn't a coded message. It was a thought message with a simple, yet valuable message.
If confirmed, this message could have a significant impact on the course of the war against Remathilldros's forces. The cogs in the intelligence engine were set in motion. The three-man squads, long tasked with monitoring enemy troop movements, now redoubled their efforts. Reports arriving from across the front lines were filtered at headquarters and then forwarded to the general staff. From there, they landed in the library as reports, where, under the Queen's guidance, they were plotted on a map.
"Madam," Johan Albrethville observed the hologram hovering above the desk, "the information Neldar provided seems to confirm. Remathilldros is concentrating massive forces on the kingdom's border. Efforts to breach the force field have intensified." The attack could begin at any moment.
"If he's to be believed," the queen said, her expression pensive, "there are six days left until the decisive battle. The Chosen One must pass through the Portal.
" ***
For the past day and a half, Michał had been undergoing intensive physical training to prepare him for passing through the Portal. He was ready to go. He couldn't wait to return to his own reality.
He was a changed man now. He was curious about the impression his return "from the afterlife" would make on his friends. He trained under the watchful eye of Lord Damien, who aided him as best he could, magically stimulating his memory so that Michał could more easily absorb both knowledge and physical exercise. One day, Sienkiewicz wondered how magic would make life easier for people. With its use, the human world would be turned upside down. A revolution would occur in all areas of life!
A mutual exchange of scientific and technological ideas. Philosophy and art were just the tip of the iceberg! For both humans and other races, the exchange of views and knowledge would provide material for analysis for years to come.
He kept wondering what that aurora-like ribbon on the horizon above the mountain range was. He decided to ask the mage about it at the next opportunity. That opportunity came that afternoon, when Lord Damien visited Michael. The man replied: "It's a blockade separating us from Remanthilldros's forces. A magical barrier of sorts, maintained by our mages. They are constantly engaged in a confrontation with the Dark Lord's mages, who are trying to break through it. I don't need to tell you that soon our mages will succumb to the onslaught, and the dragon army will attack our land."
Over the next few days, Michał honed his magical skills (he learned several new spells) and his physical fitness. He was also offered the opportunity to improve his fencing skills, but after a few attempts, the mage decided there wasn't enough time. At the end of the week, Sienkiewicz was transferred to the elven training center located next to the royal palace. The facility itself made a profound impression on Michał. Enclosed by a high wall, its walls draped in green ivy, it was an indoor complex. Inside, it housed barracks capable of housing four thousand highly trained soldiers from an elite unit of the royal guard. Additionally, three complexes of large hangars were constructed where the troops honed their skills, as well as utility and social buildings where supplies were stored.
From the very first day, Sienkiewicz was subjected to a strict military regime. He was co-opted into a fifty-man unit of elven warriors, commanded by the previously acquainted commander of the royal guard, Lord Danbert. It quickly became clear that the journalist was lagging behind the well-trained soldiers. Danbert asked him one day,
"Isn't there an army there? You're terribly weak, you boy!
" "There is an army, but they don't take generals," Michał joked, but seeing the elf's lack of understanding, he added seriously, "It was a joke... There is an army, but not everyone has to join it.
" "Our army is compulsory," the elf replied. "Five years of service. Then you can stay and advance in the army hierarchy, or receive a high salary and live peacefully somewhere in the countryside."
Days passed. The day before the announced passage through the portal, Michał completed his training and was summoned to the palace. A servant led him to the palace library, where the queen and Lord Damien were already waiting for him. As he learned, the rest of the dignitaries had been assigned to their duties. Except for Silver Shield, who would command the passage through the portal, the rest of the dignitaries had set out for the front to lead the elven forces into the decisive battle.
"Please, sit down, Mr. Michael," the queen said, gesturing to a burgundy suede-upholstered armchair. "Our mission is dangerous, so Lord Fabian will be responsible for your personal safety. We are sending a full guard detachment there to stop and neutralize Remanthilldros's landing. We have verified the message sent by the dragon. Our spies report increased enemy troop movements, which indicates the reptiles will attack tomorrow.
" "We will pass through the portal in advance," the mage interjected, "to prepare for Remanthilldros's landing. You will be there to contact your friends and deliver the Terranum text lying on the table."
Michael took the document, written in a strange script, and declared that he could not read the elven script at all.
"How should I read it?
" "Easy, I'll read it to you. You'll remember it easily. I'll help..." The magician winked significantly. It was already clear that Michał's memory would be stimulated magically.
"Mr. Michał," the queen said, "Rest now, for you leave at dawn."
***
Sienkiewicz slept in the palace for the first time. A footman led him to the east wing, where he was placed in a small guest room. The room was modestly furnished. A large double bed stood against a wall adorned with a painting depicting a battle in which Michał recognized elves, dwarves, and their greatest enemies, the dragons. A semicircular window overlooked the palace gardens, whose splendor delighted many. Opposite the bed was a small stone fireplace, in which a flame danced merrily. He noted that the fire must have been kept magically lit, as there was no wood nearby. On a round wooden table lay a copy of the document he had been examining in the library. The room was connected to a small but well-appointed bathroom.
There was a knock on the door. A moment later, Lord Damien entered. He carried a tray with two teapots and two cups.
"I have prepared a brew..." the mage began.
"Magical, I presume...
" "Indeed. Please drink it. It is quite delicious.
" Michael accepted the cup without a word. The distinctive aroma reminded him of Christmas and a Christmas tree.
The summer brew tasted like caramel tea. He gladly accepted a refill.
A moment later, a butler arrived and brought dinner. A platter of fruit and freshly baked cake, which both men dug into, disregarding the etiquette.
After the meal, the mage began reading the document. It was a record of the rights and obligations of the Terranum community for all the races inhabiting the planet. General regulations, customs, and holidays. Finally, the author outlined the history and stories of the peoples of Terranum. The magician also attached Ellamina's proclamation to the humans, which included a guarantee of pure intentions and the willingness to cooperate on the part of the peaceful elves.
Sienkiewicz didn't notice when ten o'clock passed. After a hearty meal, Michał's eyes began to close. Damien noticed this immediately and stood up.
"Tomorrow is a hard day. Get a good night's sleep. The potion will take effect overnight, and the text will become ingrained in your memory. I wish you a good night.
" "Thank you, same to you." The magician left. The light from the ceiling began to fade. The room was filled with darkness. Only the glow of the moon, which now towered over Trranum, illuminated it. "The last night in this world, "
Michał thought, smiling in the darkness at the thought of his imminent return to his own world.
Danbert woke him with a green uniform and equipment, which included a sword similar to those worn by soldiers of the Royal Guard, a small curved dagger with an ornate hilt, and a small, dark green backpack. While he was washing, the butler brought breakfast—four still-warm rolls, coffee, and raspberry jam. After his toilette, he entered the room. Lord Danbert was eating a roll and sipping coffee.
"The reveille was supposed to be at dawn," the still-sleepy Michał began.
"Nooo! We're supposed to leave at dawn!" the soldier replied, his mouth full. "These rolls are very good. Not like the food in the barracks."
Michał took a seat opposite the elf and nibbled on the bread. He poured himself some coffee, the strong aroma of which chased away the last of the sleep. For a moment, they sat and ate in silence. Danbert spoke first.
"We don't have much time. The briefing will be soon." And in an hour, we'll be at your place, with a hook.
"Yes, I'm very happy.
" "Group A, which includes us, will be the second to go through the portal. Group B will go through first to secure the area," the elf revealed.
"How do you mean secure the area?
" "In case of any danger, they'll give a signal and we'll stay put... until the situation is under control."
They finished breakfast. Danbert led the journalist through the corridors to the palace's rear exit. A mobile with military markings was already waiting for them outside.
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