Silvertree Chronicles Bk 01 Ch 27

Silvertree Chronicles Book One, The World Awaits, Chapter 27, (Dragon Wars Enhanced Edition)

Synopsis: The life of Eldar Silvertree from graduation at the prestigious Elven Academy and desire to leave it behind. Only to return full circle to shake Elven Society to the core.

***Inspired by multiple fantasy environments. Not endorsed by any of them. © EmotionalStorm April 2021. This story cannot be transferred to any other site besides Literotica.com without the prior authorizations in writing from the author and EmotionalStorm must be credited for this work.

Authors warning: This chapter contains no sex.

Authors Note: For those who have not read my bio, please note I write as a form of therapy for a Traumatic Brain Injury. I know the English majors will probably encounter issues that annoy them. If these are your focus, instead of the story itself, then this is not the story for you. I am not and will never be a professional writer.

I do it to tell the story, for those who wish to read them. I originally submitted this story back in mid-2017 to mid-2018. I have worked to try and improve my writing style while struggling with this issue. I have added some editing software and written a few other stories. Now I am revising and editing this earlier work to try and bring it up to a higher standard from what I have managed to learn over the last few years.

Chapter 27

Damage Control

Eldar cast the teleportation circle and the men were surprised to see them. He looked at Charlemagne and Annette, "You have the troops here to deal with the collections. I have family and the attack to deal with. You can ride back with me. I can get Captain Silver Moon to teleport you back if you want to be there for the family stuff."

They nodded, "Family, then we divide we each take on a different set of goals."

He nodded to his men and they ran off to the stables. He looked over at them, "Quick time back to House Silvertree relieve New Moon and the men and get them to the gate Lieutenant Silver Bow. Guard what is there and my father is in charge of that wing until we return. Put House Guards outside of it. Captain Silver Moon, Moon Blade, and Moon Bow. We are heading for a fight! If you want to come better get moving."

Moon Blade shook his head. Moon Bow smiled at Eldar, "Your life is too entertaining. Here take these wands. They might come in handy."

Eldar nodded, He looked at the men, "Hand up all but two of your healing potions our guys out on the front are going to need them if they retaliate."

He got his horse ready and Silver Moon mounted up. Eldar looked at the ladies, "Grab our packs, I will talk with the Queen. Captain Silver Moon, get New Moon and his men to the gate. I will loan you the book to copy that spell and I have one scroll of it. Tell him to get all of his men on horseback and to the gate. Forced ride once we leave the city. No wagons, just fresh horses. Steal from my father's stables if they have to."

She nodded and rode off. They rode around to the front of the Palace. Eldar and ladies reversed their cloaks.

They left their horses and the ladies headed for the room to get gear. He saw the Audience line and he walked over with a torn shirt and stepped to the side. Queen Goldeagle called a recess and he followed her.

She sighed, "You are back early." She sealed the room.

Eldar sighed, "Yes. Things went better than expected. Which may be bad. It will likely draw a retaliation strike so we are leaving for the southern border."

She looked at him, "You are certain?"

Eldar nodded, "We ended up taking out several chieftains. Most if not all of the third tier of leadership is gone. The Draco-lich is destroyed and his Half-Dragon son is a prisoner. It might take them half a day to realize they have a problem and another day to confirm it. At which point a strike would happen once they argue over who should be in command. Your Army would strike back after that, Your Majesty."

Queen Goldeagle nodded, "So you did not travel with Jarron."

Eldar shook his head, "I told him I could not be away for days while my troops are being attacked. We had not counted on the chieftains being present so we cut out 3 tiers of leadership instead of 2. I am pulling what troops I can to take back with me, Your Majesty."

She nodded, "Stay safe, Grand Master." She unsealed the room.

Eldar smiled, "You too, Your Majesty."

He started walking and Annette threw him his pack. He looked at Charlemagne, "Pull all the casters to ride back with us in the attack force, Except for Silver Bow. I want her in command here."

She nodded. They got upfront. She rode around back for the casters. They headed into the central district and met up with Silver Moon. She flagged him down, "They are mounting up they just got in and are confused by the change."

Eldar nodded, "Will talk with them en route."

They got to the gate. He grabbed the 7 new mares. Everyone came riding in from every direction and Moon Bow was with them.

He looked at Eldar, "What is a few more days, I saw you pulling every caster."

Eldar nodded, "I want to decimate!"

Moon Bow smiled at Eldar.

Eldar looked at the group, "Column of three. Keep a normal pace for the first hour. Annette, write a note. Pass the word to have every available Knight ready to ride by first light tomorrow and then tie it tight to this arrow."

They got another hour out and he thought he spotted a wood Elf sentry. He took the arrow and sent it arcing in the air."

He turned to the troops, "We are doing a forced one- and a half-time speed ride back, we will get about eight hours of sack time if we are lucky.

Then we will be doing a double-time ride across the country to the center of the southern border. You will notice we are caster heavy. We found an opportunity to strike at our enemies' central leadership. We got more of them than planned for.

It will take them a day to a day and a half to confirm an issue then another to organize a group who will want to attack with their leadership circle decimated. If we are lucky. The only one we may have not gotten was an Ogre chieftain, that we know of.

We also encounter our first gnoll of the conflict. As we have 3 squads and 3 Moon Blades here, we need to get to the battleground. We will add more riders once we hit the town. Our casters are loaded with wands.

We will weaken the shit out of wherever they bring before turning you loose on them. I sent an arrow to the Wood Elves to put them on high alert and alert my troops to be ready to ride. Let's get riding!"

---

12 hours later and the horses were tired as they hit the crossroads. Eldar looked at the man, "Was my warning received?"

He nodded, "A couple of hours ago leaders are at your house and you have family there."

Eldar yelled back, "Captain New Moon, ensure the men swap out for fresh horses and get some rest. We will look for your column to be waiting for me at the south fork of the crossroad. This side of the river."

He nodded to the man who gave him the message. He looked at the ladies and they took off and rode into the village. He unsaddled T'suras and looked at him, "Graze, eat and rest, tomorrow will be hard. I will try and be back to brush you down. Morning it is barding and combat. If I do not get to you tonight I will in the morning before saddling you up."

He walked into the house and it was standing room only. He called out, "If you are a sergeant or below please step outside and you will get your orders in a second."

He looked at the family members gathered, "Let me get these officers briefed. Then we can talk."

He looked at the officer, "Captains Dusk Moon. Help Captain New Moon and have every available man ready to ride by morning. That includes all the trainers. Put Centaurs on local security until our return. Travel to the other side of the river is barred.

While in town we were asked to provide support to a covert mission that struck at the leadership of our enemy. We got in undetected, took out several key leaders, and captured one. It will take them another day to realize the loss of leadership.

I am expecting some chest-thumping counterattacks along the southern border. They send anything IT WILL be annihilated. I want the first squad going in five hours from now.

Tranosa, please lead it. Follow the road, grab any troops headed back and drop protection to a minimum on those caravans. Two riders only, non-arcanes preferred to stay with the wagons. Take everyone else and head toward dwarven territory. We will cross the river and ride cross country about 2 hours later. That gives those coming in about 6-7 hours to get sleep and prep spells. Captain Silver Moon, I need you to put up a circle and send my ladies back to the city to take care of the other squad's activities. Now that they have enough wagons. Any questions?"

Tranosa raised his hand, "You come back and bring trouble with you sounds about right."

That got a few chuckles. Eldar shook his head, "I am not bringing it to me. I am riding into them with you instead of you getting blindsided. Our casters are loaded with wands. I want six healers going, two with you and four with us. Prepared for battle and healing."

He walked over and handed 40 healing potions, "This is no joke, distribute no more than one to a man as you go. Let clerics do their work first, save potions for last unless it is required in combat. If nothing else, get the troops ready and get some sleep. Casters, hit the bedrolls, roll them out in front of the house if you need to, just do not make me have to step on you."

As he opened the door for them. That got a laugh.

He looked over at the Family, "Sorry you got here in the middle of a crisis. My father is acting as my proxy but I am the head of the House Silvertree Family and these two ladies are both Dame Silvertree, we all got knighted the other day. All that means is they have another name to call me besides the pain in the ass, or bastard." That got a few chuckles. "Who has the first question?"

One gentleman raised his hand, "Why bring us back?"

Eldar looked at him, "Good question. Why did they push you out? The answer is because you know your minds and married for love and said fuck them. Well, now marriage for love is the law. All Elves and Elf-blooded are to be respected. I have dealt with four assassination attempts. One from my evil step-grandfather and an evil stepmother who I kicked out. Then another by two other family members.

They hired the same assassin, the other was sent by the leader we just took out. I warned a group of elders that if they tried it, I would take them to the task. I had one second eldest daughter of one branch show she had the courage for the challenge I put before them.

Those who thought I was out for blood now know I was searching for honor and integrity. I disowned 8 major branches of the family for corruption and attempted assassination. 3 of those Elders and in the Queen's Dungeon for hiring assassins. I am changing the leadership structure of the family to have a council of 9.

That includes 8 elders with the family sword-bearer, that is how I got the job, being the one with the Moon Blade. I want your families to come back as separate and new branches in the Silvertree family and as part of this initial Council to work out the corruption for 5 of the 6, based on size. I am a bastard child of two races married to 2 Half-elves or the new term Elf-blooded women. You do not get much further on the outside than that."

He got a few chuckles. "I am also a Mercenary Commander, Grand Master Blade Singer, Champion of Corellon, and Knight Protector of the Elven People. As such my efforts are focused here. I started draining the swamp. Now I need new growth to keep things going.

Those branches who were disowned have already had the paperwork signed by the Queen yesterday. As such I have given instructions over the division of assets seized. You will have significant assets at your disposal to effect this change.

To include running of business and property owned by the Silvertree family. I do not seek power. I seek harmony among our people. As a Blade Singer, I am a protector to all of you. The question is, do you see a reason not to help clean up your family and reclaim your birthright? Help build a stronger and more diverse House Silvertree?"

They look at him with his torn shirt and dust-covered outfit. Eldar looked at them, "I can never guarantee success. I can guarantee it will be a fun ride."

That got a few laughs. One of them looks at Eldar, "From everything we heard about you we thought you would be a hard ass."

Eldar nodded, "If you are into corruption, hiring assassins, and focused solely on greed and power instead of the people. Then that would be true. If that is the case you are in the wrong house. Something tells me you're in the right house. The question is will you see my father in the city and say yes?"

They looked at each other and nodded. One who looked to be speaking for them turned to Eldar, "We are glad to accept your generous offer to return."

Eldar smiled, "The Queen is waiting for the paperwork I told her I would be talking with you when I got here. There will be no delay in getting that signed. We are on very good terms after some of our exploits that benefited her and the Kingdom."

Another man smiled, "I am glad to have a face to go with the name and see not all of the rumors are true." Eldar got a lot of handshakes as did his wives. There was a mix of Mixed elves and Elf-Blooded in this group. Having him provide a new direction for the family seemed to have them excited.

Eldar smiled at them, "I do not know what all the rumors are at the moment. Please write them down tonight and I will check off which ones are true for you." That got a few chuckles. "We had a hard-forced ride to get here and we have a quick turnaround. You should be safe heading back to the city if that is your destination.

Which I hope it is so you can see my father and get the paperwork completed. Taking the pass we cleared through Wood Elf lands is safest. Wagons coming into the area will have my men guarding it so feel free to travel with them. Just stay out of the forest. We are working on getting the campsites built.

For now, we are dealing with the occasional hot meal and a lot of dry rations. Problems of going from 12 troops to 200 and needing to feed the hundreds of workers in this town..."

They nodded and Eldar caught his breath, "Please find a free room to crash in or the family room here, I am taking my wives up to our room to get some rest, change spells, dress for battle, and ride out of here in just under 7 hours."

They nodded. One gentleman asked, "What did you take on?"

Eldar smiled, "A Giant, orcs, gnolls, and ogres. Chieftains and captains. It was a quick strike with the reinforcement tunnel collapsed. That is all the information I am allowed to share other than we were highly successful. All our men made it back."

He nodded, "Good luck tomorrow."

Eldar nodded, "Safe journeys to you, in case I do not have time to tell you in the morning. Feel free to ask around about what we are doing. The village Elders in the 2 existing villages are aware and find a Master Craftsman Greentree if you want to see our plans. He is our town planner and the one looking FOR more skilled help in all areas.

Him and my wife Annette who is the town administrator. Annette and Charlemagne have work to do for the sake of the Blades, town, and the Queen. They will be returning in the morning. If anyone needs to teleport back, get with them in the morning."

They nodded. Eldar looked to Annette, "Hurry back, you might want to pay at least a small visit to see Greentree in case there is something that is needed. Tonight is just rest."

She sighed and headed off quickly. He headed upstairs and got some rest. He awoke and got dressed in his clothes and then armor for today. He prepared spells while the ladies put something together to eat and drink. He came down and had a trail ration and coffee and headed outside. He brushed down T'suras and got the barding and saddle in place.

The ladies took teleportation with a couple of the family heads and were gone. He looked at Captain Silver Moon as she returned. Also at Moon Bow, "Time to raise hell."

They rode out to find their people ready to mount up. They crossed the river and he eyeballed an intercept course with Tranosa. He looked at the casters, "We encounter any large groups we ride by and lay waste to them with spells and wands.

Our archers and fighters will clean up the remains into a dustpan. I am expecting an Ogre chieftain to try and claim dominance as he was the only one missing, we think it could be a Magi."

The front 10 were all casters of some type. they had 4 clerics riding off to the left on the safe side as they came to the road and they were slightly ahead of Tranosa's group. He looked at one of the Lieutenants. "Send one of our riders back to Captain Tranosa. Have him move further south off-road along our border. Signal if they run into problems."

They kept riding. They saw a mixed group of 150+ Orcs, Ogres, and Giants working toward a caravan up the road. Eldar shouted out, "T'suras Biatus Evanill Aisiaon,"

He left his group behind. He launched the first fireball as a spell and then started burning charges on that wand of chain lightning as he rode in and the others started launching spells into the mix. They cut the head off of the force. They could see the Elves had the superior firepower and they started to turn back.

Eldar yelled, "PURSUE!"

They pressed forward and he threw another fireball and exhausted the wand he had and the others did the same. They had over 100 dead enemies on the grounds and 20-30 still moving out and he pressed forward again. They hit what was left as another mass was being shoved back by the new human General and his northern forces and Captain Tranosa's group pinching them in, to squash their retreat.

Eldar cast off all the magic missiles he had as the other casters worked to exhaust their wands. Eldar ordered, "Rally to me."

The General rode over and Eldar nodded to him, "We chased a few away. We got a field of corpses behind us over the hill. How about you?"

General Falchion shook his head, "Not near that many but your casters sure did a number on them."

Eldar nodded, "That was the idea, decimate and make them think twice before trying again."

He headed back toward his men. Eldar turned to his group, "Captain New Moon, please organize a burn detail rope and pull all the bodies in one line. Search all the bodies for any valuable intelligence. You find a body of what might be a leader I want to see. Get me a body count. As best as we can get given what is left of the bodies."

Eldar rode to the caravan and one wagon was damaged, one driver was dead, and 3 of his men including one of his female Lieutenants were also dead. He removed a couple of bolts from himself and then T'suras. A cleric healed them both up. He looked at the group, "Prepare the bodies of our fallen for transport. Take them back for a proper burial."

He looked at the dwarven caravan driver leading the group. He looked wide-eyed at Eldar, "I thought we were all dead!"

Eldar nodded, "We rode hard to cut them off but they got to you ahead of us. I think we put a dent in their forces."

He looked over at Tranosa, "We get a body count by race yet?"

He looked at a few of the troops sitting idle, "We can think about this later. I need one of you off your ass and assessing the damage to that wagon. I want two of you to try and find these soldiers' horses as they are not here and we have our dead to take back."

Eldar looked at the dwarf, "What do you normally do to your dead?"