The awkward silence in the room, and the sudden stares from everyone at his being finally made Harwin speak up to put an end to this situation:

  “May I suggest something?” he raised his hand.

  “Yes, of course. All council members are welcome to give their suggestions,” The chief gave the go-ahead.

  “As master has already theorized that there might be outposts of the bandits throughout the forest, waiting for their next prey. This can work in our favor. We can distract them somehow, which will make them send their forces to deal with our distraction while our main forces will attack whatever is left in their camp. This division of forces will leave their camp in a rather defenseless state, but it will also mean that we will have to divide our forces,” he suggested with a nervous expression.

  “That might work, but what sort of a distraction? We do not have any valuables to show, which might attract their attention,” Lief asked with curiosity.

  “We can form a caravan — wagons filled with nothing but dirt or rocks. Moving the caravan from the village to the edge of the forest. It will certainly look, as if we are moving large quantity of goods. Our scouts can gather any information of the incoming enemies. The members of the caravan could be a few of our strongest warriors while other younglings can hide around the forest, giving support from the above and clearing out anyone hiding as well,”

  Graftel gave his suggestion. His mind was finally on the right track now that Harwin had shown a way.

  “That could work as well, but how can we be sure that this plan will be a success?” Lief still in part-disbelief shared his thoughts.

  “We do not know, but it is the best way. Gor's plan draws out the enemies from their defensive hideout while giving us the opportunity to clear out anyone left there. If you have any other idea worth mentioning, we can go with that.” Graftel argued.

  “I also think that it might work. I will leave the planning to you young ones. If you need any help or advice from my old-self then I will do whatever is demanded,” the chief supported the idea.

  The council was adjourned, so the chief-commander could work on his plan, and gather his men.

  A warrior’s council was called by Graftel. It consisted of the men that had participated in the attack on the beast-men including Harwin as well.

  “You really have a creative mind. We could have used your talents in the last war if you lived few centuries ago,” Graftel complimented Harwin as they waited for all men to gather.

  “You over-estimate me. I merely stated what was on my mind, but you are the one who came up with the rest of the plan. I however, have one question.”

  “What is that?”

  “Were there no reports or sights of any bandits before. I find it hard to believe that they gathered in the forest without anyone being aware of their presence. Of-course, you answered the chief regarding this matter already, but it sill confuses me.”

  “As long as I have been in the village, I had not heard about a literal base. We have had encountered a few bandits from time to time, but I suppose we are so isolated from the world that we did not even care about checking our surroundings. The scout that I sent a few days a-go, Sarial, is a seasoned one. He was my subordinate in a few battles during the war as well. I did not send him for scouting alot and ordered the younglings for that purpose so this could be the reason that we did not ever hear or see the vile camp before.”

  Harwin believed in the statements of Graftel, but there were still doubts in his mind. He was thinking that this might be part of a bigger conspiracy than they were making it out to be, but then again he often had the bad habit of over-thinking and jumping to conclusions so he let his thoughts rest for now.

  Soon all the called-upon men gathered. Landel was missing, though, as he was still not deemed worthy by Graftel. He judged him to be rather careless, have poor judgement and also a sensitive heart, but the criteria of the chief-commander was too demanding. If he were to compare the lad to the other younglings then Landel would practically be the strongest amongst them.

  “Men, we have yet another battle coming. Do not underestimate this one. This one will not be against some small group of soldiers, but it will be a full scale battle. We are dealing with hundreds of bandits but do not worry as I am sure you bunch do not even have such emotions. This news might even make you more excited than ever."

  Graftel first motivated his captains and only then stated his strategies:

  "We unlike last time will be dividing our forces. Fitz, you will be my second-in-command, but this time you will lead a separate party. You have to rejoin us as soon as you are done with your task. Do remember, however, that this mission will be a perilous one. You will be ambushed by an absurd number of filthy insects, who barely pass themselves of as men so anyone who does not want to participate, I ask you to leave the room right now.”

  None left. Of-course, they would not budge. They had fought under worse odds and came out victorious. They were simply a different breed of men.

  Graftel smirked at this sight. He could feel the shoots of war entangling his feet again which instead of causing worry brought a sense of nostalgia.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  After that, he proceeded with explaining more details of his plan and ordered for preparation to be made as soon as possible.

  “I also must declare this in front of you all. Gor here, will be my personal adviser throughout this whole battle strategy. His mind is as sharp as a sword so we can definitely depend on him when it comes to brain even if not for the brawn,” He joked a-bit to lighten the mood.

  Harwin was not discriminated against anymore, and did not suffer the same treatment he had to endure before. Still some elves did not see him as an equal. He would simply have to prove himself.

  Graftel concluded the meeting. Harwin and him discussed a few more points regarding the plan and then made their way to the training grounds together.

  Landel was practicing there all alone. This intense practice appeared to be much more dear to the young fellow than anything else in the world. Graftel saw this as an opportunity.

  “Landel! come here! I will have you spar with my newest student today.”

  Harwin looked behind himself to see if any new-comer was in the training ground as well. It was only after a few seconds that he realized that he was the new-student that Graftel was talking about.

  This realization was enough to shun fear in the heart of Harwin who had heard so much about the prodigy, that was Landel. That level of techniques was not only impossible to achieve for Harwin, but also impossible to imagine.

  “Surely you jest, master. I can never take on Mister Landel here in a fight. He will totally annihilate me — not even leave behind any proof of my existence.” Harwin tried to calm himself with a joke.

  “No, no. He is but a kid. You will be quite alright against him so just try for once. I will guarantee your safety. If you never fight against a real opponent, then you will never really become one with the sword.” Graftel encouraged him.

  Landel did not care much about the whole situation. He was a-bit annoyed, as his training was interrupted only to entertain such a farce. He readied himself to get rid of this obstacle quickly.

  Harwin also got hold of his wooden sword with shaky hands.

  “Remember what you have been practicing for the last few weeks....Now then start.”

  Upon hearing those words Landel charged with a swift leap. This was the first time Harwin had seen him fight. Well, he had only caught glimpse of him fighting once, but throughout most of duration of that battle, he was left unconscious.

  Obviously Harwin was on the ground before he could even react, but what followed was even more surprising.

  “Why did you fixate your eyes towards my face. I am attacking with my sword or am I not? You should look towards my shoulders or my sword at least,”

  Landel instead of taunting his newly beaten opponent, advised him.

  Harwin stood up — surprised and shocked by this sudden lesson he was getting.

  “Hold your sword again and this time look towards my sword. I will not be attacking you with my face,” Landel mocked.

  He charged again when both of them were ready.

  This time Harwin deflected the blow, not with the best precision or accuracy, but he did deflect it. After that, his sword was thrown out of his hand due the strain.

  “Good, but the next time try to tighten your grip at the moment of impact — loosen it only if you intent on countering. This will lessen the strain on your wrist.” Landel again gave a piece of advice.

  This continued for several hours and finally concluded when the final rays of sun diminished.

  Surprisingly enough, Harwin had not suffered any wounds what so ever.

  Landel had continued to train him rather than sparring. It was weird for Harwin, who had only seen Landel as care-free, arrogant and cold hearted, yet this person had given him lessons that greatly improved his fighting skills in a single day.

  Graftel had looked at their whole training session with a smirk on his face. He had already known what was to unfold.

  “Mr Landel. I thank you for training me today. I will take your advice to heart and practice daily, keeping in mind the lessons you have given me today.”

  Harwin bowed his head a little to show his appreciation.

  “No need to thank me. I was merely entertaining myself,” Landel lied.

  “Very well then, Gor can continue to train by himself again from tomorrow. He might not make much progress, however. You have already seen today that he needs a skilled warrior to train him. I am already so busy with all the village work that I would not be able to give much attention.” Graftel said.

  Landel thought for a while and then responded:

  “It can not be helped I guess. I will take on the role of his master for the time being. He will at-least learn something from me, unlike from the great chief‐commander.”

  Graftel did not mind, but only smiled at this light mocking. He had perfectly manipulated the young lad without him even knowing what had just occurred.

  Harwin was more than happy, as he would be under the guidance of a prodigy — what more could he have asked for.

  After all was said and done. Harwin made his way back to his quarters where Alisa was waiting for him.

  “I am sorry for making you wait so long.”

  “I just got here. Should we get started?”

  They went ahead and started their lesson. Harwin had not managed to completely perform a spell even after so much time.

  He could reach the last phase of the spell where he felt magika flowing out of his hand, but just before the spell was casted, the glow diminished, and the supply of magika disrupted.

  This was very uncommon as such basic spells could be performed by even children, but Alisa did not demotivate him as he was her one and only student. They studied more and tried with different spells, but still nothing worked so they just came to the conclusion that it will take time.

  After all the studies was done. Alisa and Harwin had dinner together. He was previously served the dinner, but now he was a permanent resident of the village. All the additional hospitality had ceased. Of-course, he was provided with rations, but he had to prepare the food himself.

  He could manage to whip something out, but it did not mean that he was an expert cook by any means so he was just managing to survive.

  On some occasions, Alisa cooked for the both of them and sometimes he had his meals with the chief as they had to discuss different matters.

  “So how is your other training going. Is the chief-commadner still training you?”

  “Yes, he was until today, but Landel will be the one who will oversee this matter from now on. He is quite the teacher. I suppose he shares this skill with his cousin,” Harwin complimented Alisa who looked away at this remark.

  “W...Well moving on, Del is quite arrogant. Is he not?”

  Harwin was about to correct her but before that she continued:

  "Although, he is only like that on the outside. My uncle, Lief, is quite strict and also his mother died when he was young. He has always hidden his emotions, but he is kind at heart. You will see that I am sure of it. Even when other children ignored me, he would often sneak in while I was reading a book or practicing magika and play with me. Sometimes he would practice his sword-play near me so I did not feel lonely.....” Alisa went silent and reminisced on the old days.

  Harwin could see the loneliness in her eyes. He changed the subject quickly and discussed matters of magika with her which always brought joy to her. They talked late into the night before Alisa left.

  He was living the happiest days of his life — felt as if his life had found a purpose, but unfortunately for him, he dreamed again of the terrible mage.