“I am grateful to all of you for gathering in this place. The main agenda of the summit is that I am going to announce my final decision regarding the troublesome request brought forward by Uytral–” Graftel got interrupted

  “You honour me by assenting to my request.” Uytral wore a smug face.

  “No need to be so hasty, my fried. As you all know that there is a chance of a possible rebillion in the first town which is a matter of great distress especially when we are surrounded by enemies. It is therefore expected of me to pay the town a visit and put down those sparks of the rebellion once and for all. Well, that is the wish of some of us in this room....”

  Uytral looked with a hopeful look.

  “But before that, I will now be officially appointing Landel as the ‘Heir to the Woods’.” Graftel announced.

  Everyone especially Uytral looked shocked, shaken to the core. However, Harwin was puzzled for different reason. He looked towards Alisa, who was sitting next to him, for the answer to what Graftel was referring to. Just before she could answer, Graftel spoke once more:

  “Landel, step forward.” He ordered sternly.

  Landel did not answer the call immediately. He was then pushed a little by his grand-father upon which he finally made his way to the sword-saint.

  Graftel handed him a small dagger. Its handle was similar to that of roots of a tree holding down the body sturdily, there was a small emerald in the middle of the handle, but most notably, the blade was black — not dull or wary, rather it looked sharp enough to cut down anything effortlessly.

  Secondly he was handed over a ring. It was not a normal ring but a powerful artifact that granted its host immunity from a great number of things.

  Landel accepted all of these gifts while still looking confused. Everyone, especially the captains, looked proud of this scene who recognized the talent of the young prodigy, but one person was certainly not pleased and he made sure to materialize his feelings:

  “Is this not too early for this boy to be handed such an important position?” Uytral asked, unable to keep control of his emotions.

  “YOU DARE QUESTION THE COMMANDER’S DECISION! DO YOU WANT TO BE SLAIN, UYTRAL? DO NOT FORGET YOUR PLACE, FOOL!”

  Farelen, as short-tempered as he was, tried to grab Uytral by the neck but was quickly stopped by the other captains who knew this was no-place to fight.

  “Farelen stand down! Uytral, you certainly think too highly of yourself to question my decisions. Tell me, was it you who lead us agains the humans — the mighty Uytral?” Graftel glared down Uytral.

  “No, no, you are mistaken chief-commander. I did not mean any disrespect, but it is just that such a title should be given to those who are worthy — ones who have proved themselves.” Uytral still tried to argue.

  “You forget that it is passed down from generation to generation to the most promising. This 'boy' here is more than deserving; he has defeated foes with ease who gave trouble to even some of our veteran captains. Now do you have anything else to say? Be careful of what comes out of your tongue next.” Graftel warned.

  “I ask for your forgiveness.” Uytral sounded completely defeated.

  “The Heir of the Woods is a title given to the successor of the current leader of the elves. It is given only to those who are worthy and recognized by the previous leader. The last leader was killed in a battle before he could name his heir so the seat remained vacant for a while. Soon, sword-saint Graftel presumed the role of the new leader and led the entire elfin race in the last great war. After the war ended, it was unanimously agreed that he was to be the official new leader of the entire race having proved his worth amonsgst all others. Although, he did not choose his heir until now.”

  Alisa whispered to Harwin, who was clearly lost by the entire scene until now.

  “Now then, as the bearer of this great responsibility and title, you are to go on a great journey. I am also adding an additional responsibility to your plate: you will be going to the locations in which there is a chance of rebellion and putting it down whether with wit or with steel.” Graftel gave his orders.

  “But he still too young to be given such a perilous task.” Landel’s father, Lief, protested.

  “No need to worry, he will also be accompanied by our best advisor, Gor. He will guide the young man through difficult decisions — shaping him into a wise leader. The two will also be accompanied by two captains whom I shall choose later. Are there anymore questions?”

  “Gor is a vital part of the village now, he can not leave now when we need his skills more than ever.” argued the elder.

  “Uytral here has plenty of experience in this line of work. He was also responsible for all sorts of administrative works in the Royal army, thus he will be staying here in the absense of Gor. I am confident that he will be more than capable to handle the day to day tasks, or am I wrong Uytral?” Graftel asked with a mocking tone.

  “You are correct but who will guide the young Landel through the lands?" Uytral tried to avoid the responsibility.

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  “Your son, of course, who else? You were parading about his skills yesterday, so it is high time that he made himself useful, that is if he wants to take your place in the future.”

  Graftel played Uytral perfectly —countering all his arguments perfectly. He wanted to isolate him in the village, separated from his son while technically holding Uytral hostage in the village.

  “Does anyone else have a question?” Graftel asked the room.

  “What would I even say to the leaders of the elfin towns and villages? Why would they recognize my authority?” Landel asked with a doubtful look.

  “I will prepare an official declaration, but you will not have to worry about such a small matter while wearing that ring. Any elfin chief or elder or anyone from the older generation are more than aware of its importance. They will treat you with the utmost respect unless they are traitors in which case you have to deal with them.” Graftel answered.

  “How long will this journey take?” Harwin asked, while standing up from his spot.

  “It can take months or years depending upon the completion of the tasks. If you can visit all the places, that are important for your recognition as the true successor, then you can come back anytime. There is no time-restriction.” Graftel answered.

  All in the hall were quite satisfied with the arrangement, all except Uytral and his men, that is. They could not even hide their disgruntled look, but that was the most they could do in this room as a single word of complaint meant their heads on spikes.

  “Very well. Everyone except Gor, Landel and Uytral can leave us now. Farelen accompany the young Grantal to the training grounds, he can use your instructions.”

  All of them made their exit while congratulating Landel, leaving only the four in the room.

  “Now then Uytral, I will be asking you the questions that I already have answers of, so you better tell me the truth....”

  Graftel glared at Uytral — enough to send shudders down the spine of anyone — before continuing:

  “Ever since you have arrived, you have only been the bearer of terrible news. Of course, some matter might have been out of your control, but the time you took to let the treachery grow is a matter of concern. Now I can only take it as two ways: either you are incompetent, or you have turned against me. So Which one is the correct assumption?”

  “I….I can not even believe that you will accuse me of such a thing. I have been loyal since the first war and have served you with the same loyalty throughout the generations.” Uytral tried to defend himself.

  “Then, was it incompetence?”

  “That is not true either. I may have made mistakes, but I only did what I thought would be for the best of our race.” Uytral argued.

  “So trying to remove me from this strategic location was also for the betterment of the race?”

  “I never intended for you to leave, it was only because there was a chance of rebellion that I asked for you to intervene.”

  “Quite unfortunate, but you have been caught in your web of lies. You forget that in my ranks, I have spymasters who are at the pinnacle of their trade. I have had information about all that was taking place in the elfin settlements. Yes, there are reports of rebellion but all such movements have links to you. All the older generation would not dare defy me unless they have had a great support. As for the younglings, they have been fed false information and misguided to the point that they are ready to take up arms even against their leaders. You are the benefactor of this treachery! ” Graftel spoke with fury, although, his statements were a bit fabricated.

  Uytral stayed quiet — terrified.

  “Now, now old comrade, no need to be so scared. I won’t be executing you, as you are simply too useful to let go of. I understand that once a person becomes a parent, their pirorities can change. Your fate lies here in this village where you will serve for the rest of your life. You will not be allowed to leave under any circumstances, and your family will be informed of your indefinite absence, so you do not need to worry about them or even saying farewell to your son.”

  “I can not do anything but oblige. My judgement was only for the betterment of our race; our prespectives differ and that is the only reason that we have reached this place.”

  “You underestimate me too much. Have you forgotten about the first war? Actually, no need to answer, as your pride has blinded you. GUARDS ENTER!” Graftel ordered:

  “Take Uytral to the central-chamber and inform Efrion to guard there, making sure that this man can not meet anyone. Take him from the back to avoid anyone from seeing you especially the outsiders.”

  The younglings obliged and begun to drag Uytral. Just before they could take him, Graftel punched the latter in the jaw — knocking him out instantly and breaking a few of his teeth in the process as well.

  “You can never be sure with this one. He might have tried to pull something off if left concious.” Graftel added.

  Once they had made their exit, Graftel turned towards the pair.

  “Now then Landel and Gor, do you think that this old man is still capable of leading the elves?” Graftel asked with a smug face.

  “Did you eavesdrop on us?” Landel questioned with an annoyed look.

  “Yes, but I can also always tell what you are thinking, brat. I have trained you so I can predict whatever is going through that tiny brain of yours.” Graftel returned to his normal demeanour.

  “We never had a doubt regarding your competence master. None can beat experience especially yours.” Harwin said with a worried look.

  “However, I must say that it was only after listening to the conversation between you two that I made-up my mind. I had doubts about Uytral already, but I just could not reach the final decision. Do not let it get it your head, brat." Graftel ignored Harwin's flattery, and mocked Landel again.

  “You are nothing special old-timer. Gor here, was able to predict that fool’s intentions before you. If you had not done anything about it, we would have dealt with him in your stead.”

  “I can see Gor making a commendable plan, but what exactly would be your contributions in it? Nothing. The least you can do is try to take a lesson from this fellow if you want to rule one day.”

  “I do not intend to rule. Actually, coming to that matter: what were you thinking by naming me your successor, I never asked for such a thing. It will only hinder my training.”

  “It will not hinder anything you fool! You can not hide behind the safety of this village forever. If you want to hone your skill any further, you need to fight against more foes, travel the world, meet people and learn....." Graftel paused as if reminiscing about something and then continued:

  "When I was your age, no one could keep me under one roof. I was going from one town to the other in matter of days. As for naming you successor, as ashamed as I am in admitting, but you have more potential than anyone else in this race. I have met all sorts of people and I know when a person has talent and when one does not. Only a fool hides their talent, infact, such people need to lead others if they want their loved ones to survive.” Graftel lectured not only Landel but also glanced at Harwin from time to time.

  Landel remained quiet, as he could not argue with Graftel’s logic.

  "The two of you will begun the jounrey in two days and that is my final decision."

  Only time will tell what will be the conclusion of this journey. Dangerous is a small word to describe the trials that await the group but also will be grand: the rewards and knowledge that lie at the end.