Return to Jorgaldur Volume IV: Reunion

Second county

Frojlnei County was in a somewhat strange situation. A significant contingent of soldiers was waiting for orders to take control of it, but they hadn't received them yet. It was causing some nervousness and uncertainty among the troops.

In reality, those who were supposed to give the orders had been eliminated by the twins and their allies. Now, the rebels posed as the agents in charge of the operation.

Nilgha had been infiltrating the royal side, so she was the ideal person to take care of the matter. The plan was to ambush the enemy troops and capture them, perhaps use them as bargaining chips. However, when they were going to carry the plan out, a message had stopped them.

Now, the new plan was to buy time, although they hadn't been explained why. She was biting her nails when a voice behind her made her stop.

"That's a bad habit," Lidia reproached her.

"You finally arrive! Can you explain to me what happened? Why do you have us...? Eldi!"

The high human smiled. He liked that rebel, and he knew he could trust her. They had fought together, side by side.

"Hi, Nilgha. Don't tell me they haven't explained anything to you?" he greeted.

"Well, the plan wasn't yet complete," Liodon defended himself, a little further back.

"Of course. It has nothing to do with the fact that you love to act mysterious..." the rebel woman protested.

Eldi smiled. It was evident that they got along well. Her children had told him some of the story, when they had met many years before.

"You always complain. You'll see that it's worth it. Dad has regained all his power, so we've started the 'Eldi I' plan. For now, we have Tenakk," Lidia explained.

"Already!? So soon!? God, you're incredible!" Nilgha praised, while looking at Eldi with wide eyes. There was worship in them.

"It was thanks to Gjaki and Goldmi, and a little luck. What's this about Eldi I? Who gave it such a name?" he asked suspiciously.

"Who do you think? It's a good plan though. I see. That's why you made us wait. It's a good opportunity," Nilgha acknowledged.

"Now you see it was worth waiting," Liodon joked.

"It would've been even better if you'd told it before. We could've started preparations," the rebel growled.

"Finally we move! It was unbearable," one of the soldiers exclaimed.

They had packed up the camp, and were approaching the walls of Frojlnei's capital. It isn't that they felt like fighting, but sitting around doing nothing and knowing nothing was exhausting.

"It was time. I hope they surrender without resistance," another responded.

"At least, I hope they leave the civilians out of this," another prayed.

Everyone agreed on that. After all, who didn't have family they didn't want to see involved in similar events?

Suddenly, the order to stop was given. They expanded their formation to surround a barricade, to envelop it and attack from all sides. What they didn't know was that, in reality, what the creators of the obstacle intended was precisely that. That all the soldiers could see them easily.

"Drop your weapons and surrender!" the commanding officer demanded of the barely twenty brave men who were blocking their way.

Suddenly, one of the said daring men uncovered his hood and took off the cloak that went with it. At the same time, his aura increased in intensity as he climbed that barricade. In reality, more than a barricade, it was an improvised stage, so that he could be higher, and everyone could see him.

Astonished whispers began to arise among the soldiers when they discovered that figure. They weren't sure if he was the real one, but he matched the descriptions, the drawings and the statues.

"He can't be Eldi Hnefa, right?"

"He seems like him, but it wouldn't be the first faker."

"At least, he's powerful. Haven't you heard the rumors that he's back?"

"I wish it were him."

Everyone looked towards the figure, expectant, although watching the flanks. It could be a trap.

He reached the highest point, and made a two-handed axe appear in his hands. He hit against the ground with it, leaned on it, and imbued it with Burning Touch. The spell make it glow red.

That caused more than one to hold their breath. It was the most remembered pose, the most reproduced in illustrations and paintings. If he was a fake, he was a really good one.

Five Walls emerged around him, Earthen, Rock, Burning, Frozen and Lightning. A spear as powerful as the axe appeared in his other hand, and was imbued with Frozen Touch, so it took on a bluish color. It was pinned to the ground with Impaling.

A no less powerful hammer also appeared in his hands, and was imbued it with Lightning Touch, which gave it a yellowish color. A rock that had been placed there for the occasion was pulverized with Mortar.

Silence had fallen before that display. He didn't intend to intimidate them, but rather to demonstrate his identity. Although it must be said that he felt a little nervous and embarrassed. Acting like a legendary hero was extremely strange to him.

His armor then changed color and shape, as it was said he could do. It took on the appearance best known to all. Only then did he take out from his inventory a sphere the size of a soccer ball. It was the definitive proof.

It rose above him and opened. It displayed not only the insignia of the kingdom, but a powerful aura impossible to imitate. Many had witnessed similar insignia during some festivities, an attempt by the royal house to demonstrate its legitimacy.

However, before the true symbol, they were nothing more than crude imitations. Only the fact that the soldiers had never seen the real one until now had made them believe in that copy that undoubtedly paled in comparison.

Suddenly, on the plain that they had chosen for the demonstration, a lot of clatter was heard. It was nothing more than the sum of hundreds of armor moving. Practically at the same time, the soldiers had knelt. One knee on the ground, the other bent with the sole of his foot on the ground, and the head bowed as a sign of respect, as a sign of loyalty.

They had to obey their officers and, above them, the members of the royalty. However, there was one individual above, the supreme leader of all Engenak armies. Even though he had never served as such, they had all sworn to obey him when they were appointed soldiers. It was a ritual that no one had dared to change yet.

Now, that man had appeared before them, and few had hesitated to show their loyalty to him. Only a few were slow to kneel, especially some officers from certain noble families. The same ones who would be removed from their position, temporarily or permanently.

Eldi Hnefa watched them, half overwhelmed and stunned. However, he couldn't allow himself to indulge in that imposing spectacle.

"Engenak soldiers! Stand up!"