All of that work to return without finishing? Ganbaatar stepped to Argrave, concerned but with anger held tightly at bay. What was that conversation?

Argrave watched the ship docked with knights and his cousin aboard, then looked to Ganbaatar. Behind, Moriatran and Artur moved off, speaking to each other as they spoke of the battle theyd just endured. Argrave waited a moment, then conjured a ward around himself and the elf.

Kirel Qircassia is in league with another god, Argrave said to Ganbaatar flat out.

It pained him to phrase it in such a way, deflecting blame from himself but what he needed most was Ganbaatars cooperation. He could practically hear Dimocles saying, You know best, Argrave. Thats why you deceive this man. But then, shame had never been in Argraves repertoire.

What in the blazes does that mean? the wood elf stepped closer. Why are we here? Why are we standing about? And ships?

Im going to fix this, Argrave said point-blank. But Ill level with youthings are desperate. Were on the backpedal.

Ganbaatar took a deep, angry breath through clenched teeth. The backpedal, he repeated.

I need to get to the dryads, Argrave continued. And Im hoping you can help with that.

Do you realize what youre asking? Ganbaatar gestured towards him. The dryads are the sole thing kept secret, kept protected. Elves can move, relocate, build new homes but the dryads are linked to the forest, bound by their roots. To give that up he clapped his hands together. I give up everything, everyone.

I dont need to engage with them so much as the place theyre taking root, Argrave continued. Youve been, havent you?

I was eight years old. Most everyone that goes there was, Ganbaatar looked to the side. Blindfolded, carried miles no way I remember where it is.

But the place you did seedid it remind you of anything? Argrave gestured.

Ganbaatar didnt need to think long before answering, It was like that place we met with the elven gods. Those hanging gardens, that colosseum

Ancient elven ruins, Argrave told him. Well ancient elven style, at least. Thats irrelevant. I need to go there, Ganbaatar. Please, help me.

You dont know how to go there? the elf stared with his red eyes pointedly.

I dont, Argrave shook his head. It was half-true. He knew where it was on the map, but the place was accessible only by cutscene, even with the game stretched to its limits. He didnt care to chance risking his life to defy that principle. The dryads had protection in place.

Ganbaatar looked off to the side, debating with himself. Then, with his mind settled, he said idly, The Supreme Myriarch and his Kheshig know. Contacts among any of them are pointless. The myriarchs know, too. The only contact I have among them is my mentor, Batbayar, but he looked at Argrave. Is it bad? This this change in the battle, I mean.

Lies came to mind, but even Argrave wasnt that boldfaced. Instead he said truthfully, Theres been betrayals. Chiteng. Myriarch Altan.

Ganbaatar looked panickednot normal panic, but a soldiers panic, as though hed dealt with this a thousand times before. Argrave was impressed despite the terrible situation. They theyll all die, he said distantly. Betrayals like that dont happen without certainty from the opposition. And given the way you had us abandon our journey to Sarikiz

Argrave looked at him, feeling the guilt ahead of what he was about to do. If I could get you to talk to Batbayar could it be done? Could you persuade him to take me to the dryads?

While hes commanding troops in desperation? Not a chance, Ganbaatar shook his head.

Argrave looked up, steeling himself to admit he brought this upon everyone, unwittingly or not. Then he looked back down and said, And if it wasnt in desperation? If it was a meeting in peace?

Ganbaatar frowned at Argrave. How would you make that happen, dire as things are?

Because Im on their side, Argrave thought. And no matter how he moved the words around, he couldnt find a way to put it diplomatically. This man had come to him for help, and now it was his time to admit that hed ruined it.

#####

Are you sure you head the right way, Your Majesty? Orion inquired as Argraves gaze wandered the place.

No. Quite frankly, no, Im not sure, Argrave said in slight irritation. All the landscapes been turned around, churned by the roots like raw cookie dough, all thanks to Kirel. These trees are big and impressive, but theres so damn many of them that they all look the same. Its been two years since I last played the game, and memory isnt forever. He looked back at Orion, whose concern leaked past his battered golden helmet. Ill get it. Dont worry.

I think I found it, Anneliese told Argrave, scouting with her eyes instead of her bird in a rare occasion. Big tree, slightly hollowed stump, cavern hidden by roots it has been disturbed, but it remains largely intact.

The three of them moved alone, separated from the rest of the party. Argrave had the others doing as he bidand as he bid mostly meant doing whatever to draw no suspicion from Erlebnis. Though he sent Nikoletta along to Elenore, he didnt have high hopes that his sister acquired any shamanic magic from the search parties sent to loot valuable locations in Vasquer. Locations that had it were in short supply, and not particularly high priority. It was midgame loot, and so Argrave only intended to acquire it before the midgame beganparticularly, the point where spirits became as common as grass.

Ganbaatar had agreed to help with surprisingly little fuss. Maybe Argrave was delusional, but the elven warrior seemed to almost feel some relief when he heard of Argraves mistake, like it was some sign he was truly human. Regardless, Argrave hoped Batbayar would be as accommodating toward his apprentice as he had been in Heroes of Berendar. Elsewise the plan wouldnt die, but itd become riskier.

The three of them made it to the place that Anneliese had noticed, and upon looking at it some familiarity dawned. Argrave could say the same about most of the places on this continent, so it wasnt quite special yet. Nevertheless, they proceeded deeper in. And when they did, Argrave knew he was in the right place.

The short cave ended quickly with a stone statue that was all too similar to many that Argrave had seen before, be that in Heroes of Berendar or in this life. The stone tablet and the statue itself had been displaced, and Argrave blinked at a loss at how to proceed.

As his mind settled upon an answer, he opened his mouth speaking to Erlebnis emissaries once again.

You need to set up a meeting with Altan and the myriarchs, set up a conversation. Im not letting thousands of elven refugees come into my kingdom without a proper plan, Argrave said decisively, feeling half a madman as he talked to a cave wall. You said theyre retreating. Let me facilitate that.

That can happen, came the answer at once, from behind.

When Argrave looked back Orion had already pulled back his fist to punch the emissary at the caves entrance. The prince paused when he saw it didnt move, stepping back towards Argrave cautiously.

It can happen, Argrave repeated, stepping past them both. And how does it happen organically?

Itll need to be away from the coast. Away from those boats of yours, the emissary continued, its thin lips speaking precisely. Your party could screen the retreat. As I understand, your queens A-rank ability revolves around absorbing magic, the emissary looked to her.

Anneliese crossed her arms, somewhat guarded as she looked at the abominable creature. Though Argrave shared her discomfort the emissary knew of her power, Argrave answered on her behalf, Yes, thats the gist of her ability.

She arrives. We lessen the intensity of our magicnot enough to draw suspicion, but enough for her to endure. She endures, buying time for Altan to give a convincing retreat. Then, you may reconvene with her wherever you so please. The emissary waved his hand grandly.

Argrave gave no answer, ill at ease with placing the woman he loved in the line of fire. Practically speaking, that would be the right move. Personally viewing the battlefield gave them the chance to survey the betrayal firsthand, make some evaluations about the fate of the elven gods and the future of this resistance plan of his.

I can do it, Anneliese answered.

Argrave looked at her, wanting to argue. Upon seeing the fire in her amber eyes, he surrendered and said, If shes fine with it then I am too. But given youre volunteering Altan, that would mean the Supreme Myriarch is already dead?

And all of his Kheshig, yes, the emissary nodded.

Argrave took a deep breath and sighed. If that matters settled, can I ask a favor from my newfound friend? He used Dimocles language to see if the collector was a sophist or a messenger.

You are on our side, the emissary said, not quite answering the question.

Part of the reason I came here other than securing the loyalty of the elves it was to secure the assistance of the dryads, too, Argrave looked on unflinchingly. He had never told Chiteng this part, and so he divulged it now to earn trust. I need that assistance for my long-range planning.

The emissary stared blankly, giving no response.

I think I have a way to get the elves to give it upmore specifically, to take me where the dryads live. I understand this might interest Erlebnis, Argrave said, almost venturing.

This forest will die, Argrave, the emissary said plainly. We have promised it to Kirel Qircassia. Nothing can be spared. This must be his territory, and he must be our ally.

But the knowledge neednt die with the forest, Argrave shrugged, hoping to draw upon Erlebnis emotional compulsion to preserve knowledge. If I can get a line with the elves if they can take me to the dryads I could share that with you. You, meaning Erlebnis. He took some steps closer. As a matter of fact, why not have Onychinusa come along?

She is in battle, the emissary said.

Battles end, dont they? Argrave cracked a smile.

And as escorts go, we emissaries are better suited, he continued passively.

Argrave raised a brow as if surprised, then bluffed, Youre welcome, certainly. Didnt think Id get the privilege.

After half a second of silence, it continued, But a mortal touch would be better suited, given that this mission rests on the elves breaking past the dryads barrier. We are not so welcome in mortal societies. Onychinusa can be called away, certainly.

The question was half a probe, and Argrave almost smiled when the test came back positive. For this plan to work, Onychinusa was vital. She had to come along. As the emissary had said a mortal touch was necessary.

One last matter remained, however.

Then Ill see how it plays with the dryads, and stay in touch, Argrave held his arms out. And on that note another thing.

The Lord can be a good and reasonable friend, the emissary said, caution hidden in the wordsArgrave shouldnt ask for something unreasonable.

If this does work out, I want to kill Dimocles, Argrave said, his voice low.

The emissary tilted his head. Why?

Intuition. Knowledge of who he is, what attracts his attention, Argrave explained. I dont think he can be trusted to be genuine and loyal, and given his unusual tendencies, Id like to wipe him out.

The emissary remained silent. Then, it waved its hand, answering neither affirmatively or negatively. Bring your people to the elven army.

And just as it had come, so too did it disappear, likely returning to Erlebnis realm by way of the nearby shrine. Argrave looked to his companions, and then made for the exit. Argrave didnt know how thoroughly Dimocles was connected to Erlebnis but he hoped that this request of his would strengthen the ancient gods belief he intended to be true in this alliance. And if Dimocles should diea happy accident.

In his mind, Argrave came to know something. He was in this. No matter how this ended, he was involved. But Argrave he wasnt quite content wallowing in self-pity, reflecting on the guilt he felt for bringing this upon everyone. Maybe hed have crumbled a year ago, back when he had not experienced so much. But times had changed since then.

Argrave was well ready to con a god. Not through using other gods like hands, but through using only that obtained with his wit and knowledge. And secretly, though he wouldnt tell this to even Anneliese he did it in part because with this route, the consequences of failure all fell back to him alone. Nikoletta would tell Elenore the situation, and if he died attempting this his sister would be ready to handle it all.

Whatever the case, he would suffer no gods lording over his people.