Strategy Meeting

Surprised by Andrea's proposition, Tahrren, Ophelia, and Eiji remained stoic for a few moments. Eiji, in particular, was skeptical.

"They could indeed provide a good diversion. But we need to be certain of convincing them, and above all, the Ophelians won't just stand idly by."

Andrea smiled at his analysis. Eiji was right. The plan was far from perfect, and most importantly, they needed the approval of both parties.

Fortunately, while the priests were under the orders of the Pope, the Ophelian army, although also obeying his orders, maintained a certain level of autonomy and had limited interaction with the religious authorities.

"Indeed. That's why we must inform and convince the guards to believe us to prevent the situation from escalating into war. But without influence, it won't be possible, which is why we'll need your status, Saintess."

Ophelia struggled to keep up with the unfolding events, although she understood the essence of it. She nervously scratched her forehead, contemplating the strategy.

"It could work, but how can I convince people I've never interacted with? Not everyone will believe me if I tell them who I am. After all, I have no proof of my identity."

"Isn't there a relic that could prove your identity?" Tahrren asked.

Everyone pondered, except for Eiji, who knew little about religion and Ophelia's past. After a few seconds, Andrea finally found the solution.

"Perhaps your old weapon? Your scepter adorned with agate, with which you once saved the region."

Ophelia had a realization, almost marveling at the dwarf's idea.

"You're right. I had sealed the stone so I would be the only one able to wield it. If I can use it, they won't have anything to say about my legitimacy. It would be irrefutable proof of my identity! Do you know where we can find it?"

A bitter smile appeared on Father Andrea's face.

"Unfortunately, it is located in the heart of Her Holiness' cathedral. Although it is relatively separate from the main church, it remains under the Pope's control. It won't be easy to take the scepter, especially through legal means. We'll have to steal it."

Tahrren abruptly stood up, surprising everyone.

"Very well, I will take care of it. I may not be a master of stealth, but I certainly fare better than anyone among us. So, let's summarize the situation: our main enemy is the Pope. To distract their attention, we will use the dwarves. However, to do that, we need to not only convince them but also persuade the Ophelian guards to let them march into the city."

The three members of the audience nodded in agreement. "That's a good summary," responded Andrea. "Firstly, Tahrren, you must steal the Scepter of Ortia, which is sealed within the holy cathedral. The Saintess is present there during the day, and it will be impossible to escape the guards' vigilance at that time. You will have to infiltrate it at night. The patrols are still regular, but you will benefit from reduced visibility."

Ophelia continued.

"Then we will need to inform the guards of the situation as discreetly as possible so as not to arouse the suspicions of the Pope. And finally, we will make our way to Myr Kandhur to convince the dwarves. This time, everything will rest in your hands, Father Andrea..."

Eiji sighed softly. Tahrren chuckled at his reaction. Not once was his name mentioned. He felt like he was seeing a younger version of himself. He knew all too well that feeling, that sense of uselessness. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do for him. For now, the apprentice's state of mind was the least of his concerns.

He stood up and gave his final instructions. "Alright. We're done with this strategic meeting. We leave at dawn tomorrow. Rest well, as the coming days will be demanding."

Ophelia and Eiji left the room and went about their own business. Meanwhile, Tahrren settled on the bed next to Andrea.

"How are you feeling? Do you think you'll be able to hit the road tomorrow?"

Andrea, sitting cross-legged on the bed, shuffled to the edge and got up with some difficulty.

"No problem! Don't underestimate the vitality of dwarves! I could run a marathon right now if I wanted to!"

A subtle smile formed on the elf's face, and he couldn't hold back slight laughter.

He quickly stood up and faced the dwarf. "So, do you accept that I offer you a beer?"

Andrea burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Absolutely! A true dwarf worth their salt would never refuse a good pint of beer! Especially if it's offered! Lead the way, and I shall follow! I can already hear the call of the drink."

Tahrren slipped his hand behind the dwarf's back and escorted him to the exit. He then led him toward the bar downstairs. The sun was still high in the sky, and most people were still at work, so the room was almost empty. Only a few elderly regulars calmly sipped their drinks while gossiping.

They sat at a table, and soon, a waitress came to take their order. Of course, both of them ordered a beer. It only took a few seconds before the waitress returned with their drinks.

"To your health, elf!" said Andrea, raising his mug. "And thank you again for saving me!"

Tahrren raised his mug in turn. "To yours!"

They downed their beers in one go, with Andrea finishing his in record time, aided by his dwarven constitution. After all, dwarves were well known for their legendary drinking prowess!

They quickly ordered another beer. However, Tahrren gradually became lost in his thoughts, growing absent-minded.

"Is something wrong, dear benefactor?"

Snapped out of his reverie by those words, he couldn't help but smile at the nickname.

"Not at all. I was thinking that we have a lot in common deep down."

"Hmm? And how is that?"

Intrigued, the dwarf wanted to delve deeper, seeking to understand what his elven comrade meant.

"It's simple. We both left our isolated people in search of adventure. I used to live in a small elven village in the Thoramin Empire, on the Heika's continent. We were completely cut off from the world. The outside always attracted me. After all, there was such a vast world hidden behind those wooden fences and legions of trees. I couldn't continue living like that and decided to run away. I ran as far as I could, with the sole objective of leaving that forest and discovering the outside world. After several weeks of living in the woods, I finally arrived in a city. A human one. I was struck by the many differences that existed between our elven customs and those of humans, but also by the quality and pace of life. I had never been happier in my life, and it convinced me to explore further..."

The dwarf sighed slightly. He couldn't deny it: he felt the same way the first time he discovered Ophelia.

"The call of adventure, huh," he said with a slight smile on his lips. "But why tell me all this?"

Tahrren paused briefly before answering.

"You see, in the end, we are all alike: humans, elves, dwarves... giants. We are all driven by the same desires. However, these societies are all in danger. Many cities and kingdoms have already been threatened by immortals, and Ophelia is just one of them. However, while the support of giants, elves, and humans is substantial, the support of dwarves, which is also necessary, especially due to your expertise, is sorely lacking. The rare times we can count on the support of dwarf kingdoms are when they are threatened. The situation is far more critical than the dwarf leaders want to believe. That's why, Andrea, please help us convince the dwarf kings to provide us with their support. Without them, I fear that the entire world is at risk."