A few more days passed in the Kingdom of Khazadrim. The forges blazed with an unyielding fire, and the blacksmiths worked tirelessly to complete the remaining weapons. The atmosphere was one of intense focus and dedication, every clang of the hammer against Starsteel echoing through the halls.
Finally, the forging process came to an end. The weapons that could be forged were now completed, each one a masterpiece of dwarven craftsmanship and magical enhancement. Swords, axes, shields, and other implements of war now lay in the armory, their ethereal glow a testament to the combined efforts of the dwarves and Erend's group.
The amount of Starsteel currently available is only enough for the arms of all the dwarves of the Khazadrim Kingdom, Erend, Adrius, Adrien, Billy, Saeldir, King Gulben, Aurdis, and also several of the strongest warriors of the Elf Palace.
In their shared quarters, Erend, Adrius, Adrien, Billy, and Saeldir gathered. The air was thick with the anticipation of their next move. They knew that their time in Khazadrim had come to a close, and the next phase of their task awaited.
Saeldir was the first to speak, his tone solemn yet resolute.
"We've done all we can here. The weapons are forged and the dwarves are as ready as they'll ever be. It's time we returned to the Elf Palace. Our people need us."
Erend nodded, understanding the gravity of Saeldir's words. "You're right. We've accomplished much here, but our work is far from over."
"This is where we part ways, for now." Adrius said with a sad smile. "I must return to the human kingdom. There are preparations to be made, alliances to be secured. The humans also need to be ready for what's coming."
Billy sighed, a mix of relief and concern on his face. "It's gonna be tough, splitting up like this. But I guess it's necessary. We've got to cover as much ground as possible."
Adrien clasped Adrius's shoulder, a gesture of solidarity. "I guess it will not long until we' meet again. When the time comes, we'll stand together against the Great Calamity. Until then, stay safe."
Adrius nodded. "You too."
"Do what you must with the humans. And when they need more convincing, you can call me," Erend said.
"Hahaha. Don't worry, my presence alone is enough to convince them," Adrius said.
And with that, they set off towards the Elf Palace.
The advisor, cloaked in his usual garb, watched with a mixture of relief and apprehension as Erend, Saeldir, Adrien, Billy, and Adrius made their way out of the kingdom. His heart pounded in his chest, the anxiety of the past days finally beginning to dissipate.
"They didn't find me," he thought, a sense of solace washing over him. His betrayal had remained undiscovered, the information he had passed to the impostor elf woman concealed beneath layers of secrecy.
As the figures of Erend and his friends grew smaller in the distance, the advisor allowed himself a small, grim smile. He had played his part well, navigating the treacherous waters of deceit and loyalty with skill.
The knowledge he held was a powerful weapon, one that had the potential to change the course of the impending conflict.
But just as he began to feel a sense of calm, a chilling voice echoed in his mind, shattering his brief moment of peace.
"Your service is not over," the voice said, its tone commanding and dark. "There is more to be done."
The advisor's breath caught in his throat. He recognized the voice—it belonged to the shadowy figure who had orchestrated the espionage, the unseen hand that had guided his actions from the shadows. Far before he meet with the Elf woman.
The advisor's relief quickly turned to dread as the voice continued.
"I will send another to meet you soon," it said. "Prepare for their arrival. The plans we have set in motion must continue. The Shadow Order demands your continued loyalty."
The advisor swallowed hard, his heart pounding once more. He had thought that with the departure of the Dragonborn and his companions, he might find a moment of reprieve. But now, it was clear that his entanglement with the Shadow Order was far from over.
"I understand, I will be ready."
The voice faded, leaving the advisor standing alone in the shadowed corridor. He took a long breath. This scheme... whatever it is, its far from over.
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