Chapter 193: Not If We Get You First

Chapter 193: Not If We Get You First

A group of five moved through the desert under a sun that was unforgiving. The air was without the slightest hint of moisture which made the journey even more perilous. Still, the group persisted and moved forward. That was until a dust cloud moved toward them.

Hold on! The apparent leader raised his hands and the group stopped. They eyed the approaching entities with caution.

The identity of the group was obviously Lances party. They made the trek to inform Ira of the Angels plot against him. It wasnt an easy one as the Underground City was located in a harsh environment but they had come quite far.

Monsters! Lance yelled as they drew their weapons.

Moving toward them were beasts covered from head to toe in fur that stood more than six feet tall, Werewolves to be more precise. Strangely enough, the Werewolves wore leather armor that consisted of a leather chest plate and a skirt-like belt of leather strips that protected their lower bodies. Within moments they arrived and surrounded the group.

Lance, what do we do? Sarah asked while sweat dampened her forehead. She raised her bow laboriously showing that she, like the rest of her group, was in no condition to fight.

Suddenly, one of the Werewolves began to shrink and its fur receded until the shape of a human man could be seen, albeit a hairy one.

Why are you trespassing on our land, humans? The man asked while the rest of the Werewolves stood on guard, growling and gnashing their teeth.

Lance glanced at his group and then began to speak. Were here to warn Ira about the Angels.

The eyes of the lycanthrope man narrowed, illustrating his doubt. What about them?

Theyre gathering an army to fight against Ira.

We dont fear human armies, not anymore. Something as small as that isnt worth the Keepers attention. The man replied.

You dont understand, every country is going to take up arms against Ira and the entire Dark Elf Empire.

You speak nonsense, human.

Listen to me! Lance shouted. We risked our lives to get here in order to pass that information along. You have to take us to see Ira.

The Werewolves became silent and then the man spoke up.

I dont like the way you refer to the Keeper, human. Even so, if what youre saying is even a little bit true then wed be idiots not to inform the Keeperbut if I find out youre deceiving us well rip each one of you apart while making your friends watch, The lycanthrope said threateningly.

Lance nodded without fear since he had no intention of lying.

Follow us, humans.

The Lycanthrope turned back into a werewolf before rushing away. Lance and the others followed behind them but they were much slower.

After a bit of time passed, the group arrived at a wooden lift that overlooked the valley that served as the entrance to the Underground City.

I hope you arent scared of heights. The Lycanthropes were already waiting at the lift when Lance and his group arrived.

Inside of the Underground City, Lances information had to pass through a few people, namely Valkyries, before it reached Ira and as soon as it did Avery called an emergency meeting. Within a few minutes, the most important figures filled a room. Sylun and Casey were in attendance as well as the leaders of the newly found factions, Eloise, Jydar, Saren, and Gareth. Even Samantha was in attendance though her presence was somewhat minimized.

Sitting in the middle of the semi-circular table was Ira with Avery right beside. And standing in front of all those important figures was Lance and his group.

Ira, Lance said with a tone of uncertainty. After all, Gavreels accusations against Ira still filled his mind.

Lance, Ira replied. If you dont mind, could you repeat what you have to say?

Lance decided to put his concerns in the back of his mind and began to speak, The Angels are gathering everyone, Humans, Diavol, Elves, and Dwarves. Theyre going to build an army to attack you and the Dark Elf Empire.

Is what true? Iras smile slowly faded until it was a faint but ever-present grin.

Did you kill all of those Diavol soldiers? Are you the City-Eater? Lance asked and the room became still.

Ira laughed loudly for a few seconds and then replied. Yeah, I killed them. Also, Id appreciate if you didnt call me the City-Eater. Its not a nickname I want to go by.

Why? Lance clenched and unclenched his fist. Can I know why?

Does it matter? Ira inquired with a genuine interest. Giving a reason doesnt accomplish anything except maybe letting you sleep a little better at night. Besides, they wouldve killed a bunch of humans if I hadnt interfered so who cares if I went overboard. I wonder how many people are still alive because that one city went missing. Though if you really want to know why I guess it was because Avery almost died.

Iras eyes became serious and all hints of his smile vanished. A rare appearance for him who always seemed to be chipper.

Lance felt the words he was about to say retreat into the back of his throat. He knew that Ira would kill him if he said something rude. The argument of one life for a few thousand wouldnt work for Ira seeing as he valued Avery immeasurably.

Keeper. Sylun acted as if she didnt hear the shocking revelation and spoke up.

Oh, yeah. Ira went back to his normal self in an instant. Thank you all for bringing us some valuable information. I know you must be tired so you can get some rest here and Ill send you all back tomorrow.

Ira.

Ira.

Gerald and Zella called out in tandem.

Hm? Ira raised an eyebrow.

We arent going back, Zella said. We want to stay here and help you.

What?! Lance looked absolutely distressed at their words.

We cant go back, Lance, Gerald said.

Why? What do you mean by that?! Gerald, you have a wife waiting for you, right? Lance asked. Although the two had changed after being brought back from the dead, he thought that he made some progress in getting his friends back to their normal selves.

Lance, I

Just as Gerald was about to finish, Sylun spoke up. Take this elsewhere.

As she finished speaking, guards approached Lances group.

Take them somewhere nice so they can enjoy their stay.

Yes, Your Majesty. The guards saluted before escorting the group out of the room.

Ira, we cant let them go, Avery said suddenly. If even one of them inform the Angels of our plans then itll be at risk of succeeding.

So, you want to kill them? Ira questioned.

Its not necessary to, well just keep them here until our plan is in motion. They have no room to complain and even if they do they dont have a choice.

I get it, Ira replied with a short sigh before turning to Sylun. Can you handle it for me?

Of course, Keeper. Sylun bowed her head slightly.

Alright, I have children to get back to. Well gather again tomorrow and work out the smaller details.

Ira and Avery stood up before they vanished from sight. The ones that remained in the room would be left to work tirelessly in order to figure out a proper plan of attack. The worst part was, Ira was likely to end up ignoring a large part of whatever strategy was produced in favor of doing what he wanted.