Beyond Enemy Lines

Aliyah and Vexana were sitting near a small lamp and were looking at the map of the whole Elf Kingdom. Aliyah said, "By the looks of the recently drawn map, it is quite clear that we have to start our attack from the North. The rocks are strangers to the Namarians and if we spray a devastating amount of arrows on them, there will be no chance for them to stay unharmed." Vexana said, "The plan is good, but we don't have that kind of skilled archers, and climbing the mountains and attacking from them will be both tiresome and risky." Aliyah asked, "Do you have a better plan, Vexana?" Vexana smiled, "Any plan is better than your plan. The Namarians are morally evil, so they will not want to stay in front during the war. They will most certainly create distractions for us and won't stay away from using innocent people for their advantage. We have to first create a diversion inside the palace and then we have to attack them. But, Licha is a smart woman too. She must have already stationed informants amongst the innocent people to keep her updated with any opposition and even if a riot happens amid all this, we have no tactical advantage to save us or the innocent people. So, we will have a hidden man inside the palace who will give us intel about the things occurring inside the palace." Aliyah asked, "Who is that person?" Vexana said, "Prince Jerachi. I have called him here to use his power and intellect to create a rift inside the Namarian palace and then he will open the doors for us to enter inside the palace without any unnecessary oppression or violence." Aliyah asked, "Why did you call him? I told him to safeguard the mortal world in my absence." Vexana said, "One problem at a time, girl. I have called him here and not only him but Elena and Trisha too. They said that they also want to join in the war and also they miss their friend." Aliyah asked, "Where are they?" Aliyah turned and saw Prince Jerachi along with Elena and Trisha standing near her. Aliyah smiled, "Alice is perfectly fine. She just went to an very important mission in a distant place and I cannot say where she is right now." Elena said, "Vexana has already told us everything that has happened here. You blatantly disapproved the emerging romantic relations between Cindy and Elgin and also killed Cindy. You subterfuge all of our trust and let Alice get infected by some unknown disease." Aliyah said, "What! I didn't do even one single thing that you mentioned. I on the other hand is trying to save everyone from dangers. I am the one who is caring for Alice and she didn't get infected by some "unknown disease". She is just having some problems with adjusting with the new power inside her. But, that will become fine eventually and it has to." Trisha asked, "Why my arm has stopped talking? Is she dead?" Aliyah said, "The hand is connected to you and from the looks of your physique, it is evident that you have perfectly synced with your hand." Trisha said, "Brother Jerachi taught me how to sync with my hand. He and I are almost alike. Geniuses who are never complimented enough for their extraordinary intellect and valor." Vexana said, "The current situation is far worse than the previous war situation. We have too much infiltration in the enemy side and as per the latest news, appearance of demons are doubted in Namaria. If this news is true then we have to prepare even harder than now. Arrival of the demons means that they are in search of the Blood Spear which is currently in a comatose situation along with Alice. We have to fight without Alice in both cases, whether good or bad. Alice shouldn't not be discovered by any of our enemies who are the Namarians, the demons and the ogres. We are facing a triple threat situation and we are currently in a losing position. Our enemies may come separate or might come together but they will come surely and we have to be knowledgeable of their every trait and step even before they get a chance to execute it. Follow me in the conference room." All followed Vexana to the conference room. 

Vexana walked on the podium and said, "Let me introduce you all to the new War Strategic Head, Ms. Clara Van Lingfey. She is a mortal and a very good friend of mine from the days of my Academy. She was there when Aliyah left me and went to die shamelessly. She is immortal so she doesn't age much and that explains why she is alive till now. She will tell the details of the plan from now onwards." Clara walked towards the mic and said, "As all of you know that the recent infiltration of the demons in Namaria has caused a gigantic upheaval in both the sides, we have developed some new and impactful strategies to make up for any unexpected or unusual turns of events. We have done research on the various possibilities and we have finally concluded our investigation into a small topic. The thorough knowledge of our enemies. First, we have Kystion. An old legend. Much about his power and skill is well known to everyone. So, he will not be underestimated at any cost. Next, we have Kavana, a very skilled and wise soldier. He recently invaded the West side of the Elf Kingdom which is filled with savages and wild animals. He is an old enemy of Vexana as he killed her daughter, Aliyena. She was the love child of Aliyah and Vexana. Kavana killed her when Vexana refused to give him an ancient scroll of utmost importance. The third person is Licha. She is a coward and relies mainly on her trusted advisor, Halidesus who is very clever and is on the priority list of our. The fourth ones are Bron, Levy and Leo. They are the top people of Namaria and basically act as oligarchs. The fifth one is the demons who are currently unknown in identity but they are all we have anyway. So, our first step is to capture Namaria which is filled with lots of money and soldiers. After our invasion is successful, we will have enough money and an army to defeat the ogres. Then, we have to perform the Blood ritual and make Alice the Blood Queen. Now, we have to put a person or spy amongst the Namarians who will open a door for us in the Namarian palace. We will attack it the dark of night and kill Licha and Halidesus. Even though, Elgin didn't approve of this decision, this is the only bet we can play. With Licha and Halidesus dead, we will become the new rulers of Namaria and then we will follow the next plan. Any questions from anybody?" Elgin raised his hand and asked, "Why would the Namarians accept the killers of their Queen as their new rulers?" Clara laughed, "Fear, my dear. Fear is a very powerful weapon. They will want to revolt, but they won't have the time to think or act as the invasion will be as stealthy as it can be." Aliyah asked, "What will happen with the three businessmen?" Clara smiled, "They are businessmen and industrialists. They have more loyalty towards their money than some king or queen. They will obviously try to negotiate with us and we will degrade them with our new rules." Elena raised her hand and asked, "Why do we have to kill Elgin's sister?" Clara smiled, "Basic politics, Elena. It is better to have blood on your own sword than your enemy's sword. Licha won't think a minute before beheading Elgin. She might be a coward but she ain't no dumb bitch." Aliyah smiled, "Well it is well structured and convincing but you left one thing out of the plan. The execution part. I don't want to sound pessimistic but after the death of Queen Sejasha and Gilbert, the whole Namaria is in lockdown. We cannot be seen anywhere near Namaria and how will you put Prince Jerachi in the palace. The whole palace is filled with powerful weapons and explosives and there is no chance to even go near it without getting noticed or killed." Vexana smiled, "We have therefore selected Prince Jerachi for this job. He is quick and clever and will be an essential person for the job. He can blend amongst them and can easily be one of them. Namaria is in lockdown but Leo has secretly ordered three dozen men to come inside Namaria through a tunnel near the North Side of the palace. Jerachi and Elena will enter inside the palace and work as chefs and housemaids for Leo. Leo is a dirty man and we will surely get enough evidence from his room alone. We can then easily control Leo and keep him in our line." Aliyah said, "Fine. But, any mishaps and causalities is Vexana's responsibility." She disappeared in purple smoke.

Vexana and Elena were waiting near the North side of the Namarian palace for Prince Jerachi to come. Vexana said, "Aliyah is never useful in serious situations. We are already way too late and now they are taking even more time to dress up. The tunnel will be closed in just a few hours." Elena asked, "I heard Elgin saying that you two are planning to move to the mortal world after the war. Is it true?" Vexana sighed, "Yes. It is completely true. Elgin and I have decided to move between the mortals, but our decision is not hundred percent sure. We are currently discussing all the pros and cons of living amongst the mortals. The cons are all situational with the mortals. But, the advantages are also equally dependent on the mortals. Elgin always wanted his offspring to be Namaria's king or queen, but now this dream will always remain a dream. Namarians will never accept a polluted bastard as their king. Aliyah is entirely against our decision and is frequently suggesting we find another alternative plan. She said that Elf Kingdom is our home and every nook and corner of it reminds us of our childhood and youth and abandoning one's home is cowardice and we are not cowards. She is also very worried due to Alice's condition. The demons are coming closer day by day and without Alice passing the Blood ritual within time, doom is inevitable. Aliyah is trying everything to keep the damage as minimal as possible. But, her approach is not right for the current time. Elgin has a son now and he couldn't risk his life for something that has no certain guarantee. Looks like we have to make a tough decision in both ways." Elena said, "Humans are not the kindest when they meet someone superior to them. But, if you manage to keep a very low profile, then you will rarely be noticed." Vexana smiled, "That's a thing to discuss after the war. We have to focus on taking Namaria right now. Licha and her partners are not eligible to keep such a vast and wealthy kingdom for themselves. We have to annihilate them." Elena asked, "You are going to kill Elgin's sister?" Vexana said, "We have no other option, dear. Licha is like her mother. Stubborn and crafty. She will try her best to kill Elgin and his son if she stays alive." Elena asked, "When will all these bloodshed end?" Vexana sighed, "I, myself have been asking that question for the last five centuries and I still haven't got the answer." Elena said, "Prince Jerachi and Aliyah have come." Aliyah looked at them and said, "Be careful, Elena. Those bastards have no moral values in them. Keep your head down and wait for our command. Trisha and Vexana will visit you after three weeks from today. They will tell what is what and you will tell them the inside stories of the palace. Tell us all the facts honestly without any filter. We can only help you if you help us. Licha is not our primary focus, so you don't have to prioritise her every time, but keep an eye on those three businessmen and Halidesus. You may not recognise the demons like we do, so if any person who is either too muscular or very beautiful comes to meet Licha, tell us everything. I wish both of you luck and hope you will stay safe. In any unforeseen condition, if you get caught Prince Jerachi will help you to escape. Now, go." Jerachi and Elena walked towards the tunnel and walked inside. Vexana looked at them and said, "We shouldn't have sent Elena. She is too young and innocent." Aliyah said grimly, "Lambs are the most innocent animals in the world, yet they are the ones who get sacrificed. Elena has to evolve if she wants to survive." Aliyah disappeared in purple smoke. Vexana sighed and disappeared in turquoise smoke....