Opportunity Knocks

"Well... something came to my mind when you were talking about Shadow Canyon just now," His eyes shifted first to Viggo, then briefly to Roric.

"If those insect monsters you mentioned only appear at night, that is, in the dark, it means they don't like light, or at least are disturbed by it, right?"

"In that case, permanently illuminating the mouth of that rift they emerge from, could repel them or at least make it difficult for them to surface."

He paused. "Of course, I assume this would have a continuous energy or resource cost." He shrugged. "If this cost is too high, then perhaps a different tactic might be more effective. Ambush."

"During the day, if Silver Guards or supporting Wild Guards were to lie in ambush around the rift, hidden from view... Just as the creatures begin to emerge in the darkness of night, if they were momentarily blinded and disoriented by a sudden and very intense light source. A coordinated, swift attack during that initial moment of chaos could inflict heavy damage on them."

He focused on the outcome. "Perhaps this method won't solve the problem at its root, won't dry up the source of that rift... but with regular ambushes, both the threat in the region could be largely kept under control, and a continuous source of income could be created for the clans or the city from the Cores or perhaps valuable parts like the shells obtained from those killed insects. That is, it might be possible to turn a problem into an advantage."

Aurelion fell silent when he finished speaking. He lifted his head slightly and looked at the two leaders on the other side of the table.

There was an obvious expression of surprise on their faces. Roric wasn't actually very surprised, but Viggo's smile seemed to have frozen. Viggo hadn't expected such a proposal from this seven year old Elf child. 

Viggo was the one to break the silence that lasted a few seconds. He cleared his throat.

"An interesting approach... Quite... well thought out," he said slowly. He glanced briefly at Roric, then turned back to Aurelion. "Continue, son. Did you have any thoughts on Storm Pass as well?"

Aurelion, noticing the effect his first proposal had created, continued with the confidence.

"The Storm Pass issue... seems more complicated," he said honestly. "The problem there isn't just the monsters, but the storms themselves. If, as you suspect, the increase in these storms isn't natural, meaning it's the result of energy manipulation..."

"Then perhaps the focus should be not on the storm itself, but on the source that feeds or triggers it? Before sending the Deep Guards directly into the heart of the storm, wouldn't it be safer and more efficient for them to investigate known or potential natural energy sources in that area? If there is manipulation, the source is probably there."

"Or... since the monsters are taking cover under these storms and becoming more daring, this situation could be turned into an advantage, like in Shadow Canyon. When the storm begins, by setting baits of the pass to attract the monsters, those emboldened monsters could be eliminated. This would at least reduce the direct threat in the pass while the Deep Guards investigate the main source, and the resulting distraction could make the Deep Guards' job easier."

"And lastly... Perhaps we need to go back to the beginning? Are we sure that these storms are indeed a deliberate manipulation? Perhaps this is just a completely natural, long term climate cycle that hasn't been seen for hundreds of years? Are there no mentions of similar extreme weather events in the records? Before risking the very rare and valuable Deep Guards against what might just be a bad winter, shouldn't this possibility be completely ruled out?"

Aurelion fell silent again when he finished speaking. The solutions he offered might not have been perfect, some might not even have been feasible, but what mattered was showing that he could analyze the problem from different angles, that he could think logically and strategically.

Roric's less surprised expression was an expected reaction. But Viggo... That frozen smile on the imposing Clan Leader's face, that brief silence... That was priceless.

"Yes," Aurelion thought, maintaining his expressionless face. "You have to take me seriously. I'm not just a little child." The desire to be more involved in such matters, gnawed at him, and this first step made him feel he had reached his goal.

Viggo cleared his throat lightly, the initial surprise on his face giving way again to that calm, wise expression, but the interest in his blue eyes had clearly increased. He nodded slightly.

"An interesting approach... Quite... well thought out," he said slowly.

He first gave Roric a short, meaningful look. It was as if he was saying, "What is this child?"

Then he turned back to Aurelion. "Your idea of using light and ambush for Shadow Canyon... is logical. It's obvious those creatures are adapted to darkness." He paused, his fingers tracing the rugged canyon area on the map on the table.

"However," Roric continued, "the geography of that canyon makes setting an ambush quite difficult. The creatures emerge from underground tunnels at unexpected times and places. Providing permanent illumination would require significant resources, not to mention the maintenance and protection. The idea of an ambush with a sudden burst of light..." He shook his head. "...would require serious preparation and special units willing to risk falling into a trap themselves. It might be too risky for the Silver Guards."

Viggo nodded in agreement. "You're right, Captain. Difficult to implement, I admit. But the basic logic in the idea is valid. Perhaps it can be worked on, adapted with a different method." His gaze returned to Aurelion, as if assessing him.

Then he focused on Storm Pass. "Your proposal for Storm Pass, however... especially that last point... is thought provoking." He looked at Roric. "We don't have records of storms lasting this long and with this intensity in the past, do we, Captain? I don't think the Sages or old clan narratives have any information in this regard either. The probability of this situation being a natural cycle seems low."

Roric nodded with a frown. "I agree, Clan Leader. The feeling that there's an abnormality in these storms is growing stronger. Aurelion's idea of distracting the monsters to facilitate the Deep Guards' work... Yes, that can be considered. Turning the chaos of the storm to our advantage could be a clever tactic. However, the priority must be to find the source of that manipulation."

Viggo turned back to Aurelion. This time, there was a sincere smile on his face. "I didn't expect such an analysis from someone your age, son, Sage Ulfar seemed to have seen a different light in you that day. Apparently, he wasn't mistaken."

Aurelion straightened slightly at the mention of Ulfar's name again but said nothing, just listened intently to Viggo's words. This praise wasn't something he particularly cared about, but it was proof that he had achieved his goal.

Viggo then turned back to Roric, his expression serious. "These matters are important, Captain. The threat in Shadow Canyon is growing, and Storm Pass could turn into a strategic nightmare. Your and the child's proposals are valuable starting points, but we can't decide alone. Tomorrow at the garrison, we must discuss these possibilities in detail with other clan representatives, the Captain of the Wild Guards, and a few members from the War Council. We need to assess the necessary resources and risks."

"You're right, Clan Leader," Roric said calmly. "I'll arrange the meeting first thing tomorrow morning."

Viggo stood up. He looked at Aurelion one last time. "One must not forget that young minds like yours can sometimes offer a different perspective than the most experienced warriors." He paused, then a warmer expression settled on his face. "Actually, now that I think of it... You haven't visited our clan's manor before, of course, but my granddaughter Ylva has been looking a bit down lately. Maybe you could visit sometime? Who knows, maybe you'll become good friends."

Viggo, after these words, turned to Roric. "It would be good for the child too, Captain. Being with his peers, in a different environment, might do him good."

Aurelion looked at Viggo in momentary surprise at this unexpected invitation. The clan manor... Viggo's granddaughter... This could be a new opportunity to gather information and perhaps observe a different environment. Without a word, he nodded slightly.

"Good," Viggo said with satisfaction. Then he turned back to Roric, his expression returning to that serious Clan Leader demeanor. "Then we'll discuss these matters in detail at the garrison tomorrow, Captain."

"Of course, Clan Leader," Roric said.

Viggo gave Roric a brief nod and headed for the door to leave the study. Roric also stood up and followed him to see his guest out. The two giant figures left the room together and disappeared down the corridor leading downstairs.

Aurelion was left alone in the room. A few minutes later, Roric's heavy boot steps echoed back down the corridor.

The Captain stood at the door of the study. He closed the door behind him and slowly, took a few steps towards his desk. 

"The Clan Leader... was impressed by you." He leaned lightly against the edge of his desk, crossing his arms over his chest. "You put on an unexpected performance."

"Especially your idea of seeing Shadow Canyon as a resource... It shows quite clearly how your mind works." 

Roric continued, his voice now taking on a more warning tone. "But speaking so openly... is not something everyone can handle. Viggo has a maturity that comes with his age and experience. Others... especially those in power, might perceive a child like you knowing or questioning so much as a threat. In the future, you should choose your words more carefully around others. Standing out too much paints a target on your back."

Aurelion listened to this assessment calmly. He nodded slightly.

"A target... Yes, I'm aware," he thought inwardly. "But remaining silent is not an option either. To be strong, one's words must also carry weight. I just need to choose the right time and the right words."

"I understand." His voice was short and emotionless.

Roric received the child's answer. "As for the Clan Leader's invitation to the Silverfang Clan... You will go. Seeing a different environment, observing the inner workings of the clans... it can be instructive for you. But," his voice hardened again, "don't forget the rules there either. My rules apply everywhere. My eyes will be on you."

Aurelion nodded again in acknowledgment.

Roric straightened up. "We've talked enough. Your mind and body have been tired enough for today." He walked towards his desk, his back to Aurelion. "I'll be at the garrison early tomorrow morning. The meeting will probably last until noon. Until I return, you will stay here, in the training room. Basic stances, breath control, blocks... What we worked on yesterday."

He added without turning around. "Brynja or Sigrid will keep an eye on you, but you are responsible for your training. Don't let discipline slip."

 "And remember... That energy within you... No trying it alone. No forcing it before I'm with you, before I show you how to do it. I won't see or feel even a single spark. Understood!"

Aurelion stood up. "Understood, Captain." 

Aurelion walked heavily towards his own room. Roric's tutelage, the new training, Viggo's invitation, Ylva... They were all new variables. And that prohibition... The prohibition on using his inner energy. This was perhaps a step towards learning control, but it was also what would test his patience the most. When he entered his room, he closed the door behind him.

He took off his clothes, cleaning himself with cold water, careful of his wounds. Even when he put on his new, comfortable clothes, the ache in his muscles persisted.

He lay down on his bed but instead of sleeping, he leaned his back against the pillows, closed his eyes.

Several hours must have passed. The house was enveloped in a deep silence. 

Sleep wouldn't come, he knew. His mind was still too active. Instead of resting as Roric had ordered, he decided to try the Captain's other command, that seemingly impossible task.

Mind control. He would try his own method. He would try to capture that moment of nothingness, that state of pure consciousness before he was reincarnated.

He took deep, slow breaths. Instead of silencing his mind, he directed it to those oldest memories, to the sensation of drifting in that cosmic void. That crushing loneliness, that icy infinity where time and space ceased to exist, the wearing pressure his soul felt resisting the merciless winds of the universe... These feelings were no longer frightening, but reference points. This was his fundamental reality. What lay beyond them? Just... being. Thoughtless, emotionless, pure awareness.

He tried to hold onto that feeling. The sounds of the outside world, the weight of his own body seemed to fade from his mind. For a moment... just for a moment, he felt he was approaching that stillness. There was only 'I,' nothing else.

Just as he was hovering on the edge of that pure emptiness, a sharp sound from deep within the house suddenly pulled him back to reality.

It was a hard, repetitive knocking sound.

He opened his eyes, He listened intently. Yes, he wasn't mistaken. The heavy oak door of the house was being knocked on hard, and at such a late hour. This wasn't normal.

He silently got out of bed, his bare feet making almost no sound. He glided into the corridor, sinking into the shadows of the balustrade, and looked down into the main hall.

The dim hall was illuminated only by the flickering light of a single oil lamp hanging on the wall at the end of the hall.

Brynja, holding that lamp, was quickly walking towards the door. Behind her came a sleepy Sigrid, rubbing her eyes. From the top of the stairs, Roric's footsteps were heard. 

Brynja opened the door. There was a three armored figures appeared in the doorway. Silver Guards. Their armor, even in the darkness of the night and the absence of torchlight, gleamed faintly.

Though their faces were hidden under their helmets, the tension and urgency in their posture were evident.

As Roric quickly descended the stairs, the guards noticed him and instantly saluted. "Captain!"

"What happened?" 

The heavily armored guard, spoke "Captain! Ashstone Village is under attack! Those... insects from Shadow Canyon. They're different this time, Captain, a swarm, an organized attack! The village's defense... it's not holding!"

Roric gave a brief nod to the guards. "Prepare yourselves!" Then he quickly turned and went back upstairs.

Aurelion, in the shadow at the top of the stairs, had watched all of this. Ashstone Village... Shadow Canyon creatures... An organized attack... This was serious. And Roric was leaving.

Soon after, Roric came down again. He now wore his familiar, battle worn matte black steel armor, his twin swords crossed on his back.

He turned to Brynja and Sigrid "I'm going to Ashstone, It might take a few days. The house is in your charge. The brat..." his gaze briefly flickered to the darkness above, "...don't let him out of your sight."

Without waiting for another order or explanation, he turned his back and quickly went out with the three Silver Guards. 

Only Brynja and Sigrid remained in the hall. They exchanged an anxious look. Then silence fell.

Above, Aurelion, standing in the shadow of the corridor, didn't move. The sound of the closing door still echoed in his ears. Roric was gone. For a few days. The Captain's constant scrutinizing presence, his strict rules, were temporarily distant. Roric's last warning, echoed ironically in his mind.

A smile, invisible in the darkness, appeared on the corners of Aurelion's lips. Roric's order had gone in one ear and out the other.

"Opportunity," he thought. The real training was about to begin.