the sides of the elven-built auditorium. As he speaks, there is a natural acoustic that amplifies his voice, and all can hear him and any within the space that speak.
“As we all know by now, the minions of the south have been moving northward. I have gathered us all here so that we can unite and fight this threat. I know most of you have already taken to the forest to aid the Treestriders and Vinegrowers, but there are some things to make you all aware of, and I will not hide anything from you. Ubwickesdon has been summoned by the dragons to unleash the beasts of the south on us. I have heard that a Changenoir has been releasing Dark Bush throughout the Long Forest, and surely, he will continue to do so. We are all here so we can communicate with one another and come up with strategies to deal with what is most likely the fight of our life. This is not going to be a battle of armies. This is going to be a war of skirmishes, so pick your fights well and act decisively. We are all here, and everyone has input that is valuable and needed to help ensure that we will survive and prosper. I have a very welcome sight to bring to you all. Oriapow, the father of modern Erkensharie magic, has made his way back to us, and here he is.” A hush sweeps the crowd and then cheer and praise as Oriapow makes his way beside Ulegwahn.
“Friends and families of the Erkensharie, I met with very a powerful magic that took me away from you, but it could not contain me, and I am back.” Cheers and whistles fill the air. “Now we all face the greatest threat since the last Dragon Feast, only this time, the dragons know we are too powerful for them, and they have summoned the beasts of the south to aid them. The dragons have been quiet, but they will return. They need the evil in the south to soften us up for them, but that is not going to happen. We will aid the Treestriders and Vinegrowers, and our friends, the Glaborian dwarves, are here to help us as well. Not only that, but with the help of our great friend, Logantrance, myself, the Erkensharie order, and the Dwarven Dagi, we will have the Mystical Erkens back and stronger than ever before. Take nothing for granted the dragons mean to destroy us, and it is up to us to make sure they don’t. Thank you all, and may the ancestors of the Erkensharie be with you.”
The elves in and around the auditorium talk among themselves and seek out those they wish to speak with. This is not a happy gathering, and the elves are all taking it very seriously. Their homeland and lives are at stake. Even the children are treated as reliable adults in this situation. They form groups that have bowelves and warriors and magic users and move out to protect their land. Oriapow meets with Logantrance, Ulegwahn, and the dwarves and advises that they all speak in what was the Mystical Erkens. Grenlew and Solmbus have found their way back to the dwarves. They all listen to Oriapow and move magically to the Mystical Erkens where Logantrance looks on astonished to see that all the Mystical Erkens have grown back.
“Oriapow, how is this possible? How have all the Mystical Erkens grown back so quickly?”
“It was the Octagemerwell. The healing power of this jewel is immeasurable as you can see. The structures that were built by our magic users need to be reconstructed, but the trees and the magic are back. More importantly, the most valuable books and knowledge have been safely hidden from the dragons, which are what they were looking for when they destroyed the Mystical Erkens. Here, I have something very important to show you all.” Oriapow walks a short distance to a small clearing. They all watch as Oriapow chants a spell, and a tree rises from the earth. This tree is very different from all the other trees. It looks like it is alive with thick bark, but there are no leaves on the tree. It grows very tall and very fast and is quite thick with lots of sturdy branches on it. Oriapow starts to chant another
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