Later that night, several dozen high elves gathered in a large assembly hall. The air buzzed with murmurs as they exchanged glances and whispered to each other about the sudden summons. Each elf in the room was familiar to the others—they were the fiercest, most respected combatants of the vanguard and the first regiment. Every one of them radiated strength and confidence, earned through a long and brutal campaign. Yet what happened next would surprise even them.

  A high elf in black armor strode onto the wooden stage before them, and immediately, they snapped to attention. His figure was familiar, but something about his face seemed off. It wasn’t until three more familiar figures joined him on the stage that the realization hit them—this was their captain, Beastbane, the Slayer of Beasts.

  He stood for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the troops, filled with a powerful zeal. They returned his stare with equal intensity, recognizing the long, blonde-haired elf in his dark armor. The mysterious, dark sword gleamed at his hip. Their captain was unmistakable now.

  With a firm nod, Elron finally spoke. “Thank you all for coming, my dearest battle brothers. Many of you know me as your captain, but my true identity is Prince Elron.”

  He paused, watching for their reactions. “This campaign has been long and exhausting. We have carved through these tribes with great vigor, but that must come to an end. Tomorrow, our great army heads home.”

  Elron began pacing the stage, his eyes never leaving the soldiers. “I will be completely transparent with you all. What I’m about to ask of you is treason of the highest order. Any of you are free to leave without facing repercussions.”

  He stopped and looked down at them. “There’s something deeply wrong with our kingdom. From what I’ve learned, it’s been in sharp decline since the war with the empire. To make matters worse, the late queen has plans to overthrow our nation—if she hasn’t already done so.”

  The elves exchanged silent glances, some disgruntled, others with frowns, but their eyes soon returned to Elron.

  “Tonight, we will cleanse this army of its rot. Every human, dwarf, and non-elf will be put to the sword or placed in chains,” Elron declared, watching their reactions closely.

  No one moved. No one’s gaze wavered. It was as though they had been expecting his words.

  An older high elf, his face lined with scars from many battles, stepped forward. “Permission to speak?”

  Elron gestured for him to continue.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  The old elf glanced at his comrades before turning back. “As a veteran of the last great war, your words ring true. I stand with you till the end, Prince Elron,” he said, drawing his sword and kneeling. Several others followed suit.

  Many remained standing, whispering among themselves, some beginning to argue. Then, an high elf, a head higher than the rest, stepped forward.

  “With all due respect, Prince Elron, what is the reward for risking our lives and integrity?”

  Elron welcomed the question with a smile. “You will be part of something that values strength above all else. No more bowing to those weaker than you. The upper echelons are corrupt, bought out, and ignorant of our people. We will remove them and create something worth passing on to the next generation!”

  The tall elf’s frown melted into a stoic expression. “Then let it be so!” he declared, drawing his sword and kneeling as even more elves joined him.

  Elron’s eyes narrowed on those who still stood, whispering to each other.

  “I gave you my word,” he said, pointing to the door. “No one will be harmed if you wish to leave. If you want no part of this, feel free to go.”

  A young elf with a missing eye broke from the group and asked, “What will happen to the elves who refuse this regime change?”

  Elron sighed. “They will need to be re-educated and assimilated.”

  The young elf and his group exchanged disgusted looks and turned toward the door.

  Elron’s voice softened as he addressed them. “I know you care deeply about your fellow elves. I do too. If you truly want what’s best for them, they will join us. There’s no future—no happiness—in being second-class citizens in your own lands.”

  The elf hesitated, his gaze softening. He looked back at his companions before turning to Elron. “I am yours to command, my prince, but I don’t have the heart to kill my fellow elves.” He drew his sword and knelt.

  Elron placed a hand on his heart. “Understood. Your place among our leadership will be invaluable. Now all of you, rise!”

  The elves stood as one, their eyes gleaming with hope for a great future, their bodies filled with admiration for their newfound order.

  Clearing his throat, Elron declared, “Now go! You all know what must be done. Tomorrow, we leave with a new army!”

  As the group hurried out, Elron’s original party remained on the stage, facing each other.

  Maris’s expression was stern as she said, “My lord, there’s no turning back from this. You will be branded a traitor of the kingdom.”

  “I think he knows that,” Kael interjected.

  Slyra, with a wild grin, added, “I didn’t expect the whole ‘purge the humans’ speech.”

  Elron stared at the moon through a hole in the roof, while in deep thought. “Yeah… I’ve learned so much about our land these past two years. It’s hard to imagine how things have gone on like this for so long…”

  Suddenly, their attention snapped to the front doors, which had been left wide open. The sounds of screams and fighting drifted in. It was clear that the infighting had already begun, and further action would soon be needed.

  “We have a long evening ahead of us,” Elron said, drawing his sword as he stepped into the night.