The Legendary Mage (Alavin)
Chapter 328

In the heart of Amber Valley, the chieftain of the vale, a gaunt old man known for his cunning and might, gathered his top three master assassins along with a hundred elite killers. Their presence was a silent storm brewing that could not afford the slightest hint of discovery, not even the whisper of a spider's web or the trace of a horse's hoof.

Lord Viperbane graced the occasion with his formidable presence, bringing with him his five trusted warlords, including Neasilis, and a hundred of the finest warriors from his royal guard.

The significance of this assembly was monumental yet carried out with utmost discretion, for they had to remain unseen by all.

Their teams dispersed into the dense woods, vigilantly monitoring the surroundings with keen alertness, ready for any sign of disturbance.

"Greetings, Grand Elder," said the chieftain of Amber Valley, his sacred aura retracted to resemble nothing more than an ordinary elder. But throughout the Northlands, none could deny his lethal reputation, matched only by the Bloodlore Commander. Becoming the target of an Archmage's assassin was a fate no one wished to meet.

Lord Viperbane, his own aura concealed, stood tall and imposing in his ornate robes, his chiseled features unable to hide his regal authority. "Grand Elder, shall we reaffirm our pact?" He had made a covenant with an Elder sent by the Grand Elder, but before the plan commenced, he wished to hear the affirmation from the Grand Elder's own lips.

The Grand Elder, with his refined and scholarly demeanor, smiled calmly and responded casually to both the chieftain of Amber Valley and Lord Viperbane, "As I have agreed, I shall not renege. Once I have Cobalt Strike under my control and secure the Commander's seat, I will publicly ally with you, Lord Viperbane. We shall advance or retreat together, sharing in both glory and disgrace!"

"And let us not forget our role in Amber Valley," the chieftain of the vale interjected with a dry chuckle.

"Only through the alliance of our three factions can we shatter the millennial order of the Northlands." the Grand Elder nodded. His desire for cooperation extended beyond the present into the future.

"A written agreement for our first collaboration is necessary. I drafted one myself before coming; would you both care to review it?" Lord Viperbane, in approaching Cobalt Strike, was taking a colossal risk. The Eight Orders of the Northlands were united in their enmity, and should he fail and the news broke, it would be tantamount to declaring war against the Eight Orders. Before the other four kings could even react, the wrath of the Eight Orders could tear Lord Viperbane to shreds.

A ruler of the Northlands for many years, Lord Viperbane, was no foolhardy man, nor would he blindly trust a request from the Grand Elder without solid assurance. Could it be a trap?,He must have a written agreement! A document that would ensure his safe exit.

"Gentlemen, please peruse this," offered Neasilis, presenting a golden scroll of parchment, casting an additional glance at the Grand Elder. He had underestimated the old fox's ruthlessness; to plot against the Commander and the Botanic Haven Elder was bold indeed. Neasilis wondered what could have provoked the Grand Elder to make such a drastic decision, for even the slightest mishap could spell doom for him.

The golden scroll meticulously listed sixteen provisions, including details of the tripartite cooperation, plans for future development, and procedures for handling unexpected situations.

After scrutinizing the document, the chieftain of Amber Valley found no objections. He valued this alliance highly; a royal house, an organization, and a guild of assassins together could surely upend the millennial order of the Northlands and break the dominance of the Eight Orders and the Five Lords. If played correctly, Amber Valley's position in the Northlands would rise significantly once their plans came to fruition.

The Grand Elder examined the document and discovered a subtle secret within - the future alliance would be led by Lord Viperbane, with Cobalt Strike and Amber Valley in support, implicitly defining the ranks within the trio.

Pretending not to notice, the Grand Elder bit his finger and signed in blood. Agreements were one thing, but once he acquired the Commander's prized treasure, his power would surge, surpassing Lord Viperbane and everyone else in the Northlands. Then, who led and who followed would no longer be dictated by mere parchment.

Seeing the others sign with ease, a rare smile crossed the normally stern face of Lord Viperbane as a surge of boldness filled his chest. The ancient order of the Northlands would be shattered by his hand! "Any other concerns?" Lord Viperbane asked.

"Just one," he continued. "Within Cobalt Strike, the only threats are Commander Kashann and the Botanic Haven Elder?"

"On my honor, I assure you!" the Grand Elder declared.

Lord Viperbane glanced at Neasilis, who nodded in agreement. Once those two were dealt with, there would be no one else of concern.

The Grand Elder's expression grew serious. "Let us depart! Conceal your presence and leave no trace. Once we are near Cobalt Strike, follow my commands. We shall take control with minimal cost and the slightest of whispers."

And so, the trio of powers set forth to change the destiny of the Northlands, each with their own secret ambitions and the unspoken knowledge that the outcome of this alliance would determine the new rulers of their world.