The Legendary Mage (Alavin) novel 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.