Lord Neb caused dark rain clouds to appear over the area that was burning out of control in the southwestern part of the Black Forest. He caused an unrelenting downpour to be unleashed, and the blaze was put out within a few hours. Neb stayed for a while in the rain clouds to make sure that the Seda stayed put and did not venture out. He watched them for a few days with no visible signs of them leaving their home. Once he was satisfied with the result, he reported back to Khalida that his mission was successful. She was very pleased with his work and told him to move on to Tarisdell and put out the fires there.
The massive storm cloud moved slowly toward the melee that had engulfed the elven capital. As he reached the southern end of the city, he unleashed such a fierce downpour that the elves, giants, and orcs ran for cover. The fires were put out instantly, and the raging battle ceased for the moment. As the clouds made their way over the rest of the city, the inhabitants and the soldiers headed for cover. When the storm reached the northern outer wall, the high elves, elves, and giants ran for it. The rain was coming down so hard that it would literally hit the soldiers from the different armies as hard as an arrow shot from close range. The city of Tarisdell was covered in darkness by the black clouds while rain continued to pour down for several days. Lord Neb communicated telepathically with King Ciel in the midst of the torrential downpour. He told the king that he was to take his people and depart at once for the High Plains of Landen. He was also ordered to take the giants with them. The elven king was told to ask King Angus to protect the rear while both groups retreat.
After he had effectively communicated with the elves, he reported back once again to Khalida. She was pleased with his efficiency and timing. She then informed him that he was needed in Nairi to deal with a situation that had spiraled out of control. The people of Nairi had been driven from their homes and had been pursued all the way to the country of Landen. General Yukio’s army had successfully driven back the high elven army once they had taken defensive positions along the cliff walls in the north, but their homeland was still in the hands of their enemy. Neb instantly knew what was needed, and it would take some preparation before he could accomplish his next mission. He would need the help of Lady Hilzarie to carry out Khalida’s orders. He was told to seek her in the south. She was on a mission in the lands south of Tuwa to make sure that there were no more orcs, goblins, or rock trolls gathering down there. She was also supposed to look for signs of any other people or group of animals that may join in the fray.
As Lord Neb left the scene at Tarisdell, he contemplated the plight of the good peoples of Tuwa. He wondered whether they would triumph over the evil designs of the axis powers like the last time. The first war of Tuwa was still fresh in his memory because the concept of time was foreign to an immortal being such as him. He knew that this time the situation was slightly different because the evil armies had an ally that they did not have before. Last time they had the dark lord, but he did not help them in the end. This time they had an Elemental on their side, and she would not quit until she had achieved her designs. Kana wanted control over everything and everyone. He had learned of this plan from the whisperings from the peoples of Tuwa and the creatures that would speak with him. I wonder where my dear friend Keb is. I have heard nothing concerning his whereabouts. I hope that our fallen sister has done nothing to him.
After traveling at an unbelievable rate of speed, he had reached the lands south of Tuwa via an underground waterway. These remote areas were unknown to the races of Tuwa, which is why they had never been mapped out. The peoples who lived in the south were uncouth and wild. They bore little resemblance to men, elves, or dwarves. There was a different breed of orcs and goblins living there, though scattered and unorganized. There were all manner of trolls that roamed the lands in small tribes. There were no governments or civilizations among any of these primitive peoples. The animals were just as wild and ferocious as the people. Lord Neb could see that the inhabitants had no interest in the north lands and were unaffected by its current unrest.
It did not take long for him to find Lady Hilzarie because she was floating over a large group of creatures that Neb did not immediately recognize. He had seen them in the beginning, but they had been altered or had evolved into a form that he did not readily identify. His fellow Elemental turned to face him as he approached. She had a bored look on her beautiful face as she looked around at her comrade. She did not need to say anything because he had already seen for himself that these vast lands posed no threat to the situation in Tuwa. Neb smiled understandably at Hilzarie to show that he understood her disposition.
“You need not say anything, little sister. I know that these primitive creatures pose no threat. Have you completed the task that was given to you?” he asked smoothly.
“Yes, I have verified that these southlanders are not interested in the war in Tuwa and the beasts are only interested in killing one another or finding a suitable meal. None of the inhabitants have even approached the north land during my visit,” she replied.
“Well, let us leave this dismal place and report back to Khalida. She will be expecting us.” He knew that Hilzarie’s task was needed, but that did not mitigate the fact that it was a dubious one.
“I agree with your assessment of my assignment.” Hilzarie gave Neb a quick and infectious smile. She could always tell what Neb was thinking. He had always trusted her and treated her like a sister. As a result of this, he did not protect his thoughts or feelings from her when they were alone together.
Neb did not say anything in return; he merely smiled at her. As they began their journey back to the north land, clouds surrounded them and a strong wind blew from the south, driving them at an incredible speed. They had to meet with Mistress Khalida that evening in Landen and report their findings. They looked forward to the meeting and knew that Lady Necia would probably be there to report on her visit to the icy north lands. They both hoped that the guardian would surprise them by being present, but they knew that their great leader had many places to go and many allies to procure. He had a daunting yet vital task. His success alone would likely save them all.
Retreat
General Verandos had already changed into his bear form and was helping the giants defend the rear as the armies of elves and giants made a full retreat. They were heading due east toward the Blaine River where some of the soldiers had already arrived at one of the bridges. They had crossed the river and set up defensive positions to cover those who had not crossed the bridge yet. The people would then continue along the southern end of the cliffs to eventually gain entry into Landen. Some of the giant soldiers had joined the elves in their positioning on the eastern bank in order to provide some serious artillery support. The armies moved at a steady pace and did not show any signs of panic. Lord Neb had made it clear that this was a strategic move and that they could have fended off the orcs and high elves if they had stayed where they were. However, the only way to save all of the good races in Tuwa was to unify their armies in a strong defensive posture. Landen was the perfect place to do just that.