I think I was able to use my magic to learn a language – tell me this isn’t two birds with one stone now! However, at the same time, I think maybe this was not the best option. I cannot decide if opening up a gate in front of this group of elves to show them my skill was a good or a bad idea. After all, what will come through that gate would be orcs and goblins – monster, in other words. And, I highly doubt these elves will think we come in peace if I go on and show them I can summon monsters out of thin air. I also doubt they know about the Caller prophecy.

I see elves looking at each other, trying to assess the situation. But, for a struggling people, trust comes at a price, and they do not want to give it to the hands of the monsters. Even talking to me seems to be a difficult decision to make, or so I read from the expression of the elf who has just yelled at me.

“What does a human have to do with a bunch of monsters?”

I hear suspicion in his voice – suspicion that I teamed up with orcs and goblins to salvage this group of elves, impoverished enough to die from lack of belongings to salvage. The best way to answer this question is probably with another question for now.

“Why would a human not have anything to do with monsters?”

“Are you out of your mind!? They are monsters! They cannot even understand us!”

“Who says they do not understand you, elf?”

“I am a dark elf, human! Are you blind?!”

A dark elf – I understand now. They indeed look much darker than how the orcs have described the elves living beyond the northern mountain.

“Look, we do not want any trouble. I apologize for calling you an elf for I did not know it was a sensitive issue. I am not from around this world, and I have never seen a race other than goblins and orcs. One of our expedition forces spotted you, and from what it looks like you are in poor condition. We wanted to learn about your situation.”

“What kind of bullshit is that? Do you really think I would believe you when you and your monster buddies are on dire wolves cornering us? Don’t make me laugh human.”

I take a quick glance at the riders from Harren. They get the sign and get off their wargs.

“I hope this helps you believe.” I say as I pull my hand up to the air to show I have no weapons on me.

“We have built a town and have extra space. In return of your skills and knowledge of this world, I am offering you accommodation and food. The choice is yours. The only thing I am asking you now is to tell me if you are running from a threat.”

The dark elves started whispering, but those whispers got louder and louder in seconds until the elf who was doing the talking opened his mouth again.

“Why should we trust you?”

“Because with our strength, we could have destroyed you if we so wished. If you still have doubts, we can have some of you visit the town and come back to tell the others about it.”

The dark elf was silent for a moment. In that moment, I spoke:

“Drop your weapons friends.”

“Yes Chief!”

The dark elf was perplexed:

“How did you speak the monster language?”

“What language do you think you are speaking in now, dark elf?”

“Is this…? How??”

“I used my magic.”

My words struck the dark elf like a bolt of lightning.

“Nobody can use the language magic on someone else.”

“I used it on all of you.”

The dark elf turned around to see the reactions of his people. They were not only waiting in the defensive formation they took upon earlier but were following the conversation taking place fully in the common monster language between the human and the dark elf.

“Our village was attacked by a human kingdom’s troops two months ago. They followed us until we arrived at the mountain range four days ago. To make them give up trying to catch us, we had to cross the mountain. Now, we are here, starving.”

“Our town has food for all of you. You can join us or stay for a while as long as you are willing to tell us about the world outside the mountains. I guarantee your people’s safety. It also looks like all of you are going to die starving anyway. So, why not risk it die at our hands to have a chance to make your people live?”

The dark elf grit his teeth as he was trying to make the right decision for his people. I knew a decision made for others is often more difficult than the one you make for yourself. I jumped in:

“I suggest you come with us and see what I am talking about with your own eyes. If you decide that you and you people do not wish to stay at our town, we will leave you alone.

A hard decision to make, but a firm answer to give:

“I am coming. Ryiya, you are in charge until I come back, if I do.”

Who seemed to be Ryiya nodded.

“Ok – jump behind me.” I told the dark elf as I hopped on Thunder. “And please give me your name, dark elf.”

“Tyulha. What about your name, human?”

“Murder.”