Chapter 21 - 20: Despicable
Not just Yevgeny, the planner, but all the High Elves present let out a collective sigh of relief. Outwardly, they regained their composure and grace, but their hearts still pounded uncontrollably. Strictly speaking, they were merely Yevgeny’s subordinates, acting on orders. But this matter concerned the Metal Dragons, specifically a Silver Dragon hatchling. Such a vile act, if exposed, could bring utter disaster, especially if the target wasn’t the stray hatchling their commander had speculated about. The parenting policies of Metal Dragons and Chromatic Dragons were completely different, particularly for Gold and Silver Dragons. Unlike the utterly irresponsible Chromatic Dragons, Metal Dragons leaned towards the other extreme—overprotection. Over time, a consensus had formed: one might get away with bullying adult Gold and Silver Dragons, or even young dragons who had left the nest. At most, they would gather a few friends to regain their honor afterward. But targeting a hatchling? That was like stirring up a hornet’s nest. They wouldn’t offer reason, only war, emerging en masse to descend upon your doorstep. While High Elves didn’t fear war, how could the Elf King initiate an absurd national conflict over the rash misdeeds and reckless ambition of a few soldiers, especially in a cause so clearly unjust? Thus, the most likely outcome, even if they escaped the relentless pursuit of the Silver Dragon’s parents by ship, was to be discarded by the Elf King under pressure from the hatchling’s clan, or even all Metal Dragons. Then, amid the scorn of all High Elf citizens and even their own kin, witnessed by the Metal Dragons, they would face a trial guaranteeing their downfall and disgrace, forever nailed to the pillar of shame. Such a fate was worse than death itself.
Conversely, if their commander’s speculation remained valid, they could justify their actions as ’rescuing Miss Silver Dragon’ from the hunt of the Barbarians of the North and successfully delivering her from the clutches of the Crimson Calamity Pafila. Even if things weren’t as they imagined, it wouldn’t matter. From beginning to end, they had never harmed that dragon hatchling, had they? And which stray Silver Dragon hatchling could resist the temptation of returning to its clan? They could facilitate that through the Elf King himself.
Then, on the triumphant road from Devonsel to the Royal Court, what would meet them...
It would be cheering crowds lining the streets!
It would be their kinfolk weeping with joy!
The Elf King would personally commend them.
The Metal Dragons would grant them their friendship.
When that time came, they would no longer be low-ranking soldiers who might not see any advancement for a hundred years without setting foot on a battlefield. Nor would they be the ones always forced to charge at the forefront in clashes against the Drow.
They would be heroes! Defenders of peace, having firmly established friendship with the mighty dragons! Such an opportunity hadn’t arisen in a thousand years!
Faced with such a promising future and exhilarating scenario, none of the High Elves bewitched by Yevgeny’s eloquent persuasion could refuse.
On this matter, all of them, High Elves... were like grasshoppers tied to the same rope.