Chapter 212: ·Hall of Tree Shepherds
Before the massive gates of the Hall of Tree Shepherds stood two Wood Elf guards, each holding a pale moon-white spear. They stood perfectly upright. Unlike the lightly equipped forest patrols, they wore heavy armor that seemed to merge seamlessly with the surrounding trees, their gazes sharp and unwavering.
As Romina approached with the group, one of the guards stepped forward and placed a hand over his chest in a slight bow. “Captain Romina.”
Romina returned the gesture. “You’ve worked hard. Lord Nolan and his party have arrived. We’ll proceed inside now.”
However, the guard did not step aside. He lifted his chin slightly, his gaze passing over Romina and landing on Nolan and the other humans.
“Captain Romina, the elders have given instructions. For this meeting, only Lord Nolan and Lady Ailindel are to enter. The others are to remain here.”
Separation.
The word surfaced uncontrollably in Nolan’s mind. A classic tactic—and one of the most effective.
He instinctively glanced at Ailindel beside him.
She was already looking at him, her clear, star-like eyes reflecting the same thought. They were thinking exactly the same thing. Kayan’s earlier warning about “hostility” and “desire” echoed in Nolan’s mind like an alarm bell.
Although this was typical of the Wood Elves’ conduct, under the current circumstances, no precaution could be overlooked.
“They may not be Wood Elves, but they came of their own will to help save the Foundation of Life. They are good people.” Romina hesitated, then protested, “Leaving them outside like this makes us seem utterly lacking in courtesy.”
The guard, clearly uncomfortable under the scrutiny of one of the strongest Wood Elves, could only stiffen and repeat, “…These are the elders’ orders.”
“The elders can’t just—” Romina tried to argue further, but a hand gently rested on her shoulder.
“It’s alright, Romina.”
Nolan’s voice was calm and composed.
He stepped out from behind her, facing the guards directly, a polite smile even appearing on his face.
“Ailin and I will go in.”
He turned, sweeping his gaze over Vivi and Kayan, his tone light, as though he were simply visiting a neighbor.
“Wait here for a while. I don’t think it’ll take long.”
Vivi’s ears twitched uneasily, but after meeting Nolan’s eyes, she nodded.
The three of them understood without words and quietly stepped back, resuming formation.
“Yes, my lord,” Kayan replied in a low voice. “Holy Hammer Division, hold position. At ease.”
“Yes!”
Romina watched Nolan’s composed demeanor, feeling that this man was becoming increasingly unfathomable.
At times, he radiated authority; at others, he blended effortlessly with his companions. Yet no matter the situation, he remained confident—so much so that it felt as though he were merely paying a casual visit, not handling a matter that could determine the fate of an entire race. If she hadn’t once seen him on the brink of collapse in the “Gap of Ages,” she might have suspected he was a dragon in human form, living among mortals for amusement.
Since Nolan had spoken, she no longer insisted and gestured for them to proceed.
“Very well. Please follow me, Lord Nolan, Lady Ailindel.”
“Let’s go, Ailin.”
Nolan turned slightly, one hand behind his back, and extended the other toward Ailindel with a gentlemanly air.
Ailindel gave a soft nod, placing her hand in his, smiling elegantly as they ascended the steps toward the Hall of Tree Shepherds.
***
The massive doors slowly closed behind them, cutting off the light from outside.
Beyond them stretched a deep, shadowy corridor.
Along both sides of the hall, at regular intervals, stood Wood Elf warriors holding moon-spears. They wore the same vine-woven armor as the guards outside, their piercing gazes radiating an oppressive presence in the dim light.
As he walked, Nolan discreetly observed them. Their equipment was excellent, their auras steady—clearly elites chosen from the best. Even the weakest among them were at least mid-Silver rank, with most at the peak of Silver.
Sensing his gaze, Romina spoke softly as she led the way. “The Hall of Tree Shepherds is the core of Forest Home. Not only do the elders handle internal affairs here, but it is also the only entrance to the Foundation of Life.”
“No wonder there are so many guards,” Nolan replied casually, his tone betraying nothing.
“They are the Everlasting Guards, dedicated protectors of the Foundation of Life, serving directly under the Grand Elder,” Romina explained.
“There are also the Stag Guards, who serve as personal guards to the other four elders. Each is personally selected by the elders from among the tribe.”
“Personal guards?” Ailindel, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. “The Wood Elves rarely interact with the outside world and live in seclusion. Do they really need personal guards?” Her voice carried a hint of confusion.
Nolan smiled faintly and picked up the thread. “That’s exactly the point, Ailin. So the Stag Guards exist more to uphold the elders’ authority.” He looked toward the end of the corridor, his tone turning slightly amused. “No matter how isolated a society is, it’s still a society. Where there are people, there are always undercurrents.”
Romina paused for a moment, then nodded, surprised at how well Nolan understood their social structure. “He’s right. The highest authority among the Wood Elves has always been jointly held by five elders. The Grand Elder is elected by all Wood Elves, while the other four elders are the heads of the four most ancient families, each overseeing their own domain. The Elder of the Flourishing Leaves family manages all matters concerning the Foundation of Life. The Elder of the Ironwood family commands all armed forces of the Wood Elves, including the Everlasting Guards. The Elder of the Golden Bough family oversees resource distribution and the very limited external trade. And the Elder of the Schefflera family is responsible for the maintenance and transformation of the entire Forest Home.”
Four great families…
A flicker passed through Nolan’s eyes. The existence of families meant the Wood Elves were far from unified. Could the “desire” and “hostility” Kayan sensed originate from these factions? Perhaps someone did not want the problem of the Foundation of Life to be resolved, or rather, did not want it solved by an outsider like him.
Now that was interesting.
As they spoke, the three had reached the end of the corridor. Another door stood before them, slightly smaller than the entrance. Intricate carvings of abstract flora and spiraling life patterns adorned its surface, emitting a soft glow.
Romina stopped, adjusted her attire, then stepped forward and knocked lightly. “Elders.” Her voice echoed through the empty corridor. “Lord Nolan and Lady Ailindel have arrived.”
“Enter.”
At the Grand Elder’s voice, a heavy dragging sound came from within.
Two Everlasting Guards, dressed the same as the others, pulled the doors open.
Light flooded in at once, and Nolan instinctively narrowed his eyes.