Invincible Blood Sorceror

Chapter 34: Coming back to isles

The return flight to the Floating Isles felt longer than the journey out, weighed as it was with the implications of what he had learned.

One thing was certain: after this encounter, the elves could no longer afford the luxury of underestimation. To dismiss such foes would be to invite ruin upon themselves.

And then there was Yvonne. That woman was more than dangerous; she was frightening, not for her strength, but for the sharp, manipulative mind that lurked behind her calm smile. If one as low in their ranks as she could weave such subtle snares, then what depths of cunning might her lord command?

He couldn’t handle himself, but if he caused any problems for the Nor’vack, then they would blame his aunt, and he didn’t want that.

Yvonne’s casual revelation of surveillance suggested resources and capabilities far beyond what they had initially displayed. Her offer of negotiation came wrapped in the velvet threat of alternatives that neither side truly wanted to explore.

He looked at the device in his hand; it reminded him of his previous world. It looked like a radio with an LED screen.

As Chycor spiraled down toward Nor’vak Prime’s landing platforms, Jorghan saw the assembled figures waiting for his return.

Whatever came next, it would reshape the relationship between the Floating Isles and the world beyond their borders. The only question was whether that reshaping would come through diplomacy or fire.

-

The Grand Assembly Chamber within the heart of Nor’vak Prime had not seen such a gathering in decades.

Representatives from all the Floating Isles filled the tiered seating that spiraled around the chamber’s living walls.

The air itself thrummed with barely contained magical energies as dozens of powerful individuals struggled to maintain political composure.

At the chamber’s center, upon the Throne of Winds—a magnificent seat carved from a single piece of skystone that hovered three feet above the floor—sat Korreth Raisn, Patriarch of the Nor’vack clan and nominal leader of the Floating Isles. His presence commanded the space with effortless authority, silver hair braided with tokens of office that chimed softly with each subtle movement. To his right, on a lesser but still impressive throne, sat his new wife, Meytiri, her youth and beauty a stark contrast to the weathered wisdom etched into Korreth’s features.

Sigora stood with the other clan advisors, her position deliberately distanced from the patriarchal seats despite her status as Korreth’s first wife.

Jorghan found himself positioned near the chamber’s entrance, close enough to observe but far enough from the center to emphasize his role as messenger rather than participant.

The communication device Yvonne had given him lay on a ceremonial table before Korreth, its faceted surface catching and reflecting the chamber’s mystical illumination.

”So,” Korreth’s voice resonated through the chamber with the practiced projection of one born to command, ”these humans come to us with honeyed words and veiled threats, seeking to strip our lands of their crystallized essence.”

Murmurs of agreement and discontent rippled through the assembled representatives.

Jorghan had delivered his report with cautious care, omitting nothing of substance from his conversation with Yvonne while carefully framing her negotiating language within the context the clan leaders would understand.

He conveyed what she said exactly, word for word.

Par’shan rose from his position among the war chiefs, his massive frame casting a long shadow across the chamber floor.

”The boy speaks of ’mutual benefit’ and ’technological benefits,’” he said, his tone making clear his opinion of such concepts.

”But we have seen their technology. Ships that drink mana like thirsting beasts, devices that spy and track without the quarry’s knowledge. What benefit comes from feeding parasites?”

”Peace,” Meytiri spoke for the first time, her melodic voice carrying surprising authority despite her youth.

”There is benefit in avoiding unnecessary conflict, husband.”

She gestured gracefully toward the crystal device. ”Perhaps we should at least hear what they truly offer before dismissing their overtures entirely.”

Korreth’s expression softened slightly as he regarded his young wife, but his tone remained firm. ”Peace built on submission is no peace at all, beloved. These humans expand their influence through a combination of seduction and intimidation. Today they ask for mining rights. Tomorrow they will demand territorial concessions. Where does such accommodation end?”

From her position among the advisors, Sigora spoke with careful precision. ”The question becomes not whether to engage, but how to do so from a position of strength rather than reactive defense.”

Her eyes found Jorghan across the chamber. ”We have learned much about their capabilities, but they know far less about ours. That asymmetry could be... useful.”