The Hellfire Legion had plenty of veterans, excellent equipment, and a wealth of combat experience.
From Star-Moon Bay to Free City, it had been the main force through battles large and small.
The Musketeer Legion had come later. Its only combat experience was in the Southern Isles, where it had fought pirates in fishing boats.
But it had advantages of its own.
First, it had fewer Professionals than Hellfire, but not by much.
Second, because its troops had long been spread across the Commercial Streets, they were better at fighting independently in small squads than in large-scale battles like Hellfire's. That made them a natural fit for guerrilla warfare.
And finally... Free City's break with the elves was only a matter of time. Whether it was the Otherworld Tree or making peace with the Dark Elves, Annan was already dancing across the Elven Royal Court's red lines. If he didn't wring every last benefit out of the elves now, when would he?
"I hope she won't blame me..."
Annan worried the Elf Mentor might make things difficult for him. "I have to get what I can from the elves before they realize what's happening."
"Elves don't grow wool," Irilanze said.
"I meant... huh?"
The Elven Squad sent by the elves of the Forest Mountains soon arrived in Free City.
"Hello, Captain Fendora," Francois said politely as he came to meet them.
Their leader was a Title Elf, Fendora Silverdew, the equivalent of a Master Level Professional.
"You should call me Fendora Silverdew." The haughty elf raised her chin, making it clear she was not close enough to a human for him to use her given name.
"Of course, Captain Fendora Silverdew. Lord Annan is waiting for you at the City Lord's Mansion."
Francois didn't mind. He had endured insults far