"But..." Liadrin still wanted to argue.
"No buts. If you want all your knights dead, go ahead and stand your ground. I'm telling you, they tore thousands of trolls to pieces in less than twenty minutes. And you only have a few hundred men," the old mage said.
"Two..." The Frostwolf Clan Regiment's commander ignored their conversation and continued counting.
"Fine!" Liadrin gazed at the troops before her with mixed feelings, then sighed. "Let them through!"
The knights cleared the road. They, too, were relieved that no clash had broken out in the end. Though all six hundred of them were Arcane Knights, whether they could withstand the first charge of those thousand-odd giant beasts was still a very doubtful proposition.
"Nightstalkers, clear the way ahead. Until we reach the garrison at Tranquillien, warn any troops or individuals who dare block our path. I don't want to waste any more words! Anyone who ignores the warning is to be charged as soon as the main force arrives. Kill without exception!" the Frostwolf Clan commander ordered, his voice brimming with murderous intent. "All troops, enter wartime status!"
To her astonishment, Liadrin saw the two hundred elves in black leather armor vanish along with their lynxes the instant they received the order.
The old mage stepped aside with a pleasant smile and nodded as the Frostwolf Clan commander passed. The commander halted, silently returned a military salute, then led his troops past like a silent river of steel.
"Honored Grand Archmage, why didn't you stop them?" Liadrin asked, watching the enormous column recede into the distance.
"Could you stop them?" the old mage asked.
"But you..." Liadrin faltered.
"He was right. They fall under the Military Department's jurisdiction. The Council cannot command them directly. Any orders must be issued through the Military