Chapter 834: Counterstrike
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Glorfindel returned much earlier than expected.
Segimli claimed that Glorfindel would have to experience hunger, cold and a rotten environment for at least 10 days before he could catch up, but he forgot that all Elves were clean freaks. There was just no way Glorfindel could rest in that kind of environment.
Glorfindel forced himself to stay awake for 4 days straight until he walked out of the territory of Lake Salgar. He then slept for a whole day before rushing back.
He was in such a hurry, not because he could predict that Melody would seduce away a large number of Elves from Rivendell, but because he was afraid that Legolas and Galadriel would seize the opportunity of Elrond's death to persuade the stronger Elders in Rivendell to leave.
He knew that's what Galadriel and Legolas would do because if he was in their shoes, he would do the same thing. The Ring of Air, Vilya had protected Rivendell for millenia. As soon as the Elves found out that they had lost Vilya, it would become a huge crisis. But chaos is a ladder; the crisis would present a great opportunity to rope in some strong personnel.
Glorfindel was not prepared at all for the Twilight Elf called Melody Sunstrider to stick her nose into the power struggle. Imagine his surprise when he returned to a half-deserted Rivendell which was in a complete mess!
Glorfindel had always been a sharp one. He was right about Legolas and Galadriel.
Legolas and Galadriel did come to Rivendell 3 days after Melody left.
Both of them were worn out and covered in wounds after escaping the pursuit of the Nazgûl. Naturally, they chose to return to Rivendell to recuperate. At the same time, both of them wanted to bring back news of Elrond's death to shake up Rivendell, in order to secretly pull some people to their side.
When they returned to Rivendell, they were shocked to discover a city that was half-deserted and enveloped in a distressed atmosphere. After asking around, they found out that Melody had done the exact things they wanted to do, and she did it more thoroughly than they would have!
Since someone already started it, then they might as well go with the flow and do it too. Legolas and Galadriel hadn't actually planned to go all out before because they're both famous people within the Elven race. If they poached too boldly, it would be hard to explain themselves to Glorfindel.
But it didn't matter how far they go now because Glorfindel's number one target would definitely be Melody, who not only started the poaching, but had even ransacked the place. Knowing this, Legolas and Galadriel executed their plans without restraint!
Can you imagine the Rivendell that Glorfindel returned to? First, Melody lead away half the population and took with her more than 4/5 of the wealth and resources in the city.
Next, it was Galadriel and Legolas' turn. They didn't pillage the place for resources, but their words persuaded another batch of Elves - about a quarter of those who were left - to leave Rivendell. Above all, the Elves that they persuaded were elites in various fields!
In conclusion, the Rivendell inherited by Glorfindel only had about 1/3 of its original population, 1/5 of its original wealth, and 30% of its elite fighting force remaining.
Facing such a tragic sight, the hungry and exhausted Glorfindel blacked out and almost had a heart attack. He only recovered after resting for some time under a tree at the side. His shaking finger pointed at a trusted confidant of his and he said.
"Why did you let that wretched follower of Sin'dorei incite the crowd, and did nothing when they ransack the place?"
The Elven Elder helplessly replied.
"She was wearing the Ring of Air! We couldn't protest her actions when she had Sire Vilya on her, let alone attack her!"
Glorfindel could only take deep breaths to calm himself down. He knew that it was difficult for Rivendell Elves to go against Vilya which had protected them for thousands of year. In addition to that, Melody also had Sindalor as her mount, adding on to her intimidation factor.
After thinking it through for one night, a sinister expression crept onto Glorfindel's face. He already received news that Melody's new city will be built close to the orc city. Glorfindel was planning on a visit to get some explanation from Melody.
He didn't dare to brazenly kill her. All that would accomplish was to make all the deserting Elves his enemies. However, Glorfindel was confident that he had the advantage in personal strength over the newly awakened Twilight Elf. He knew that anyone who obtained the Ring of Air would not be able to control its power in such a short amount of time.
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Therefore, Glorfindel's game plan was to damage! He would destroy as many of the newly built buildings as possible to create widespread terror among the people. Then, he would appear in front of the Elves and rally them back to his side. He would be able to reverse the situation.
Glorfindel thought for a bit more and devised a complete strategy. He would focus on causing disturbance and unrest, while sending his underlings to comfort the people. This way, he would gradually win back their goodwill and could slowly carry out the plan of returning them to Rivendell.
As for the little girl called Melody, even though she surprised him a few times, he didn't consider her a huge threat. Of course, she still had to die. Glorfindel could only get his hands on Vilya when Melody's soul imprint on the ring disappeared after she died.
As for how she would die, Glorfindel could think of a hundred ways. He would make her death a tragic and glorious one. He would then attend her funeral and shed his tears to mourn over the death of the heroic Twilight Elf who made significant contributions to Rivendell.
Glorfindel suddenly felt that things weren't as bad as he initially thought. At least Vilya didn't fall into the hands of Legolas or Galadriel. It would truly be over if that was the case.
For it to fall into the hands of Melody....Glorfindel smiled with malicious glee. He believed that he had at least a 70% chance of obtaining the ring.
When the time comes, the Elves and the resources taken by Melody will all return to him. There were still the Elves that departed with Legolas and Galadriel, but they're nothing compared to the Ring of Air....
The more he thought about it, the more he felt that things weren't actually that bad. Fortune had played a prank on him, but it was still on his side.
He ordered for a feast of fruits to be brought to him. After he'd had his fill, he retreated to his chamber to rest. The things he was about to do would require his full concentration.
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A dark silhouette traveled through the forest at an unbelievable speed. Even though the ground was littered with fallen leaves and branches, the silhouette made no sound as it moved. Its movement was as natural as a fish in water.
The silhouette suddenly stopped. Its body was shrouded by a strange black mist which completely hid its appearance. The only part that was visible was the pair of sharp, eagle-like eyes.
The place was the outer region of the old orc city. No traces of living animals could be felt from the snow covered forest. The silhouette opened its mouth wide and emitted a series of invisible soundwaves.
Not long afterwards, a great eagle flew down from the sky to perch in front of the silhouette. Based on its appearance, this great eagle should be from the same tribe as the one that Sheyan encountered the last time he came here.
The silhouette spoke with the eagle. After a short conversation, the silhouette exclaimed.
"You don't know what the situation is with that place? You feel a great danger there?"
The voice belonged to Glorfindel. The great eagle screeched a few times in response, looking aggrieved. Glorfindel said bitterly.
"It's just an old Ent! Sindalor had received your kind before, so it can simulate an aura that can cause fear in you. There's no way the girl can take control of Sire Vilya within such a short amount of time. Go back and scout properly."
The great eagle wouldn't stop shaking its head. If Glorfindel kept forcing it, it looked like it would immediately fly away.
Glorfindel took a deep breath and angrily said.
"Fine. Tell me the location of the new city."
The great eagle nodded its head and flew up. It lead Glorfindel to the location of the pine forest that once emitted poisonous gas during the day.
However, what appeared in front of Glorfindel wasn't a pine forest, but a swamp! A great swamp filled with giant reeds, rushes and algae!