The runecaster deliberately declared a completely different name from the one he had previously been known by, ensuring that no immediate connections could be drawn to his past exploits or his ties with the Nomrad household.
The elven leader questioned him with thinly veiled scepticism, "Very well, Arlo. If that is your name, then explain why you are wandering deep within the restricted boundaries of the Great Korlen Forest."
"I wish to travel to the Elven Empire's capital," Axel answered curtly, showing no hesitation.
"And what reason could a foreign human possibly have for seeking out our capital?" questioned the elf, his guard remaining fully raised.
Axel swept his gaze around the immediate clearing for a moment, acutely noticing that there were roughly thirty fourth-phase elite elves concealed among the surrounding branches—likely the trusted retainers and warriors of the tribe leader—listening intently to every word of their conversation.
