"In addition to this we do have an ancient mutual defense agreement with them. When the tears first appeared the dragon paladins moved to assist the tribes, but they are currently in the north fighting multiple tears and a possible invasion from the wasteland. I expect an official army to be here soon, and they will want to establish a fortress on the western side of the swamp."
"There's that much going on further inland?" One of the captains asked with shock.
Chronos nodded.
Since they didn't see any signs of the war here in the south the paladins and tribes of the north must be doing an excellent job of keeping the war contained.
That worried Admiral Kaelvar, he wanted more information before he made a decision.
If the Leighla Kingdom really did protect Dracon Fen, then their presence here could be taken as an invasion when their only goal was to seal the tear, not a formal invasion.
"Are you certain that an army from the Leighla Kingdom will be here soon?"
"Yes, the tribes tend to be independent which makes the kingdom's response a bit slow, but we have never broken the treaty between us. The most difficult part will be convincing the Elderly Matriarchs to allow an army to cross the swamp and build the fortress."
Vaelith looked a little embarrassed at this truth. The elderly matriarchs didn't trust most outsiders and didn't like it when there were too many of them inside of Dracon Fen.
With a fortress in the west and a church in the east it might make them uncomfortable and with Vaeliths future plans to build a trade port in the south they would probably be even more upset.
"In that case can you act as a representative between the Marshward host and the Leighla Kingdoms army to explain our presence here when they arrive?"
"I don't mind doing that, but your host hasn't informed anyone why you are here. Can I know why or is it a military secret?"
Sighing, the Admiral realized that their pride had created a divide between them and the tribes. That could cause significant problems for the host and his people in the future.
"It's not a military secret but it seems my men's pride is causing issues. Our oracles predicted that a massive thorn would be born within the swamp near our people's border and that many merfolk would die if nothing was done about it.
My Marshward host, the Wavesinger army, and several other armies were dispatched to the borders to locate and seal every tear we could. I ordered my men not to harm the residents but just in case we moved them further inland for their safety." He said.
"I see. In that case you will want to listen to Naerith."
Curious Admiral Kaelvar turned to face Naerith.
Seeing that it was her turn she tried to stand up, winced and gave up. Even with the priest healing her it would be a day or two before she could use her fins properly.
"Admiral, I'm Naerith Wavecaller, a messenger from the Wavesinger army."
As she saluted from her seat Admiral Kaelvar realized that she was quite young, likely having just joined the Wavesinger army. Young soldiers would often try to look impressive but right now that wasn't important.
"At ease, right now it's more important to speak clearly. What message do you carry?"
"Um, yes, sir. My message is that you shouldn't close the tear using our traditional methods. When the Wavesinger army tried to close the tear in the deep chasm with these methods it didn't close, instead it became a thorn and expelled a large number of misshapen monsters that forced our army back. Following that a devil appeared and led the monsters in a counterattack.
When I was sent to warn you, the devil entered the thorn, and more monsters were expelled which then chased me for several days. I thought I was done for when the lizardfolk found and rescued me."
The captains whispered amongst themselves, if the tears reacted violently enough to force whole armies back then their whole army could be wiped out if it became a thorn during the battle with the trolls.
When Admiral Kaelvar heard this, he immediately gave orders to Lysira.
"Warden-singer Lysira, go tell the singers to stop the sealing ritual. Their new orders are to keep it contained until a new sealing method can be developed."
"Yes, Admiral."
She stood and rushed out of the tent.
"Naerith, are there any known safe methods for sealing the tears?"
"Um, not from our army but..." she glanced at Chronos.
"The Battle Priests from the Tri-Goddess temple discovered a new method when a tear in the north suddenly became a thorn." Chronos turned to face Lyla.
Standing up she gave a report about what she knew.
"The tears have changed compared to a thousand years ago. Now they absorb world energy and form a world crystal inside of them that prevents them from being closed externally. Instead, you need to enter the tear and either shatter or have the priests purify the world crystal before closing the tear.
Doing this causes a whole new set of problems. The body of anybody that enters the tear begins to petrify and you have to battle through dark beasts to reach the crystal. There might be other problems with trying to purify the crystal as well.
The last time we were in a tear we just shattered the world crystal but that threw us out in the far southern swamps when we started in the northern swamps."
"From the sound of it you don't have a method to purify the crystal, do you? And do the priests need to enter the tear with the warriors?" Admiral Kaelvar asked for clarification.
"I do not have a purification method. However, dealing with the petrification is rather easy, all you need is a priest to cast a blessing on your warriors. A linked blessing will last longer, and priests aren't affected by the petrification at all.
As for having the priests enter the tear, it's not necessary but it's better to have them there in case something goes wrong."
Listening to Lyla's explanation Admiral Kaelvar realized that this wasn't going to be an easy solution even if they knew what to do.
The Deep God's priests weren't as combat oriented as those of the Goddess of order or the Red Dragon Head. They would need protection while inside and the bravery to enter in the first place.
Placing his hand on his chin the Admiral started forming a plan.
"I see. High Priest, go meet with Warden-singer Lysira, capture a dark beast and begin experimenting on it. I want a rudimentary purification method before the trolls arrive."
"Yes, sir." Standing, the high priest left for the sealing theater.
"Varkesh assemble elites from the Orca Guard, the Priests of the Deep, and the Warden-singer's make sure they know that they will be going inside of the tear. We only need the bravest for this mission."
"Understood." Varkesh left to fulfill his task, secretly planning to place himself within this elite task force before he heard the Admiral call out to him.
"Oh, and Varkesh, I want you to lead this mission."
Varkesh smiled as he enthusiastically responded, "Yes, sir!"
"Is there anything else I should know about?" Admiral Kaelvar asked the room.
Chronos raised a hand, nodding the Admiral gave him the right to speak.
"When we were inside of the other tear we saw land masses from distant places, it's possible that the devil messenger Naerith saw enter the deep chasm tear could appear inside of this tear. If they are connected."
"So, there might be a devil inside." A rumble of frustration came from the Admiral's throat. "Which means there might be a devil leading the troll army as they rarely work alone on this scale. Suhaah, well at least I'm aware of it."
After thinking for a few moments, he gave out further orders to prepare for the war and requested for Vaelith's people to begin reconstruction of the fort immediately.
"Of course." She agreed before slithering out of the tent.
"You all have your orders; this meeting is dismissed."
Chronos hung back as all of the captains left.
"Admiral, I have a request."
"Speak."
"I would like to take my team inside of the tear."
Admiral Kaelvar gave him a strange look.
"A representative willingly wants to enter a tear?"
"In the Leighla Kingdom my family is known for being rather wild." Chronos said with a big grin. "And my team has been inside of a tear before, I believe we can provide adequate assistance to your troops while inside."
Considering Chronos' position the Admiral wanted to refuse but he got the distinct feeling that if he refused this wolf would sneak inside anyways.
"Very well, have your team ready by noon. My men will be entering the tear just after noon."
"Understood Admiral."