The Author's POV

335 Infiltration [3]

[Henolur, Elder council]

A deathly silence enveloped the hall.

"…what did you just say?"

Gernis's solemn voice echoed across the hall.

A terrifying pressure spread out from his small and aged body, completely enveloping the hall.

Subjected to such pressure, Waylan merely frowned.

Having been with Douglas for a long time, he was already used to the pressure. Although Gernis was indeed higher ranked than Douglas, at the end of the day, the dwarves weren't really a combat-oriented race. They were craftsmen, not warriors. They didn't possess the bloodlust or battle-aura frontline fighters did, not to the same extent.

The pressure wasn't anything that Waylan couldn't handle.

"Haaaa..."

Closing his eyes and breathing out, Waylan opened his eyes and stared directly at Gernis.

"I'll say it again. Give me a chance, and I will help you end this war."

"Pftt..."

Once Waylan's words faded, the dwarf with red eyebrows, Randur, burst out laughing.

"Hahaha, I can't-I can't believe this! What kind of nonsense is this?"'

Slapping the table, Randur continued to laugh for a solid minute.

It was only when he realized that everyone's attention was on him that he finally stopped laughing.

Looking around, he asked with a deadpan look, "What? dinna ye guys also find his delusions funny?"

"This be nae laughing matter, Randur."

Gernis spoke gravely, the look on his face severe.

"Don't tell me you actually believe his words?" Randur asked with an incredulous look.

To him, it was clear to see that Waylan was merely spouting nonsense to save himself.

Leaning his body forward, he looked towards the other dwarves present before pointing at Waylan.

"Stop tha war? bah, if he cou've done it, he wou've done it 'afore. Why now? he's clearly just trying ta save his ass. I'm sure yer all smart enough ta understand this, right?"

Unexpectedly, Randur was met with silence. No one spoke up.

The silence further enraged him. He glared at everyone present.

"Have low have we fallen for you guys to not realize this, eh?!"

In reality, everybody shared the same thoughts as Randur. However, unlike Randur, they didn't speak up because of Gernis.

The solemnity clouding his face prevented them from speaking up. He had a grim aura surrounding him, one that seemed to suffocate the air itself.

No one was as fearless as Randur in that situation.

Fortunately for Randur, Gernis didn't seem to mind his words. The latter seemed too preoccupied with Waylan's actions. All of his attention seemed focused on the human before him.

Staring at him for quite a while, he asked.

"...How confident are you in your words?"

"Very."

Waylan flatly replied.

Looking at the other dwarves present, he straightened his back.

"If you give me a chance, I'll do what I said I will do."

"Hmm.."

confident expression, Gernis's brows knit in

fearless expression planted a seed of

could actually do it? Or could he? Was he really just saying this

through, Gernis doubted

execution. After all,

that was before, things were different

escalated the situation

couldn't have been executed for a failure not entirely on

was betting on his

and determination made Gernis think

be stupid enough to worsen their

where this bet would take the future of

Tell me

"I apologize."

to what Gernis expected. lowering his head,

Gernis's face

playing with

Waylan shook his head and glanced at all

want to tell you, but I just don't really think

"Why is that?"

his shoulders and looked at the other dwarven elders

brow,

It was then that it finally dawned on

why Waylan was not saying anything was because he was afraid that a spy hid amongst one of

wasn't the only one who understood his words as all of those present in the

dwarf, in particular, wasn't happy with his words as he raised his

war and then you insinuate that there might be

was none

face was twisted

seemed to have this sort of vendetta against Waylan. In fact, he wasn't the only one that thought in such a way, but unlike the rest, Randur was a lot more vocal at

who kept quiet didn't want to annoy Gernis, someone whom they

listening

how ye feel, Randur, but what if his words be right?

seated finally spoke up and

in the dwarf's direction, Randur

only now? Something ain't addin' up! I dinna and winna trust that

make a valuable point,

in, much to Randur's

"Then..."

his next words caused Randur's face to sink

I'll still give him a chance ta prove himself ta us. Since Jomnuk has been kidnapped, we

his attention back towards

plans ye have. If ye manage ta successfully do

blanky sat there with

up my mind. 'Tis shall be the final decision. You

other dwarves present could do nothing but remain seated in quiet. Displeasure could be

tha only reason why I'm giving ye this chance be because o' Douglas. Me faith be nae with ye but with Douglas.

his eyes, Waylan nodded

my best to

all we

head left and right, Gernis stood

If Waylan needs something,

"Understood."

standing up, though displeased,

others did not know was that once the decision had been made, both Randur, the dwarf that seemed to have

going as

***

Gulp-!

me. At this point, my

had managed to last for another

long since managed

I wanted, I could deactivate the

a matter

Cli Clank-!

behind me opened up. The guard that brought

here to

"On with it."