"Good. Let's proceed with the plan."
Ending their conversation swiftly, Sylas stopped between the two armies, and then, with all his might, shouted, "Everyone, halt!"
All eyes turned to Sylas, including those of the Grand Duke. Sylas threw off the hood covering Eldira. Seeing her face, cries erupted among the elves.
"Eldira?!"
"Princess!"
Some of the elves, overcome with emotion, tried to rush forward, but Sylas quickly held a blade to Eldira's neck. "Stay back, elves! If you value the life of your precious princess!"
"How dare you!" Fury filled the Grand Duke's gaze, sharp enough to kill, though he restrained his army from moving. Sylas turned to the count and shouted urgently.
"Your Grace, retreat with the army!"
"What?"
"If we fight here, it will be our end! You know that!"
Sylas's words hit home; waging battle here would be the worst choice. The best course was to retreat while they still had a useful hostage. The count's mind raced despite the urgency.
