Data & Magic

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room, meeting the eyes of each person present. "We have to prioritize," Borin stated firmly. "The Goblin King's presence near Oakenfall is a clear and present danger. It's highly probable that Oakenfall is their main objective. Sharwood is still in harm's way, and we won't abandon them, but we must commit the bulk of our resources to defending Oakenfall. That's where Neverus intends to strike, and that's where we must make our stand."

He outlined his plan, his voice crisp and decisive, the voice of a seasoned commander accustomed to making difficult decisions under pressure.

"First," he said, "we will reinforce Oakenfall. I'll dispatch two of our S-rank adventurers, along with a contingent of experienced fighters, to bolster their defences. They'll leave at first light." He looked at Goran. "You will return with them, Goran. Your knowledge of the terrain, of the enemy's movements, will be invaluable."

Goran nodded, his expression grim but determined. "I will, Guildmaster. I'll do everything I can to help defend Oakenfall."

"Edward," Borin continued, turning his attention to the stoic swordsman. "You will head to Sharwood first with a smaller force, give them the message that Oakenfall is likely the target, but Sharwood will also need to prepare for the worst. Leave some of the team at Sharwood to assist. Then head to Oakenfall to join up with Goran. Your experience with goblins, your knowledge of their tactics, will be crucial. You'll work with the local militia, train them, prepare them for the coming onslaught."

Edward nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "As you command, Guildmaster."

Borin then turned to Julia. "Julia," he said, his voice softening slightly, "I need you to stay here, in the capital. I'll be requesting a meeting with King Bartam, and with the leaders of the military. I need you to be present, to provide your first hand account of the situation, to lend your expertise, your magical abilities, to our deliberations. Your insights will be invaluable."

Julia, her face pale but resolute, nodded her agreement. "I will, Guildmaster." Borin considered out loud whether this was sufficient, whether he should send more reinforcements in terms of top ranked adventurers to assist at Oakenfall. But his primary concern is that Oakenfall will not be a quick and fast battle, but instead a long and drawn out war. Borin also needed to consider the other war fronts further up in the north where Aver was pushing back against the Dark Legion. He couldn't afford to spread his people too thin, or it could risk everything they have been fighting for. The others listening in to Borin's reasoning out loud, not envying the heavy decisions he has to make one bit, instead admiring his tenacity to keep fighting despite the odds.

Finally, Borin's gaze settled on William, the newcomer, the outsider. "And you, William," he said, his voice curious, assessing. "Edward and Julia tell me you're not an adventurer. That you found yourself in the Tallenwood under... unusual circumstances."

William hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Given recent events, he decided to not disclose anything just yet. He decided to be cautious, to stick to the generalities. "I... I was travelling and got lost in the forest," he said.

Borin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Lost you say. Interesting." Deciding to trust in Julia and Edward's judgement, Borin did not pursue the topic any further, however he knew that travelling in Tallenwood alone is basically unheard of. He looked hard at William, young lad, little experience, it's a surprise he had made it this far, perhaps he has skills that none of us are aware of. He paused, his voice turning practical, "Regardless, for now, you are free to choose your own path. You are under no obligation to the Guild. You can stay here in the capital, find a safe place to wait out the storm. Or you can accompany Edward and Goran to Oakenfall, and lend your assistance to the defence effort. The choice is yours."

William didn't hesitate. He considered for a moment. He really wanted to experiment more with his data magic, however he also felt somewhat duty bound to stay alongside Julia and Edward. He also weighed up that Oakenfall might be dangerous, and that perhaps staying in the Capital would be the safer option. Plus given Julia's situation with her family, perhaps he could offer assistance there. "I'll stay in the capital, with Julia," William said, his voice firm. "I may not be a fighter, but perhaps I can still be of assistance here."

Borin nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "Very well. We can definitely do with the numbers. Every able body counts, every skill is valuable in this time of crisis." He clapped his hands together, a gesture of finality. "Then it's settled. We have much to do, and little time to do it. Let us prepare for war."

With the meeting concluded, the group dispersed, each individual heading off to fulfil their assigned tasks. Edward and Goran began gathering supplies and equipment for their journey to Oakenfall, their faces grim, their movements purposeful. Julia, her expression troubled, likely due to having to stay in Aver Capital for longer, followed Edward to offer her assistance for his upcoming trip.

William, feeling a mixture of apprehension and excitement, found himself at a crossroads, his future uncertain, his path unclear. He was no longer just a lost traveller, a stranger in a strange land. He was a participant in a war, something he has absolutely no experience in. However, he believed his unique magic to manipulate and to analyse data may offer insights which might just tip the balance between victory and defeat. He needed to investigate and research his "data magic" to see how he could leverage its potential to help in the upcoming battles, and he needed to do it fast. He also reminded himself, he needed to come up with a name… data magic just didn't sound right.