The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 348

"Too many. They never expected the Commander to be rescued. They must be frantic."

"We must make haste."

Mariela and Celesse were insistent.

"Where can we go?" Alavin asked, his expression grave.

Celesse replied, "We hide as far and as long as we can. It's better than waiting here for death. We cannot let the Grand Elder get his hands on you, or all will be beyond redemption."

"Lord Viperbane, Amber Valley, Cobalt Strike—all searching together. Can we really escape the forest?" Eyla interjected, her timing inappropriate, yet her point was valid.

Hamund stood, his expression resolute. "You take the Commander and leave."

"What about you?"

"Lord Viperbane's forces have caught up. We might evade them momentarily, but we won't escape the Cloudveil Woods. And even if we do, we can't shake them off our trail. There's only one way—I'll draw them off, then circle back to Cobalt Strike and try to rescue the Botanic Haven Elder. If that's impossible, I'll end him."

"What?!" The group was astounded.

"He's dead, so there's no need to worry about the Grand Elder uncovering the secret. Take the Commander and seek refuge in Bloodlore. The various organizations of the Northlands will deal with Lord Viperbane and the Grand Elder. No one will pursue the matter of the Kings' Acceptance, and Alavin's peril will be resolved." Hamund could have escaped, but only if he took Celesse alone. Yet, looking at the fallen Commander and those in the valley with Alavin, he couldn't bear to abandon them.

"No!" Alavin objected vehemently, moved by Hamund's noble sacrifice. But what good would killing the Botanic Haven Elder do? The Grand Elder and their cronies would never let the Commander go easily. They would exhaust every means to pursue and blockade, making it near impossible to reach Bloodlore alive. And if by some fortune they did, the Northlands would be thrown into chaos, fraught with uncertainties, and Stormcast would be in jeopardy.

"Don't be rash. Your survival means the Botanic Haven Elder did not die in vain." Hamund could only think of one way forward – to return alone and draw attention, ensuring Alavin and the others could leave alive and spread the word to the Northlands, urging other organizations to punish the royal court and deal with the Grand Elder.