Chapter Twenty-Three: Aftermath of the Battle

A barrage of enchanted arrows from the rangers, followed by Patrick's devastating super firestorm, obliterated Sebwasa entirely. The green witchcraft swirling around the trolls began to dissipate, signaling that the high priest within had perished. The trolls started to collapse and flee; Sebwasa was no more, and with rangers slaughtering the remnants ahead, the surviving trolls scattered toward Lake Ellendar. Those still within Sebwasa also rushed in the same direction.

To the west of Sebwasa lay mountains—a dead end for any who tried to escape there. Their only hope was to reach Lake Ellendar. If the elves did not pursue, perhaps the trolls could swim across and return to Tolwasa.

Baron Sangunar stood atop several troll corpses, shouting, "Continue the chase! Slaughter these hideous trolls!"

"Don't be reckless, Lord Sangunar. We shouldn't pursue cornered enemies. Look at our elven comrades," Patrick said, glancing at the baron and signaling him to observe the rangers behind.

The rangers were all wounded, those cursed suffering especially ghastly injuries. Though this battle in Sebwasa had eliminated the trolls' threat in the Forest of Life and driven their forces from the Ever-Song Forest, the losses were staggering. Of all the troops they brought, less than half would return.

"We should tend to the wounded first," Patrick continued.

The rangers felt genuine gratitude toward Patrick; it was rare to see a superior so considerate of ordinary elves.

Alleria nodded in agreement. "There's no need to pursue them now. The trolls pose no threat. We must reorganize our forces and establish a new camp."

Her intention was to build defensive outposts within the Forest of Life, perhaps even a mage tower, and open a passage to the Eastern Sanctuary. With this, all lands west of the Ellendar River would belong to the elves. By strengthening the defense around the Farstrider's dwelling and fortifying both banks of the Ellendar Falls, the trolls' reach would never again penetrate the Ever-Song Forest.

The Eastern Sanctuary, relying on Salas Avenue, could develop further—perhaps even become the central hub connecting Silvermoon City, Taquilin, Golden Mist Village, Sun Crown Village, and Clear Wind Village. The elven influence and military deployment in Ever-Song Forest and Ghostlands would thus be unified, forming an impregnable stronghold.

Sebwasa itself was in ruins. Troll wooden huts had collapsed or been consumed by flames. After handling the aftermath, the troops returned to the Eastern Sanctuary.

The journey back was much calmer. No sign of trolls lingered in the woods, and returning to the Eastern Sanctuary was far easier than the initial approach. Alleria had even marked the route, intending to send troops to occupy the area and establish a new camp as soon as they returned.

The army slowly entered the magical barrier and, safely back in the Eastern Sanctuary, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The rangers were at ease, returning to their quarters, the wounded sent for treatment, while others washed themselves. After days of marching, a thorough cleansing and a good meal was the perfect way to relax—some even sought their partners for comfort.

Soldiers vented their emotions. Patrick returned to the tower of the Eastern Sanctuary, bathed, and enjoyed the moment. Standing on the mage tower balcony, he watched the warriors celebrate. The small town was alive with excitement; soldiers, drunk on elven fruit wine, boasted of their courage and exploits. As their tales grew more animated, listening elves poured them another drink. The harmony was palpable.

"Why aren't you joining their revelry?" Alleria's voice came from behind.

It seemed she had finished her day's work, freshly washed and dressed, her hair damp and flowing naturally behind her pointed ears. She wore no armor now; her clothes hugged her figure, accentuating her graceful silhouette.

"I'm not really used to that sort of thing," Patrick replied helplessly. In his previous life, he was a perfectly ordinary man—he never understood those who spent their days in bars. His own leisure was limited to drinking, midnight snacks, card games, or a few old classmates teaming up online. The bar scene simply wasn't his style.

Besides, as a newcomer and a mage, Patrick hadn't formed many friendships with the rangers. Most of his time was devoted to studying arcane magic and striving for mastery, leaving little opportunity to socialize.

Alleria stepped up beside him, gazing at the town's vibrant lights. Elven life always revolved around pleasure and comfort; most elves preferred to stay nestled in Silvermoon City, while only a few ventured to the frontier.

"When will the council's decision be delivered?" Patrick asked.

"Are you so eager to leave?" Alleria countered.

"I just want to know how the council will arrange my future," Patrick replied, glancing at her.

Patrick belonged to neither faction in the Silvermoon Council, nor to any major clan in Silvermoon City. He had no idea what the council would decide. As a new arcane caster who had distinguished himself in the troll war, he might receive an olive branch from the council or even a summons from the king.

For a medium-sized family like the Cabron clan, accepting a major clan's offer meant either becoming their vassal—sharing both glory and loss—or being absorbed entirely, with no third option.

The Cabron family's entire foundation was in Silvermoon City. If this matter was handled poorly, Patrick's future prospects would be severely restricted. With the looming threat of the Scourge invasion, and Arthas's death knights breaking through Silvermoon City, even life itself would be endangered. Patrick dared not gamble; his fate must be self-determined.

Silvermoon City was ruled by arcane magic; the king did not participate in governance, so the council's decision was crucial. This was why Patrick originally planned to go to Dalaran. The rigid hierarchy within Quel'Thalas made it nearly impossible for the great families to relinquish their interests for others.

Patrick, therefore, had no wish to provoke the great families, preferring instead to seek development in Dalaran, finding opportunities to connect with Jaina. After the Scourge outbreak, he could pursue political alliances and persuade his family to seek refuge in Stormwind City. Yet now, having joined Alleria's forces mid-way, his original plans had been disrupted.