The Desert Elf

Chapter 1: The "King"

The streets of the buzzling Fish Market are packed with different villagers- from mighty dwarves to the very few faes; it was indeed an amazing sight to see. In the mornings, the well-known market across the realm is often targeted by bandits- notorious thieves at that, because of travelling rich merchants who are there to trade goods and even crystals.

Various accidents and even murders have happened throughout the years, which is why it is now protected by the knights of the kingdom that's known as Canrias. Though it is a relief to the upper land of the Fish Market, the underground of the neighboring town, Timber Hill, is in chaos.

"One of the bandits were caught by the knights! Our resources have been reduced even more!"
One man panicked as he received the letter.
"Our site in the country of Valhamma has been raided! If this continues, not only will we lose our goods but also our crystals!"
"At this point, the Guild will no longer be able to sustain its people nor its power. Our enemies could easily take us down at any moment now."
"Is this the end?"

Just at the end of the crowded halls of the dark room, only lit by the torches attached to the walls, sits the leader of the Guild- Shui Na'Lan. He is notorious for being a merciless king of the underworld. Shui was once a noble whose privileges were robbed off of him by his younger brother, Lin.
He was humiliated, accused as a scum by his own townspeople until he was exiled.

If he can't have the power to govern his own people, he swore to build his own empire that will rival against theirs- and he will start from the very bottom. Shui became well-known in far away lands. His wits and guts rivalled against the wisest of men in nearby countries. Like an orchid himself, his underground empire then sprouted beautifully.

And so, Timber Hill became his own
empire, a beautiful flower to mask its pests- for Shui doesn't intend to rule over a small town- no; he wants to wrap his fingers around the neck of Valhamma and take it from the sleazy old King. For years, he had to put up a mask but little do they know the plans of his. He shall not let these insects be in his way, he won't let them take away the power he has once again.

He is seen to be calmly closing his eyes, listening to the rants of these annoying pests. Whining and complaining like dogs with their tails hidden between their hindlegs. Such cowards. He thought to himself before sighing.

"Connor, what do you think is the best way to get out of this situation?" Shui softly said but the whole room fell silent for they do not want to interrupt the leader himself.

"The Kingdom is starting to get curious of how you govern this village Sir, one more step on this village, they will sniff out all our activities. Our men will be thrown away, the whole village will be gone. Sir, you will face even harsher consequences," Connor gulped before continuing, "I think the best way to get out of this is for you to conceive a child, Sir."

Shui furrowed his brows and sternly looked at his counsellor for saying such nonsense.
"If this is a way of yours so I'll get married to your daughter then you're deeply wrong." His voice became rugged as he said those words.
"Choose your next words wisely, or I'll cut your throat in a blink." He warned in a low yet threatening voice which made Connor panic.
"S-Sir! Oh no! I do not wish for you to get married to my daughter, it would be an honor but if you wish to refuse the offer then I understand." He bowed his head as he apologized to the enraged Shui.

"But Sir. Sooner or later and your empire you worked hard building on will crumble. We need a distraction where the nobles won't have a say with it. If they found out that you were taking care of a maiden, a reason of your absence in the surface, they will understand your situation. The nobles and the royal family always put their family first before anything. If the one who governs the village of Timber Hill was absent during the raids of our resources in other sites, they have every reason to have you as their suspect."