Darian needed to ensure that the most valuable items would belong to the dark elves after the auction concluded, and that his forces would be prepared for either strategic retreat or aggressive attack, depending on how events unfolded. The situation's volatility demanded comprehensive contingency planning that accounted for every possible outcome.
"The light elves will come to this auction believing their superior resources guarantee victory," Darian mused aloud, his voice carrying the coldness that had made him such an effective ruler. "They have grown complacent. We will use that arrogance against them."
His advisors leaned forward attentively, recognising the tone that typically preceded their king's most brilliant strategic insights. Darian's ability to identify and exploit enemy weaknesses had secured numerous victories against seemingly impossible odds throughout his reign.
