Thank you for your answers.
The Elf appeared when I checked the fifth Prophet's Hut for a hint. The Prophet asks for a Tear and says: "Beware - there's an Elven scout." Quite a scout! Compared to him, my army, which proudly traversed the map, is just pitiful.
Regarding capturing all dwellings, I checked all four Prophet's Huts again. But they also provide hints. And they did. The fifth one asks for a Tear. And the quest is still active. But I think it's not critical for completing the game.
http://floomby.ru/s2/dWXcYT