The defeat of the dark sorcerer had brought a temporary sense of relief to the city of Elandor, but the threat of his return loomed over Draven and his companions like a dark cloud. The Magi Council convened regularly to discuss the best course of action, and Draven found himself spending more time in council meetings than ever before.
But as the days passed, Draven couldn't shake the feeling that they were missing something—something crucial that could tip the balance in their favor when the sorcerer inevitably returned. He had faced the sorcerer twice now, and each time, the enemy had grown stronger. Draven knew that they couldn't rely on brute strength alone to defeat him.
One afternoon, as Draven was deep in thought in his quarters, a knock at the door interrupted his reverie. He looked up to see Aria standing in the doorway, her expression thoughtful.
"Draven, there's someone here to see you," she said, her tone serious.
Draven raised an eyebrow, curious. "Who is it?"
Aria stepped aside, revealing a tall, imposing figure standing in the hallway. The man was dressed in elaborate armor, his chest emblazoned with the symbol of a lion, and a heavy cloak draped over his broad shoulders. His hair was dark and wild, his eyes sharp and intelligent.
Draven's curiosity deepened as he rose to greet the visitor. "Who are you?"
The man stepped forward, his gaze piercing. "My name is Kael, commander of the Lionguard. I've come to offer my assistance in your fight against the dark sorcerer."
Draven's interest was piqued. The Lionguard was a legendary order of warriors, known for their prowess in battle and their unwavering loyalty to their cause. If Kael had come to offer his help, it meant that the threat posed by the dark sorcerer was greater than even Draven had realized.
"What brings you here, Kael?" Draven asked, his tone cautious but respectful.
Kael inclined his head slightly, a gesture of respect. "Word of your battles with the dark sorcerer has reached far and wide, Dragon King. The Lionguard has long stood as a bastion against the forces of darkness, and we cannot stand idly by while this threat grows."
Draven nodded, appreciating the man's directness. "Your help would be welcome, Kael. The dark sorcerer is a formidable enemy, and we can use all the allies we can get."
Kael's expression remained serious. "I've fought many battles, but I've never encountered anything like the power this sorcerer wields. It's clear that he is not working alone—there are darker forces at play here, forces that go beyond our understanding."
Draven felt a shiver run down his spine at Kael's words. He had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed by someone of Kael's stature made the danger feel all the more real.
"What do you suggest?" Draven asked, eager to hear the man's thoughts.
Kael's gaze hardened. "The Lionguard has access to ancient knowledge, records of past battles and encounters with dark forces that predate even the oldest kingdoms. I propose we combine our resources—share what we know, and work together to uncover the source of the dark sorcerer's power."
Draven exchanged a glance with Aria, who nodded in agreement. It was a sound plan, and one that could give them the edge they needed.
"Agreed," Draven said, his tone firm. "We'll work together to defeat the sorcerer once and for all."
Kael smiled, a fierce, determined expression that matched the fire in his eyes. "Good. We'll begin immediately. I'll have my men set up a base of operations here in Elandor. Together, we'll scour the ancient texts and uncover the secrets that will lead us to victory."
Draven felt a surge of hope at Kael's words. The Lionguard was a powerful ally, and their combined knowledge and strength could be the key to defeating the dark sorcerer.
As Kael and Aria left to begin their preparations, Draven felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was still fraught with danger, but now, with the Lionguard by their side, they had a fighting chance.
But even as he prepared for the battles to come, Draven couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out. The dark sorcerer had been weakened, but he was far from defeated. Draven knew that they had to act quickly, before the enemy could recover and strike again.
For he was Draven, the last of the Draconic Bloodline, and he would not rest until the dark sorcerer was defeated.