Kapitel 24: 24: The Warrior's Oath
In the heart of Eldoria, the village square buzzed with activity as the sun cast its golden rays over the cobblestone streets. The villagers bustled about their daily routines—trading goods at the market, tending to their gardens, and engaging in cheerful conversation. Yet, beneath the veneer of normalcy, a sense of unease lingered, a shadow of the recent warnings from the Oracle and the ever-present threat of the Drakons.
Nadia, the village blacksmith, wiped the sweat from her brow as she hammered out the final touches on a gleaming sword. Her apprentice, a young lad named Finn, watched intently, absorbing every movement with wide-eyed curiosity.
"That's the way, Finn," Nadia said, handing him the cooled blade. "Now, you try."
Finn took the hammer with a determined nod, his grip steady as he began to shape a piece of metal under Nadia's watchful eye. She smiled, proud of his progress. The boy had a natural talent, and with time, he would become a skilled blacksmith.
The peaceful moment was interrupted by the arrival of Chief Marius, his stern expression a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere. "Nadia, we need to talk," he said, urgency in his voice.
Nadia nodded, setting aside her tools. "Finn, keep practicing. I'll be back shortly."
As she followed Chief Marius to the town hall, Nadia couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen. Inside, she found the village's key figures already gathered—Asha the healer, Leif the carpenter, Erik the farmer, and Sara the baker.
"What's going on, Chief?" Nadia asked, her curiosity piqued.
Chief Marius took a deep breath before speaking. "We've received word from our scouts. The Drakons are mobilizing. They plan to attack Eldoria within the week."
Gasps of shock and fear rippled through the room. Nadia's heart pounded in her chest. The Drakons were known for their ruthlessness, and a direct attack on the village could spell disaster.
"We can't let that happen," Leif said, his fists clenched. "We need to prepare our defenses."
Chief Marius nodded. "Agreed. But we need more than just defenses. We need warriors—people willing to stand and fight to protect our home."
Nadia's mind raced as she considered the implications. She had trained with a sword, but forging weapons and using them in battle were two very different things. Still, the thought of standing idly by while the Drakons threatened their village was unacceptable.
"I'll fight," Nadia said, her voice steady. "Eldoria is my home. I'll do whatever it takes to protect it."
Leif and Erik exchanged determined glances. "We're with you," Leif said. "We can't let the Drakons destroy everything we've built."
Asha stepped forward, her eyes filled with resolve. "I'll tend to the wounded and provide support. We need every advantage we can get."
Chief Marius smiled, pride evident in his eyes. "Thank you, all of you. We'll begin training immediately. Every able-bodied person will learn to fight. This is our village, and we will defend it."
The days that followed were a blur of activity. The village square, usually a place of commerce and socializing, transformed into a training ground. Nadia and Leif led the efforts, teaching the villagers how to wield weapons and defend themselves. The clang of swords and the thud of arrows hitting targets filled the air.
Despite the seriousness of their preparations, moments of camaraderie and humor lightened the mood. During a break in training, Erik shared one of his infamous jokes.
"Why don't skeletons fight each other?" he asked, a mischievous grin on his face.
Nadia raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because they don't have the guts!" Erik replied, bursting into laughter.
The joke elicited groans and chuckles, a welcome respite from the tension. Even Chief Marius couldn't help but smile.
As the week progressed, the villagers' skills improved. Nadia was particularly impressed with Finn, who showed remarkable aptitude with a sword. She felt a surge of pride watching him spar with Leif, holding his own against the experienced carpenter.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the village in a warm, golden glow, a solemn ceremony took place in the town square. Chief Marius stood before the gathered villagers, holding a ceremonial sword.
"Tonight, we take the Warrior's Oath," he declared. "This oath binds us together, as protectors of Eldoria. We fight not just for ourselves, but for our families, our friends, and our future."
He held the sword aloft, the blade gleaming in the fading light. "Repeat after me: 'I pledge my strength, my courage, and my life to the defense of Eldoria. I will stand against our enemies, and I will not falter. For my home, for my people, I am a warrior.'"
The villagers raised their weapons, their voices united as they repeated the oath. Nadia felt a surge of determination, the weight of the words resonating deeply within her.
"I pledge my strength, my courage, and my life to the defense of Eldoria. I will stand against our enemies, and I will not falter. For my home, for my people, I am a warrior."
The ceremony concluded with a feast, the villagers coming together to celebrate their unity and resolve. As they shared food and stories, the bond between them grew stronger.
That night, Nadia sat with Asha and Leif, the flickering fire casting shadows on their faces. They talked about their families, their hopes for the future, and the challenges they faced.
"I always dreamed of becoming a healer," Asha said, her eyes reflecting the flames. "But I never imagined I'd be preparing for battle."
Leif nodded. "None of us did. But we're in this together. And we'll make it through."
Nadia looked around at her friends, their faces filled with determination and resolve. "We will," she said, her voice firm. "For Eldoria."
The next morning, the village awoke to the sound of horns blaring in the distance. The Drakons had arrived.
The villagers sprang into action, taking their positions along the makeshift barricades and fortifications they had constructed. Nadia stood at the front lines, her sword at the ready. She glanced at Finn, who stood beside her, his expression a mix of fear and determination.
"Remember your training," she said, her voice steady. "Stay focused, and watch each other's backs."
Finn nodded, gripping his sword tightly. "I won't let you down, Nadia."
As the Drakons approached, their armored forms glinting in the sunlight, Chief Marius gave the signal. Arrows flew through the air, striking the advancing enemy. The clash of steel and the cries of battle filled the air as the two forces collided.
Nadia fought with all her strength, her sword slicing through the air as she defended her village. The Drakons were fierce, but the villagers fought with a ferocity born of desperation and love for their home.
Leif fought beside her, his axe cleaving through enemy armor. Erik and Asha provided support, tending to the wounded and ensuring the defenders had what they needed.
Despite their efforts, the Drakons pressed on, their numbers overwhelming. Nadia's arms ached, her breath coming in ragged gasps, but she refused to give up.
In the midst of the chaos, a figure emerged from the shadows—a Drakon commander, his armor adorned with dark runes. His eyes locked onto Nadia, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"You're the blacksmith, aren't you?" he sneered. "I've heard about you. Let's see if you can match your reputation."
Nadia met his gaze, her grip tightening on her sword. "Try me."
The commander lunged at her, his blade flashing. Nadia parried the strike, their swords clashing with a resounding ring. She fought with all her might, her movements precise and controlled.
But the commander was skilled, his attacks relentless. Nadia struggled to keep up, her strength waning. Just as she thought she might falter, Finn appeared at her side, his sword cutting into the commander's flank.
The Drakon commander roared in pain, turning his fury on Finn. Nadia seized the opportunity, driving her sword into his chest. The commander fell, his eyes wide with shock.
"Good job, Finn," Nadia panted, her heart racing. "We did it."
Finn nodded, a triumphant smile on his face. But their victory was short-lived. As the battle raged on, a horn sounded from the village gates—a signal of distress.
Chief Marius shouted orders, his voice barely audible over the din. "Fall back to the town square! Regroup!"
The villagers retreated, their movements coordinated despite the chaos. As they gathered in the town square, Nadia's heart sank at the sight before her.
The Drakons had breached the gates, their forces pouring into the village. Chief Marius stood at the center, his expression grim.
"We can't hold them off much longer," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "We need a plan."
Asha stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "The relic. It has the power to protect us. We need to activate it."
Chief Marius nodded. "But we need time. Nadia, Leif, Erik—hold the line. Give us as much time as you can."
Nadia's heart pounded in her chest, but she nodded, her resolve unwavering. "We'll hold them off. Go."
As Chief Marius and Asha hurried to the relic, Nadia, Leif, and Erik took their positions, ready to defend their home with their lives.
The Drakons advanced, their numbers seemingly endless. Nadia's sword flashed as she fought, every strike fueled by her determination to protect Eldoria. Leif's axe swung with precision, and Erik's arrows found their marks.
But despite their efforts, the Drakons pressed on, their sheer numbers overwhelming. Nadia's arms ached, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She knew they couldn't hold out much longer.
Just as hope began to wane, a brilliant light erupted from the center of the town square. The relic had been activated. A powerful force surged through the village, driving the Drakons back.
The Drakons stumbled, their advance halted by the relic's power. Nadia seized the opportunity, rallying the villagers for one final push. With renewed determination, they fought back, driving the Drakons out of the village.
As the last of the Drakons fled, a cheer rose from the villagers. They had done it. They had defended Eldoria.
Nadia collapsed to her knees, exhaustion washing over her. Finn helped her to her feet, his eyes filled with admiration.
"We did it," he said, a wide grin on his face.
Nadia nodded, a sense of relief and triumph filling her. "We did."
As the villagers celebrated their hard-won victory, Nadia couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The Drakons would return, and they needed to be ready.
Chief Marius approached, his expression a mix of pride and concern. "You fought bravely, Nadia. But we must remain vigilant. The Drakons will not give up easily."
Nadia nodded, determination filling her heart. "We'll be ready. For Eldoria."
As the sun set over the village, the villagers of Eldoria prepared for whatever lay ahead, their hearts filled with determination and hope.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein