Chapitre 8: Chapter 8: The Council’s Warning
The morning after the attack, Draven found himself summoned to a meeting with Aria and the fortress's council of leaders. The council was a group of seasoned warriors, strategists, and mages who advised Aria on matters concerning the defense of the fortress and the surrounding lands. Draven had only seen them in passing before, but now he would be addressing them directly.
As he made his way to the council chamber, Draven's mind raced with questions. The attack had shaken him, but it had also steeled his resolve. He knew now that he couldn't afford to be complacent, that he needed to understand the full scope of the dangers he faced.
The council chamber was a large, circular room with a high ceiling and walls lined with tapestries depicting scenes of battles and dragons. A large wooden table dominated the center of the room, around which the council members were seated. Aria stood at the head of the table, her presence commanding and authoritative.
Draven hesitated for a moment at the entrance, feeling a wave of nervousness wash over him. But then Aria caught his eye and nodded reassuringly. Taking a deep breath, Draven stepped forward and approached the table.
"Draven," Aria began, her voice clear and strong, "thank you for coming. The council and I have much to discuss with you."
Draven nodded, taking the seat that had been prepared for him. He glanced around the table, taking in the faces of the council members. They were all seasoned warriors, their expressions serious and intent.
The man seated to Aria's right, a tall, broad-shouldered warrior with a scar running down the side of his face, was the first to speak. "Draven, my name is Commander Vael. I lead the fortress's defenses. The attack last night was a stark reminder that our enemies are closer than we realized."
Draven nodded, his jaw tightening at the memory of the shadowy attackers. "Who were they?" he asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the room.
Commander Vael exchanged a glance with Aria before answering. "Assassins, most likely sent by one of the many factions that seek to control or destroy the Dragonheart. We've seen their kind before, but never this close to the fortress."
"The fact that they were able to infiltrate our defenses is troubling," added another council member, a woman with piercing green eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor. "I'm Lyria, the fortress's head of intelligence. We've been tracking various groups that might be interested in the Dragonheart, but this attack suggests that someone has made a decisive move."
Draven's mind raced. He had known that the Dragonheart would attract attention, but to have assassins come for him in the dead of night—it was more than he had anticipated.
"What do we do now?" he asked, his voice betraying the concern he felt.
Aria stepped forward, her expression calm but serious. "We must prepare for the worst. The attack last night was likely a probing attempt, a test to see how we would respond. If they were willing to risk such a direct approach, it means they are growing bolder. We must be ready for a larger assault."
Draven nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. "I'm ready to do whatever it takes to defend the Dragonheart and the fortress."
Vael leaned forward, his gaze intense. "That's the right attitude, lad. But know this—our enemies are not just external. There are forces within this land, even within this fortress, that might seek to undermine us. We must be vigilant."
The implication was clear, and it sent a chill down Draven's spine. Could there be traitors within the fortress walls? The thought made him uneasy, but he knew he had to stay focused.
"We've increased patrols around the fortress and doubled the guard at all entry points," Vael continued. "But we need more than just a strong defense. We need to go on the offensive, to take the fight to our enemies before they can strike again."
Lyria nodded in agreement. "We've identified several key figures who may be involved in the plot against us. If we can neutralize them, we might be able to buy ourselves some time."
Draven listened intently, absorbing the information. He had never been involved in such strategic discussions before, but he knew that his role in this fight was crucial. The Dragonheart made him a target, but it also made him a key player in the coming battles.
Aria placed a hand on Draven's shoulder, her gaze steady. "Draven, you've come a long way in your training, but the challenges ahead will be unlike anything you've faced. You must be prepared, both physically and mentally. The power of the Dragonheart is a formidable weapon, but it can also be a liability if not controlled."
Draven met her gaze, feeling a surge of determination. "I understand. I'll continue to train, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect the Dragonheart and the people of this fortress."
The council members exchanged approving glances, and Vael nodded. "Good. We'll need every advantage we can get in the days to come."
Lyria leaned forward, her expression serious. "There's one more thing you should know, Draven. We've received reports of increased activity from the Dark Order."
Draven's brow furrowed. "The Dark Order?"
Lyria nodded. "They're a shadowy organization that's been involved in numerous plots against the kingdoms of this land. They've been quiet for some time, but our sources indicate that they've been mobilizing forces in the north. It's possible that they're behind the attack on you."
A sense of unease settled over Draven. The Dark Order was a name he had only heard in whispers, but the stories were enough to send a chill down his spine. They were ruthless, driven by a fanatical belief in their cause, and they would stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
"What do they want with the Dragonheart?" Draven asked, his voice laced with concern.
"The same thing all our enemies want," Aria replied, her tone grim. "Power. The Dragonheart is a relic of immense power, and whoever controls it could tip the balance of power in the world. The Dark Order seeks to use that power to further their own agenda, and they will stop at nothing to get it."
Draven's grip on the armrests of his chair tightened. The stakes were higher than he had imagined, and the danger more immediate. But he couldn't afford to let fear paralyze him.
"What do we do?" he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.
"We strike first," Vael said, his voice filled with resolve. "We've identified several of their strongholds. If we can take them out, we might be able to disrupt their plans and buy ourselves some time."
Aria nodded. "But we must be careful. The Dark Order is cunning, and they will be expecting us. We need to move quickly and decisively."
Draven took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision before him. The path ahead was dangerous, but he knew he couldn't back down. The Dragonheart was his responsibility, and he had to protect it at all costs.
"I'm with you," he said firmly. "Whatever needs to be done, I'll do it."
Aria smiled, a rare expression of warmth. "Good. Then we move forward, together."
The meeting continued as the council members discussed their plans in detail, laying out strategies and contingencies for the battles to come. Draven listened carefully, absorbing every word. He knew that the days ahead would be filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them.
As the meeting came to an end, Aria placed a hand on Draven's shoulder. "Rest tonight, Draven. We'll begin our preparations at first light."
Draven nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him once more. But there was also a sense of resolve, a determination to see this through.
As he left the council chamber and made his way back to his quarters, Draven couldn't help but think of the journey that lay ahead. The world was a dangerous place, filled with enemies both seen and unseen. But he was not alone. He had Aria, the council, and the power of the Dragonheart.
And with that power, he would face whatever came his way.
For he was Draven, the last of the Draconic Bloodline. And his destiny was only beginning.
Cadeaux
-- Cadeau
reçu État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone