Chapitre 75: Chapter 75: Allies and Adversaries
The sun hung low in the sky as Elara, Garrick, and Marcus made their way through the dense forest, the sounds of birds and rustling leaves their only company. The path they followed was narrow and overgrown, a sign that it hadn't been used in years. Elara's mind raced with thoughts of the Resistance—what kind of people they were, how they would react to her request for help.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" Garrick asked, his voice low as he scanned the surroundings for any sign of danger.
Elara nodded. "Ilyana's memories were clear. This is one of the safehouses used by the Resistance. We should reach it by nightfall."
Marcus, walking slightly ahead, remained silent, his sharp eyes focused on the path ahead. Despite his calm exterior, Elara could sense the tension in him. The final battle was drawing near, and every step they took brought them closer to it.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, they spotted a small stone structure hidden among the trees. It was old and weathered, covered in moss and vines, but unmistakably fortified. Elara's heart quickened.
"This is it," she said, stepping forward cautiously.
Garrick moved beside her, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Let's hope they're friendly."
Marcus approached the door and knocked three times, the sound echoing in the quiet forest. For a moment, there was only silence, and Elara's pulse quickened. What if no one was here? Or worse, what if the enemy had already found this place?
But then, the door creaked open just a sliver, revealing a pair of sharp eyes peering out at them.
"Who are you?" a gruff voice asked from within.
Elara stepped forward. "We're here to speak with the leader of the Resistance. We need your help."
The door opened wider, revealing a tall, broad-shouldered man with silver hair and a stern expression. He studied them for a long moment before nodding. "Come in. But make no sudden moves."
They entered the small stone building, which led to a narrow staircase descending underground. The safehouse was much larger than it appeared from the outside, with several tunnels and chambers branching off in different directions. As they descended, Elara felt the weight of the stone walls pressing in on her. This place was old, a relic of a time long past.
At the bottom of the stairs, they were led into a large chamber lit by flickering torches. A group of people sat around a long wooden table, their faces worn but determined. At the head of the table sat a woman with piercing green eyes and dark hair streaked with gray. She exuded authority, and Elara knew instantly that this was the leader they had been searching for.
"Who are you?" the woman asked, her voice commanding but not unkind.
Elara took a deep breath and stepped forward. "My name is Elara. I'm here to ask for your help in stopping the Ancients."
A murmur spread through the group, their eyes darting to one another in surprise. The woman at the head of the table narrowed her eyes. "Elara... I've heard of you. The one they call the Daughter of the Ancients."
Elara stiffened at the title. It was a name her enemies used, one she had never claimed for herself. "I'm not their daughter. I'm trying to stop them. I've gathered three of the elemental artifacts, and we're close to finding the fourth. But we can't do this alone."
The woman leaned back in her chair, studying Elara with a critical eye. "You claim to be against the Ancients, but why should we trust you? You carry their blood in your veins."
Elara met the woman's gaze, her voice steady. "I didn't choose my bloodline. But I've chosen to fight against the Ancients because I believe in a future where we're free from their control. I'm asking you to fight with us, to help us take back our world."
The room was silent for a moment as the leader considered her words. Then, she stood, her eyes never leaving Elara's. "You're asking for a lot. Our people have been fighting this war in the shadows for years, losing loved ones, sacrificing everything for a cause we may never win."
Elara's heart pounded, but she didn't waver. "I understand the risks. But we have a chance to end this, to defeat the Ancients once and for all. We can't do it without you."
The leader's gaze softened slightly, though her voice remained firm. "You speak with conviction, and your actions have already caused a stir in the ranks of the Ancients. Perhaps there's more to you than just your bloodline." She paused, then added, "We will join you in this fight, but make no mistake—if you falter, if you show any sign of betrayal, we will not hesitate to end this alliance."
Elara nodded, a weight lifting from her chest. "I won't let you down."
The leader extended her hand. "I'm Myra, leader of the Resistance. Welcome to the fight, Elara."
As Elara shook her hand, she felt a surge of hope. The road ahead would be long and dangerous, but with the Resistance on their side, they might just stand a chance.
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone