As the days passed and Elandor slowly recovered from the sorcerer's attack, Draven's training continued with relentless intensity. The Magi Council was determined to prepare him for the challenges ahead, pushing him to the limits of his abilities as he learned to control the Dragonheart with greater precision and focus. The power within him was growing, but with that power came a responsibility that weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Despite the progress he was making, there was a sense of unease that lingered in the back of Draven's mind. The sorcerer's attack had been a stark reminder of the dangers that surrounded him, and he knew that there were others out there—other dark forces that were biding their time, waiting for the right moment to strike.
One morning, as Draven was preparing for another day of training, he received an urgent summons from Elara. The message was brief, but the tone was unmistakable—something had happened, something that required immediate attention.
Draven quickly made his way to the council's headquarters, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and dread. The city had been on high alert since the attack, and the thought of another threat looming over Elandor filled him with a sense of foreboding.
When he arrived at the council chamber, he found Elara and several other council members gathered around a large map that had been spread out on the table. Their expressions were grim, their voices low as they discussed the situation.
"Elara, what's going on?" Draven asked as he approached, his gaze shifting to the map.
Elara looked up, her face etched with concern. "Draven, we've received reports of a new threat—an army of mercenaries that has been spotted moving through the northern territories. They're heavily armed and well-organized, and they're heading straight for Elandor."
Draven's heart skipped a beat. "Mercenaries? Who's behind them?"
"We don't know for sure," Elara admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "But we have reason to believe that they've been hired by someone who seeks to capture the Dragonheart. They've been moving quickly, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. If they reach Elandor, it could be devastating."
Draven felt a surge of anger and determination. The sorcerer's attack had been bad enough, but this—an entire army of mercenaries, sent to capture the Dragonheart—was a direct threat to everything he had been working to protect.
"We have to stop them," Draven said, his voice firm. "We can't let them reach the city."
Elara nodded, her expression serious. "Agreed. But we can't afford to underestimate them. This is no ordinary band of mercenaries—they're highly trained and well-equipped, and they're being led by a commander with a reputation for ruthlessness. We need to act quickly and decisively."
Draven's mind raced as he considered their options. The city's defenses were strong, but they had been designed to repel magical threats, not a full-scale military assault. If the mercenaries reached Elandor, the city would be in grave danger.
"What's the plan?" Draven asked, his gaze shifting to the other council members.
One of the council members, a tall, stern-looking man named Vaelan, spoke up. "We've already sent out scouts to gather more information on the mercenaries' movements. We need to know their exact numbers and their tactics before we can formulate a plan. In the meantime, we're fortifying the city's defenses and preparing for the possibility of a siege."
Draven nodded, feeling a sense of urgency. "I want to help. I can lead a group to intercept them, slow them down before they reach the city."
Elara's expression softened slightly, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes. "Draven, I admire your courage, but this is a dangerous mission. You're the bearer of the Dragonheart—you have a responsibility to protect it, and putting yourself in harm's way like this…"
Draven met her gaze, his voice steady. "I know the risks, Elara. But I can't just sit back and do nothing. If these mercenaries reach the city, it could be catastrophic. We need to take the fight to them."
Elara hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Very well. But you won't be going alone. Aria will accompany you, along with a group of our best warriors. You'll need to be quick and strategic—hit them hard, disrupt their advance, and then get out before they can retaliate."
Draven felt a surge of determination. This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he was more than just a bearer of the Dragonheart. He was a leader, and he was ready to protect the people of Elandor.
As they finalized their plans, Draven couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The mercenaries were a formidable threat, but he knew that with Aria by his side and the power of the Dragonheart within him, they could overcome any obstacle.
The journey ahead would be dangerous, and the stakes were higher than ever. But Draven was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
For he was Draven, the last of the Draconic Bloodline, and he would not let anything stand in his way.
The battle for Elandor was about to begin, and Draven was determined to emerge victorious.