Beneath the canopy of night, a glimmering light painted a message across the sky, a stark contrast to the darkness that surrounded me. I stood in solitude, the embodiment of an icy princess whose heart remained shielded from the world's warmth. The words of the message shone brightly, a beacon of urgency that pierced through the veneer of detachment I had meticulously crafted.
"Left Flank's Plea," the message began, its brilliance undeterred by the chill in the air. "Chimera press close, danger imminent. Seek aid. Lives hang in balance"
As the words formed, a surge of indifference swept over me, a reminder that the lives of others held little significance in the grand tapestry of my existence. Unity was a concept that eluded me, and the struggles of the left flank seemed distant, but the consequences would be dire if they didn't reach their destination.
With a detached gesture, I reached out to the message, my touch as cold as the demeanor I projected. My response was succinct, a testament to my apathy toward the predicament unfolding beyond my immediate sphere.
"Aid will be considered. And delivered shortly. For now, do what you must but you must remain unnoticed, failure is not an option in this war" the words emerged in the air, my voice absent of empathy, my gaze fixed upon the stars.
As the message dissipated, the night remained unchanged, the echoes of duty and urgency resonating through the camp. I stood there, a silent observer to the flurry of activity, my emotions hidden behind a mask of detachment.
As the night wore on, the first light of dawn illuminated the horizon. I turned away from the stars, the weight of responsibility as a constant companion.
My gaze fell upon the nearest guard, his stance one of vigilance and readiness. With a voice that held an air of authority, I beckoned him closer.
"Guard," I addressed him, my words carrying a weight that demanded attention, "Notify the remaining four generals and the master of the mage tower that a war council is to convene immediately."
The guard's response was swift and affirmative, his steps purposeful as he departed to deliver the message. The weight of the impending war council hung in the air, the urgency of the situation and the necessity of collaboration for the imminent danger surrounding the left flank.
As I watched the guard disappear into the bustling camp, I found myself once again glancing at the star, detaching myself from the world.
The meeting tent was illuminated by the soft glow of strategically placed lanterns, casting a warm light upon the faces gathered around the table. Among them, I stood beside Derek who is to depart tomorrow leading the reinforcement to the front lines. I, who was confined in my solitude moments age was now eclipsed by the necessity of strategy.
The chimera was only mentioned in the ancient document which held an air of mystique and trepidation. None among us had direct knowledge of these creatures that had reappeared after a millennium.
The generals' gazes held a mix of determination and concern, their roles and responsibilities etched upon their features. General Logan's voice rose above the murmurs, his eyes scanning each face as he set the tone for the discussion.
His voice resonated with a blend of determination and uncertainty as he addressed the assembly. " the emergence of the chimera presents us with an enigma that history alone cannot solve. We must construct a strategy that hinges on our understanding of the terrain, the patterns of past conflicts, and the skills of our forces. We stand at a crucial juncture," his words echoed with authority, "The left flank's path is perilous, but we must use any means to divert the chimera's attention."
I watched the generals' expressions shift, their focus sharpening as the weight of the situation settled upon them. The plan was simple in its concept – to lure the chimeras away from the left flank's path, allowing them to pass undetected and continue their mission. But the real question was, HOW?
The generals exchanged glances, each expression reflecting a combination of concern and resolve. The absence of firsthand knowledge of the chimera and the extensive knowledge of the terrain posed a unique challenge, but it was not insurmountable.
The room was filled with maps, the flickering light of candles casting dancing shadows across the table. As we delved into the strategy, the air was thick with anticipation and the scent of uncertainty.
Archmage Vaelora Stormwind's voice carried a note of resolve as he addressed the assembly. " leave the chimera to me, I will Lure the chimeras away to ensure the safety of the left flank. We shall employ our skills to trap the chimeras into an illusion and lure it with the smell of blood to a different location and trap it there with a magic formation"
Vaelora Stormwind was the first ever recorded mage to have unlocked the power of 7 circles at the young age of 25, he is also my master who helped me create the 6th magic circle around the heart. The only reason he's here to offer his help is due to the item I offered as an exchange.
The mages that came with the Archmage exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of contemplation, fear and determination. Their abilities held the potential to be our greatest weapon against an enemy we barely understood.
General Orlan's voice held a note of caution. "However, the illusion must be convincing, matching the behavior patterns of the chimera. It's a risk."
The mages nodded in agreement, their eyes alight with the challenge before them. The room was filled with the hum of strategizing minds, each general contributing to the formation of a plan and the location to set the trap formation that relied on the convergence of skills and ingenuity.
"Our archers and scouts shall set the stage," I added, my tone measured. "They will create signs of struggle and the scent of blood along the illusionary trail."
" Once they are trapped we will have to destroy their core in a single attack, and for that I would appreciate the corporation of princess Angelis" said Vaelora.
It would be risky for me to leave the command post, but at this rate the risk has to be taken for the gain much greater than the lose.
As the war council drew to a close, a sense of determination pervaded the room. The strategy we had devised was a tapestry woven from our collective strengths – the mages' magic, the archers' precision, and the scouts' knowledge of the terrain. Each general and mages departed, carrying their assignments and the weight of the impending plan. Vaelora didn't stay for much longer either, he left soon after a short exchange.
As I stood alone, the scent of uncertainty still hung in the air. The night outside remained shrouded in darkness, a mirror to the unknown that awaited us. The same darkness that I fear will swallow me if I drop my guard.