The king's face, usually stern and compose, is now etched with lines of deep contemplation. There was no room for hesitation or error. The kingdom's survival depends on swift and decisive action.
King Ragnar silences the room. The chattering ceases immediately as all eyes turns towards him, awaiting his command. "We cannot delay," he announced, his voice resonant and commanding.
"Two scabbard regiments will be dispatched to the southern wall at once. Their mission is to repair the breach and fortify our defenses," I give you full command of our forces Galland. The latter drums his fist on his chest in a swift motion and assumes full military stance as a sign that he accepts the mission.
He turned his gaze to Galland, whose presence in the throne room had already commanded respect and attention. "Galland," the king continued, "you will lead this mission. Your expertise and courage are needed now more than ever. Ensure that the wall is repaired and that our defenses are impregnable before winter arrives."
Galland, meets the king's gaze with his usual calm and resolute demeanor. "It will be done, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice steady and unwavering. The determination in his eyes mirrored the urgency of the king's command.
King Ragnar's orders set the room into a flurry of organized activity. Officers began to mobilize, preparing their men for the urgent mission ahead. The king, though still deep in thought, knew that this was only the beginning. The red star's imminent arrival and the subsequent darkness it would bring were challenges that demanded not just military strength, but strategic brilliance and unyielding resolve.
As the preparations commence, the king remains on his throne, his mind now shifting to the many facets of the defense strategy they would need to employ. The breach is but a symptom of a greater threat, and the Culling would test us like never before.
As the mission was set into motion, Galland brings forward a matter of grave importance. He recounts his recent encounter with Uruk, the shapeshifter who had abducted me. "Your Majesty," says Galland, "when I faced Uruk one of night king's lieutenants, he spoke of the Order of the White Star. I seek clarity on this matter, for it may have significant implications regarding the Gatekeeper."
A ripple of confusion spreads through the court. The name "Order of the White Star" is unfamiliar to most, buried deep in the annals of forgotten history. All eyes turn to Amira, the elven princess, whose beauty was matched only by her wisdom and knowledge of ancient lore. She steps gracefully forward, her presence commanding immediate attention.
"The Order of the White Star," Amira begins, her voice melodious and clear, "is an ancient order, long forgotten and erased from most records. It is said to have failed the last Gatekeeper, Tarik, and since then, it has vanished into obscurity." Her eyes, a deep, shimmering green, scans the room, ensuring that the weight of her words was fully understood.
"The order was composed of the best representatives from the five great races: elves, mortals, dwarves, mages, and the now believed-to-be-extinct giants," she continues. "Its purpose was to protect and aid the Gatekeeper, the one chosen to stand against the forces of darkness. Their failure to protect Tarik led to their dissolution and erasure from history."
A murmur of astonishment passed through the mob. The revelation was profound, shedding new light on the ancient, almost mythic, struggles against the Dark King a century ago.
Amira's expression grows resolute as she turns to King Ragnar. "Your Majesty, I propose that the Order of the White Star be reborn. The Zodiac Prince's life will surely be targeted by the forces of the Dark King, especially now that we are on the brink of the Culling. Reestablishing this order would provide him with the protection and support he needs while he learns to master the power of the great spirits."
The king listens intently. The room is silent, the air thick. Menelaus, the current leader of the mages finally speaks, his voice steady and filled with determination. "Princess Amira's proposal has great merit. The rebirth of the Order of the White Star is a must most especially now that the zodiac prince is almost defenseless."
"The risk of losing the Zodiac Prince to the Dark King is a compromise we cannot afford," the king declares, his eyes sweeping over the gathered assembly and then to where I stood. "The safety of our kingdom and the future of our world hinge on his protection. Thus, I command the immediate reestablishment of the Order of the White Star."
His gaze settled on Amira, the wise and beautiful elven princess, to Menelaus the mage, and then to Zenki the stout dwarf leader. "Amira," he continues, "your insight and wisdom have been invaluable. I appoint you to lead this endeavor together with Menelaus and Zenki." Menelaus, your vast knowledge of the ancient mystical arts shall mold the zodiac prince and prepare him for what's to come. Finally, his eyes found Zenki, the brave and formidable leader of the dwarves. Known for his strategic brilliance and indomitable spirit, Zenki stepped forward, ready to accept the responsibility. "Zenki, your people are unmatched in their craftsmanship and strength. I entrust you to bring your expertise to this effort prepare the best weapons that has ever been made or that has never been made and equip the members of the order with it for they deserve nothing but the best we can offer to aid them in their impending quest."
With his key leaders assembled, King Ragnar issued his directive. "You are to formulate the reestablishment of the Order of the White Star with haste. Gather the necessary resources and identify the finest representatives from the five great races: the best mage, warrior, archer, healers of the land. These individuals will be designated to protect and aid the Gatekeeper in his crucial role to fight the dark king."
Amira spoke first, her voice calm and authoritative. "We will seek out the finest representatives from the elves, mortals, dwarves, mages, and giants, if any still remain. Each must be chosen not only for their skill but for their loyalty and purity of heart to stand against the darkness."
Menelaus nodded; his expression resolute. "I will begin the search among the mages and ensure that those selected are prepared for the challenges ahead."
Zenki added, "The dwarves shall heed your command my king. Our forges will burn day and night to equip the order with the finest weapons and armor known to men."
King Ragnar watched his appointed leaders with a mix of hope and urgency. "What is your name, Gatekeeper?" Ragnar speak to me. "Erik Lionheart your grace, son of Dondarion Lionheart," he seems taken aback when I mentioned my father's name but composed himself as he addressed his appointed leaders and the assembly once more, "Go now, and may the light of the stars guide you in this endeavor. The fate of Ganduana rests in your hands, as your king I command you all to push forward and succeed at all costs."
With the plans set in motion, I braced myself for the trials to come. Under the guidance of Amira, Galland, and Zenki, the Order of the White Star would rise again, and I must be ready to show them that the zodiac prince is not a coward and a crybaby.