"Let's move to a more secure location, shall we?" Samuel suggested, his voice calm but carrying the weight of urgency. Without waiting for a response, Lord Arlyn led the group away from the open courtyard and deeper into the heart of the castle. The heavy stone walls of Fort Arkhaven provided a sense of safety, their ancient fortifications standing as silent guardians of the secrets now shared within.
Lord Arlyn, General Draven, and Scholar Darius followed, their expressions serious as they walked. Loras was dismissed, a nod from Lord Arlyn signaling that his part in this crucial mission was, for now, complete. He bowed respectfully and left the courtyard, the burden of his report now resting on the shoulders of his superiors.
Loras returned to the central grounds, where his unit had gathered. The tension that had gripped them earlier was beginning to fade, replaced by a cautious sense of relief. The members of his group, though weary and bruised, were now awake and eagerly awaiting news.
"Well done, everyone," Loras began, his voice carrying a tone of pride. "We've earned a huge merit for our house. Duke Samuel has promised each of us land, land from the kingdom."
The words hung in the air for a moment, and then the significance of the announcement sank in. Cheers erupted from the group, the knights exchanging excited glances and hearty congratulations. The promise of land was no small reward; in the Kingdom of Alanor, all land was owned by nobles and royals. While knights were technically considered nobles, they were in name only—land ownership was the true key to power and opportunity. Without land, even the wealthiest knight was limited, unable to truly ascend within the noble society. But with this promise, a door had been opened, one that could change their lives forever.
Celebrations broke out among the group as they made their way to the mess hall, eager to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast. The atmosphere was one of triumph, the hardships of the mission momentarily forgotten in the face of such a monumental reward.
But amidst the joy, Kellan remained stoic. He watched as his comrades celebrated, his mind elsewhere. As the crowd subsided and the central ground grew quieter, he approached Loras, his expression serious.
"So, what is it?" Kellan asked quietly. "Was it worth it?"
Loras paused, the weight of the mission's findings still fresh in his mind. He nodded slowly. "Ashvathaa," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The city we found... it's more than we ever imagined. The stories, the legends, they're true. It's a city from the era of Sage. And if we can secure it, it will change everything."
Kellan's eyes narrowed, processing the gravity of Loras's words. The name Ashvathaa resonated with a power that went beyond the promise of land or wealth.
In the dimly lit office of Lord Arlyn, the atmosphere was charged with tension. Scholar Darius, his normally composed demeanor shattered by anxiety, paced the room, his mind racing.
"So you're saying Galdor has the city, and they're already excavating it?" he demanded, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Samuel nodded, his expression grim. "Half-excavated from what I've heard from the men who returned."
Darius clenched his fists, his voice rising with urgency. "God have mercy on us! We need to act now. You understand, Duke, more than anyone, that the city holds too many secrets. If the legends are true, even a basic script from that era is far superior to the best grimoire we have."
Duke Samuel's expression was unreadable, his gaze fixed on the ancient tablet lying on the desk. "I understand, Darius. That's why we need to retake that place. We cannot let it fall into Galdorian hands."