King Thorian and Alaric moved silently through the hidden passage, emerging into the grand halls of the palace. The regal symbols of Alanor adorned the walls, lending an air of solemnity to their journey. They moved in quiet contemplation until they reached the king's private strategy room. The room, dominated by a large table, was strewn with maps, reports, and documents detailing the latest intelligence on Galdor and the excavations at Ashvathaa.
Thorian approached the table, his eyes scanning the maps that depicted the known regions of Ashvathaa. His gaze then shifted to Alaric, who stood deep in thought, eyes fixed on the ancient scripts and diagrams spread before them.
"We must devise a plan that Galdor will never anticipate," Thorian began, breaking the silence. "One that leverages our strengths and exploits their vulnerabilities. If we strike prematurely, we risk everything. But if we delay..."
"They could fortify Ashvathaa beyond our reach," Alaric agreed, nodding. "We need a distraction, a way to divert their attention while we secure the most vital parts of the city. It must be subtle, something that won't reveal our true intentions too soon."
Thorian nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities.
As the evening progressed, Samuel brought promising news from Pita before departing to pursue Reaal. Queen Sumalin had accepted the terms of the alliance, and her daughter, Princess Maria, would personally lead the Pita delegation. This development brought Thorian a measure of relief, as Maria's reputation for magical prowess and diplomatic skill preceded her.
Thorian allowed himself a small smile as he read the missive. The pieces were falling into place, yet much work remained.
Late that night, Samuel returned to the palace, weary but triumphant. He handed over the signed documents from Reaal, confirming their participation in the alliance. The terms had been agreed upon, and the mages from Reaal and Pita would arrive at the designated location before dawn.
"We did it, Your Majesty," Samuel said, his voice tinged with exhaustion and satisfaction.
Thorian nodded, his respect for his uncle deepening. "Well done, Samuel. Now, we must prepare for their arrival."
Before dawn, the mages from all three kingdoms convened at a secluded location in Elmsworth. The area had been carefully chosen to allow for the unimpeded use of magic, free from the barriers that normally shielded the capital city. Samuel had provided the coordinates, ensuring each delegation arrived without incident.
In a secluded building at the city's edge, 21 mages gathered, each of royal lineage, representing the magical might of their respective kingdoms. Their leaders, Princess Maria of Pita and Grand Duke Sebastian of Reaal, entered the main chamber where King Thorian awaited them.
The atmosphere in the room was tense as the leaders of the three kingdoms met to discuss the final terms of their alliance. Thorian, flanked by Samuel and his advisors, welcomed the representatives with formal pleasantries, yet the underlying tension was palpable.
Princess Maria, young and ambitious, carried herself with an air of confidence that belied her years. Grand Duke Sebastian, in contrast, was a seasoned diplomat, his age granting him a certain gravitas that commanded respect.
The discussion quickly turned to the division of the spoils. The knowledge and power Ashvathaa held were unprecedented, and each kingdom wanted to ensure they received their due share.
Thorian initiated the conversation with a metaphor, "We are about to partake in a grand feast. But we must decide who receives the first serving."
Maria, with a smile as sharp as her wit, responded, "If the meal is to be divided, let it be known that Pita has always favored the spices, for it is in those that we find the most nourishment."
Sebastian, his voice a deep rumble, countered, "And Reaal has always had a taste for the tangible, the meat of the meal. That should be our first portion."
Thorian listened intently, his mind working through their demands. "And what of the host?" he asked, his tone measured. "The table may be set, but it is in our home that this feast takes place. We know the terrains and the area around Fort Bluehaven like our backyard. Should we not keep the keys to the larder?"
The debate grew more heated as each side argued for their priorities. Maria and Sebastian were determined to secure the best possible terms for their kingdoms, and Thorian had to navigate the negotiations with skill to avoid alienating either party.
After hours of intense negotiation, an agreement was finally reached. The spoils of Ashvathaa would be divided equally, but with specific priorities: Reaal would have first dibs on the artifacts, Pita on the grimoires, and Alanor would retain control of the city for the first three years. Afterward, ownership would rotate among the three kingdoms.
As the leaders sealed their agreement with a formal exchange of documents, Thorian couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The alliance was fragile, but it was the best chance they had to secure the power of Ashvathaa and protect Alanor's future.