Aemon faced Thorne with a serious but determined expression. The failure of the alliance with Lysanthor, instead of discouraging him, gave him new clarity. He realized he could no longer rely on other kingdoms to aid his people. The responsibility for rebuilding lay in his own hands.
— If that's what we must do, Thorne, then there's no time to waste. Aemon's voice was firm, though marked by fatigue. — We'll begin plans to rebuild on our own.
Thorne, who had been observing the young prince intently, smiled with quiet satisfaction, as if he'd been waiting for this very response.
— It's the only path we have left, Aemon, Thorne replied, his voice filled with conviction. — We can't trust in external alliances. Not yet. But the people still believe in you, and that may be our greatest asset.
Aemon nodded, taking a deep breath before speaking again.
— We need a clear plan. Rebuild our defenses, restore the destroyed districts... and give the people hope. They need to see progress. We need food, men willing to fight, and... he hesitated, locking eyes with Thorne, the egg. If it truly exists, it could be the symbol that this land still has a future.
Thorne crossed his arms, thoughtful.
— The egg is key, yes, but we can't place all our bets on it. If it fails, our larger plan cannot crumble. This land needs more than symbols now, Aemon. We need action. Thorne stepped closer to the table, spreading out a series of scrolls and city maps. — We'll start with infrastructure. The districts hardest hit by the battles, especially near the borders, must be reinforced. The people need to see we're committed to rebuilding, not just defending them.
Aemon leaned over the table, studying the maps alongside Thorne. He pointed to a northern region near the old walls.
— Here. His voice was grim. — We need to restore the walls first. Our defenses were compromised, and if we're attacked again, we won't survive. If we strengthen the walls and establish new guard posts, we can protect what's left and show the people we're taking control.
Thorne nodded in agreement.
— Exactly, he affirmed. — Meanwhile, we must organize food supplies. Famine is spreading, and without control, any hope we give the people will quickly fade.
Aemon gazed at the maps, considering the weight of the situation.
— I believe we still have hidden stocks in the southern granaries. We can use those for now, but we'll need to negotiate with merchants for long-term supplies.
Thorne sighed, pointing at the trade routes on the maps.
— Trade routes are compromised. Since the last siege, merchants fear instability and avoid us. But perhaps, if we can rebuild the defenses and show progress, we might convince a few to return.
Aemon studied the map one more time before looking up at Thorne, his face still serious but now alight with determination.
— I failed in Lysanthor, Thorne, but I won't fail our people. Start organizing the men we have left and find those willing to rebuild the walls. He paused. — And when the time is right, we'll deal with the egg.
Thorne nodded, satisfied with Aemon's resolve.
— We'll begin immediately, he replied. — But remember, young prince: rebuilding won't be easy, nor quick. We'll need every resource, every ounce of will, and... sometimes, hard decisions.
Aemon knew Thorne was right. The path ahead would be harsh, but he was prepared. His people wouldn't fall while he still drew breath and had the will to fight.
As Thorne started organizing the plan, Aemon felt a small flicker of hope ignite within him. It wasn't much, but it was enough. Enough to begin the long journey to bring their home back from the ashes.
— We will save this kingdom, Thorne, Aemon murmured, more to himself than to the advisor.
And with that, they began to trace the path that would slowly, painfully, return their land to its former glory.
In a dark and imposing room, surrounded by tapestries narrating the past glories of the Dominions, the leaders of Lysanthor, Tarath, Faelorn, and Elowen gathered. Reynar, the king of Lysanthor, sat at the head of the table, his expression serious.
— I thank you all for being here, King Reynar said, his firm voice echoing off the walls. — We have convened this meeting for a matter of great importance. What has recently happened in Volcrist cannot be ignored.
King Aelric of Tarath crossed his arms, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.
— And where is Cedric, the great king of Volcrist? Has he forgotten that he cannot ignore what happens around him? King Aelric said, disdain dripping from his words.
Murmurs of laughter spread through the room. King Reynar, unshaken, continued:
— Cedric is absent because today's discussion is not about him, but rather about his nephew, Aemon. He was in Lysanthor recently seeking an alliance, but his attempts were thwarted by me.
— And what does that have to do with us? Queen Isolde of Elowen asked, a skeptical look on her face. — Volcrist is in ruins, and Aemon is merely prolonging the agony of his dominion.
— What Aemon has brought, however, could change everything, King Reynar said, pausing dramatically. He glanced around, noticing the growing anticipation among those present. — He claims to possess a dragon egg.
A heavy silence followed the revelation, and all eyes turned to King Reynar in disbelief.
— A dragon egg? King Alden of Faelorn repeated, breaking the silence. He wore a neutral expression, but his eyes betrayed his curiosity. — For years, we believed these creatures had vanished forever. It would be unwise to dismiss such a claim without investigation.
— A dragon? King Aelric said, laughing, his voice ringing through the hall. — What can Aemon offer besides delusions? He is merely trying to draw attention to his lost cause.
Reynar, maintaining his calm, responded:
— However, if this is true, the implications could be enormous. A dragon signifies power, and this could not only save Volcrist but also alter the balance of power among the Dominions.
The kings and queens exchanged glances, each pondering the possibilities that Aemon's claim might represent. The room was steeped in a mix of disbelief and anticipation.
— And what if it is true? King Alden asked, his voice firm. — We need to proceed with caution. If Aemon truly possesses a dragon egg, we must investigate. If it proves to be real, perhaps it's time to reconsider how we engage with Volcrist.
Reynar nodded, aware that the situation could easily spiral out of control.
— Therefore, we should send spies to Volcrist to verify Aemon's story and explore the possibility of an alliance. A dragon is a force that none of us can afford to ignore.