Chapter 12: Preparations for the Storm
The news of the alliance with Marelen spread throughout the region like wildfire in dry grass. The villages, which until then had lived under the shadow of uncertainty, began to awaken with renewed hope. However, Darian knew that victory in the Trial of Echoes was only the first step. The real challenge was yet to come, and they needed to be ready.
The afternoon after their return, Darian convened a meeting in the fortress's strategy room. The place, illuminated by torches and decorated with maps of the region, was packed with soldiers, scouts, and local leaders, all murmuring in a sea of nervous voices. Elara, standing by his side, kept a watchful eye, while Arandor, in his usual style, played with a small knife—tossing it and catching it with agility.
"Listen up, everyone," Darian began, slamming his fist on the wooden table to capture attention. "Marelen has decided to join our cause, which gives us a significant advantage, but our enemies won't just sit by with their arms folded."
An old man with a gray beard, one of the local leaders, raised his voice. "And what assures us that Marelen's help will be enough? The Legion of Shadows has devastated entire kingdoms."
Silence fell over the room, heavy and oppressive. Darian took a deep breath, feeling the pressure in every fiber of his being. "It won't be enough if we just wait. We must prepare and take the initiative. Marelen has provided us with a map that reveals the Legion's movements and the hidden fortresses they plan to use as bases."
Elara, who had been observing, stepped forward and pointed to one of the positions on the map. "Here, in the Ruins of Korland, there have been reports of Legion scouts. If we capture that fortress, not only will we cut off their supply route, but we'll also send a clear message: we will yield no more ground."
Arandor nodded, a smile spreading across his face that showed both his enthusiasm and impatience for action. "Finally, some movement. I'm tired of endless meetings and staring at maps."
Nervous laughter spread throughout the room. Although the tension was still present, the spark of hope was beginning to ignite once again.
"This is more than just an attack," Darian continued. "We need to coordinate our scouting teams, strengthen our defenses, and prepare our troops with the new strategies that Marelen will teach us. The echoes from the sanctuary have shown us that the true battle is as much internal as it is external."
A young soldier at the back raised his hand. "What if we face more than just ordinary soldiers? They say the Legion is led by a dark sorcerer capable of summoning nightmare creatures."
Elara and Darian exchanged a quick glance. It wasn't a baseless rumor; they knew the leader of the Legion—a dark mage named Veldrath—whose cruelty and power were unmatched.
"That's why it's crucial for all of you to prepare not only for war but also for the unknown," explained Elara. "Marelen has promised us masters in the arts of spiritual and magical defense. Each of you will have to learn the basics to protect yourselves and each other."
The room filled with murmurs again, this time more focused and less fearful. Arandor's enthusiasm became contagious. "That means even I can throw fireballs like Elara!" he said, earning a sarcastic look from the mage.
"More like you'll learn not to burn your eyebrows off with a stray spark," she replied, drawing some laughter and easing the tension a bit.
Darian allowed himself a small smile. No matter how grim the situation, those little jokes and moments of camaraderie were what kept the group united. He knew that the true strength of their alliance wasn't just in spells or strategy—it was in the bond that grew from their unity.
"Then, prepare yourselves. Tomorrow at dawn, we begin training. Arandor, you'll lead the archers in ambush tactics. Elara, you and the Marelen mages will teach the soldiers about magical defenses. I'll take charge of our advance strategies," Darian ordered.
The leaders and soldiers nodded, and the room began to empty as orders were passed along. When only the three of them remained, Arandor looked at Darian and Elara. "Are you ready for this? Because once we start, there's no turning back."
Elara took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the map. "We've been ready since we crossed the first threshold. This is our story, and we're going to write it with every step we take."
Darian, without losing his serious tone, added, "And if that includes a beer after the victory, I won't object."
Arandor burst into laughter and headed for the door. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear."
As night fell over the fortress, the echoes of laughter and the sound of preparations heralded that the real storm was on its way. And this time, they were ready to face it together.