Chapter 12: Preparations for the Storm
The news of the alliance with Marelen spread across the region like wildfire through 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 his return, Darian called a meeting in the strategy hall of the fortress. The place, lit 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 gaze, while Arandor, in his usual manner, played with a small knife, tossing and catching it with agility.
"Listen, everyone," Darian began, striking the wooden table to get their attention. "Marelen has decided to join our cause, which gives us a significant advantage, but our enemies will not stand idly by."
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 strongholds they plan to use as bases."
Elara, who had been observing, stepped forward and pointed to one of the positions on the map. "Here, at the Korland Ruins, there have been reports of Legion scouts. If we take that fortress, we will not only cut off their supply route but also send a clear message: we will not yield any more ground."
Arandor nodded, with a smile 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 through the room. Although the tension remained, the spark of hope began to ignite once more.
"It's more than just an attack," Darian continued. "We need to coordinate the scout groups, strengthen our defenses, and train our troops with the new strategies Marelen will teach us. The echoes from the sanctuary have shown us that the true battle is as internal as it is external."
A young soldier at the back raised his hand. "What if we face more than just ordinary soldiers? It's said that the Legion is led by a dark sorcerer capable of summoning nightmare creatures."
Elara and Darian exchanged a quick glance. It was not an unfounded 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 that all of you prepare not only for war but also for the unknown," Elara explained. "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...