With Emberclaw's arrival, more reinforcements began trickling into Elanor. Word had spread of the Lost Heir's emergence, and allies from distant lands were answering the call. Warriors, mages, and even forest spirits arrived, each one bearing their own stories of loss and hope. They came with a single purpose: to stand with Aelric against the Shadow King.
As the defenses of Elanor were strengthened, Aelric spent his days training alongside Seraphina and Lyra. His magical abilities continued to grow, and he learned to channel his energy more effectively, creating shields of light and summoning bursts of fire with ease. But for every new skill he mastered, he felt the pressure of the impending battle weigh on him.
One evening, as he was practicing his magic, Seraphina approached him, her face unusually somber. "Aelric, I know you're focused on strengthening your magic, but there's something else you need to understand."
"What is it?" Aelric asked, sensing the gravity in her voice.
"There's more to being a leader than power. Your people need to trust you, to believe in you. And to earn that trust, you must show them that you are willing to fight beside them, to protect them with everything you have."
Aelric nodded slowly, realizing what she meant. He had been so focused on mastering his abilities that he hadn't considered the importance of inspiring the people around him. It wasn't just about his magic, it was about giving the soldiers and citizens a reason to hope.
"I understand," he said, his resolve hardening. "I'll fight alongside them. I won't hide behind magic."
Seraphina's eyes softened. "Good. Because when the time comes, they'll need to see their leader standing strong. You carry the spirit of Eldoria, Aelric. Don't forget that."
Her words resonated within him, and as he continued his training, he made a silent vow to be the leader that Eldoria needed him to be.