The journey back to Chalassy was marked by an anxious silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a bird. The tension from the confrontation with Manual and his summoned creatures lingered, and despite their successful escape, the weight of what they had faced—and what they had uncovered—rested heavily on Anu's shoulders.
The squad moved quickly, knowing that every moment spent in enemy territory increased the risk of pursuit. Merna took the lead, guiding them through the dense forest with practiced efficiency. Anu kept a vigilant watch on their surroundings, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger. He couldn't shake the feeling that Manual's words had been more than just an empty threat—that something darker was brewing in Osta's capital.
But for now, their mission was clear: return to Chalassy with the information they had gathered and prepare for what lay ahead.
By the time they reached the outskirts of Chalassy, the sun was high in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor. Anu felt a sense of relief as the familiar walls of the city came into view, their worn stone a symbol of resilience in the face of constant danger.
A sentry spotted them as they approached the gates and signaled the guards to open the entrance. Anu led his squad through the gates, exhaustion catching up to him as the adrenaline from their escape faded.
Waiting just inside the walls was a group of commanders, their expressions a mix of relief and curiosity. Among them was Gareth's replacement, General Tristan, who had taken over the command of the Elephants division after Gareth's betrayal. Tristan was a broad-shouldered man with a grizzled beard and a no-nonsense demeanor. He approached Anu with a nod of acknowledgment.
"General Anu," Tristan greeted, his voice gruff but respectful. "We heard reports of your mission. What's the situation?"
Anu took a deep breath, steadying himself. "We managed to infiltrate Osta's capital and locate the Chamber of Wands," he replied. "But we were confronted by Manual, the wielder of the Wand of Soulkeeper. He was guarding the chamber and summoned spectral warriors to stop us."
Tristan's eyes widened slightly. "You faced him and survived?"
Anu nodded, his expression grim. "We severed his connection to the summoned beings and escaped with crucial information. But Manual isn't done with us. He warned that something bigger is coming."
Tristan's expression hardened, and he glanced at the other commanders. "We need to convene the council immediately," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "If Osta is planning another assault, we need to be ready."
Anu agreed but knew there was more to the mission than preparing for a military strike. The Chamber of Wands held relics and carvings that hinted at the Wands' origins and connection to the gods. He needed to debrief the scholars and strategists to decipher what they had seen.
"Merna, take the squad and get some rest," Anu instructed, his voice carrying a note of authority. "You've earned it."
Merna gave him a measured look, her eyes reflecting concern and trust. "And what about you?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Anu offered her a tired but reassuring smile. "I have to report to the council," he replied. "But I'll rest when it's over."
Merna hesitated momentarily, debating whether to press the issue, but ultimately nodded. "Don't push yourself too hard," she said quietly. We need you in one piece."
Anu watched her lead the squad away, grateful for her unwavering support. He couldn't afford to let his exhaustion show—not when so much was at stake. But Merna's words stayed with him, a reminder that he wasn't alone in this fight.
The council meeting was tense. The commanders and strategists gathered around the large, circular table in the war room. The room was dimly lit, flickering candlelight casting long shadows on the walls as Anu stood at the head of the table.
Tristan began the meeting by providing a summary of the situation. "General Anu and his squad have successfully infiltrated Osta's capital and located the Chamber of Wands," he said, his voice carrying a note of respect. "But their mission wasn't without complications. They encountered one of Osta's most powerful Wand users—Manual, the wielder of the Wand of Soulkeeper."
A murmur of unease rippled through the room. The name "Manual" carried a weight of fear and legend among the soldiers and commanders. Anu could see the tension in their faces, the doubt creeping into their eyes.
"Manual was guarding the chamber," Anu continued, his voice steady despite the exhaustion beneath the surface. "He summoned spectral warriors—beings pulled from the depths of history and myth. But we managed to disrupt his control and escape with critical information."
One of the scholars, a wiry man named Rovan, leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "What did you discover in the chamber?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement and apprehension.
Anu reached into his pouch and pulled out a series of sketches and notes—from hours spent examining the carvings and relics within the chamber. He spread them out on the table, the intricate symbols and depictions catching the candlelight.
"These carvings depict ancient battles and ritual scenes," Anu explained. "But there's more. The symbols on the altar suggest that the Wands were not just weapons—the gods themselves left them behind."
The council members exchanged uneasy glances, the gravity of Anu's words sinking in. The legends of the gods and the Wands had always been shrouded in mystery, but this discovery seemed to confirm the existence of divine intervention in their world.
"What does it mean?" Tristan asked, his voice filled with both curiosity and concern.
Anu took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "The Wands were created by two gods—the God of Light and Chaos," he began. "The Wands of Light were given to humanity to guide and uplift them, to bring out the best. But the Wands of Chaos were left as a test—to see if humanity could resist their darker impulses."
Rovan studied the sketches, his eyes wide with fascination. "A test of humanity's nature," he muttered. "To see if we are worthy of the power we've been given."
Anu nodded, his expression grave. "But it's not just about worthiness. The carvings suggest that the gods believed humanity needed light and chaos to maintain balance. The Wands were left as a free choice—a chance for us to prove ourselves."
One of the other commanders, a seasoned warrior named Aric, spoke up. "So what happens if we fail this test?" he asked, his voice tinged with fear.
Anu didn't have an answer to that question. The implications of their discovery were overwhelming, and he knew that the council needed time to process everything. But he couldn't afford to let them dwell on their fears—not when they had a war to win.
"We can't let Osta gain control of the Chamber of Wands," Anu said, his voice filled with urgency. "If they unlock its secrets, they could tip the balance in their favor—which could spell the end for all of us."
Tristan nodded, his expression grim. "We'll strengthen our defenses and prepare for an assault," he replied. "But we need to be ready for anything. If what you've discovered is true, Osta's Wand users won't stop until they've secured the chamber."
The council members murmured their agreement, their expressions a mix of determination and fear. Anu could see the doubt in their eyes, but he also saw the resolve—the recognition that they had no choice but to face whatever was coming.
After the meeting, Anu made his way to his quarters, his exhaustion catching up to him with every step. He felt the weight of the Wand of Destruction at his side, its dark energy a constant reminder of his power and the responsibilities that came with it.
As he entered his room, he found Merna waiting for him, her expression filled with concern. "You're pushing yourself too hard," she said quietly, her voice carrying a note of worry.
Anu heaved a weary sigh, sinking into a chair by the window. "I don't have a choice," he replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "There's too much at stake."
Merna crossed the room and touched his shoulder, her touch gentle but firm. "You're not alone in this," she reminded him. "We're all in this together."
Anu felt a surge of gratitude at her words, a reminder that he didn't have to carry this burden alone. He nodded, offering her a faint but genuine smile. "Thank you," he said softly.
Merna returned his smile, a small but reassuring gesture. "Get some rest, Anu," she urged. "You'll need it for what's coming."
Anu didn't argue. For once, he allowed himself to let go of the weight on his shoulders, if only for a moment. He closed his eyes, feeling the exhaustion finally catch up to him as sleep began to pull him under.
But even as he drifted off, he couldn't shake the feeling that the war was far from over—and that the actual battle had only just begun.