A hushed murmur rippled through the room, the council members exchanging glances and weighing the implications of the High Priest's proposition. Aurelius could feel the weight of their collective gaze upon him, his mind racing as he pondered the pros and cons of the task before him.
On the one hand, as Aurelius looked at the High Priest, he couldn’t help but feel as if this entire proposition was an elaborate ploy to get Aurelius far away from the capital city. Yet, even if that was the case, Aurelius couldn’t ignore the facts that had been presented before him. Whether he liked it or not, there was a city and an army at risk, one that would potentially need his help.
Furthermore, Aurelius knew that the city of Alerial held a strategic position that would impact the safety of the entire continent. If it fell to Maledrakor's forces, it would create a dangerous breach in their defenses, leaving other cities vulnerable to attack.
Aurelius locked eyes with the High Priest, his voice unwavering as he readied his response. But before his words could find their way, an interjecting voice sliced through the tension.
"High Priest, surely not!" The interruption emanated from a different corner of the table.
Aurelius shifted his gaze toward the source, recognizing the robes that indicated another priest. As every eye around the table pivoted in unison, the figure seemed to grow a bit self-conscious.
“Ahem.. I beg your pardon for intruding, and I mean absolutely no disrespect. However, I can't help but think it would border on recklessness to plunge the Chosen into yet another life-threatening ordeal so soon after his arrival! Maybe we should first train him and let our people get to know him. We all know how important a Chosen is to our society," the priest suggested.
"I understand that, but our people are already in a critical situation. If we let Alerial face danger and, worst-case scenario, the city gets captured, the consequences for the whole continent would be catastrophic," said another voice, this time coming from a noble dressed in fancy clothes.
A moment later, a flurry of voices erupted around the table, each participant eager to voice their perspective.
Caught in the whirlwind of conflicting opinions, the room descended into a chaotic noise of arguments, fervent pleas, and heated exchanges. Aurelius took in the various viewpoints, his mind racing as he attempted to piece together the wisdom within the cacophony.
He understood the concerns of the priest who had spoken up against the proposal. Sending him into the heart of danger so soon after his arrival might indeed be seen as reckless. On the other hand, he recognized the urgency of the situation. Every moment they spent deliberating was a moment that Maledrakor's forces could use to their advantage.
High Priest Lorendil raised his hand, his gesture commanding silence. Gradually, the room quieted, and the council members turned their attention back to him. His gaze shifted between the various members of the council, his expression contemplative.
"Thank you for your input," High Priest Lorendil began, his voice commanding attention and hinting a bit of annoyance. "These are indeed valid points that warrant consideration. The safety of our Chosen is of utmost importance, and we must ensure that any decision we make aligns with his well-being and the greater good."
Lorendil's gaze shifted back to Aurelius, his eyes holding a measured intensity. "Chosen Aurelius, I understand the weight of this task and the potential risks it entails. However, it is only fair that we give you the chance to voice your opinion on this matter."
Aurelius sat there, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He had only just arrived at the council chamber, and now he found himself at the center of a heated debate about his next course of action. He appreciated the fact that the council was seeking his input, recognizing his agency in this decision, but he also felt the weight of the impending choice.
Taking a deep breath, Aurelius composed himself and met High Priest Lorendil's gaze directly.
"I appreciate the consideration and the trust you place in me," Aurelius began, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within him. "While I am new to this role and the intricacies of this council, I am not oblivious to the urgency of the situation. The threat posed by Maledrakor's forces is real — I have seen it before my very eyes."
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He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "I understand the concerns raised about my safety and the need for proper training. However, I believe that sometimes, circumstances demand that we rise to the challenge before us, even if it comes sooner than we might have expected."
Aurelius' words hung in the air, and he could feel the room's collective attention on him. He met the eyes of the various council members, each with their own opinions and perspectives.
He paused for a moment, his mind racing as he organized his thoughts. "I agree, however, that if I were to go, we should send a group of skilled individuals with me, in hopes of mitigating some of the risks of sending me alone."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, some council members nodding in acknowledgment of the sensible suggestion. High Priest Lorendil's expression remained unreadable, his gaze locked onto Aurelius as if trying to discern the depths of his resolve.
"You raise a valid point, Chosen Aurelius," Lorendil finally responded. "Sending you accompanied by a skilled group could indeed provide a more balanced approach. Are there any individuals that you have in mind?” Lorendil said, his eyes briefly flickering to the headmaster.
Aurelius considered the question for a moment, his thoughts quickly assessing the various individuals he had encountered since his arrival in the city. Among those he had met, two names stood out as potential candidates for such an important task.
"Definitely the headmaster," Aurelius began, pointing towards the figure, "and instructor Donovan." The headmaster was crucial for obvious reasons; his skill in shadow mastery had proven invaluable in the last battle. Without his help, Aurelius was certain he wouldn't be here right now.
On the other hand, Instructor Donovan was one of the best swordsmen Aurelius had ever seen, despite him being a mundane. Even though Aurelius disliked the tough training Donovan had put him through, he couldn't help but admire the man's incredible work ethic. When the instructor set out to accomplish something, he made sure it happened. Plus, Instructor Donovan’s obvious experience with the sword might come in handy when the time came.
High Priest Lorendil nodded in acknowledgment of Aurelius' suggestions. "Very well, Chosen Aurelius. Your proposal to be accompanied by the headmaster and this Instructor Donovan seems reasonable. We shall take your recommendation into account. We will also consider sending an elite force with you."
The room seemed to collectively breathe a sigh of relief, as the tension that had been building began to ease. Council members exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement with the decision, while others leaned back in their seats, appearing to accept the compromise.
"However," High Priest Lorendil continued, his tone serious, "we must also acknowledge the complexity of the situation. Time is of the essence, and swift action is imperative. If the city is indeed facing an imminent attack, we must prepare for your departure immediately. And by that, I mean departing today."
Aurelius nodded in agreement, his mind already racing ahead to the preparations that needed to be made. He understood that every moment counted, and the sooner they could set their plan into motion, the better their chances of making a difference.
"In the meantime," High Priest Lorendil said, his gaze shifting toward the headmaster, "I will consult with both to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made."
The headmaster inclined his head in acknowledgment.
"Chosen Aurelius," the High Priest addressed him directly once more, "I appreciate your willingness to undertake this mission, and I commend your dedication to our people.”
Aurelius nodded, his expression determined. "Thank you, High Priest Lorendil."
The High Priest nodded in return, turning to the rest of the council. “Following this decision, the council is adjourned.”
With that, the council chamber began to disperse, the council members gradually leaving their seats and engaging in hushed conversations as they exited the room.
Aurelius also got up, exiting the room with the headmaster following beside him. Once Aurelius left the chamber, he turned towards the headmaster, an expectant look on his face.
“Sorry to put you on the spot there. You or Instructor Donovan don’t have to come along with me on this journey if you don’t want to,” Aurelius said earnestly.
The headmaster regarded Aurelius with a small, knowing smile. "I don’t think you should face this threat alone and I think it’s about time these old bones go on another adventure. Besides, I have a feeling my expertise might prove invaluable in the coming days."
Aurelius nodded, smiling at the headmaster's words. The two of them began to walk down the corridor, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.
"However," the headmaster continued, his tone becoming more serious, "we have to hurry. We have a lot to prepare and very little time. I will gather the necessary supplies and inform Instructor Donovan about our mission. In the meantime, you should head back to your quarters and equip yourself appropriately for the journey ahead.”