Karn watched as the throng began to thin, the general's troops guiding the civilians away with efficiency and care. Their coordinated movements and discipline reflected the gravity of the situation. He could hear the low murmur of conversations and the occasional child's cry as families were escorted to safety.
As representatives from the other races awaited guidance on their next steps, Karn's gaze shifted to the Darkling’s. He attempted to gauge their numbers, but the sea of corrupted beings seemed endless. Doubt crept into his heart; he was uncertain if he had the strength to transform even one more, let alone the vast multitude before him.
Charles placed a hand on Karn’s shoulder sensing his unease. “You right mate?”
Karn gave a slight shrug. “Just got a lot on my mind.”
Charles glanced around at the bustling scene, nodding understandingly. "Given all this," he motioned to their surroundings, "I'd be more concerned if you were taking it all in stride."
Karn let out a soft humourless chuckle.
Just then, Hope moved closer, placing her hand reassuringly on his arm. "You're doing wonders," she murmured.
Ralina laughed to herself. “See I told you were a magic man.”
Karn managed to break a smile.
As the last of the crowd dispersed, Lord Amber approached, his footsteps firm against the stone pavement. The expression on his face was serious, his voice conveying a sense of urgency that Karn had rarely seen. "We've managed to secure accommodations for the Felren and Kraven in the Golden District. It's not luxurious by any means; the place is rather dilapidated. But I'm afraid we can't waste any more time on amenities," he said.
Karn followed Lord Amber's gaze to the man standing beside him. The stranger had deep-set eyes shadowed by fatigue, his clothes rumpled and stained. He had the look of someone who had endured a long journey without rest.
"This is Lord Marcus Barden," Lord Amber introduced, gesturing to the weary-looking man. "He has travelled far to be here, and the news he brings is of utmost importance."
Karn extended a hand in greeting, noting the firm grip of Lord Marcus despite his haggard appearance.
Without any further ado, Lord Amber motioned for them to follow. "We need to convene immediately at the Sovereign Chambers," he declared. “It’s a grand building that once housed the late Duke and Duchess's political discourses.” He added after seeing the questioning glances from Karn and his friends.
Lord Amber continued, "Inside the Sovereign Chambers, we can speak freely. I've ordered guards to be stationed at every entrance to ensure our discussions remain confidential."
Karn and the others quickened their pace, matching Lord Amber's stride. The rapid call to assembly had caught many off guard. As they entered the opulent halls of the Sovereign Chambers, the vastness of the room and the weight of the decisions made within its walls were crucial to the lands survival. Gilded paintings, ornate chandeliers, and polished marble floors reflected the grandeur of a bygone era. The opulence of the chamber stood in stark contrast to the unfortunate era of corruption that had not brought prosperity to the land beyond.
Yet for all its splendour, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The hurriedly elected council members and advisors, though bewildered, understood the gravity of their sudden summons. They exchanged glances, whispering amongst themselves, sensing that what lay ahead would be a turning point in their realm's destiny.
Maze extended a hand from the crowd and waved. He was standing with the Master of the University, currently in deep discussion of his own with what looked like their own set of troubles.
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Karn sighed. This was all going to be a lot of work.
Lord Marcus Barden, standing at the forefront, cleared his throat. Under Lord Amber's nod of approval, he began to recount his harrowing tale. "Honoured council members, we face a grave threat from the south, unlike any we have ever encountered."
The room was silent, save for the flickering torches lining the chamber.
"The Swine, creatures we once dismissed as mere vermin, have grown in both strength and number. They've matured, weaponized, and now, they thirst for conquest," Lord Marcus explained. As he spoke, the weight of his experiences visible on his features.
Charles leaned into whisper to Karn, "That’s why he looks so haggard. The poor bastard's been climbing mountains for months."
Marcus resumed, his voice bearing the weight of his experience, "Navigating the treacherous mountain pass, my men and I managed to intercept the Swine. We succeeded in stalling their advance, but it came at a considerable price. These beasts are more cunning than we initially presumed."
A murmur spread through the crowd as Marcus added, "In our efforts, we formed an temporary alliance with the Wolvegren."
Whispers filled the room, for tales of the elusive Wolvegren were seldom spoken and their cooperation was even rarer.
Marcus emphasized, "Without the Wolvegren's help, Brancourt would already be in the hands of the Swine."
He took a moment, allowing the significance of his words to settle among the listeners. "The Swine rerouted the river beneath the mountains, intending to exploit its channels for a covert attack on our lands. Their strategy was clear: surprise us and hit us where we'd least expect."
Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire through the council chamber. Many exchanged uneasy glances.
Lord Marcus added, "Thanks to our combined efforts with Lord Amber's forces, we've halted them for now. But these beasts are persistent. They'll find another path across the mountains. When they do, they'll descend upon our city with the full force of their numbers."
The room was thick with tension. As Marcus’s words reverberated through the hall, Karn felt a tightening grip around his heart. His mission, already daunting, now seemed to have a ticking clock attached. He had to act, and fast.
He knew what needed to be done, but will these people understand?
And now, the urgency of the situation was now far more immediate than he'd imagined. The stakes were higher, and time was slipping away.
As soon as the crowds’ murmurs lowered a notch, Theodoric stepped onto the stage. As he began to speak, his deep voice commanded the attention of every person in the room.
"While we rightfully worry about the imminent threat of the Swine," he began, drawing a white book from his side, "we face a different danger. One less visible but equally perilous."
He opened the book, showing the assembly its pages. Once pristine white, many of them were now marred with black splotches. "Our books, which we've guarded with our lives, hoping to harness their power for the good of our city and its people, have been targeted. The masters have done their best to oversee these precious relics, but despite our efforts, they were attacked, and darkness has found its way in. I fear whoever attacked the university, intends to corrupt these books, just as they corrupted our citizens."
Whispers spread amongst the gathered council, the gravity of Theodoric's revelation taking a moment to sink in. While the news about the Swine was dire, the books were a tangible symbol of hope for many. And now, that hope was under threat.
Karn felt a cold rush of anxiety. He knew better than anyone the significance of the Book of the Known. It was not just his escape route; it was a lifeline for all of them. And now, someone or something was trying to sever that connection.
Valon, a trusted ally, caught Karn's intense gaze. Before he could speak, Karn asked him, "Have your people been monitoring the crystal in Branside?"
Valon nodded affirmatively.
"Do you sense any corruption near it?" Karn continued, a hint of desperation in his voice.
Valon shook his head, his face expressionless.
Karn's mind raced, connecting dots as he tried to decipher this puzzle. The crystal had always been seen as the heart of the land, its very life source. But could it also be a shield against the spreading darkness? There was only one way to find out.
Facing Theodoric, Karn inquired, "Has any of the books turned entirely black?"
Theodoric let out a weary sigh, nodding slowly. "Yes, one has."
Karn's eyes lit up with a spark of hope, an idea forming. He turned to Valon; his voice filled with determination. "Could one of your men do something for me?"
The entire assembly looked on with bated breath as Karn continued, "I need your swiftest messengers to take this fully corrupted book to the crystal. I want to know its effects on the tainted."
The room filled with a mixture of hope and tension, everyone awaiting Valon's response.
“I'll do it personally.”