Soon the council would begin, and the excitement in my chest grew with every passing moment. I stood in the spacious chambers that had been provided to me in the palace, gazing out the window. Beyond the lavish walls, the majestic buildings of El-Anner loomed. Everything around seemed so new and unusual: airy staircases gracefully twisting like living beings, and the inhabitants walking majestically through the streets. I felt this atmosphere filling me, both inspiring and overwhelming.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Sienna entered the room. She looked fresh and radiant, despite the trials she had endured. I couldn't help but notice how her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and the excitement and joy sparkled in her eyes.

— Hello, Ellard, — she said with a smile. — Are you ready for the council?

I nodded, trying to hide my awkwardness. We had only recently become allies, and now I was about to introduce myself before her family, before her people. It felt incredibly important, and there was no room for weaknesses.

— I’m ready, — I replied, adjusting my simple yet neat attire. — You mentioned once that I should behave properly?

Sienna giggled; her laughter sounded like music.

— Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do fine. You know how to act like a nobleman. And even if you...

She paused, searching for the right words, and I felt a slight tension in her voice.

— ...even if you look a bit younger than the rest. — Her voice was kind and playful, which lightened the moment.

I couldn’t help but smile. — Well, that’s true. But maybe that will give me some advantage? Perhaps I will surprise everyone with my skills.

She tilted her head, as if weighing my words.

— You know, I never thought about it that way. It might work! — Her smile reminded me of how much I appreciated her support.

We exited the chambers and made our way to the hall where the council was taking place. Inside the palace, there was an atmosphere of anticipation: guards at their posts, elven noble ladies and gentlemen with serious faces. I felt the curious and perhaps distrustful gazes studying me.

As we approached the enormous doors of the hall, Sienna squeezed my hand slightly. I felt the warmth of her palm and looked at her. She appeared determined, as though she were trying to convey her confidence to me.

— Are you ready? — she asked, raising an eyebrow.

— Yes, — I replied, trying to speak confidently. — Ready like never before.

The doors swung open, and we entered the hall. Huge columns and high ceilings adorned with stained glass created a unique atmosphere. I paused for a moment, awestruck by the beauty.

In the center stood a massive table, around which sat the elders and wise elves. They looked at us, and tension hung in the air. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, but I understood that I needed to remain composed.

Sienna stepped forward, her voice ringing loud and clear:

— Esteemed council members, I have returned home, and this is Ellard, my savior!

By the time she uttered those words, I felt the gaze of everyone present examining me with curiosity and skepticism. The eyes of the elder elves sitting at the table seemed piercing, as if they could see into my soul.

I stepped forward, striving to exude confidence.

— I am glad to be here and grateful for the opportunity to meet you, — I spoke, trying to articulate as I had been taught. — I only did my duty, and if it weren't for Sienna, I wouldn't be here.

At that moment, I noticed how one of the elders, clad in luxurious robes, slightly raised an eyebrow, but overall the atmosphere in the hall softened.

Suddenly, the king entered the hall, adorned in magnificent armor that gleamed in the light. He stopped at the center, his face reflecting the power and majesty of a ruler.

— Princess, — he pronounced, his voice sounding authoritative and confident, — we are glad to see you in good health. And you, human...

His gaze fell upon me, and I felt uneasy under his scrutiny.

— ...the savior of our daughter, — he concluded, his voice softening slightly.

I nodded, feeling how his words elevated my significance, yet at the same time, they weighed heavily on me.

He began to speak about the situation with the slavers, his face contorting with rage as he accused humans of being involved in this terrible matter.

— This race has left us no choice again! — he roared, and I noticed his fist clenching. — We must punish them for what they have done to our daughter!

At that moment, I couldn't hold back and spoke up:

— But, Your Majesty, not all humans are like that. I am human myself, and I only wanted to save Sienna. There’s no need to punish everyone for the mistakes of a few.

A hush fell over the hall, and I felt all eyes turn back to me. The king froze, his face turning to stone, and then, as if contemplating my words, he slightly relaxed his fist and nodded.

— You are right, — he said slowly. — We cannot condemn everyone for the actions of a few.

Suddenly, an elven general approached the king, clad in armor that indicated his military rank, with a piercing gaze.

— I am glad the princess has returned, — he said, slightly bowing his head. — But...

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His attention shifted to me.

— You save her, but what are your true intentions? — his voice cut like a sword. — I cannot allow anyone to use the princess for their own purposes.

I stared at him, not knowing what to say.

Gathering my thoughts, I sensed that now was the time. I lifted my head and replied:

— I seek no gain; I only wanted to protect her when the slavers attacked. I know it may seem foolish, but I am confident that I can prove it.

The general regarded me with suspicion and then said:

— If you truly wish to prove your worth, I propose a fight. Let your actions speak for you.

The crowd stirred, and although I felt fear creeping in, I realized this was the only way to demonstrate my loyalty.

— Very well, — I said, and a murmur spread through the hall. — I am ready.

We stepped out onto the training yard. I felt the tension rising. The general, Calebrin, took a sword in hand, his movements confident and precise. I braced myself, feeling the adrenaline surging inside me.

As the fight began, I saw him attack swiftly, his movements like the wind—fast and lethal. I dodged, barely avoiding the strikes, yet each time his strength forced me to retreat. I knew I couldn’t let him win.

I put all my energy into the attacks, trying to strike back. But with each moment, I felt my body failing me; this childish form couldn’t fully harness my inner potential.

Calebrin, the general of the royal army and the king's brother, stood before me with unwavering confidence. His movements were quick and deadly, like the wind. He attacked with a force that was hard for me to predict—each of his moves was perfectly calculated and executed. I barely managed to evade, feeling how each of his actions compelled me to back down.

I poured every ounce of strength I had into each strike, attempting to counterattack. But my body betrayed me—this childish form, with its limitations, prevented me from fully expressing myself. Inside me lay a warrior, but I felt I couldn't fully utilize my capabilities.

Each movement became increasingly strenuous, and I sensed my strength waning. Fighting against

a warrior as experienced as Eltaran in the body of a child was akin to trying to climb a cliff with bare hands. But I had no intention of giving up.

The general feinted to the right, and I fell for the trick, raising my sword to block the strike. Suddenly, he changed direction, and before I could react, Eltaran was behind me. I felt a light tap in my side, signaling that if this had been a real battle, he could have ended it with a single move.

— You are holding up well, — he said, and I caught respect in his voice, — but you cannot use your strength as you could. Stubbornness will not save you.

Grinding my teeth, I stepped back, trying to catch my breath and gather myself. His words stung, but I understood: he was right. I lacked the physical strength and endurance to hold my ground in the fight.

Calebrin dodged with confidence, each of his movements executed with strength and grace. It was clear to me that he surpassed me not only in physical capabilities but also in experience and skill. Suddenly, he feinted to the right, and I instinctively raised my sword in defense. But Calebrin, changing trajectory, found himself behind me and lightly but firmly touched my side.

— You are tenacious, Ellard, — he said, and I detected respect in his voice. — But for now, your strength lies more in determination than in physical power.

I composed myself and took a deep breath. His words stung, but I understood their truth. In this child’s body, I lacked the endurance to hold my ground in a fair fight. Yet, despite this, I was not ready to give up.

“No. I must show what I am capable of, at least to prove to myself that I can handle this,” — I thought, feeling something ignite within me. It was determination, that spark awakened during the battle with the slavers. Perhaps it was the mark on my shoulder, reminding me of the ancient power that had been granted to me. A strange sensation of strength enveloped me, and I allowed my instincts to take over.

I charged into the attack, directing my strikes with maximum speed, evading Calebrin's thrusts. For a moment, his eyes sparkled when he realized that I was now a more formidable opponent. My movements grew quicker; I acted on instinct, as if compensating for a lack of physical strength with desperate determination and precision.

Calebrin took a step back, his eyes narrowing as he carefully observed my every move. But sadly, even this suddenly awakened power quickly waned. Feeling my strength leaving me, I slowed down, giving Calebrin an opportunity. He delivered a decisive strike, forcing me to retreat, and then with a swift motion, he knocked the sword from my hand.

Frozen and panting heavily, I looked at him, feeling disappointment in myself. However, Calebrin smiled and bowed to me.

— You have fire within you, young man, — he said. — Your body limits you, but your spirit... it is worthy of a warrior.

After the duel, Kalebrin suggested I return to the council hall, and despite my fatigue, I agreed. Emotions still surged within me after the fight, but meeting with the council remained an important task. I knew that was where I could find answers to many questions about the future, including support and a chance to inform my family that I was alive and well.

When we entered the main hall, King Eltaran and the other members of the elven council were already waiting for us. The guards standing at the edges of the hall straightened up, as if affirming the significance of the moment. Sianna looked pleased to see us and took her place next to her parents. I saw Eltaran lean towards her, holding back his emotions, yet his face betrayed a sense of relief.

Kalebrin gestured for me to sit beside him, and I took a deep breath and followed him.

As I approached the center of the hall, King Eltaran stood up and addressed me with deep respect:

— Ellard, — he began, his voice sounding calm yet firm. — We have learned of your deed and how you risked your life for my daughter. I am grateful to you for her return. Your action, even for one so young, speaks to your strength and honor. We will not overlook this.

Silence fell over the hall as he paused, his words seemingly echoing off the stone walls. I bowed, trying to maintain my composure.

— Your Majesty, it was an honor for me to protect Sianna, and I thank you for your kind words, — I said, and, looking at the king, added: — But it is not I alone who deserves this honor. Any one of you would have acted the same if you were in my place.

Eltaran nodded, noticing my manners, and in his eyes, I caught a hint of surprise.

— You speak and behave not like an ordinary child, Ellard, — he said, squinting as if wishing to penetrate the depths of my thoughts. — Yet, despite your youth, you have shown wisdom and courage.

Sianna, standing next to her father, looked at me with joy, as if proud of our acquaintance. At that moment, Kalebrin decided to support the conversation by expressing his thoughts.

— My nephew speaks the truth, — he said with a slight smile. — Ellard possesses a rare combination of courage and strategy. As a general of the elven troops, I can say that such potential deserves attention. Therefore, I would like to suggest that the young warrior stay here for some time. Perhaps I could impart some skills to him that would help him unlock his gift.

This phrase made the king uneasy. Eltaran looked at me and then turned back to his brother:

— Kalebrin, as always, your wisdom is impeccable. Yet, Ellard, we understand that you may have obligations to your family. However, we would be pleased if you decided to stay and accept our assistance. We will offer you training and protection if you wish.

I pondered this. The thought of returning to my parents did not leave me. I knew how worried they must be about me. On the other hand, the chance to learn from Kalebrin himself was enticing. Finally, I found the courage to speak:

— Your Majesty, my family is probably very worried about my disappearance. However, I recognize that training with Kalebrin would benefit me. If there’s a way to inform my family that I am safe and that I will stay for a while, I would gladly remain here to develop my abilities.

Eltaran seemed to nod in satisfaction. Then he looked at Kalebrin:

— Then let’s proceed as such. Kalebrin, take care of this personally. We will inform Ellard’s parents of his safety and our offer.

Kalebrin nodded, smiling as he said:

— I can assure you, Ellard, that your relatives will be informed just as you wish.

I sighed with relief, feeling that my decision was approved. Sianna moved closer, and in her gaze, I sensed joy and perhaps even a hint of admiration.