Days later, the Ashenblade estate received an urgent summons from the Council of Four. The heads of the great families would meet again, this time to address the growing threat posed by the Rifts and to plan a unified response.
The journey to the Silverthorn estate was swift but tense. The family traveled with a convoy of elite soldiers, their presence a deterrent against any potential ambush. The landscape changed as they neared the Silverthorn lands, transitioning from rolling hills to dense forests of silver-leafed trees that shimmered in the sunlight.
The Silverthorn estate rose majestically from the forest, its spires gleaming and its walls adorned with intricate carvings. Lady Evanna greeted them at the gates, her silver hair catching the light as she inclined her head. “Welcome, Ashenblades,” she said, her voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of urgency. “The Council awaits.”
Inside the grand hall, the heads of the great families gathered around a circular table engraved with a detailed map of Valdris. Alaric, Morganna Nightraven, Gareth Drakenshield, and Evanna Silverthorn each carried the weight of their respective legacies, their expressions reflecting the gravity of the situation.
“The Rifts are multiplying,” Morganna began, her voice sharp and commanding. “And the creatures emerging from them grow more dangerous with each passing day. We cannot face this alone.”
Gareth nodded, his massive frame imposing even in the seated position. “We need a coordinated effort. Each family must contribute its best to form an elite task force.”
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Evanna’s sharp gaze swept across the room. “This task force will act as our spearhead, striking at the Rifts before they can spread. It will require the best of our prodigies and leaders.”
Her eyes landed on Damien. “We propose Damien Ashenblade to lead this effort.”
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THE TASK AHEAD
The Council’s proposal was met with a mix of agreement and concern. Each head of the family knew the risks involved but also understood the necessity. Damien felt the weight of their expectations as he stood before them.
“I accept the responsibility,” he said, his voice steady. “But I’ll need the best from each family to make this work.”
Roland Drakenshield, Lyra Silverthorn, and Cassian Nightraven stepped forward, their expressions resolute. They had proven themselves during the gathering, and now they stood ready to join Damien in this new challenge.
Over the next few days, the task force trained relentlessly. The Silverthorn estate provided state-of-the-art facilities, and each session pushed them to their limits. Damien sparred with Roland to sharpen his strength and endurance. Lyra’s precision drills honed his speed and adaptability, while Cassian’s shadow magic forced him to think creatively and react unpredictably.
Despite the grueling regimen, the bond between the prodigies grew stronger. They shared meals, exchanged stories, and found moments of levity amidst the intensity. It was clear that while they came from different backgrounds, they were united by a common purpose.