A King's Counsel

Lucian and Elara rode hard towards Elodoria, the forest finally giving way to the open fields and the familiar sight of the castle's towering spires. Despite the exhaustion and the weight of recent events pressing down on them, they pushed on, driven by a sense of urgency.

The gates of Elodoria opened to welcome them, and they were quickly escorted to the royal gardens, where King Alaric and Queen Isolde were known to take their evening strolls. The gardens, with their vibrant blooms and meticulously maintained paths, offered a serene contrast to the turmoil Lucian and Elara had faced.

As they approached, they saw King Alaric and Queen Isolde walking side by side, their heads bent in quiet conversation. The king, with his imposing stature and wise eyes, was a figure of strength and authority. Queen Isolde, graceful and regal, exuded a calm and soothing presence.

Upon seeing Lucian and Elara, the king and queen paused their walk, smiles of welcome spreading across their faces. "Lucian, Elara," King Alaric greeted them warmly. "Welcome back. I trust your mission was successful?"

Lucian and Elara bowed deeply. "Your Majesty," Lucian began, "we have much to report."

Queen Isolde stepped forward, her gaze softening as she looked at Lucian. "But first, congratulations are in order," she said. "We have heard of your accomplishment. Breaking through to Level 10 and obtaining your first soul crystal is no small feat."

King Alaric nodded in agreement. "Indeed. You have done well, Lucian. Your strength and dedication are commendable." He reached into his robes and produced a small, intricately carved box. "As a token of our appreciation, we offer you this."

Lucian took the box and opened it to reveal a shimmering pill, its surface glowing with a faint, ethereal light. "This is a Pill of Ascendancy," the king explained. "It will aid you in reaching Level 15 within a week, bolstering your power for the battles to come."

Lucian's eyes widened in gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty. This is a great honor."

As they spoke, Queen Isolde's perceptive eyes caught the subtle tension in Lucian and Elara's demeanor. "You both seem troubled," she observed. "Is there something more we should know?"

Lucian exchanged a glance with Elara, then stepped forward. "Your Majesties, we encountered a messenger of Zorark in the forest," he said, his voice steady but laced with concern. "He claimed that Zorark seeks dominion over all kingdoms and that he specifically wants to challenge me."

Queen Isolde's face grew serious, and King Alaric's expression hardened. "We were discussing the growing threat of Zorark ourselves," the king said. "His power is formidable, and his ambition knows no bounds."

Lucian detailed the encounter, describing the dark figure's abilities and the ominous warning he had delivered. As he spoke, the gravity of the situation became increasingly clear. The queen's lips pressed into a thin line, and the king's eyes flashed with determination.

"Your encounter confirms our worst fears," King Alaric said once Lucian had finished. "Zorark is moving more aggressively than we anticipated."

"We must strengthen our defenses and prepare our forces," Queen Isolde added. "But more importantly, we must ensure that you and Elara are prepared for the challenges ahead."

King Alaric turned to Lucian and Elara, his gaze intense. "There is something you need to know," he said, his voice low and grave. "Something that has been kept secret for a long time, but now is the time to reveal it."

Lucian and Elara leaned in, their hearts pounding with anticipation. "What is it, Your Majesty?" Elara asked, her voice barely a whisper.

King Alaric glanced around, ensuring they were not overheard. "There is a prophecy," he began, his tone heavy with significance. "A prophecy that foretells the rise of a great warrior who will stand against the darkness and unite the kingdoms. This warrior will possess powers beyond any we have seen."

Queen Isolde nodded. "We believe, Lucian, that you might be this warrior," she said, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of hope and fear. "But there is more. To truly unlock your potential, you must undertake a journey to the ancient ruins of Valoria, where the secrets of the old magics are guarded."

Lucian's mind raced, the weight of their words sinking in. "What must I do?" he asked, determination in his voice.

King Alaric placed a hand on his shoulder. "You must find the Scroll of Eternity," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It holds the key to defeating Zorark and his forces. But be warned, the path to Valoria is perilous, and the scroll is fiercely protected."

As the significance of this revelation settled over them, the urgency of their mission became clear. The future of Elodoria and all the kingdoms hung in the balance, and Lucian's journey was only just beginning.

With a mixture of trepidation and resolve, Lucian and Elara nodded. "We will leave at dawn," Lucian said, his voice steady. "We will find the Scroll of Eternity and do whatever it takes to protect our kingdom."

As they turned to leave, the weight of their new quest pressing down on them, King Alaric called after them, his voice filled with a sense of both hope and warning. "Remember, Lucian," he said, "the fate of our world may very well rest in your hands."