Chapter-16

Eldric, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, materialized on the familiar plains surrounding his homeland, Thunderion. Relief washed over him as he felt the comforting presence of his native soil beneath his boots. He wasted no time, his mind consumed by the events that had transpired in the strange tavern.

With a determined stride, Eldric set off towards the imposing Thunderion Castle, its silhouette a stark contrast against the fiery hues of the twilight sky. The castle, a formidable structure that had stood sentinel for centuries, loomed large on the horizon. Its ramparts, lined with watchful guards, seemed to bristle with a sense of anticipation. 

As Eldric drew closer, the rhythmic clang of armor and the distant shouts of soldiers drilling reached his ears, a familiar symphony that spoke of unwavering vigilance. Reaching the grand gates, adorned with the sigil of the Thunderion lion, Eldric announced his arrival. His voice, deep and powerful, echoed through the vast courtyard, momentarily silencing the clatter of activity.

"Sir Eldric? You return unexpectedly."

Eldric nodded curtly. "I require an immediate audience with His Majesty, King Bihar. It is a matter of utmost urgency."

The guard, sensing the weight of Eldric's words, wasted no further time. He ushered the paladin through the imposing gates and into the labyrinthine halls of the castle.

Moments later, Eldric found himself kneeling before King Bihar, a man whose weathered face bore the weight of countless battles and burdens of leadership. 

"Rise, Sir Eldric," the King commanded, his voice a low rumble that resonated with authority. "What brings you back from your mission so abruptly?"

Eldric launched into a detailed account, his voice unwavering as he recounted the events that unfolded within the smoky confines of the Howling Cauldron. He spoke of Belial, the imposing demon lord who exuded an aura of power and chaos, his very presence a challenge to the sanctity of the realm. However, he had sent only his minion at first, which was easy to defeat.

Then came the arrival of Roland, a demon unlike any Eldric had ever encountered. Clad in strange attire, odd face even among demon and wielding a weapon that crackled with otherworldly energy, Roland possessed a power that defied explanation. 

Eldric described the awe-inspiring yet terrifying display of Roland's Bankai, Zanka no Tachi, Nishi: Zanjitsu Gokui, a technique that unleashed a wave of destructive energy that threatened to tear the very fabric of reality apart. The king listened intently, his brow furrowed in concern as Eldric narrated the chaotic battle that ensued, the clash between Roland and the demonic forces, and the tragic loss of Thunderion soldiers caught in the crossfire.

"So, that's the source of the unsettling aura I felt last afternoon," he finally said, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "A power unlike anything I've ever perceived."

A heavy silence descended upon the room. Eldric knew the King's concerns ran deeper than just the power Roland wielded. 

"Your Majesty," Eldric said, his voice heavy, "this Roland, he…" He hesitated, then continued, "He caused significant casualties amongst our soldiers."

King Bihar sighed, a deep breath that echoed the weight of the impending conflict. "Then the people will be angry," he said, his voice filled with resignation. "No matter how powerful this Roland may be, public anger is a force no king can control. It is a tide that can sweep away even the mightiest of rulers. News of these casualties will spread like wildfire, igniting a thirst for vengeance. We must tread carefully, Eldric. We need to understand Roland's motives, his purpose in this world. Is he a foe, or a potential ally? Until we have answers, we must contain the public's outrage. A measured response is key. We cannot afford to act rashly, for that would only escalate the situation."

The King steepled his fingers, his gaze fixed on a distant window. "Prepare a report for the council, Eldric. Detail everything you have witnessed. We will convene them at dawn to discuss a course of action. In the meantime, ensure the families of the fallen soldiers are cared for with the utmost respect. Let them know their sacrifice will not be forgotten."

A sharp rap on the chamber door startled King Bihar out of his contemplation. "Enter," he boomed, his voice echoing in the vast chamber. 

The door creaked open, revealing a young messenger clad in the simple white and gold livery of the Liberian Holy Kingdom. Unlike the usual foreign dignitaries with their ostentatious displays of wealth and power, this messenger exuded an air of quiet reverence. 

"Your Majesty," the young man bowed low, his voice filled with respect, "I come bearing a message from His Holiness, Pope Grand Holmes, of Liberia."

King Bihar nodded, a flicker of curiosity crossing his features. Liberia, a small but devout nation nestled within the continent, was known as the Sacred Ground. While their political influence was minimal, their spiritual authority held sway across the land.

"Speak freely, messenger," King Bihar commanded, gesturing for the young man to rise. 

The messenger recounted his journey, his voice steady despite the grandeur of his surroundings. He then produced a sealed scroll, its surface adorned with intricate holy symbols. "His Holiness requests this be delivered directly to your hands, Your Majesty."

King Bihar accepted the scroll, his fingers brushing the smooth parchment. With a solemn nod, he thanked the messenger. The young man bowed once more and exited the chamber, leaving the king and Eldric alone with the weight of the message.

King Bihar broke the wax seal, his eyes scanning the elegant script within. As he read, his brow furrowed in contemplation. A deep breath escaped his lips as he finished the letter. 

"Eldric," he said, his voice grave, "the Holy Kingdom speaks of a summoning."

Eldric felt a jolt of surprise. The events of the day were already enough to bear the weight of the world, and now this? He approached the king, his curiosity piqued.

"A summoning, Your Majesty?" he echoed, his voice taut with anticipation.

King Bihar handed him the letter. "Read for yourself, Paladin," he instructed, his weathered face etched with a mixture of hope and trepidation. "The prophecy of the Blue Dot, a celestial phenomenon whispered about for generations, may have finally unfolded. The Holy Kingdom interprets this as a sign, a divine mandate calling upon us to awaken the heroes of legend. These are warriors spoken of in ancient texts, champions imbued with extraordinary power, destined to safeguard the realm during its darkest hour."

Eldric's heart pounded against his ribs as he unfurled the parchment. The elegant script danced before his eyes, detailing the Holy Kingdom's interpretation of the recent events. It spoke of a correlation between the unsettling aura Eldric had described and the prophecy, suggesting that Roland's outburst of power might be the catalyst that triggered the awakening. The letter concluded with a fervent plea for a united front. The Holy Kingdom urged King Bihar to convene a grand council, inviting representatives from all the major nations to discuss the summoning and strategize the best course of action in this unprecedented situation.