Chapter 6: The council of Elanor

The council of Elanor was imposing as it was ancient. High, arched windows lined stone walls, casting long shadows across the marble floor. A massive table sat in the center, surrounded by a half dozen figures dressed in dark robes, their faces obscured by hoods, The air crackled with the faint hum of magic.

Aelrick felt a weight in his chest as he entered the chamber, Lyra beside him. The council members were silent, their gazes fixed on him with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. At the head of the table sat a tall, thin man with a long, silver beard. His sharp eye gleamed with wisdom, but his expression was unreadable.

"You've brought the boy," the man said, his voice cold. "The supposed Lost Heir."

Lyra stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Councilor Aldric, this is Aelric. He bears the royal seal of Eldoria, and I have witnessed his magic firsthand. He is the one the prophecy speaks of."

A murmur rippled through the council, but Aelrick remained unmoved. "We have heard of many 'heirs' over the years, Lyra. All of them failed to live up to the prophecy. How do we know this boy is any different?"

Lyra opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Aelrick stepped forward, his heart pounding. "I... I don't know if I am the Lost Heir," he admitted. "I didn't even know about Eldoria until a few days ago. But I'm here. I've seen the darkness spreading, and I know something is coming. If there's a chance that I can help stop it, then I have to try."

Aldric raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Aelrick's honesty. "You speak boldly for someone so young. But bold words are not enough."

Aelrick swallowed hard, feeling the pressure of the moment. He closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth within him, the light that had saved him and others from the Shadow Beasts. Slowly, he raised his hand, and the pendant around his neck began to glow.

A soft, golden light emanated from his palm, growing brighter with each passing second. The air in the chamber shifted as Aelrick's magic filled the room, casting a gentle warmth over everyone present. The council members leaned forward, their skepticism replaced by awe.

But before the magic could fully take hold, Aelrick faltered. The light flickered and died, leaving the chamber in shadow once more. He gasped for breath, sweat beading on his forehead. It had taken everything in him just to summon that small amount of power.

Another council member, a woman with a voice as cold as ice, spoke up. "Raw potential is not enough. We need certainty. We need strength."

Lyra stepped forward, her voice firm. "He can be trained. We have time."

Aldric nodded slowly. " Perhaps. But we must act quickly. The shadow King's forces are already advancing. IFf Aelrick truly is the Lost Heir, we must prepare him for what lies ahead."

He turned to Aelric, his gaze piercing. "The future of Eldoria rests on your shoulders, boy. Do not fail.