The flickering lamp cast long shadows across the council chamber as Erend and Eccar stepped inside. The air was thick with urgency, every face in the room etched with concern and anxiety. King Gulben sat at the head of the table, his expression is full of weariness even though he tried to remain calm.
Around him, the council members murmured amongst themselves, their discussions halting as the two Dragonborn entered.
Erend wasted no time. "Your Majesty, esteemed council members, we have a proposal that maybe could change the course of this war," he began.
King Gulben leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Speak. If that's true, we are in dire need of any solution that can save our people and the world beyond our borders."
Eccar took a deep breath before explaining their plan.
"We propose to draw the Great Calamity here, to the Elven Kingdom. By using our power to attract its attention, we can concentrate its attacks on this place and allowing other parts of the world to have a reprieve and fortify their defenses," Eccar explained.
A murmur of shock rippled through the council. The idea was bold, and the risks were clear to all present. Aurdis who stood near the king felt her heart sink at the words. The thought of Erend and Eccar facing such overwhelming danger was unbearable. Her eyes met Erend's, and she could see the determination in his gaze. It was a look she knew well, one that brooked no argument.
He believed in this plan. Or at least he knew that he have no choice.
"Are you certain this is the best course of action?" King Gulben asked, his tone grave. "Bringing the Great Calamity here will put everyone here in greater peril. Are you prepared for the consequences?"
Erend's expression was resolute. "We are certain, Your Majesty. The Elven Kingdom's defenses, combined with our power, can withstand the attacks better than any other place. It is a risk we must take to save countless lives. The two of us will try our best with our power to stop it so that the warrior and Mages here don't need to risk their life."
Aurdis bit her lip, tears starting to form in her eyes. She turned her head away, unable to bear the thought of what might happen. But she knew Erend well enough to understand that once his mind was set, there was no dissuading him.
Mages clutched their staffs tighter, their eyes wide with dread as they stared up at the sky. Their training and discipline faltered in the face of such raw, unrelenting power. The dangerous energy permeated everything, sapping their strength and resolve with each passing second.
The swirling vortex continued its slow descent, its light casting long dark shadows over the Elf Palace. Even the bravest of the warriors felt their courage waver as the full weight of the Great Calamity's presence bore down upon them.
Eccar's eyes gleamed with a wild light as he gazed upon the descending vortex of black and red energy. "This is it," he murmured, and strangely, a grin appeared on his face. It was a grin of excitement and ferocity, as though he relished the challenge that awaited them.
Erend glanced at his friend, feeling a mix of amusement and relief. Eccar's fearless demeanor, his unbridled enthusiasm for battle, its just amazing.
"Good to have a friend who enjoys a fight," Erend thought, a strange sense of calm washing over him. Eccar's attitude was infectious and it helped Erend steady his own heart.
Erend and Eccar shared a nod, a silent agreement passing between them. They spread their Dragon Wings, the powerful appendages unfurling with a mighty sweep. The leathery wings caught the wind, lifting them into the air with ease.
With synchronized move they launched themselves toward the swirling vortex. The cold wind rushed past them, carrying the scent of decay and the promise of danger. The sky darkened further as they ascended, the malevolent energy of the vortex growing stronger with each passing second.
Not long after the swirling mass of black and red loomed before them. The closer they got the more oppressive the air around them became.
"Let's show this Calamity what we're made of," Erend said.
Eccar's grin widened, his eyes flashing with the thrill of the impending battle
"With pleasure," Eccar replied, his voice tinged with excitement.
Together, they soared into the heart of the storm.