CHAPTER 1075: DIFFICULT TASK

The chamber remained wrapped in silence long after the portal had snapped shut, leaving only the faint echo of its Magic energy that lingering in the vaulted hall.

The air felt thinner but still charged with the memory of power that the Elves there couldn’t truly comprehend. For many of them the Dragonborn had become more than legend at this point. Then now they just see them step into the unknown dimension, bending the fabric of worlds with a gesture.

At last, King Thalrion let out a heavy sigh that carried more than just awe. His fingers curled over the arms of his throne, his gaze lowering as he repeated Krono’s words in his mind.

Shadows gathering. Danger drawing near. It was not a prophecy to be taken lightly.

"Alright. We’ve seen enough," Thalrion said at last, his voice carrying across the hushed hall. "No more marveling at what they can do. If their warning is true then our kingdom must be ready."

The advisors exchanged uneasy looks before one stepped forward, bowing deeply.

"My king... forgive me, but are you certain this danger is real? The Dragonborn are mighty indeed, but what if they see threats where none exist? Could it be an exaggeration?"

Thalrion’s sharp gaze cut toward him.

"Exaggeration?" His tone was stern. "Do you think beings who move across worlds like rivers would lie about something like that? They had no reason to deceive us, nothing to gain by planting fear in our hearts. No... I believe them. And so should you."

A murmur rippled through the chamber. The guards, who had stiffened with distrust at Aesa’s cold disdain toward their king, now found themselves agreeing in silence.

No one who had felt the pressure of power of the Dragonborn could dismiss Krono’s warning so easily.

Yet despite their acceptance there was a sour note that lingered.

One of the older advisors cleared his throat, his tone careful but heavy with meaning. "There is one matter, your majesty. Their words about cooperation and ask us to stand beside humans and the Aarakocra..." He shook his head slightly. "Our history with both is long and bitter. What happens when our history breaks us apart from within?"

Others nodded, the discomfort spreading through them like ripples on water. There were Old grudges and ancient history that were not wounds easily mended.

Thalrion rose from his throne once more, his silver-lined robes sweeping as he descended a single step.

His eyes held the clarity of a man who had already made his decision.

"That is precisely why we must try," he said firmly. "Because if this shadows rise as they said, then division will only deliver us to more destruction. We do not have the luxury of pride. If the Dragonborn believe unity is necessary, then I will heed their counsel."

The words struck deeper in their heart. The hall was quiet again, but this time not out of shock.

It was the quiet of reluctant acceptance.

Some advisors still frowned with their pride unsettled, but none of them dared to oppose the will in their king’s voice.

Thalrion’s hand tightened slightly at his side. His people would question, argue, and resist this decision.

But he knew the truth already. The Dragonborn had not just spoken about "if," but of "when." And when that day came, hesitation to work together would mean their ruin.

"Begin the preparations," he said at last. "Send word to our scouts to watch the borders. We will not cause panic but we will be ready. As for the humans and the Aarakocra..." his gaze hardened, "...find the envoys."

The court bowed deeply, even though their reluctance still lingered in their eyes.

However, by the king’s order, beneath it all a current had been set in motion.

The Dragonborn had departed, but their presence hee remained.

Thalrion lifted his gaze toward the high windows where the light streamed through.

This was also a difficult decision for him. He also despised the human and Aracokra and he was certain that they were also thinking the same about them.

But this warning came from the Dragonborn... So he must do it. Or at least trying his best.

—

The shift of space closed behind them and the three Dragonborn stepped onto solid ground once more. The air was cool and filled with the scent of stone, damp earth, and faint traces of minerals.

Their eyes adjusted quickly to the dim light spilling from veins of glowing crystal that pulsed along the walls. The cave stretched vast and deep, its ceiling vanishing into shadow, and the echoes of their steps can be heard through its hollow expanse.

"This is my home." Krono said. His words feel as though spoken from memory that spanned far longer than either of them could fathom.

Eccar glanced around, brow furrowed.

"Your home? Huh. Honestly, I didn’t even think you had one. You’ve always felt like... well, like you just everywhere and nowhere."

Krono turned his head slightly. "Of course I have a home. I keep it hidden, that is all."

Eccar gave a small nod, rubbing the back of his neck and nodded.

Aesa let out a soft laugh, a rare curl of amusement touching her lips..

"This reminds me of my old cave," she said. "But your cave feels grander and older."

Krono inclined his head in acknowledgment, then lifted a hand in a simple gesture toward the wide expanse of the cavern.

"Make yourselves at home. Rest where you will. I must meditate and recover my energy. When I am restored, I will call for Erend to meet us."

They agreed. Eccar shrugged and walked toward one of the walls. Aesa moved more gracefully, choosing a shadowed alcove where she lowered herself to the ground.

Krono settled cross-legged near the heart of the cavern, his aura shifting as he closed his eyes. Instantly, time itself seemed to still around him.

Aesa leaned back against the wall, her eyes half closing as she sank into meditation as well. The faint shimmer of her energy stirred like silver mist.

Eccar stood for a while with arms crossed, glancing between the two. Then huffed and lowered himself onto the floor.

"Guess I’ll join in. Not like there’s anything else to do," he muttered.

And so the cavern fell quiet again. Only the low hum of crystals and the steady rhythm of their power filled the vast chamber as all three Dragonborn slipped into meditation.

—