APPREHENDED 1 - THE LEGACY

CHAPTER 2

A WARRIOR'S HEART

The flickering flames of the oil lamp cast dancing shadows on the weathered faces gathered around the Council table. Elder Corvus, his age etched deep in the lines around his eyes, sat at the head, his gaze fixed on Evelyn, Kai, and Anya who stood in the center of the room. The tension in the air hung heavy, thick with the weight of the news they had brought back from the desolate fortress of Shadowkeep.

"So, you say the ancient library spoke of a prophecy," Corvus rumbled, his voice gravelly with age.  He leaned forward, his piercing gaze drilling into Evelyn.  "A prophecy of darkness… and light."

Evelyn, her emerald eyes shimmering with determination, nodded.  "Yes, Elder Corvus.  Aethelred, the keeper of the library, revealed a chilling vision.  One child, born of Lucifer himself, destined to wreak havoc upon our world.  Another, sired by an Archangel in the mortal realm, a beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness."

A low murmur rippled through the Council chamber.  Elder Elara, a stoic woman with silver hair braided tightly, spoke up, her voice laced with concern.  "A child of Lucifer? Such a creature has never been spoken of.  Can we be certain of this prophecy's validity?"

Anya stepped forward, her dark eyes flashing with conviction.  "The knowledge we found in Shadowkeep, the forgotten lore, it resonated with truth.  The scrolls themselves pulsed with an ancient energy.  There is no doubt in my mind – this prophecy is real."

Kai, the celestial blade still strapped to his back, remained silent, his mind grappling with the revelation.  He, a chosen warrior, entrusted with the power of an Archangel?  The responsibility felt overwhelming, a weight crushing his breath.

Proprietor Allen, his gaze never leaving Evelyn, let out a low sigh.  "Whether this prophecy be truth or mere legend, the knowledge you retrieved is invaluable," he said, his voice gruff but laced with a hint of respect.  "The forgotten battle tactics, the celestial weaponry – these could be the key to our survival against the demonic hordes."

He gestured towards Kai, his eyes flickering towards the celestial blade.  "And of course," he continued, his voice dropping to a low murmur, "we have the chosen one.  Metatron himself bestowed this power upon him.  We cannot ignore such a sign."

A heated debate erupted amongst the council members.  Voices rose and fell, some advocating for immediate action based on the prophecy, others urging caution and a focus on the more immediate threat of the demonic incursion.

Evelyn, watching the debate unfold, knew they needed a plan.  "With all due respect, Elders," she interjected, her voice ringing with newfound authority, "we can't afford to be divided.  Whether this prophecy comes to pass or not, we need to be prepared for a fight unlike any we've faced before."

She turned to Kai, placing a hand on his shoulder.  "The knowledge we retrieved from Shadowkeep – the lost battle formations, the celestial techniques… we need to learn them, hone our skills.  We need to be ready to train others, to turn the tide against the demons that threaten to engulf our world."

A hush fell over the chamber as all eyes focused on Evelyn.  Her words, spoken with a quiet strength that belied her age, resonated with the Council.  Even Elder Elara, known for her stern demeanor, nodded in agreement.

Elder Corvus leaned back in his chair, a flicker of something like pride dancing in his eyes.  "Evelyn speaks the truth," he boomed, silencing the last murmurs.  "The knowledge you retrieved is vital, and the chosen warrior must be trained.  But beyond that," he said, his gaze sweeping across the chamber, "we must prepare for all possibilities.  The coming days will be dark, filled with hardship and loss.  We must be ready."