LEGENDS OF ELDORIA

CHAPTER 3

In the grand Citadel Summit, where the highest leaders of Eldoria's regions gathered, the atmosphere was tense. The circular chamber was vast, with towering columns carved from stone, each representing the distinct elements of Eldoria—earth, water, wind, and ice. At the center of the room stood the High Commander, a figure draped in a regal cloak adorned with symbols from every faction. This leader, the ultimate authority of the Vanguard of Unity, had the final say in all matters of defense and strategy.

Around the central table sat representatives from each region—battle-hardened generals, wise elders, and skilled commanders. The topic of discussion weighed heavily on everyone's mind: the growing concerns over the realm's defenses.

A seasoned general from the Emerald Forest spoke first, his brow furrowed. "High Commander, it has been five years since the enemy's last move. Five years of silence. And we all know what silence can mean—it's the calm before the storm. We're vulnerable, with fewer soldiers than we had after the last conflict."

The representative from the Abyssal Seas nodded in agreement, her voice stern. "Our forces have dwindled. We've lost many to age and the weariness of battle. We cannot afford to assume the enemy is gone or defeated. If they strike now, we'll be caught off guard."

The High Commander listened, their sharp eyes scanning the room. Every faction had similar reports—decreased numbers, stretched resources, and a lack of new recruits willing to join the ranks. But most troubling of all was the uncertainty. The enemy, once a constant threat, had not been seen or heard from in five long years. The sudden disappearance of their forces had left a lingering unease.

"The fact that they haven't moved," the representative from the Desert of Whispering Sands chimed in, "makes it even more dangerous. They could be preparing, amassing strength while we stand idle."

The Frostpire commander leaned forward, his voice deep and grave. "We cannot let complacency be our downfall. The longer we wait, the more likely they are planning something. We must assume the worst and act accordingly." There was a murmur of agreement around the room. The High Commander raised a hand, silencing the discussion.

"Then it is decided," the High Commander said, their voice echoing with authority. "We must prepare for the worst. If the enemy has been dormant for five years, it is not a sign of retreat, but a sign of calculated planning. We must not be caught off guard when they strike again."The room fell silent as the weight of the words settled on everyone present.

"This means we need more soldiers," the High Commander continued. "We must recruit—now, and with haste. But not just anyone. We need to find those with potential, with strength, and the will to fight. And once they're recruited, they must be trained like never before."

The Emerald Forest general nodded. "We'll need to start training from a younger age, prepare the next generation. They must be ready to face any challenge."

"The training must be rigorous," added the Abyssal Seas representative. "We cannot afford weakness. They need to be prepared for battle—mentally, physically, and magically."

The Desert of Whispering Sands representative spoke next. "I'll begin recruiting at once. The desert may be harsh, but it forges strong warriors. We'll train them in endurance and strategy."

The Frostpire commander nodded in agreement. "And in the north, we'll prepare them for the cold and for battle in unforgiving conditions. The enemy will not find us unprepared."

The High Commander stood, signaling the end of the discussion. "Then it's settled. Recruitment and training will begin immediately across all factions. We will stand strong, united, and ready. The enemy will not catch us off guard again. We prepare for war—starting now." With that, the summit was adjourned, and the leaders left the chamber, ready to carry out the new orders. The Citadel would once again become a hub of training and preparation, as the Vanguard of Unity readied themselves for the storm that loomed on the horizon.