The Elementiels

Ch. 35: THE WEIGHT OF POWER

The air in the grand meeting chamber was thick with tension. At the head of the long, polished table sat King Arthur, his elbows resting on the surface, fingers intertwined in deep contemplation.

Across from him, the commander, captains, counselors, and elementiels stood in solemn anticipation, the gravity of their mission weighing heavily on them all. 

The king’s sharp eyes swept over the group. “So,” he said finally. “This potion… it will separate them?” 

Jack met his gaze with unwavering confidence. “Yes, Your Majesty,” he confirmed. “We’ve tested it, and it’s ready.” 

Elijah leaned forward. “When do you believe the egg will hatch?” 

“Probably before noon tomorrow.” 

A murmur ran through the room. Counselor Charles spoke up next. “Then there is no time to waste. The army must move at dawn and ride south.” 

A hush settled over the group. Then, Captain Sasha, her green eyes calculating, turned to Jack. “How many dragons did you see in this… dimension?” 

Jason answered before Jack could. “There were a lot,” he said, voice edged with frustration. “Probably thousands.” 

The revelation sent ripples of unease through the room. 

Captain Will, his hand stroking his chin in thought, muttered, “Then this Darius… he must be the one who created that red crystal we found on the black dragon—the one that nullified our crystals’ power.” 

“But how?!” Counselor Richard interjected, brows furrowed in confusion. “How could he have done that while still inside his egg?” 

Alina stepped forward. “Perhaps he used the dragons to craft it after studying the knights in battle. He wouldn’t need to be fully developed to influence them.” 

The king exhaled deeply, his gaze sweeping over the assembled warriors. “Whatever the case may be, we have a solution. We ride south at first light, and we end this.” 

The room buzzed with murmurs of agreement—until Arthur added, “And I will be riding alongside you.” 

Silence fell. All eyes turned toward him in shock. 

The Commander cleared his throat. “Your Majesty, with all due respect, I don’t believe that would be necessary—” 

Arthur rose to his feet. “For nearly three weeks, the dragons have terrorized the south. And now, we finally have a solution,” he said, his voice strong with conviction. “What kind of king would I be if I simply sat back now? I will ride with my people tomorrow.” 

A moment of heavy silence followed. Then, Elijah smiled, nodding in quiet approval. “Very well, Your Majesty,” he said. “The elementiels will focus on Darius. The knights will handle the dragons.” 

Arthur gave a firm nod. “Then it’s settled.” 

One by one, the counselors gave their approval. 

Tomorrow would decide the fate of their world. 

The cool evening air greeted Jason and the others as they stepped into the comforting glow of the bakery. Grandpa Mark stood behind the counter, his eyes kind yet perceptive as he studied their tired faces. 

“How did it go?” he asked. 

Jack exhaled. “We found Darius. A plan is in place. We move at dawn.” 

Mark’s eyes flickered with something unreadable, but he gave a small nod. “Good. That’s good,” he said. 

Jack stretched, rolling his shoulders. “I should probably head out now and get some rest—”