Kaelith looked up as Cyrin and Duke Harlan entered his tent, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on his face. He was sharpening his sword, the stone moving with a rhythmic scrape, scrape, scrape. The air was thick with the smell of oil and leather, and the faint tang of smoke from the campfire outside. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking from Cyrin to Duke Harlan, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"Ah, come on in, gentlemen," he said, his voice dry, a wye falling from his lips. "I don't get many visitors out here in the middle of nowhere. Please, make yourselves at home." He gestured to the makeshift chairs, his expression unreadable.
Cyrin smiled, his eyes scanning the tent, taking in the scattered gear and the map of the surrounding area pinned to the fabric wall. "Just checking in, Kaelith. See how you're doing. We don't want you getting too bored out here." He sat down, his movements fluid, and Duke Harlan followed suit.
Kaelith raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking to Duke Harlan. "I'm doing fine. Just enjoying the lovely accommodations." His voice was laced with sarcasm, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Duke Harlan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad to hear that, Kaelith. We, ah, won't keep you long. We know you're a busy man, what with... well, everything." He cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. "Alright, Kaelith. We've got a proposition for you. We want you to lead the Ember Knights, as their commander."
Kaelith's expression didn't change, but his eyes seemed to gleam with interest. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers stilled on the sword. "Go on."
"If you agree, we'll ask King Kael to grant you the title of Lord of the Burning Valley," Duke Harlan said, his voice steady. "And we'll bring in mages from Eldermere to help turn this place fertile. You could make this place thrive, Kaelith. Make it a place where people can live and grow."
Kaelith's gaze was piercing, his eyes locked on Duke Harlan's. "What makes you think I'd be interested in that?"
Cyrin leaned forward, his voice low and persuasive. "Because, Kaelith, you're a man with a vision. You want to make a difference, and this is your chance. You could make this place thrive, make it a place where people can live and grow. And with the Ember Knights behind you, you'll have the resources and the manpower to do it."
Kaelith's expression was still, his eyes unreadable. He looked at Duke Harlan, then at Cyrin, his gaze weighing them up. Then, slowly, a nod. "Alright. I'll do it."
Duke Harlan smiled, a sense of triumph washing over him. "Welcome to the Ember Knights, Lord Kaelith."
Cyrin grinned, clapping Kaelith on the back. "I knew you'd see it our way, Kaelith. You're going to make a great lord."
Kaelith raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Let's hope I don't make a mess of it."
Duke Harlen, Cyrin, and Kaelith gathered around a map spread out on a makeshift table, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on their faces. The air was tense, the only sound the soft crackling of the flames.
"Corvus is planning something, Harlen," Kaelith said, his voice low and urgent. "We've got scouts reporting that he's massing his troops, moving them into position. It's a big push, and it's coming our way."
Duke Harlen's expression was grim. "The Ember Knights are already on their way, Kaelith. They'll be here soon, ready to defend the Burning Valley."
Cyrin's eyes were fixed on the map, his gaze tracing the terrain. "We need to prepare, Harlen. Get the defenses ready, evacuate the civilians..."
Kaelith nodded, his eyes locked on the map. "I've got men scouting the perimeter. We'll know more once they report back."
Duke Harlen's voice was steady. "We'll hold the line, Kaelith. We'll defend this land, no matter what Corvus throws at us."
The three men stood in silence for a moment, the tension palpable. Then, with a nod, they began to plan, their voices low and urgent as they prepared for the battle ahead.
Duke Harlan laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We'll be here to help you, Kaelith. We'll make sure you succeed."
Just then, a messenger rode up, breathless. "Your Grace, a message from burning valley . Commander Corvus Nightwing, the Shadow Knight of Shadowfire Empire has begun to mobilize their forces. They'll be breaching the borders within days."
Duke Harlen stood up, his chair scraping against the ground. "I'll return to Erenhall, gather what forces I can. Cyrin, you'll stay here with Kaelith, help him coordinate the defense."
Cyrin nodded, his expression serious. "I'll make sure everything runs smoothly here, Harlen."
Duke Harlen turned to Kaelith. "Kaelith, keep the Ember Knights ready. We'll need to move fast once the backup arrives."
Kaelith's expression was grim. "I'll have them ready, Your Grace."
With a nod, Duke Harlen turned to leave, his mind already racing with the logistics of gathering reinforcements. "I'll speak with the council lords and King Kael, see what we can muster. We'll do everything we can to support you, Kaelith."
The tent fell silent as Duke Harlen departed, the only sound the distant rumble of thunder and the creaking of the tent in the wind. Cyrin and Kaelith shared a look, their faces set with determination.
"Let's get to work," Kaelith said, his voice low.
Cyrin nodded, and together they began to prepare for the battle ahead, their movements swift and efficient.