The night before their decision, Hollow's Edge was unusually silent.
In the dim glow of lanterns, Uther convened with his closest allies in the war room — a converted granary lined with maps, reports, and relics from the village's past.
Elena spread out a scroll of the Wardens' decree. "They want control over the Core beneath us. If they get it, Hollow's Edge won't be ours anymore."
Borin slammed a fist on the table. "We're sitting on a powder keg. Accept their offer, and we lose sovereignty. Reject it, and we risk open war with the Crown — and the Wardens."
Mara's voice was cold steel. "The cult will use this chaos to strike. They'll exploit every crack we show."
Thalen's eyes flickered with unease. "The System's warning isn't just political. The Core... it's tied to the balance of magic itself. We can't afford mistakes."
Uther paced, feeling the weight of every heartbeat. The choice wasn't just about power — it was about the future of everyone who called Hollow's Edge home.
His hand brushed the silver tree emblem pinned to his cloak.
> "Rebirth from ruin."
---
Outside, a distant howl broke the stillness. Garrick stood guard by the gate, eyes scanning the shadows.
Suddenly, a soft knock came at the door.
The chamber fell silent.
A messenger slipped inside, breathless, holding a sealed letter — unfamiliar seal, black with a crimson serpent coiled around a dagger.
Uther took the letter, breaking the wax carefully.
The message was brief:
"The cult's remnants have regrouped. A strike is imminent. They seek the Core beneath Hollow's Edge. Trust no one. Choose wisely."
---
The room darkened with the weight of that warning.
Mara stepped forward. "Waiting to choose might be a luxury we don't have."
Borin nodded grimly. "If war comes before the decision, our position will be even weaker."
Thalen closed his eyes. "The Core's awakening will ripple far beyond this village. We must be ready — no matter the path."
Uther looked at each of them, then out into the quiet village beyond the walls.
"We prepare for war. Tomorrow, we decide."
---
As the first light of dawn touched the horizon, a storm was brewing — not just in the skies, but in the fate of Hollow's Edge itself.
---
The messenger slipped out as quietly as he had come, leaving a heavy silence behind.
Uther folded the letter, the black serpent seal still warm in his palm.
"Whatever they're planning," he said slowly, "they won't wait for our permission."
Mara moved to the window, eyes narrowed on the dark forest beyond the village walls. "We need scouts — eyes everywhere. No one comes near Hollow's Edge without us knowing."
Garrick, who had joined them silently, grunted in agreement. "I'll double the patrols. We'll set traps and ambush points along every path."
Borin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We should also prepare the village for siege — stockpiles, evacuation routes, safe zones for civilians."
Elena looked at Uther. "And what about the people? If the Crown sends inspectors or soldiers to 'observe,' it could spark unrest. We have to keep the villagers united."
Uther's jaw tightened. "Unity is fragile, especially under pressure. But fear is a weapon, too. If we show strength, no one will dare break our spirit."
Thalen's fingers twitched as he spoke, "The System gave us three paths. None are easy. Align with the Wardens, and we gain their protection — but at the cost of freedom. Defy them, and the Crown will hunt us. Or… we forge our own way, but then we stand utterly alone."
A cold wind rattled the windowpanes.
Uther's mind raced. This decision would change everything — not just for Hollow's Edge, but for the kingdoms beyond.
He looked each of them in the eye.
"We prepare, we warn, and tomorrow... we decide."
---
Outside, the village stirred with nervous energy.
The silver tree banner fluttered defiantly against a crimson dawn.
And somewhere in the shadows, eyes watched and waited.