Chapter 30: The Guild Gathering

With all the guilds ready to unite, the old man and the chronicler organized a grand gathering in the center of the city, where the ancient amphitheater once stood, a place once used for celebrations and public debates. Now, it would be the stage for an event that would decide the future of all. As the sun set, bathing the city in a golden light, the guild leaders began to arrive, each accompanied by their trusted advisors and guards.

The old man watched from a nearby balcony as the representatives took their seats. The leader of the merchants, with his proud posture and luxurious robes, took pride of place, followed by the leader of the craftsmen, with his simple clothes and careful gestures. The leader of the blacksmiths entered soon after, his gaze hard and his hand steady, while the leader of the healers maintained a calm and serene expression. Finally, the leader of the sailors, with his aura of freedom and adventurous spirit, took his seat, completing the circle.

The old man and the chronicler descended into the amphitheater, where all eyes turned to them. Silence hung in the air, charged with expectation. The old man stepped forward and began to speak, his voice firm but without losing its tone of humility.

"I thank you all for being here today. I know that each of you has your own responsibilities and concerns, but the fact that you are here shows that you understand the gravity of the situation we face. War is at hand, and if we do not unite, we will be swept away like leaves in the wind."

He looked at each leader, establishing a visual connection that reinforced his words. "Today, I propose that we set aside our differences and work together to protect this city. Each guild has something unique to offer, and together, we are stronger than we are apart."

The leader of the merchants was the first to speak, his voice full of pragmatism. "We understand the need for unity, but what guarantees do we have that this alliance will be maintained when war begins? How can we trust each other?"

The old man answered clearly, anticipating the concern. "Trust is built, not imposed. I propose that each guild elect a representative to form a war council, where decisions will be made together. This council will be responsible for coordinating our actions and ensuring that we all have a voice."

The leader of the blacksmiths, ever cautious, added: "And what will happen if any of us decides to act on our own? How do we ensure that everyone will follow what is decided?"

The old man turned to him, respecting his caution. "We need a blood pact, an oath of honor, where each leader promises to respect the decisions of the council. If anyone breaks this pact, they will be considered a traitor, not only to the guild, but to the entire city."

There was a murmur of agreement among the leaders. The idea of ​​a sacred pact, something that transcends contracts and words, seemed to satisfy the desire for security and commitment.

The leader of the healers, always concerned with the general welfare, asked, "What about the civilians? How will we ensure that they are protected during the conflict?"

The old man smiled, acknowledging the importance of the matter. "The council will see to that as well. The city will be divided into sectors, and each guild will be responsible for protecting a specific area. The healers will play a crucial role, not only in providing medical care, but also in maintaining morale and hope."

The leader of the navigators was the last to speak. "And what happens when the war is over? Will the alliance dissolve, or will we continue together to rebuild what was destroyed?"

The old man thought for a moment before answering. "That is a challenge for the future. But if we can get through this war together, we will have built something much stronger than any temporary alliance. We will have built a community."

The silence that followed was heavy with contemplation. The guild leaders knew they were facing a decision that would define the fate of all. Finally, the leader of the merchants stood up, extending his hand to the old man.

"We're in," he said, with a firmness that echoed throughout the amphitheater. One by one, the other leaders rose to their feet, agreeing to the proposal. The pact was sealed there, under the evening sky, with words of commitment and determination. The alliance was formed. The old man felt a wave of relief, but he knew that this was only the first step. The true test would come with the war, and he would need all his experience and wisdom to guide the city through the coming storm. The chronicler, watching everything carefully, felt that he was witnessing a historic moment, one that would be remembered for generations. And he was right. The alliance of the guilds would not only save the city, but also change the course of their lives forever.