Chapter 35: The War Council

After the unexpected alliance with the war mage, the old man called an urgent meeting with the guild council. The amphitheater, which had only recently been the scene of defensive strategies, was now imbued with a new energy, charged with expectation and caution. All eyes were on the mage, whose imposing presence seemed almost tangible.

"I have called this meeting to discuss our next move," the old man began, looking at each leader present. "Our new ally has information that could alter the course of this war. We must listen to him and decide together how to proceed."

The war mage stepped forward, his black cloak fluttering softly. "The enemy you face now is but one piece of a much larger puzzle. The forces behind this war are ancient and powerful, and they are moving their armies to conquer not only this city, but all of the lands of the South. They have resources and allies that you have yet to face. If we do not act now, we will be swallowed up."

The guild leaders exchanged worried glances. The leader of the blacksmiths, always skeptical, was the first to speak. "And what do you suggest, mage? What kind of measures do we need to take?"

The mage looked at him, and then looked around at everyone gathered there. "We need a magical defense. I can erect barriers and create traps that will confuse the enemy, destabilizing their forces before they even get close to the walls. But this will take time and collaboration. I will need specific materials, some of which can only be found in remote and dangerous places."

The leader of the navigators frowned. "If we go after these materials, we will be vulnerable. Every man and every resource is vital now."

The old man, with his usual calm, intervened. "We need to consider all the risks. If what the mage says is true, this war will not be won with swords and arrows alone. We will need something more, something that can give our city an unexpected advantage."

The leader of the healers, who had remained silent until now, raised his voice cautiously. "What if the enemy also has mages? If we are facing forces beyond our comprehension, how can we be sure that magic will be enough?"

The war mage took a deep breath, aware of the doubt that hung in the air. "Magic alone does not win battles, it is true. But it can tip the scales in our favor. What I propose is a balance between the strength you already have and the power I can offer. If we work together, we can create a defense that no army, no matter how large, can penetrate."

The old man pondered for a moment before speaking again. "We need a vote. Everyone here knows the stakes. If we decide to follow the mage's plan, we will be taking a big gamble, but we may also be giving the city its only real chance of survival."

A heavy silence fell over the amphitheater as the guild leaders considered the proposal. The tension was palpable, but slowly, one by one, they began to cast their votes. In the end, the decision was unanimous. The city would cast its lot with the war mage. Preparations would begin immediately, and teams would be sent out to gather the materials needed for the defense rituals. With the decision made, the mage nodded in approval. "You have made the right choice. Now, we must act quickly. The enemy will not wait, and neither should we." The old man looked at the council and felt a mixture of relief and concern. The hardest battle was yet to come, but with the city united and reinforced by magic, he had hope that they could withstand whatever was to come. "Let us prepare," he said finally. "The war is not over yet, but as long as we stand together, we have a chance." And so, with a new plan in mind and an unlikely alliance strengthened, the city launched into a race against time, determined to build up its defenses before the enemy could strike again.