Chapter 67: The Peace Council

As dawn broke, the city slowly began to wake up, unaware that deep within its underground walls, an imminent danger had been neutralized. The old man, the mage, and Athos led the conspirators to the headquarters of the provisional government, where the city's leaders were meeting in an effort to rebuild what the war had destroyed.

When they arrived, the atmosphere was tense. The council members, aware of the conspirators' capture, were anxiously awaiting explanations. The old man entered the meeting room with firm steps, everyone's eyes fixed on him. He placed the incriminating maps and documents on the large wooden table, and silence fell as the councilors analyzed the evidence.

"These men planned to destroy the peace we are trying to build," the old man began, his voice calm but grave. "They would use the festival as cover to attack the city and reignite the flames of war."

The leader of the council, a stern-looking man, looked directly at the old man. "Why should we believe that the threat is over? These men are just pawns in something bigger. How can we guarantee that there won't be others like them?"

The wizard, who had been watching silently until then, intervened. "There are no guarantees, sir. But with the evidence we have brought, we can expose the conspiracy and show the people that there are still those who work against peace. This will unite the city in vigilance and give us the strength to identify other threats."

Athos, always direct, added. "We need to act quickly. Arresting these men is only the first step. We need to strengthen the defenses, increase security during the festival, and ensure that the city is not caught off guard again."

The council discussed fervently. Some feared that exposing the conspiracy would cause panic among the population, while others, more pragmatic, knew that the truth was the best weapon to unite the people in times of uncertainty. The old man watched closely, knowing that this moment was crucial for the future of the city.

After a long debate, the leader of the council stood up. "We will call a public assembly. The people need to know what happened, and together, we will take the necessary measures to ensure everyone's safety."

With the decision made, the old man felt a slight sense of relief. The battle for the truth was won, but the road ahead would still be difficult. He knew that the captured conspirators were just the tip of the iceberg, and that larger and more sinister forces could be at play.

As the council began to organize the assembly, the old man, the wizard, and Athos left the room. Outside, the sun was already shining in the sky, and the city seemed calmer, oblivious to the gravity of the previous night's events.

The wizard, ever observant, commented: "The fight for this city is far from over. We must prepare for whatever comes next."

The old man nodded, aware that his journey still had many challenges ahead. But for now, there was a sense of duty accomplished. They had avoided a catastrophe, and that, in itself, was a victory.

As they walked out of the building, Athos looked at the old man with a rare smile. "You have truly made a difference, my friend. And I know you will continue to do so, no matter what lies ahead."

The old man responded with a small smile, but full of determination. He knew that as long as there was a chance to preserve peace, he would keep fighting, walking through the alleys and lanes, facing the shadows that threatened the light. His mission was just beginning, and he was more determined than ever to see the city flourish again, free from the clutches of war and destruction.

With this conviction in mind, the old man prepared himself for the next steps, knowing that each day would bring new challenges and new opportunities to make a difference.