The council of strategic elders gathered in the palace's vast conference room, an imposing space with walls adorned with detailed maps of all the territories under the empire and beyond. Around the long, dark stone table, the elders spoke in low, measured voices as they awaited Orion's arrival.
As soon as he entered, everyone bowed in respect. Orion gestured briefly for them to settle down, and the meeting began.
"The conflict in the east has the potential to escalate rapidly," began Elder Malthus, a veteran of border battles. "The Kingdom of the Seven Flames is a considerable power, but the clans of the Crimson Desert have seasoned warriors and impressive resistance to extreme heat. If an unstable alliance between them were to strengthen, it could cause imbalances across the continent."