The war council convened at dawn in the courthouse's largest chamber. Representatives from fifteen kingdoms sat around a massive oak table, their various banners hanging from the walls like a museum of human ambition. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut—everyone knew that the decisions made here would determine the fate of millions.
Ambassador Thane entered precisely on time, his inhuman perfection of movement drawing unconscious flinches from several delegates. He carried himself with the confidence of someone who already knew how this meeting would end.
"Honored leaders, thank you for your patience. I trust you have had adequate time to consider Lord Gorok's generous offer."
King Henrik of the Northern Reaches spoke first. "The demon attacks have accelerated. We lost two more border towns yesterday. At this rate, we'll be overrun within a month."
