At the castle of New Drakhal, Drayk was meeting with the leaders of the villages that once belonged to the old territory of Drakhal. Ten representatives sat around a big round table, each one speaking for a different village. Right next to Drayk, acting as his advisor, was Orzoth—watchful, keeping an eye on every expression.
Drayk stood tall and started speaking, voice steady.
"Welcome to New Drakhal. As you all know, we're rebuilding the roots of this land. And for that, I need support from each of you."
One of the elders, a calm man with a gray beard, spoke up first.
"Thanks for the warm welcome, Your Majesty," said Menephis, bowing slightly.
But before things got too friendly, a young woman with sharp eyes and thin braids crossed her arms and stared at Drayk.
"And what happens if a village decides not to support this... self-declared leadership?" Vanessa asked with a challenging tone.
