Chapter 6: Chapter 6 : The Council of Exiles Part 1
Seren awoke with the first light of dawn filtering through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. His stomach grumbled, reminding him of his hunger. As he made his way downstairs, he found Thalor and Lyra already seated at the table, sharing a simple breakfast.
"Good morning," Seren greeted them, taking a seat.
"Good morning, Seren," Thalor replied with a nod. Lyra waved cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
As they ate, Thalor began discussing the day's plans. "Today, you'll meet the leaders who have dedicated their lives to preserving the legacy of the Astralis family. But first, I suggest you tour the town and familiarize yourself with your new home."
After breakfast, Lyra announced her intention to practice archery. Seren watched as she skillfully nocked arrows and released them with precision. Inspired, Seren decided to test his own physical abilities, performing push-ups, squats, and running exercises. Despite his young age and low stats, he felt a sense of accomplishment, though he was careful not to overexert himself.
After the exercises, Seren took a refreshing shower, feeling invigorated. He set out to explore the town, eager to learn more about his new surroundings.
The town was a marvel of design, reminiscent of the ancient city of Baghdad during the Abbasid era. It was circular in layout, with a small river flowing gracefully between the inner and outer parts of the city. The river served as both a natural barrier and a source of life, its waters reflecting the vibrant colors of the town.
The streets were a blend of ancient charm and vibrant life, with colorful tapestries hanging from the windows and bustling markets filled with the scents of spices and fresh produce. The architecture was a harmonious mix of stone and wood, with intricate carvings adorning the facades of the buildings.
The inner part of the town was a hub of activity, with narrow alleyways leading to hidden courtyards and bustling bazaars. The outer part, separated by the river, was more serene, with lush gardens and quiet pathways that invited contemplation.
As Seren wandered through the town, he marveled at the architecture, the old fountains, and the lively atmosphere. He managed to tour just one-eighth of the town before receiving a magical message from Thalor, urging him to return and prepare for the council meeting.
With a sense of anticipation, Seren made his way back, ready to face the council and learn more about his role in the community.
As the sun reached its zenith, Thalor called Seren to join him. "It's time to meet the council," he said. "We'll take horses to the Council Exile Dome."
As they rode, Thalor engaged Seren in small talk, sharing stories of the island's history and the community's resilience. Seren listened intently, absorbing every detail.
They arrived at a grand dome, reminiscent of the Pantheon, carved directly into the mountainside. Green plants clung to the stone, adding a touch of life to the ancient structure. Children played by a small lake, chasing butterflies and trying to catch fish.
Inside, the dome was initially dark, but Thalor whispered words in the ancient language, and the space was illuminated. Seren marveled at the sight, his curiosity piqued.
They reached a round chamber, half of it bathed in light. A table with ten seats awaited them, eight already occupied. Thalor took his place, while Seren stood respectfully, waiting for an invitation to sit.