Chapter 454: About The Metal
The Dwarf king sat upon his throne as always, talking to some Dwarves about their next course of action. His gaze unwavering as Saeldir approached.
"Your Majesty," Saeldir began, bowing respectfully. "I come to discuss a matter of great importance. Its… regarding the Starsteel in your possession."
The king's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of curiosity mingling with caution. "Proceed, Archmage. What is it you wish to discuss?"
Saeldir took a deep breath and began to explain. "In my observations and research, I have concluded that the Starsteel possesses unique properties that could be of immense use in our fight against the Great Calamity.
"Its Magical attributes are unparalleled, and I believe it can be forged into powerful weapons that will aid us in our struggle."
The king listened intently, his expression unreadable. When Saeldir finished speaking, the king leaned back in his throne, his fingers drumming thoughtfully on the armrest.
"The Starsteel is a precious and rare resource," the king said slowly. "To use it without thorough understanding and caution is a significant risk."
"I understand your concerns, Your Majesty," Saeldir replied earnestly. "But The Great Calamity is a force of immense destruction, and we need every advantage we can get. The Starsteel could be the key to forging weapons powerful enough to stand against it. If you looking for the right time to use it, it is now."
The king's brow furrowed, a deep line forming between his eyes. "And what if you are wrong, Archmage? What if the Starsteel is wasted, or worse, what if its power is unleashed in a way that brings harm instead of protection? We don't fully understand that metal yet, to be honest."
Saeldir held the king's gaze."I have dedicated my life to the study of Magic and its applications. My conclusions are not made lightly. I believe in the potential of the Starsteel, and I am willing to take full responsibility for its use."
The room fell silent as the king pondered Saeldir's words. The air was thick with tension.
After what seemed like an eternity, the king spoke again, his voice measured and deliberate.
"Your conviction is clear, Archmage. But my duty is to protect my kingdom and its treasures. I cannot give permission to use the Starsteel lightly."
Saeldir stood there for few moments with uneasy expression. Then, after a long moment of contemplation Saeldir decided to say what was on his mind when he come here.
He need to use Erend to convince the king. If Erend's Dragon instinct tell him that the Starsteel is valuable, then its probably is.
The king looked up from his discussions with his advisors, his eyes narrowing slightly as Saeldir approached once more.
"Your Majesty," Saeldir began, his voice calm. "I have given much thought to our conversation. There is something I must reveal that may aid in your decision."
The king raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Speak, Archmage."
Saeldir took a deep breath. "In our group, there is an individual of extraordinary power, one whose abilities surpass even my own. This person has a keen Magic instinct, a gift that allows him to perceive the true nature and potential of Magical artifacts. It was through this instinct that he recognized the unparalleled value of the Starsteel."
The king's expression remained inscrutable, but a flicker of interest sparked in his eyes. "And who is this individual, Archmage?"
Saeldir hesitated, carefully weighing his words. "I cannot reveal his identity just yet, Your Majesty. However, I assure you, his insights are not to be taken lightly."
The king leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You ask much, Archmage. To entrust such a precious resource based on the word of an unknown individual is not a decision I make lightly."
Saeldir nodded, acknowledging the king's caution. "I understand, Your Majesty. But consider this: the very nature of the Great Calamity defies the conventional. It is a force that requires us to think beyond our usual bounds. This individual's instincts have guided us well so far, and I believe they can lead us to victory against this impending doom."
The king sat back, deep in thought. The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with anticipation.
Saeldir could see the wheels turning in the king's mind, the heavy responsibility of leadership weighing on him.
After a long pause, the king spoke, his voice measured. "I will consider your words more, Archmage."
Saeldir bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate your consideration. I will await your decision with hope and faith in the wisdom of your judgment."
With that, Saeldir took his leave, the uncertainty still lingering but with a glimmer of hope. But he was almost certain the king will agreed to it.
If he still won't agreed, then they need to show Erend's power.
After Saeldir exited the throne room, the Dwarf king remained deep in thought, his advisors gathering around him with concerned expressions.
One of the king's closest advisors, a wizened Dwarf named Thrain, stepped forward. His eyes gleamed with suspicion as he addressed the king.
"Your Majesty," Thrain began, his voice low and urgent, "we must tread carefully here. The Archmage's request is a grave one. He asks us to reveal our most treasured resource, the Starsteel, based on the word of an unknown individual. We cannot afford to be so trusting."
The king nodded slowly, acknowledging Thrain's concern. "Your caution is warranted, Thrain."
Thrain continued, his tone growing more insistent. "The Elves are a cunning people. They may have ulterior motives that we cannot see. By revealing the location and properties of the Starsteel, we risk exposing our secrets. What if they seek to steal it for themselves? We would be left vulnerable, our defenses compromised."
Another advisor, a stout Dwarf named Bofur, added his voice to the discussion. "Thrain speaks wisely, Your Majesty. The Starsteel has been the cornerstone of our strength for generations. To share it, even in the face of such dire threats, is to gamble with our very survival."
The king remained silent, his brow furrowed in contemplation. The advisors' words echoed in his mind, amplifying his own doubts.
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