Page 84 of Shattered Crown

“When I was sent to Thornhaven, I believed magic was our enemy. I'd been taught that guardian powers threatened human sovereignty, that their very existence undermined natural order.” Silas paused, meeting eyes across the room. “But what I discovered was more complex than simple opposition.”

He raised his hand, calling forth a small manifestation of combined power. Light and forest magic swirled together, forming images in the air above the assembly. Gasps echoed as they witnessed the shadow corruption firsthand: twisted landscapes, corrupted creatures, the spreading darkness that consumed everything it touched.

“This is what we face,” Silas declared. “Sebastian Blackthorn no longer plays at politics or power. He has become something inhuman, and his darkness spreads daily. Guardian knowledge provides critical insights into this threat.”

The images shifted, showing moments of cooperation: human and guardian fighting side by side, healing magic saving wounded soldiers, combined powers creating barriers against corruption.

“The coordination my father proposes isn't surrender or revolution. It's adaptation based on practical necessity. My mother used to say that wisdom lies in recognizing when tradition must evolve to survive.”

The mention of Queen Rose silenced several detractors. Her memory remained beloved across factions, her wisdom respected even by traditionalists.

Lord Blackwood scoffed. “Pretty words and pretty pictures. The queen, may she rest in peace, didn't have to contend with magical infiltration.”

“Actually,” Silas countered calmly, “she studied guardian traditions extensively. Her personal library contains volumes on cooperative approaches to magical threats. I've recently discovered her notes on potential frameworks for exactly this type of coordination.”

He hadn't planned to use his mother's legacy, but seeing the room's reaction to her name made the strategy clear. His father's subtle shift told him the approach had struck home.

Diana stepped forward from her position near the throne. “The military command has already begun limited coordination efforts,” she announced, her tone deliberately measured. “The initial results show promising tactical advantages.”

More debate followed, but the tide was shifting. Fear of Sebastian outweighed fear of change for many. Others saw opportunity in the new arrangements. When the session finally concluded, the proposal for limited coordination stood approved, though opposition remained vocal.

As nobles filed out, Silas caught fragments of conversation. Some plotted resistance, others discussed adaptation. A few younger nobles approached him directly, expressing quiet support.

Thomas remained seated as the hall emptied, waiting until they were relatively alone.

“Your mother's research,” he said quietly. “Is that true?”

“Yes,” Silas replied. “Though I doubt she intended it as political leverage.”

Something flickered across Thomas's face—not quite a smile, but a momentary softening. “She always was three steps ahead of everyone else. Including me.”

The admission surprised Silas. Thomas rarely spoke of his late wife, especially her political insights.

“She would have found a better approach than exile,” Silas said, unable to keep the edge from his voice.

Thomas's expression hardened again. “Perhaps. But we deal with the choices made, not imagined alternatives.” He stood carefully, masking his pain. “The council meets in an hour. Join me to discuss implementation.”

Not an invitation—an expectation. Still, it represented progress of a sort.

* * *

The war roomfelt different as Silas took his place as Thorne's voice at the table. Ancient magic hummed beneath the military's methodical strategies as they reviewed intelligence reports. Maps covered the central table, marked with red ink showing Sebastian's expanding influence.

“The dead zones are multiplying,” reported Commander Chen, pointing to several areas. “Natural magic fails completely within these regions. Even forest spirits weaken near the boundaries.”

Silas studied the patterns. “He's not just claiming territory. He's fundamentally altering it.”

“Corrupting the very essence of the land,” Silas continued, channeling what Thorne had shown him. “According to Thorne, nothing like this has occurred since the Great Sundering centuries ago.”

Silas felt Thorne's exhaustion. The fight to save Elder Willow consumed enormous energy, leaving his partner drained. Images flickered through their connection: the great tree's form flickering like a dying flame, Thorne channeling his own life force to sustain her while forest sprites maintained protective circles.

“We need to strike soon,” Diana urged. “Every day we delay, Sebastian grows stronger.”

“But a direct assault would be suicide,” countered General Ronald. “His stronghold is protected by corruption we can barely comprehend.”

“And waiting ensures defeat,” Thomas said, studying the map with calculated focus. “We need coordinated intelligence first. Find vulnerabilities in his defenses.”

Ambassador Reeves from the Eastern Kingdom cleared his throat. “My queen grows impatient. The corruption has reached our borders. If you cannot contain this threat, we will take matters into our own hands.”

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