The next morning, a great bell rang in the castle of Elentir. It was a low, resonant, and droning sound that hadn't echoed through the mountain in eons.
A bell of war.
One of the twin servants had told Vell the Chancellor wished to meet with him, so he made his way alone through the castle corridors.
The air felt sharp with urgency, the sort that filled castles before great turmoil.
Once again, he returned to the throne room, where the Lord Chancellor stood alone, gazing at a spread of old maps. Their ink was faded and they traced borders that no longer existed.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Vell asked as he stepped inside.
The Chancellor didn't turn around. "We begin today."
"Begin what?"
"The rally," he said. "We are sending envoys. Messages, all sealed with the crest of the Kalandir, and with the greatest secrecy the Kalandir can offer. to every known ally we have left -- and even to some who may wish only to see the Irath fall We shall not be slow, and will begin the downfall of our enemy swiftly."
"So it's official. The war begins not with battle, but with letters."
The Chancellor turned now, his eyes calm but unrelenting. "It is the only way. If we are to strike, it must be as one. Not as grieving immortals seeking revenge — but as a united force standing against an ancient poison, long overindulged."
Vell didn't speak for a moment. His gaze moved across the table, taking in the spread of kingdoms and territories, wondering how many of them would bleed because of what was decided here.
The Chancellor studied him. "I know you won't help. I expected as much."
"I came here to help you understand how an immortal could be killed, not to fight a war." Vell said. "I gave you my findings. That's all I can give."
"What about when the Irath come for you, or that which you hold dear next, oh Dread Mage? Would you not raise your hand against those who seek to destroy you—or all you hold dear?"
Vell's gaze was steady. "I raise it only when I have no choice, but-"
"That's the situation we're in," the Chancellor interrupted, nodding slowly. "We shall ask nothing more from you."