Chapter 944 — The Summit of Kings
The Hall of Accord glimmered beneath the dome of light at the heart of the Hollow's citadel. Polished blackstone reflected the morning sun like a mirror, and banners from each kingdom hung between the marble columns—Ironside's red hammer, the Ocean Kingdom's crest of waves and silver trident, Greystone's pale tower, and the Hollow's own obsidian phoenix.
For the first time in history, the rulers of the four great nations stood under one roof.
Kael entered first, flanked by Lyria, Zerathis, and Selina. His steps echoed against the marble floor, his expression calm but tightly restrained. The weight of this moment pressed against him like a storm waiting to break. Behind his eyes, Eris's quiet voice murmured.
Remember, Kael. Speak to what they fear, not what they want. Fear binds faster than hope.
Kael gave a subtle nod as he approached the council table—a massive circle of carved stone etched with the sigils of each kingdom.
King Alaric of Ironside sat first, broad as a fortress wall and wearing his crown as though it were forged steel. His eyes were cautious, analytical—those of a warrior king.
Next was King Thalren of the Ocean Kingdom, his bearing proud and elegant. His deep-blue robes shimmered like the sea's surface, and the salt-gray in his hair gave him an air of timeless command. He studied Kael with cool curiosity, as if measuring a tide he didn't yet trust.
Lastly, the Queen of Greystone—regal and silent, her every gesture calculated, her gaze calm but firm. She gave Kael a polite nod, though her eyes spoke of skepticism.
Kael inclined his head to them all before taking his seat. "Thank you for coming," he began, his voice steady and deliberate. "This meeting will decide the shape of the world we leave behind. What we build today can either bind our nations together—or doom us apart."
Alaric leaned forward, crossing his thick arms. "You mean this Coalition of Kings you've written about? Sounds to me like you want to put a leash on the rest of us."
Kael smiled faintly. "Only if unity feels like restraint to you, old friend."
Thalren's tone was smooth, his words cutting like a current beneath the surface. "And what do you gain from it, Lord of the Hollow? You propose unity, but who will lead such a thing? You?"
Kael met his eyes without flinching. "No one leads the tide, Thalren. But together, we decide its direction."
The Queen of Greystone spoke next, her voice like polished steel. "You speak of unity and peace, Kael, but what keeps this alliance from fracturing the moment one of us feels threatened or betrayed?"
Kael clasped his hands. "Trust cannot be declared. It must be built. That's why this Coalition will start with what we can all agree upon—defense, progress, and prosperity."
Now show them, Eris whispered. Show them what peace looks like when forged from power.
Kael drew a scroll from his satchel and unfurled it across the table. The blueprint shimmered faintly with runic light.
"This," Kael said, his tone measured, "is the first project of the Coalition—a defensive weapon powered by stabilized chaos energy. My scholars call it a Stellar Engine. It's not meant for conquest. It's meant to ensure no outside force—especially the Church—can threaten us again."
Alaric frowned as he studied the design. "Looks like a siege cannon to me."
"It can be used that way," Kael admitted, "but it was built to protect borders, not erase them. Each kingdom will receive one—free of charge—as a gift from the Hollow to symbolize our trust."
Thalren folded his hands, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Weapons bring balance, yes—but also suspicion. You're asking us to trust that your chaos magic won't one day consume us all."
Kael's gaze remained level. "Chaos is only dangerous when wielded without control. I offer you not power—but stability. We can use this magic to build, not destroy."
The Queen spoke again, her tone clipped. "And if your Hollow falls, Kael? If the Church rises again or if you are killed—what happens to your Coalition then?"
Kael exhaled softly. "If the Hollow falls, we all fall. That's why this Coalition must exist—to ensure no single kingdom ever stands alone."
Steady now, Eris whispered gently. They're close to listening. Give them something greater than fear—give them vision.
Kael rose from his seat and walked around the table. "After these defensive weapons are completed, my scientists will move on to infrastructure—roads, bridges, improved agriculture, energy distribution. Shared technology to strengthen every nation from within. In ten years, our people will live better than any generation before them."
Alaric's brow furrowed, but his tone softened. "You talk like a man who's already seen it happen."
Kael smiled faintly. "I have. The Hollow was nothing but ruin once. Now it thrives. Not because of me—but because we built something better together."
Thalren leaned back in his chair. "And what of your Coalition's laws?"
Kael recited clearly:
"Each kingdom will share knowledge and aid freely.
Each kingdom will stand beside another in defense or disaster.
Each kingdom will open its gates to those displaced by war or famine.
No ruler will turn their back on the innocent for the sake of power."
The silence that followed was heavy—expectant.
Finally, Thalren was the first to rise. "The Ocean Kingdom stands with you, Kael. Your logic is sound—and your courage, admirable. I will not see the tides turn toward war again."
The Queen of Greystone followed, her voice carrying quiet strength. "Greystone will lend its support, so long as this Coalition serves the good of the people and not the ambition of kings."
Alaric stood last, his grin breaking the tension. "You've got the hammer of Ironside, Kael. Someone's got to keep you mages in line."
A rare, genuine smile touched Kael's lips as the four leaders stepped forward. Their hands met over the stone table, sealing the pact with shared purpose.
"The Coalition of Kings," Kael said softly, "is born this day—not from conquest, but conviction."
Eris's voice brushed against his mind, quiet and proud.
You did it.
No, Kael answered inwardly. We did.
And for the first time in centuries, beneath the banners of once-divided realms, a fragile but powerful hope took root—one strong enough to shake the old world.