The emergency meeting is called before the dust from the battlefield has even settled.
The sound of alarm bells echoes across the city, drawing soldiers and priests into immediate action.
Malrik meets Nova and Anna just outside the edge of the forest, his face unusually tight. He wastes no time.
"We're heading to the palace. Now."
He says.
Nova gives a small nod and begins walking without another word.
Anna follows close behind, eyes darting from face to face, sensing the tension that seems to ripple through the very air of Callex.
By the time they reach the royal palace, the entire court is in an uproar.
Guards are stationed at every doorway, their hands on their weapons, and attendants run back and forth like scattered ants.
The scent of incense burns sharp in the air, but it cannot cover the nervous energy crawling along the walls.
