Sanctuary: Safe Haven

As Canna busied himself with preparations for his next journey, Vorgrim had completed his task of assembling the right group of warriors to accompany him back to Clan Varran. The requirements were straightforward: there would be no need for combat, and Vorgrim was more than capable of handling any potential danger on his own.

He carefully selected a group that wasn't overly intimidating, opting for those who had an approachable aura.

Among them were Mira and Dot, two of the youngest members of the sanctuary. They were capable but not threatening, embodying the balance Vorgrim sought. Alongside them was Maggi, who had already spent time in Clan Varran, and two more sanctuary warriors, Alex and Eli, who were also young but eager to experience the world outside of the sanctuary.

Maggi, despite his usual stoic demeanor, would lead the group, given his familiarity with Clan Varran. The rest were chosen for their openness to new experiences, a critical trait when venturing into a place as steeped in tradition as Clan Varran.

After a few hours of preparation, the group was assembled. Mira, Dot, Maggi, Alex, and Eli—sanctuary warriors, all teenagers, but seasoned in their own way. Their youth made them less imposing than some of the sanctuary's more veteran warriors. They had visited the sanctuary's treasury earlier that day, a vast collection of gold, gems, and artifacts gathered from the Black Thorn's ill-gotten hoard. Your next chapter is on empire

To them, it was a spectacle of wealth, but to Maggi, who had lived with Clan Varran for months, it was a stark reminder of the importance of resources. Vorgrim distributed 50 gold coins to each of them, enough to buy a house in the capital city of Kharath.

With their white sanctuary uniforms tidied up and everything in place, Vorgrim opened the red portal that would take them back to Clan Varran's destroyed arena.

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Upon stepping through the portal, they were met with a scene of warriors in training, all halting their movements as the red portal materialized. The arena was still in ruins from the recent battles, and the surprise on the faces of the Clan Varran members were evident.

Saint Dravos, who had been sitting on the sidelines, watching the training, immediately stood and flashed to the portal, landing with a powerful thud. The entire clan held its breath, curious about what new development this could mean.

Vorgrim emerged first, his tall, muscular frame exuding confidence and power. He strode forward with purpose, greeting Dravos with a firm handshake. "I bring news from my liege," Vorgrim said, his voice booming through the arena.

Dravos nodded, his face serious. "Come, let's speak privately," he said, motioning for Vorgrim to follow.

Before leaving, Vorgrim turned to the five sanctuary warriors who had accompanied him. "Dravos, could you provide them with Clan Varran uniforms? I want them to explore the kingdom, but the white robes are too eye-catching. Maggi and Eli, you'll be in charge."

Dravos gestured for an attendant to approach, who swiftly escorted the group to a separate room where they could change. The sanctuary warriors would blend in better while exploring the kingdom, giving them a more authentic experience.

Once they were gone, Dravos and Vorgrim made their way to a private chamber, away from prying eyes and ears.

Seated in the quiet room, Vorgrim listened as Dravos provided the latest updates. "The moles within each of the major clans were rooted out and executed," Dravos began. "Burned alive, as per the order of the kingdom. Investigations are still ongoing within the castle itself. The Black Thorn's influence was far-reaching, and it's only a matter of time before more are uncovered."

Vorgrim nodded, taking in the information. Dravos continued, "A week from now, there will be a ceremony to honor the dead—adventurers, clan members, soldiers—everyone who lost their lives during the battle. I hope Canna will attend. His presence would bring weight to the event."

Vorgrim considered this for a moment. "It all depends on my liege," he said, choosing his words carefully. "At this very moment, he's preparing for a journey to rescue a village of minotaurs."

Dravos let out a laugh at the absurdity of the statement. "A village of minotaurs?" he repeated. "Only Canna would take on such a task."

Minotaurs were known for their fierce pride and strength, not for asking for help. It was almost unthinkable, but if anyone could accomplish such a feat, it would be Canna. Dravos had come to expect the unexpected from him.

As the two men discussed the implications of the rescue mission, Dravos suddenly spoke words that took Vorgrim completely by surprise. "I want to join your sanctuary as a fighter," Dravos declared. "If I must bend the knee to Canna, so be it. I have already announced my departure from Clan Varran. There are others who will join me."

Vorgrim almost choked on his tea. He quickly set the cup down, staring at Dravos in disbelief. "You... you want to leave Clan Varran?"

Dravos nodded, his expression firm. "My time here is done. I've served my clan for years, and I believe in what Canna is building. I want to fight for something greater than just our clan. I want to fight with the sanctuary."

Vorgrim was speechless for a moment. He hadn't anticipated this. The Saint of Clan Varran, a legendary figure of the clan, wanted to join Canna's sanctuary? It was an offer too great to simply brush off.

Vorgrim leaned back in his chair, processing the gravity of the request. "I don't know what to say," he admitted. "This isn't a decision to be made lightly. I'll have to bring this to my liege."

Dravos smiled, sensing Vorgrim's inner turmoil. "Take your time, my friend. I've made my choice. Now it's up to Canna."

The weight of Dravos' words hung in the air. For a moment, neither man spoke, the significance of the moment settling between them.

After a pause, Vorgrim finally spoke. "I'll bring this to my liege, Dravos. But know this—if Canna accepts your request, your life will change forever."

Dravos stood, his posture resolute. "That's what I'm counting on."

Vorgrim rose as well, his expression still one of disbelief. The conversation had taken a direction he hadn't anticipated, but one thing was certain—whatever happened next would be monumental.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

As they exited the room, Vorgrim's mind raced. Dravos had just taken the first step toward a new future, and Vorgrim knew that this decision would have far-reaching consequences for both Clan Varran and the sanctuary.

The chapter of Dravos' life as a saint of Clan Varran was closing, and a new chapter, one tied to Canna and the sanctuary, was about to begin.