Inside the tent, a moment of silence hung heavy after Vagnar's roar. One of the commanders, his face pale from smoke and fear, composed himself and stepped forward, his voice trembling:

  Commander:

  "But... my Lord... we have lost nearly a quarter of our strength...

  H... how? If we attack now... hundreds will be killed..."

  Vagnar turned to him slowly, his voice like a rumble buried beneath glacial anger:

  Vagnar:

  "Perhaps... thousands."

  Then he shoved open the leather flap of the tent and stormed out, shouting orders:

  Vagnar:

  "Prepare the men! I want the drums ready by sunset!"

  [Parallel Scene – The Upper Meeting Hall – Drakarion Castle]

  Candles flickered in scattered places throughout the hall, reflecting on the armor of the trusted knights surrounding Trevor. Declan Horse stood beside him, and on the other side, the master builder Alister, and the sage Astor.

  Trevor (looking at the maps, then raising his gaze):

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  "Ser Horse...

  The tale of the Dragon Pit, is it truth... or myth?"

  Horse (calmly, with a hint of doubt):

  "It is said, my Lord... some believe in it, and some mock it."

  Trevor (turning his eyes towards the builder):

  "Master Builder Alister...

  Can you confirm?"

  Alister (stammering):

  "But my Lord... I am not..."

  Astor (intervening with his dignified voice):

  "I will guide you, Alister.

  We shall investigate... if there is truth beneath these walls."

  Alister (looking at Trevor with resignation, then bowing):

  "I... am at the command of Lord Drakarion."

  Everyone departed, the sound of their footsteps fading in the stone corridors. Declan started to leave, but Trevor stopped him:

  Trevor:

  "Ser Declan... stay."

  Declan stepped forward, his hands behind his back.

  Trevor (in a low voice filled with worry):

  "I fear that what I did tonight...

  is a double-edged sword, Declan."

  Declan (without hesitation):

  "My Lord, I have always believed in your father...

  And today, I see Lord Carlos in a young body.

  And if what you did is a double-edged sword... then be careful, my Lord, to stab with it rather than be cut."

  Trevor was silent for a moment, then smiled a small, bitter smile.

  Trevor:

  "Is it conceivable that I would resort to an ancient legend like the Dragon Pit?"

  Declan (confidently):

  "You are intelligent, my Lord... and I am tr..."

  Trevor (interrupting firmly):

  "Yes, I am intelligent.

  But you... are logical, direct, experienced, and honest.

  That is why I want you to be sharp as a sword with me.

  Do not flatter me."

  Declan (looking directly at him):

  "My young Lord...

  If the Dragon Pit is real, the war is over before it begins.

  And if it is just a myth?

  Then let it be known to you...

  I, and every man within these walls, will find pleasure in our bleeding...

  Because we die guarding the honor of this ancient castle."

  A heavy silence fell, broken only by the flickering flame of a candle,

  and Trevor stood as if carrying the weight of an entire lineage upon his shoulders.