The throne room had been transformed for the historic meeting. Three separate seating areas had been arranged in a triangle, with Eldoria's throne positioned at the center.
Each empire's delegation occupied their designated space, their representatives studying each other with the careful attention of predators assessing potential threats.
Silas entered the chamber with as much dignity as his weakened condition allowed, flanked by Lady Elara and Chancellor Marcus.
Master Gareth followed close behind, his hand resting casually on his sword hilt, a subtle reminder that Eldoria still possessed warriors capable of defending their prince.
The Aurelian representative was exactly what Silas had expected: a tall, imposing man in his forties with the bearing of a career military officer.
General Marcus Aurelius, no relation to the emperor despite the shared name, wore the purple cloak of imperial authority over gleaming armor that seemed to radiate its own light. His presence filled the room with an aura of controlled power that made even the guards stand straighter.
The Obsidian delegate was harder to read. Shadowmistress Nyx appeared to be a woman of indeterminate age, her features partially concealed by the play of shadows that seemed to move independently around her.
Her dark robes shifted and flowed like liquid darkness, and her eyes held depths that suggested she saw far more than she revealed.
The Verdant representative was perhaps the most surprising. Archdruid Thornwick looked more like a kindly grandfather than a wielder of nature magic, his weathered face creased with laugh lines and his simple green robes adorned only with living vines that grew directly from the fabric.
But the way small animals gathered around his feet and the faint scent of growing things that followed him marked him as something far more powerful than his appearance suggested.
"Your Imperial Majesty's representatives," Silas began, his voice carrying more strength than he felt, "I thank you for accepting my invitation. What I propose today could benefit all our peoples."
General Aurelius leaned forward slightly. "The Dominion is prepared to listen, Prince Silas. But we expect substance, not empty words."
"Indeed," Shadowmistress Nyx added, her voice carrying an odd echo that seemed to come from multiple directions at once. "The Enclave has little patience for wasted time."
Archdruid Thornwick simply nodded, his eyes twinkling with what might have been amusement. "The Circle is curious to hear what wisdom you would share, young prince."
Silas took a deep breath, calling upon the energy control techniques Master Gareth had taught him to maintain his composure. "What I propose is simple in concept but revolutionary in implementation. Instead of viewing Eldoria as a prize to be won, I suggest you consider us as a resource to be cultivated."
The three representatives exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from skeptical to intrigued.
"Explain," General Aurelius said curtly.
"Eldoria occupies a unique strategic position," Silas continued, gesturing to a map that had been prepared for the meeting.
"We sit at the convergence of trade routes that connect all three of your empires. Currently, those routes are underutilized because of political tensions and security concerns. But what if there were a neutral territory where your merchants could trade freely, where your diplomats could meet without loss of face, where your scholars could exchange knowledge without fear of espionage?"
Shadowmistress Nyx's eyes narrowed. "You propose to become a neutral zone? That would require guarantees that you could maintain that neutrality."
"More than that," Silas said, warming to his theme. "I propose that Eldoria become a center of innovation and development that serves all three empires. Our engineers could design improvements to your infrastructure. Our craftsmen could produce goods that meet your specific needs. Our scholars could research solutions to problems that affect all our peoples."
"And what would prevent us from simply taking these innovations by force?" General Aurelius asked bluntly.
"Because the innovations would be worthless without the people who create them," Silas replied. "Knowledge and skill cannot be conquered; they must be cultivated. Destroy the kingdom that produces them, and you destroy the source of future advancement."
Archdruid Thornwick spoke for the first time since the introductions. "You speak of innovation and advancement, young prince. But what makes you believe Eldoria is capable of such things? Your kingdom has been in decline for decades."
This was the crucial moment, the point where Silas had to reveal enough of his vision to convince them without exposing the full scope of his plans.
"Because decline can be reversed, Archdruid. What you see as weakness, I see as potential. Eldoria's current state means we have nothing to lose and everything to gain from embracing new ideas and methods."
He gestured to Master Gareth, who stepped forward with obvious reluctance. "Our sword aura techniques, for example, represent a unique approach to energy manipulation that could complement your magical traditions. Master Gareth, would you demonstrate?"
The old warrior's expression suggested he thought this was a terrible idea, but he drew his sword nonetheless.
The blade was simple steel, showing the wear of decades of use, but as Master Gareth began to channel his energy through it, the weapon began to glow with a soft, steady light.
"Sword aura is not magic as you understand it," Silas explained as Master Gareth moved through a series of forms that left trails of light in the air. "It's the disciplined application of life force through focused will and physical technique. It requires no innate magical talent, only dedication and proper training."
Master Gareth concluded his demonstration by striking a practice dummy that had been placed in the center of the room.
His blade passed through the target without apparent resistance, but a moment later, the dummy split cleanly in half, the cut so precise that it seemed to have been made by a blade far sharper than any steel.
The three representatives watched with varying degrees of interest. General Aurelius looked impressed despite himself, while Shadowmistress Nyx seemed to be analyzing the technique for potential applications. Archdruid Thornwick simply nodded as if he had expected something of the sort.
"Interesting," General Aurelius said. "But hardly revolutionary. Our light magic can achieve similar effects."
"Can it be taught to anyone?" Silas asked. "Can your soldiers learn light magic regardless of their birth or natural talent?"
The general's silence was answer enough. Magic, in all its forms, required innate ability that couldn't be taught or learned through effort alone.