Tale of a Hedonistic wizard

The clergyman placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You defended yourself and others from those who meant you harm. There is no sin in that. The gods granted you that power for a reason, and tonight, you used it justly."

Outside, the escorts finished their grim task and returned to their positions. The carriage lurched into motion once more, continuing its journey towards Malmure Pasture.

As they travelled, the clergyman spoke quietly to the young man, offering words of comfort and guidance. He spoke of the responsibilities that came with such power and of the great destiny that surely awaited one so blessed by the gods.

The young man listened in silence, his mind awhirl with conflicting emotions. Part of him was exhilarated by the power he had wielded, proud of how he had protected himself and others. But another part was terrified—of the power itself, of the expectations now placed upon him, of the changes that were surely coming to his life.

As dawn began to break, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, the carriage crested a hill. In the valley below, the young man could see the first signs of civilisation—farms and small hamlets on the outskirts of Malmure Pasture.

"We're nearly there," the clergyman said, a note of excitement in his voice. "Earl Atkin awaits us. He's a good man, one who understands the importance of your blessing. He'll help guide you on the path ahead."

Father Oren was the clergyman of the church present in the young man Jame's town. He was the one who first found one, and he sent out the word to the luminary palace, but there wasn't any response from them. He waited and waited, and Father Oren felt like they didn't believe him.

While he was wondering what to do, he received a letter from Earl Atkin, their county lord. Personally, Oren had met Atkin a few times, and he knew that he was a man of god. In the letter, he stated that he believed the emergence of the child of prophecy, and he offered help. So without any further ado, Oren took Jame and came here.

The young man nodded absently, his eyes fixed on the growing signs of life outside the carriage window.

So much had changed in just one night. The simple life he had known was behind him now, lost in the shadows of the lonely road where he had first truly wielded the power of his divine spear.

As the carriage rolled on towards Malmure Pasture and the waiting Earl Atkin, the young man couldn't help but wonder what further changes awaited him.

The spear lay quiet in his lap, but he could feel its power waiting, ready to be called upon once more when the time came.

Little did he know that his arrival would set in motion events that would shake the very foundations of the empire.

—— ∗ ——

The streets of the imperial capital were alive with the electric pulse of the Winter Festival.

Snow lay in soft layers over cobblestone roads, and the festive spirit clung to the air like a fine mist as fireworks intermittently brightened the sky with dazzling explosions.

People dressed in elaborate gowns and finery bustled along the marketplace, voices mingling into an orchestra of cheer and laughter. Each home and shop bore decorations of frosted garlands, lights flickering like miniature stars, and wreaths adorned with enchanted crystals that shimmered in the pale winter light.

Jaegar leaned back in his seat, glancing out the window as his carriage rolled through the bustling city streets. His invitation sat folded in his hand, his fingers tracing the ornate edges.

December 27th was the last day of the festival, and he could feel the excitement simmering in the air; its buzz was thick even inside the carriage.

The soiree he was headed to would be hosted within the Imperial Palace grounds, an exclusive affair meant for the influential and elite of the empire.

Tonight, Jaegar had a mission far beyond mere attendance—he needed to learn more about Lorcan and his elder brother, Vlaran. Both were mysteries in their own way. The last meeting made him realise just how little he knew about Vlaran and how Vlaran knew about him. And if he wanted to make Lorcan's life a living hell, first he needs to find out about him.

The carriage turned onto the wide boulevard leading to the palace, and as it approached the gates, Jaegar caught his first glimpse of the sprawling, snow-covered structure.

The palace loomed like an ethereal fortress, its towers reaching toward the heavens, adorned with intricate icicles that glittered in the moonlight. The structure was an architectural wonder, a sight to behold located at the centre of the large city. It showed the power and wealth of the imperial family residing in the palace. Find your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire

Banners bearing the imperial emblem hung proudly, swaying gently in the night breeze, and as the carriage approached, the coachman slowed, pulling the horses to a halt just outside the massive iron gates.

The guards stationed at the gates looked intimidating in their iron suits and long spears in their hands, their eyes keenly watching as the carriage came to a stop. The security was tight all day and night, with patrols constantly moving around the perimeter of the palace grounds.

"Prince Jaegar," the coachman announced, his voice carrying through the cold, crisp air.

A guard approached lantern in hand, peering into the carriage as he checked Jaegar's invitation.

Once satisfied, he nodded, signalling the carriage forward.

One of the massive metal doors stood ajar, creaking slightly in the stillness, while the other loomed shut, its cold surface glinting ominously in the dim light. The imposing gates appeared almost sentient, their sturdy frames exuding an air of intimidation.

They passed into the palace grounds, a long pathway lined with grand, glittering lights and evergreen garlands.The guards stood in perfect formation on either side of the path, their armour polished to a mirror sheen, reflecting the warm glow of the palace lights. They were silent, statuesque, as the carriage rolled past.