The City of Elaria, the capital of Staria, spread out from the base of the Grand Castle in a meticulously planned web of streets. It is a bustling metropolis of over a million souls, with towering structures made of steel and enchanted glass. The inner city is home to the noble elite, while the outer rings teem with merchants, artisans, and soldiers.
At the city’s heart lies the Great Plaza, where colossal statues of the king’s ancestors stood guard, and magical fountains flowing with waters imbued with healing properties. Roads paved with enchanted stones shimmered underfoot, reflecting the power and grandeur of the king who ruled this mighty kingdom.
The Grand Castle of Staria, towering over the kingdom like a monument to power, spanned an immense area, its sprawling walls stretching across miles of fertile land.
Built from dark stone and adorned with shimmering obsidian spires, the castle emanates a sense of both majesty and menace.
Each tower was capped with banners bearing the king’s sigil—a white tiger, fluttering in the ever-present winds. The castle was fortified by towering walls lined with guards, who kept watch from massive battlements that could withstand a siege from any force.
Inside, opulent halls lined with enchanted torches gave off an otherworldly glow. The throne room, at the heart of the castle, was a vast chamber with a high vaulted ceiling, its walls etched with the history of the kingdom, and at its center sat the Throne of Power, a seat carved from a single massive gemstone, radiating the king’s arcane strength.
Standing before the Throne of Power were the faces of the Terrace family, Lord Ashbourne Terrace along with his twin and second in command, Osbourne Terrace.
“You called for us, your Highness.” Lord Ashbourne bowed along with Osbourne before the King of their kingdom. Although he surpassed the King in terms of talent and even power level, a king remained a king.
“You may raise your head.” The king said with a smile laced with subtle pride.
“Why have you summoned us here, King Derek?” Lord Ashbourne immediately asked. Although he’d shown his respect to the king, he wanted to be done with their business here and return to his family.
Seeing how Lord Ashbourne addressed him with his name this tie, King Derek raised a brow but quickly returned his expression to its neutral state. He knew he couldn’t hold back such an important and powerful figure for so long in the castle.
After all, the Terrace Family estate was just outside the border of the kingdom but the family had decided to hide under the name of the kingdom.
“The rumours about one of your children being used as a stepping stone for another. It’s quite an earful and before it spreads like wildfire, I would like to confirm from the family head himself.” King Derek went straight to the point. He also didn’t want them staying too long. He also knew to ask his questions in a manner that didn’t anger the Lord of the Terrace family.
“Although I do not quite believe in it as it is considered abominable, I would like to ask what happened to the second one of the twin siblings.” Seeing the immediate transformation on Lord Ashbourne’s face, King Derek quickly added. “Young master Damon has built a name for himself in the Elderglow Academy while there isn’t any news regarding his twin, Young master Damien.”
“Phew…” Lord Ashbourne exhaled as he tried to regulate his breathing. He’d almost flared up after recalling the rumors.
Lord Ashbourne was cold, decisive and strict but he would never indulge in abominable actions like the one his family was being accused of. It was an insult he wasn’t willing to take but he also knew better than to act out regarding it.
“Late Master Damien, initial heir to the family committed a grave sin that went against the orders and authority of the Family Head, Lord Ashbourne and so, he was exiled on the same day Master Damon left for the academy.”
“Sent to live the rest of his short life in the Forest of Twin Disasters.” Osbourne answered in place of his brother. He had just as much right to speak as the king or his brother.
King Derek’s eyes widened when he heard the exiled location. The Forest of Twin Disasters. It wasn’t close to their kingdom but its tales lived in the hearts of the citizens. A place crawling with magic beasts of all sorts and ranks. If that was all, it would be understandable but lurking in the forests was an evil and more dangerous race. The demons.
King Derek couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. If Damien had indeed been sent there, the chances of him being alive for the past three months was almost nonexistent. Osbourne’s way of addressing Damien had also ruled out the fact that Damien could still be alive.
Still, the king spoke yet again. “May his soul rest in peace. Since the late young master was exiled, I assume his corpse hasn’t been retrieved.” Then he added to himself mentally. ‘Provided there’s still a corpse.’
“Indeed.” Osbourne answered again.
“Then if I should bring together a team to receive his corpse, that wouldn’t be a problem, would it?” The king’s request was rather odd to both brothers.
Lord Ashbourne raised his eyebrows, staring at the king. It was unexpected and above all, he saw no reason as to why the king would want to retrieve Damien’s body. ‘Why would he need to retrieve Damien’s body? Even if he wanted the talent bestowed upon the boy, it would be too late. Besides, it’s a useless talent.’
Lord Ashbourne had always suspected the king for some reason but he remained an observer. “Do what you want with the corpse. He’s no longer a member of our family after all.”
“If that will be all, we will now take our leave.” Lord Ashbourne stood before the king, his impatience already seeping out.
“That will be all. Have a safe trip back.” The king answered, his face contorting into a suspicious smile.
Immediately the Terrace brothers exited the room, another individual walked in. A man clad in silver armor from his neck down.
“Your Highness, the six member party you called for has arrived.” The figure announced with a salute.