The carriage stopped in a stone building with only two floors, painted blue with a golden color on the edges and columns. Two knights guarded the door, which, as always, had exaggerated dimensions for human requirements.
'Do you see the edges? It's pure gold,' Tamalor commented, trying to impress everyone.
'Well, that is a lot of gold,' said Uruk.
'It is,' Tamalor agreed, laughing.
The coachman came down from the carriage and went to speak to the knights. After the necessary explanations, the two knights opened the heavy metal door. Four groups of four muscular men carrying seats on their shoulders came towards the carriage. A servant approached the newcomers and welcomed them.
'Welcome to Asmodes House, your Excellencies; here we will try to fulfill all your wishes.'
Tamalor jumped out of the carriage and into one of the seats with no consideration for the men carrying his weight.
'What are you waiting for? Let's go; life is short,' said Tamalor, laughing as he hit one of the men with a small whip. The men didn't complain; they started moving and took Tamalor inside the building.
Xavier and the boys looked at each other with doubt. They eventually climbed up to the seats. The men carrying them didn't move.
'This is ridiculous,' said Xavier, hitting one of the men with his little whip. The men carried them inside the building.
The atmosphere inside was extravagant; everything was covered with thin and delicate carpets with different designs. The place was illuminated by flames burning over marble columns. Beautiful half-naked women and men walked around, bringing drinks and food to different nobles who relaxed on comfortable sofas. Xavier and the boys saw somebody drop what could only be Basilisco's blood in his eyes.
"This is how the poor people's taxes are expended," Xavier thought, recalling his rough childhood in the fields of Humol.
At the end of the long hall, Tamalor waited for them.
'Don't be surprised, boys. We are going to the top' he used the whip, and the men carrying him began to climb up the stairs.
Xavier and the boys followed him. The second floor was similar to the first one; although they only managed to get a glimpse of it while passing by, their carriers continued to go up. Eventually, they went out to the roof of the second floor. The orientation of the building allowed them to see the sea and the port from a distance. Over their heads, a stone dome supported by thick columns blocked the sun.
'Tamalor? What are you doing here?' A young man questioned Tamalor from his couch while eating fruit from a boy's and a girl's hands. They were attractive and young, and except for a thin chain and a necklace, they were naked.
'Your Majesty,' said Tamalor, bowing his head without leaving his seat..
'Answer me. Who authorized you to come up here? You know very well that this area is reserved for only a few members of the royalty and the court.' The man again demanded an answer.
He had white skin and the characteristic blonde and smooth hair of the royal family, although his eyes were brown, similar to honey.
"So you're using us to get in here." Xavier thought as he saw Tamalor act a little nervous.
'I know, Your Majesty. I would never dare to offend you. Let me introduce you to the De Vonder family,' replied Tamalor, pointing to the men behind him.
Without rising from his couch, the royal member leaned a little to the side to look at the strangers. Their clothes left much to be desired for the prince's refined tastes, but nevertheless, their appearances were noble enough.
'Your Majesty. We are celebrating the evaluation of these brilliant young mages. Both have just been declared dual-titled magicians with an affinity for fire and shadows,' said Tamalor, smiling.
His words made the prince get interested.
'Did you say titled magicians?'
'That is right, your majesty. This two Young men are extraordinary,' replied Tamalor. 'Gentlemen, I present to you, His Majesty, the third Prince Seigmur Van Telas.'
"Damn it, Tamalor, what trouble are you getting us into?" Xavier thought as he did small a reverence from his seat. The boys imitated him.
'Relax,' said Seigmur, changing his tone. 'Any friend of Tamalor is my friend, especially if they are such talented people.'
The young prince clapped twice. A servant approached him.
'Bring more wine. More women. Bring more of everything; today is a big day. Come join me, gentlemen; let's celebrate.'
Tamalor, Xavier, and the boys were carefully brought down to the sofas. Immediately, a group of women approached them. Xavier and the boys rejected them.
'Are they not to your liking?' asked the prince, offering Xavier the chain of the boy who was next to him.
'We are more conservative, Your Majesty,' replied Xavier, rejecting the offer.
'I see, as you wish. I am not a fanatic of puritanism,' said the prince, kissing the boy as he fondled the girl.
Tamalor also devoted himself to enjoying the girls, while the waiters brought more food to the table. However, Xavier only ate some fruit from the same plates that Tamalor, the prince, or some of his human toys tasted.
'Didn't you say that your boys had a great appetite?' asked Tamalor. His guests didn't seem to be having fun.
'We like meat. Although... they may not be able to accommodate our tastes here,' Temma replied.
Tamalor and the prince laughed. 'In this place, you can ask for whatever you want, and they will bring it.'
'Raw meat?' asked Uruk.
The prince turned and looked at one of the servants. 'You've already heard it.'
The servant approached. 'What kind of meat do your excellencies desire?'
'Bring a raw cow,' replied Xavier.
'A whole cow?' asked the servant.
'Are you deaf?' asked Tamalor. 'Yes, he said a cow.'
In fact, neither Tamalor nor the prince understood such an extravagant request. But they wanted to show that, indeed, the place could provide anything and, at the same time, satisfy their curiosity. While Tamalor told the prince about the deeds of the De Vonder in the jungle of Morr, the lifeless swamp, and their recent "exchange" with the knights of the royal city, the requested meat arrived.
'Gentlemen, the animal has just been sacrificed. The freshest for our most glamorous guests.'
Some drops of blood had fallen to the ground during the transportation of the animal's carcass. After laying the body on the table, the carriers who had done the job had blood covering parts of their bodies.
"Let's see how much they are willing to tolerate." Xavier thought. 'Go ahead, boys; enjoy it; you don't have to behave today.'
Like two wild beasts, Uruk and Temma threw themselves on the flesh. Seeing them devour the raw body of the animal was an unpleasant spectacle. The smell of raw meat and blood filled the atmosphere, despite being outdoors. The noise of the two young men biting, tearing, and chewing made the experience even more grotesque. The prince recovered from his initial nausea and began to laugh like a madman.
'What a spectacle you have brought me, Tamalor.'
Tamalor smiled nervously.
'Forgive my nephews lack of modals and savagery, Your Majesty, but they are warriors; they have acquired a very peculiar taste after wandering through Morr jungle for a long time. It seemed right to me to let them be free for a while, even though we are in civilization.'
'Worry not, leader De Vonder. It's refreshing to see someone without fear these days. Not like the cowards of the royal court.'
Xavier looked at the prince with intrigue.
'These cowards, after the end of the war against the dragons, crossed their arms and forgot the war with Veldat,' replied the prince to Xavier's silent question.
'I envy you to some degree; you not only live free and do as you will, but also challenge Heigdal and the knights, which is really admirable. Unfortunately, I have a duty to the dynasty and cannot do such things' continued the prince while he thought. "These savages will be very useful to me; two titled magicians born on misery will be easy to manipulate."
'How noble, Your Majesty!' said Tamalor while thinking, "You're only the third prince, a lazy drunkard who is pissed because they killed that Dalila whore during the last war; you have no power, and you know it."
The prince took a knife from the table and cut a piece of raw meat. 'I think we'll get along very well,' said the prince, taking the meat into his mouth. "Well, this is not too bad, maybe with some salt and a little bit of lemon."
Meanwhile, in the Guards Tower, the newly arrived titled magicians Robalt and Emeral listened to the story of the events that occurred from Heigdal's mouth.
'They are a threat to the dynasty,' concluded Heigdal.
Robalt laughed. 'My dear Heigdal. They were just playing,' said the pale and tall magician.
'Playing? There are twenty knights with several fractures who require medical attention,' Heigdal protested.
'How many of them died?' asked Emeral.
'None,' replied Heigdal, understanding the meaning of the question.
'I know you're a war veteran. But you've never had the chance to see a titled magician in battle. Believe me, if these guys know how to use magic, even if they have mediocre instruction, the guard tower and a third of the royal city would be on fire right now,' Emeral explained.
'Still, we cannot let them get away with this,' replied Heigdal.
'That is true; after all, they have attacked and humiliated the guards of the royal city and a magician of the court. They deserve punishment,' replied Emeral, making the old Heigdal smile.
Both titled magicians came out of the guard tower and headed to the house of Asmodes in a carriage.
'Hmm, if these boys have the physical strength Heigdal spoke of, it is something to be worried about. That would only be possible with enchanted clothes,' commented Robalt.
'Do you think they have any contact among the warlocks groups?' asked Emeral.
'It is possible; after all, Xavier de Vonder was once accused of using arcane magic. His ability to survive is not that of an ordinary shadow mage.'
'It makes no sense; after all, Clinton used him as a fall guy; at that time, the boy knew nothing about arcane magic.'
'That makes me even more suspicious; if I were in his position, I would seek power at any price,' assured Robalt.
The carriage arrived at Asmode's house a few minutes later. The masters came down from the carriage. Just by seeing them, the knights at the entrance opened the large metal door.
'I will come from the skies,' said Robalt, rising up.
'You really do love to put on a show,' said Emeral as she walked toward the entrance.
Up on the roof, a gust of wind caught the attention of those present. Master Robalt descended from the heavens and aproached the prince and his guests.
'Well, how strange it is to find you here, Seigmur,' said Robalt in a sarcastic and mocking tone.
The prince looked at Robalt with an annoyed expression.
'Master Robalt!' cried Tamalor, frightened. "Heigdal, you idiot, if titled magicians ever fight in the royal city, it would be a disaster. What were you thinking, you old fool?"
'Xavier of Vonder' addressed the master, ignoring Tamalor.
'Are you surprised to see me alive, Master Robalt?'
'More like relieved,' replied Robalt with a false smile.
'Uncle, who is this gasthly dreg?' asked Uruk with his face and part of his shirt stained with blood, he actually knew who the master was, both by Xavier's past and by the tales of the master's involvement in the last attack that concluded the war of the dragons. In addition, he was supposed to be in charge of eliminating the beasts who betrayed the army.
When he saw the boy's bloody face, the master looked at the bones of the half eaten animal on the table. The bloody faces of Uruk and Temma's caused him to feel a little nauseus, which later turned into anger. Xavier and the prince laughed at Uruk's question. The master was about to exaggerate his indignation as Uruk prepared to throw himself against him when Emeral walked up the stairs. Her eyes immediately focused on the contents of the table, the sight, the smell, and the faces of Uruk and Temma, covered with blood. She almost vomits.
'Master Emeral, welcome, some food?' said the prince, seeing her pale face.
The teacher raised her hand, and the remaining flesh and bones burned to the dismay of Temma and Uruk.
'Calm down, boys,' warned Xavier.
Seeing how the boys were not afraid of the teachers, the prince decided to stir things up.
'Master Robalt, Master Emeral, what brings you here? Have you also come to celebrate the recognition of two new titled magicians? Though I imagine you would not like the news, Master Emeral, you are no longer the only titled fire magician of the dynasty'
"Let's see what these boys can do; in the worst case, these two will kill them, and I'll watch the show," the prince thought while drinking from his cup.
'I am glad to have colleagues with whom to train and share ideas in the future; for now, they are only boys who need education and training, but at the Liev's tower they will learn to be true titled magicians,' Emeral replied, keeping the composure and without falling into the provocation. The prince was disappointing.
'My family's education is of no concern to you,' replied Xavier, taking a drink of wine from his cup.
'It is the best for the boys, and you know it,' replied the teacher, looking at them. 'I bet you want to learn to exploit all the potential you have as magicians. Only another experienced magician can teach you that.'
'Hmm! Uncle Xavier, can we go to Liev's tower?' asked Uruk.
'No,' replied Xavier indifferently.
'You see, ma'am, I tried,' said Uruk, shrinking his shoulders as he laughed.
'You little rascal!' cried Emeral.
'What's wrong, Master Emeral? Indignant? What are you going to do? To kill us all after days of torture and a ridiculous trial?' Xavier said, rising from the couch. 'Behold, gentlemen, Master Robalt, a title magician, descends from heaven with his glorius power. Your title has gone up to your head; you two are just two clowns' mocked Xavier while thinking, "All yours boys."
Xavier's words angered the master. Uruk and Temma smiled. Emeral looked at all of them, confused.
"They are not trying to avoid a fight; they are provoking us." The master was surprised.
Robalt was preparing to use his wind magic to invoke lightning as a warning signal. Instead, he had to use his wind magic to divert the flame that came out of Temma's mouth toward the sky.
'What do you think you're doing?' Emeral was preparing to attack when a hand held her by the neck from behind.
'If you try anything, I will cut your throat and watch you bleed to death,' Uruk treathened.
Emeral could feel the sharp nails clawing into her skin. For the first time since she awakened as a mage, she was afraid. This boy was fast and strong, and there was no doubt in his voice; he had killed before. "If only I had my battle suit." She never thought she would need it; they were supposed to be untrained boys, titled magicians, who just woke up. "How is this possible? They're just children."
When the flame finally stopped, Temma breathed in. Robalt used that moment to remove the air that was around him. "What are you going to do now, boy? Without air, there is no fire," Robalt thought. His face suddenly changed, and he threw himself to the ground by instinct, avoiding a new flame from Temma's mouth. "But how?"
Suddenly, he felt his body rise in the air. Someone was holding him. Before he understood what was going on, he was looking down while Temma held him by the neck. His face had a wide smile that showed his sharp teeth; his mouth covered with blood gave him an even wilder appearance; and his angry eyes seemed inhuman. "He is going to kill me," the master thought in horror. He could not concentrate his mind on his magic; the pressure of Temma's hand reduced the flow of blood to his brain and cut off his breath. Without knowing it, he instinctively started kicking in the air, trying to escape.
'Temma!' cried Xavier.
Heigdal and a group of knights had just climbed up the stairs. In the beginning, they froze at the sight. But soon they pointed their weapons at Xavier and Uruk. Temma and Uruk could survive the situation without any problems. But Xavier would die if a fight broke out.
Temma lowered the pressure on Robalt's neck and drew him close to his face. The master, who was much taller than Temma's, bended his knees to the point of kneeling.
'Next time you won't be so lucky, you clown of the heavens,' Temma let Robalt's neck go. The master fell to the ground, staying in a four-legged position.
Uruk freed Master Emeral while winking at her. Tamalor was pale as a corpse, while Prince Seigmur laughed at the scratches. The three De Vonders sat back on the couch, and the prince served them wine in person while laughing.
Robalt remained on the ground, astonished. After completing his training at the Liev Tower, he had never been close to death; attacking his enemies from a distance with thunder or manipulating the wind to use objects around him as proyectiles was his figthing method.
"How is it possible? He's just a kid. I am a titled magician; monsters, knights, whole armies; I can eliminate them from the distance». Robalt stood up and looked at Temma, full of anger. Temma looked back at him. Those almost golden-colored eyes reminded him of the eyes of that dragon who escaped the arcane magic spell using pure brute force. Robalt was afraid. Without waiting any longer, he lifted himself up in the air and fled.
'Well, he is fast to run,' said the prince, laughing.
'Knigths, arrest the De Vonders!' cried Heigdal.
The prince spit out the wine he had in his mouth.
'Do you have air in your brain too?'
'Your Majesty, these men are dangerous; we must not...'
'And what? They are undoubtedly dangerous. What are you going to do about it?'
Heigdal kept silent.
'Go away; you are ruining the mood,' ordered the prince, hushing Heigdal away with his hands like if he were a cat. 'Hey, servant,' the prince's call drew everyone out of their astonishment. 'Bring another cow for my guests,' ordered the prince, serving more wine.
The humiliated Emeral, Heigdal, and the knights departed. The prince and his guests ate and drank until the next day. Tamalor accompanied the De Vonder back to their humble household and then went back to his mansion. The rumors had spread throughout the dynasty and even beyond its borders. The only idea that the dynasty now had four titled magicians, three of them with an affinity for fire, made the rest of the kingdoms sleepless.