South of Runewood, Austerra Kingdom
The ancient gates of Runeterra Castle groaned open, casting long shadows across the stone roads as a caravan of carriages and armored soldiers approached.
The people of the kingdom paused in their daily affairs, stunned by the unfamiliar crest etched in gold on the foremost carriage — the imperial seal of the Wha-lah Empire.
It had been fifty long years since a messenger from the Emperor himself last graced Austerra with a visit. Traditionally, it was the obligation of provincial kings to pay homage at the imperial capital. A visit from the Emperor's envoy — and unannounced at that — was not merely rare. It was ominous.
Inside the throne room, King Aurelus sat stiffly upon his blackwood throne, his fingers drumming against the armrest carved with phoenix wings and dragon talons. News had just reached him — an envoy had arrived at the gates with a hundred imperial soldiers in tow.
