The carriage advanced through the bustling streets of Ultan, while the woman inside observed the scene unfolding with interest.
The city seethed, vibrating with the arrival of the grand event known as the Selection Trial. Vendors crowded every corner, trying to attract passersby to their exuberant wares. Luxury items, sparkling jewelry, and elaborate clothes were displayed on colorful stalls, competing for attention.
Street magicians performed dazzling tricks, casting illusions that surprised the gathered crowd. Prostitutes approached potential clients with seductive gestures, offering the pleasures of the city. Meanwhile, numerous soldiers clad in shining silver armor patrolled the streets, ensuring order was maintained amidst the chaos.
"It's enormous here..." murmured a Dark Elf. "Runyra can't be half the size of this city..."
"Which is fair," said the woman beside her. "Ultan must receive plenty of money from our counselors; I wouldn't expect anything less."
The Elf stared at the woman in front of her. Hair white as milk, pinned up in a hairstyle, highlighted the beauty of her face. Her eyes were yellow like amber. She wore a black dress that went from her neck to her feet, sculpting her attractive body. Lips plump like a tempting apple, a thin, upturned nose under thick lashes.
"You seem irritated, my lady..." said the Dark Elf, as beautiful as her mistress. She wore the same dress; dark skin, eyes green like emeralds, pointed ears. Her thin nose and plump lips matched the straight, dark hair cascading down her shoulders.
"How could I not be? I was forced to come to where the man responsible for destroying everything my father built resides. And for what? This is humiliating; it's as if we agree with everything he does to us and still pay for it."
The Elf looked away, downcast. "I'm sorry..."
"No need to worry, it's not your fault, Eksebi." The carriage began to stop. "Looks like we've arrived."
As soon as the carriage stopped, a soldier in his impeccable silver armor opened the door, bowing solemnly. "Queen Ayla of Runyra, welcome. The emperor awaits you."
She passed by the soldier, followed by the Elf. With her nose held high, Ayla walked with authority and elegance down the marble corridor. Soldiers instructed her to continue, and they climbed circular stairs until they reached a huge hall.
The environment was worthy of a royal court, with exquisite details everywhere. Sumptuous chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, spreading a soft, golden light that danced on the ornate walls. The carved pillars boasted intricate reliefs, telling stories of glory.
Ayla and her companion approached where several other kings and princes were gathered. The gala outfits on display were true masterpieces of fashion, reflecting the splendor of the nobility. Beautiful and graceful women wore stunning dresses that shone like stars in the firmament, while the men, though with ample bellies, sported gold-embroidered suits and glittering jewels.
With each step, the hall seemed to come alive with muffled laughter and whispers, revealing intrigues and secret alliances permeating the court. The glances exchanged between nobles and leaders of different kingdoms were a dance of politics and power, hidden under a layer of formality.
"Queen Ayla of Runyra," said a portly noble. "I thought you wouldn't come." He greeted her by kissing the back of her hand.
"It was a summons from the emperor himself, how could I refuse?"
"Of course..." He stared at the Dark Elf behind her and ignored her. "I have to thank you for your cooperation, business has never been better. The emperor is proud of what has been done in Runyra. My congratulations, and enjoy the party."
The man walked away and Ayla whispered to her companion. "One of Ultan's lapdogs, that bastard... I read the records on him: he buys Elves, mostly girls, and resells them to Bramberia. He is a disgusting man, like most people here."
"I don't think he liked my face..." commented the Elf. "Good thing. That shows you are different from him."
"Queen Ayla of Runyra!" exclaimed a man behind her. "Did your counselors like the last shipment of slaves I sent? If it weren't for that storm, my people and I would have enjoyed the hunt more."
"The bearer of the Damascus sword..." she grumbled. "Didn't think I'd see you here..."
"Hey, you can call me by my name, alright? It's always good doing business with your counselors. It's a shame they leave you out of the fun," he sneered. "Enjoy the party, Queen."
Ayla forced a smile. "Thank you, good to see you too..."
Taking a sip from his glass of wine, he stared at the Elf beside the Queen. "I like your courage. Bringing an Elf to a party like this... that sure is a lot of courage. Well, I have to go."
Every conversation, every interaction, was a complex web of interests and manipulations. She knew she needed to be careful, as every word could change the course of coming events.
Eksebi remained by her side, silent but attentive, noticing the rising tension in her queen. There was something deeper happening there, something that went beyond appearances.
Ayla felt she was being tested, not just as a ruler, but as a person. The choices she would make in the coming days would determine not only Runyra's future but also the fate of many others.
A commotion spread like fire in dry hay when the Emperor entered the hall. His bearing was majestic, his presence domineering. He was big and strong; dark hair fell over his shoulders like a cascade of obsidian.
Intense yellow eyes observed the world with an aura of unquestionable authority. A voluminous beard adorned his face, contributing to his majestic and intrepid appearance. Dressed in clothes worthy of a king, the Emperor displayed all the splendor of his office.
His scarlet cloak was embroidered with gold and silver, with royal symbols that gleamed in the candlelight. A crown studded with precious gems rested on his head, shining like a beacon of power.
As he walked through the hall, nobles and courtiers bowed in sign of respect, and his men, soldiers in polished armor, followed him. They were an elite guard, loyal to the last breath, ready to protect their emperor at any cost.
As the Emperor moved, the party transformed into a display of flattery and reverence. Eager nobles approached to gain his attention and favors, while courtesans wooed with charming smiles, hoping to win a look of approval. He conversed with everyone with consummate political skill, listening attentively while maintaining a posture of confidence and authority.
The Emperor was the epicenter of the event, and his charisma attracted everyone in his orbit. He was a powerful leader, and in that hall full of splendor and intrigue, his presence was undeniable.
After almost an hour, he finally reached Ayla. "Ladies, enjoying the party?" He kissed the back of Ayla and Eksebi's hand. "I'm happy you came, Queen Ayla. This year's event is special, there are famous faces competing this time."
Ayla nodded. "I didn't come to see a student event. I came because I was forced, to show you this fake respect."
Ultan nodded with a smile. "Still thinking about daddy? You are already a woman, you should be married, conceiving heirs, honoring your father's name."
Ayla turned up her nose. "Married to whom? The nobles here? Most can't run ten meters without getting tired. My heirs with men like that would be weak like the father, and when we talk about weak heirs, you know the subject, don't you?"
Ultan laughed softly. "Hehe! You remain hostile as ever. Reminds me of your old man, and look how he ended up. Don't forget, girl: I control your counselors. You are the queen, but you have no power. With a snap of my fingers I replace you, understood? Now enjoy the party, be polite, and put a smile on that pretty little face the Gods gave you."
Embracing another man, Ultan walked away, leaving Ayla angry, to the point of almost leaving, but she had to stay and fulfill her royal duties. A servant passed by her and Ayla took a glass of wine, finishing it in seconds.
"That bastard..." she downed another glass. "I should kill him here and now, rip his head off and throw it to the pigs!"
"Your Majesty, calm down..." said the Elf. "Take it easy on the drink, please... we cannot provoke the other princes and kings, they might see it as disrespect."
"Of course they can. Do you know what they call Runyra? The whore of the central-east. The counselors let Ultan and his allies do whatever they want in the country my father gave his life to build, and what am I doing here? Representing the whore. These bastards don't respect me, they laugh at me behind my back, laugh at my father's legacy!"
"I know, Your Majesty... but calm down..." "Fine, fine... I'll stay quiet."
The lights of the great hall went out in sync, plunging the environment into momentary darkness. The murmur of the crowd became a restless whisper, while people looked around, anxious for what was to come.
At that moment, master mages of sorcery and illusionism conjured a portal in the center of the hall. Their hands moved gracefully, drawing magical symbols in the air. Sparks of magical energy danced around them while the portal opened slowly, revealing an empty and dark space. As the portal expanded, the murmurs of the crowd grew in intensity. People felt a sense of expectation, as if they were about to witness something truly exceptional.
Then, when the portal reached its maximum size, it lit up with a brilliant glow. The dark void gave way to moving images, as if it were a magical broadcast screen. The crowd held its breath as the first scenes appeared.
"Ladies and gentlemen," said Ultan, his voice reaching everyone. "As you know, the selection tournament serves as a metric for the future generation of the empire's forces. It is just an appetizer; the main course will be the guild tournament happening at the end of winter. You gentlemen may be keeping an eye on some interesting names this year, names that might become part of your armies and your forces."
The screen displayed several participants registered in the selection trial who could surprise.
"This is Barone, an assassin." It showed a boy with pale skin, dark hair parted in the middle, and dead fish eyes. "His family isn't famous like the Ubytsys, but has excellent results. He is the eldest of six siblings. A user of silence, skilled? We hope so."
Images of Anton appeared this time. "The youngest son of House Ironshield and brother of one of the university's best students, graduated last year. His companions are also skilled, experienced magic users."
This time images of Colin, Brighid, and Safira appeared, and a commotion started. Some knew them from rumors, others just became interested because none of them came from noble houses; they were completely unknown.
"These three appeared a few weeks ago and, from the rumors some of you have heard, I believe following them will be at the very least curious. They say they arrived in the city dragging the head of a Bakurak, fought with some nobles, and took down an abyss cult. Furthermore, it is commented that even wounded, this man, Colin, managed to defeat a lieutenant with his bare fists, sending his entire garrison running."
Murmurs began. "That is absurd," Ayla heard people commenting. "A friend of my nephew is going to participate, I will pay him to finish off this barbarian!"
"It is inadmissible for someone like that to enter the university and be exported to armies," murmured another noble.
"He would only tarnish our image!"
"I fully agree, I will take the necessary measures this very day!"
Ayla sipped the wine and cracked a smile. "Seems like the Elf attracted unwanted attention."
"I hope he'll be okay..." said Eksebi softly.
"Looks like coming here wasn't a total waste of time. Let's pick a nice spot and watch the show."