Jayce and Lucian arrived in the imperial capital city of Ashendell, their footsteps echoing on the smooth, paved streets as they passed through one of the grand city gates. The scene that greeted them was a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds, a bustling mosaic of people from all walks of life mingling and going about their daily routines. The city's diverse inhabitants, representing various classes and professions, intertwined seamlessly.
As they ventured deeper into the heart of the city, Jayce's eyes widened in awe. The wide river that flowed through Ashendell, dividing it into the Right Bank and the Left Bank, captivated his attention. Numerous bridges spanned the river, connecting the two halves of the city, their architectural beauty complemented by ornate statues and lanterns adorning their structures.
Among the city's architectural wonders, Jayce's gaze was drawn to a towering spire that pierced the sky, emanating an ethereal glow, as if serving as a guiding beacon for all who traversed the city streets. And nestled atop a prominent hill stood the King's opulent palace, an imposing edifice surrounded by lush gardens and elegant fountains, exuding an air of regality.
Curiosity sparked within Jayce, and he turned to Lucian, his voice filled with anticipation. "How can we possibly see the King?" he inquired, aware of the daunting challenges that lay ahead.
Lucian's response carried a note of resignation. "It would be next to impossible now that I'm a fugitive," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of frustration at the seemingly insurmountable task.
Undeterred, Jayce pressed on, his voice filled with determination. "Please, Lucian, share with me everything you know about the royal family," he urged.
Lucian acquiesced, his words taking on a vivid and descriptive tone. "Listen closely, Jayce," he began, his voice steady and measured. "The King himself, despite his lofty title, comes from humble beginnings. He was raised on a farm in the countryside, instilling within him a working man's spirit that still resides deep within his core."
Leaning in, Jayce absorbed every detail, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "And what about his wife?" he inquired, wanting to understand the dynamics of the royal household.
Lucian's expression turned thoughtful as he continued, his words carefully chosen. "The King, with his down-to-earth nature, found himself entwined with an aristocratic wife. Yet, their personalities couldn't be more different. While he embodies humility and simplicity, she exudes a snobbish demeanor, a stark contrast to his grounded nature."
Jayce leaned in, his eyes fixed on Lucian, eager to uncover more about the secretive royal family. "Tell me, Lucian," he pressed, his voice filled with anticipation, "what can you share about the King's children?"
Lucian's expression turned contemplative as he delved further into the intricate web of the royal family. "There are two children," he revealed, his voice laced with a hint of mystery. "The daughter remains an enigma, rarely seen in public. Her life is shrouded in secrecy, concealed from prying eyes and public scrutiny."
Curiosity burned within Jayce, his desire for knowledge growing stronger. "And the son?" he prompted, his voice filled with intrigue.
A solemn look crossed Lucian's face as he continued, his voice tinged with empathy. "The son, once renowned for his boldness and love for dueling, has since retreated from the public eye," he disclosed. "A fateful duel resulted in the loss of his arm, forever changing his path. Since then, he has chosen seclusion, withdrawing from the world that once celebrated his bravery."
Jayce's mind whirred with possibilities, and an idea began to take shape.
He sought out a gathering of lepers, people afflicted with various ailments, along with the blind, the deaf, and, most importantly, amputees, who had congregated beneath one of the bridges connecting the city's western and eastern banks.
With purposeful intent, Jayce approached the group and began to work his miracles. He healed one blind man, eliciting astonishment from the others who witnessed the seemingly impossible restoration of sight.
Their pleas for healing grew louder, and with feigned reluctance, Jayce extended his powers to help the rest, including assisting an amputee in regenerating a lost limb.
Word of the incredible mage healer, capable of miracles beyond imagination, spread like wildfire throughout the city. People flocked to Jayce, seeking his miraculous touch, their faith in his abilities growing with each passing moment.
After three days of performing these awe-inspiring acts, Jayce's plan unfolded precisely as intended. Imperial soldiers, drawn by the escalating rumors, arrived on the scene and promptly arrested him. They escorted him through the bustling streets, his journey culminating at the grand doors of the King's palace, where his fate would soon be determined.