"Clang, clang, clang!" The rogue healer's chains made a loud noise as he was dragged through the streets of Ashendell. He felt the eyes of the crowd on him, some curious, some enraged. "What did he do?" some asked. "He's our healer, let him go!" others shouted. "What's his crime?" they demanded to know.
He looked up at the hill that loomed over the city, where the royal palace stood. It was a sight that he had only seen from afar, a vision of splendor and power. The sun glinted off the iron gate, the greenery of the gardens and the spray of the fountains.
The rogue healer reached the gate and saw the guards in their red and gold uniforms, their swords and spears gleaming. He saw the Royal emblem of the Fire Kingdom, a golden phoenix, on the gate and on their chests.
He was pushed through the gate and into a different world. He saw buildings of marble and stone, with columns and statues and balconies. He saw people in silk and velvet, with jewels and feathers and lace. He saw servants and soldiers, nobles and diplomats, all busy with their affairs. They gave him quick glances but quickly returned to their business.
He was led past the center of the plaza, where a statue of a man on a horse towered over him. He saw his hand holding a scepter, his other hand pointing forward. He saw his horse rearing up, its hooves in the air.
He was pulled past the statue and towards the palace. He saw a staircase of marble that led to a pair of doors. He saw guards standing on either side of the doors, holding halberds. He saw more emblems of the phoenix on the doors and on the walls.
He was taken through the doors and into a hall that dazzled him. He saw mirrors lining the walls, reflecting light and images. He saw chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, sparkling with crystals. He saw paintings and sculptures on the walls and on pedestals, depicting scenes of glory and beauty.
He was brought to the end of the hall and into a room that stunned him. He saw a ceiling painted with dragons and Knights. He saw gold and marble everywhere, on the floor, on the walls, on the furniture. He saw a fireplace burning with bright flames, warming the room. And he saw two thrones on a platform, one for the king and one for the queen. The thrones were made of wood covered with gold leaf.
He stood before the thrones, where King and Queen sat. They looked at him with cold eyes, their faces stern. They wore crowns of gold and jewels on their heads, robes of silk and fur on their bodies, rings of metal and gems on their fingers.
He felt a guard shove him to his knees, making him bow before them. He heard a voice shout in his ear: "Bow commoner, you're in the presence of King Ignacius and Queen-Consort Solara, Lord and Lady of the Kingdom of Fire."
The King's gaze was steady, and his voice resonated with a mix of authority and curiosity. "State your name, criminal," the king commanded, his eyes with a piercing gaze.
The rogue healer hesitated for a moment; his voice steady yet tinged with the weight of his actions. "My name is... Kael," he replied.
Before them, an amputee with a missing right leg was brought forth. The king's voice held a note of challenge as he spoke. "Prove to us that you possess the power to restore severed limbs or face the consequences."
Without hesitation, Kael stepped forward. He recited a triple chant his hands radiating an otherworldly energy as he restored the amputee's leg. Gasps of astonishment filled the room as the amputee stood on both feet once more.
King Ignacius was stunned and overjoyed as his stern façade dissipated. His voice quivered with a mixture of gratitude and humility as he beseeched Kael. "Please, I implore you, heal my son's right arm. It was taken from him in a fateful duel, and I can no longer bear to see him suffer."
Queen Solara, a snub daughter of aristocrats, sneered at the king's plea, her voice dripping with disdain. "Begging a commoner for help, my dear husband? How unbecoming of a noble."
Undeterred by the queen's mockery, Kael agreed. "Take me to him."