The elegant halls of the city lord's mansion, brimming with history and tales of old, now bore silent witness to Lucius's chilling presence. Once radiant and alive with the echoes of jubilant celebrations, the walls now shimmered with a malevolent energy. They were tainted by Lucius's dark influence, serving as a stark backdrop to the bloodbath that had just unfolded.
With a voice dripping with disdain, Lucius addressed the enslaved city lord, "State your identity."
The city lord, devoid of emotion and utterly under Lucius's control, responded mechanically, "I am Erastin, previously known as the city lord of Clavis. Now, I exist solely to fulfill your wishes."
Having absorbed the essence of the guards and maids, Lucius felt a temporary satiation. But it was nothing compared to his former state of immense power, where entire realms and realities bowed to his will. A bitterness coursed through him; his present vulnerability was a constant thorn in his side.
"Now, tell me about these Mages this realm reveres so. How do they compare to your insignificant might?" Lucius demanded, his tone suggesting he expected to be unimpressed.
Erastin answered devoid of hesitation, "Mages, in our realm, are beings of vast power. Compared to a Mage, an Adept like myself is less than the dust beneath their feet. It's whispered that a Mage, with a mere gesture, can annihilate armies and lay waste to entire cities."
Lucius smirked, his ancient eyes glinting with a mix of mockery and curiosity. To him, who had seen the birth and death of countless universes, this was child's play. Yet, wisdom garnered over eons dictated caution. His current weakened state meant he had to measure every potential adversary.
"And what of Clavis? Describe its current circumstances," Lucius inquired, feigning a modicum of interest.
Erastin began, "Clavis, once the jewel of this region, boasts of vast streets and vibrant markets. However, the crippling taxes, imposed by the emperor in a desperate attempt to recover from the war's financial drain, have taken a toll. The vibrant trade that once flourished has now receded, and our once fertile fields bear a fraction of their yield due to abandonment. And then, the rebellion began. Many from our city were conscripted, leaving to fight against the rebellious generals at the frontlines, further depleting our manpower."
Lucius, sensing a deeper story, probed further, "What of the defenses? The bandits and the crime?"
Erastin's voice remained monotonous, "With the majority of our forces drafted into the civil war, we've been left vulnerable. This power vacuum has given rise to crime within and bandit groups without. The recent disappearances have further destabilized an already distressed populace."
A cold, dark chuckle escaped Lucius's lips. The frailties of this realm and its inhabitants provided an opportune playground for his resurrection.
"Casually sitting on Erastin's throne, Lucius commanded, "Construct a vast dungeon outside this city."
Erastin nodded, an automaton obeying its master's command, "It will be as you wish."
Shifting his gaze to Varon, Lucius ordered, "I want every criminal, particularly these bandit groups, confined within this dungeon. Ensure they remain alive."
Varon, equally devoid of emotion, responded, "Your will shall be executed."