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Chapter 3 - The Empire

Chapter 3: The Hero of the Northern War

The air hung heavy with the acrid smell of blood and dust as Lloyd stood amidst the aftermath of the goblin raid. His blade, Orenmir, hummed softly at his side, its energy gradually settling after the fierce battle. Villagers gathered around him, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and lingering fear.

Lloyd exhaled deeply, a look of relief washing over his face. "We were fortunate," he mused aloud. "Had a goblin lord been among them, the casualties would have been devastating. Those creatures can rival even master swordsmen."

He turned to Dain, who stood nearby, still tense from the recent conflict. "Dain! Organize search parties immediately. There may still be survivors among the wounded. Every life we can save matters."

Dain snapped to attention, quickly rallying the able-bodied villagers to begin the search. As the rescue efforts commenced, Lloyd made his way towards the outskirts of the village where his coach waited. Noticing Dain following him, Lloyd slowed his pace, allowing the man to catch up.

"Your leadership was impressive," Lloyd remarked, breaking the silence between them. "It reminds me of my personal guard, Carac. Did you serve in the military?"

Dain's eyes widened in recognition. "Carac? The Shadowmere? My lord, I served with him during the Northern War. I was his unit leader."

Lloyd chuckled softly, shaking his head. "These titles... but yes, the very same. Tell me more about your time with him."

As they walked, Dain recounted the harrowing battles against the northern invaders. "We lost many good men, including Carac, or so we thought. But in those desperate moments, some of our fallen comrades awakened abilities that turned the tide of battle."

Lloyd nodded thoughtfully. "The Northern War, seven years ago... a crucible that forged many heroes and a means to reveal our true enemies to us."

They reached the coach, where Lloyd's children, Zen and Tess, waited anxiously. Upon seeing their father, they rushed to embrace him.

"I'm sorry for worrying you," Lloyd said softly, patting their heads. "Everything's alright now."

Nearby, Dain reunited with his wife Betha and their child, their tearful embrace a poignant reminder of the day's close calls. Lloyd watched the scene with a contemplative expression before turning back to Dain.

"Dain, I have a proposition for you," Lloyd began, his tone serious. "I'd like you to become one of my retainers. I'll ensure your family is cared for, provide lodgings, and guarantee the security of your village. What do you say?"

Overwhelmed by the offer, Dain dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "My lord, I am unworthy of such compassion. I pledge my sword to you from this day forward."

Lloyd smiled warmly, helping Dain to his feet. "Then I look forward to having you in my service." He produced a sealed letter from his coat. "Take this to the Briar domain and present it to my steward, Armin. He'll know what to do."

As Lloyd prepared to depart, he turned to Dain one last time. "We've lingered here for nearly the days quarter. We must make haste to the Imperial City. Until we meet again, Dain."

With a crack of the whip, the coach lurched forward, leaving the village behind. Inside, Lloyd settled across from his children, his expression growing serious.

"Zen, Tess," he began, his voice low."How much of my fight did you witness?"

They both had a glow in their eyes, seeing this sighed… "I see then"

"What you witnessed today... the power I used... it's called Ki."

Zen leaned forward, his eyes alight with curiosity. "Ki? Is it like the skills Tess and I awakened?"

Lloyd shook his head. "No, it's fundamentally different. Ki is an internal energy, native to the people of the North. Few in our lands know of its existence or how to harness it."

Tess, her white eyes gleaming with interest, asked, "How did you learn about it, Father?"

A distant look crossed Lloyd's face. "Ten years ago, during my adventuring dayst, I encountered a village on the outskirts of the northern region. It was there I met my master, the Blade Sovereign, who taught me the energy force, Ki."

As the coach rumbled on towards the Imperial City, Lloyd delved deeper into the nature of Ki, explaining its foundations and how it differed from the mana-based skills common in their homeland. The twins listened intently, their young minds grappling with concepts that challenged everything they thought they knew about powers and ability.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the towering spires of the Imperial City came into view. The coach passed through the grand gates, and immediately, Lloyd noticed a buzz of excitement in the air.

"Isn't that the Marquis coach?"

"The Hero of the Northern War is visiting!"

Whispers and exclamations followed their coach as it wound its way through the streets towards the palace. Zen and Tess exchanged confused glances, unused to the attention their father was receiving.

As they approached the palace gates, guards had already informed the Emperor of the Marquis visit, Lloyd and his kids step out of the coach.

"Oh… if it Isn't the pride of Darkus, Hero without a skill, welcome cousin!" the Emperor praises, his voice carried a relaxing. "We've heard tales of your exploits against the goblins. yet again you single-handedly defeated an entire horde?"

Lloyd chuckled, shaking his head. "I see the Empire's eyes still works, isn't he too old to be using his skill. And yet again you remind of why i don't visit you, you alsways seem to cause a ruckus!"

As Lloyd and Emperor exchanged pleasantries, Zen and Tess watched standing firmly beside Lloyd from both sides, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension on their faces. They were about to step into a world of imperial politics and power far beyond anything they had experienced in their quiet life in the Briar domain.

Suddenly, Zen felt a sharp pain lance through his hand. The purple rune, dormant since its awakening, began to pulse with an ominous light. He clenched his fist, trying to hide the glow from the others and then the emperor catches wind of them.

"Are these my Nephew and Nice, Zen and Theresa, last i saw you all you where this little"

He said measuring with his hands… "Come onn dont stand there come and give me hug"

They both moved closer to embrace the emperor and he pats them on the head as he points to a boy their age, with brown her and blue pupils… "This is your cousin, my son Leonhardt, say hello!"

They moved into the palace leaving the imperial guards behind.

As the sun set on their first day in the Imperial City, the Briar family stood on the precipice of change, unaware of the challenges and revelations that awaited them within the palace walls.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​