I stepped through the palace gate's portal and arrived just outside the king's castle. Guards — low-level mages of no consequence — spotted us instantly, but I barely spared them a glance. The castle itself was classic stone and spire, medieval in design; modest, by my standards.
Beside me, Diablo bowed on one knee, eyes bright with anticipation. I murmured, "Announce us."
"At once, Your Excellency," he replied, grinning.
He glided forward; the guards flinched. Then, injecting mana into his voice, he boomed for the whole keep — and perhaps the town below — to hear: "HIS EXCELLENCY, THE ONE BLESSED BY THE LIGHT — KYROS LIGHTBORN — IS HERE! SHOW RESPECT AND SUMMON YOUR KING!"
He turned to me, expectant. I only turned away and let him revel. He's so dramatic sometimes, Diablo seemed to think, and he dropped a step behind me, smirking.
The king appeared as if summoned by a fire under his feet — rushing out before he'd quite finished dressing. I sized him in an instant: short, a little overweight, thinning hair, middle-aged. Only the rank of King Mage set him apart; in every other way he was underwhelming.
Before the king could recover, Diablo snapped forward with a low growl. He let his Emperor-Mage aura wash over the yard; the effect was immediate. The guards and the king shuddered as if struck.
The king hit his knee and stammered, "Your… Excellency… forgive… my transgressions…" His words were a stuttering mess beneath my gaze.
I studied him. Corruption clung to his bearing — the subtle arrogance of a man who'd never fought for anything and had everything handed to him. Privilege, wealth, and cultivation bought him comfort; those comforts had rotted him. Disgust rose in me, but I kept my voice even.
I nodded once, then gestured. Diablo eased his pressure and stepped back.
The king nearly collapsed but managed to stay upright. He wouldn't meet my eyes. "Your Excellency Kyros," he asked, voice trembling, "what brings you to my humble abode?"
Humble, I thought sourly. Hardly. The castle staff had already lined up along the courtyard, eyes full of awe and fear. I ignored them and focused on the man before me.
"What is your name?" I asked. My voice carried over the stones.
He finally looked up, avoiding my gaze still. "Erik, Your Excellency—Erik Telfordia."
"Very well, Erik. Rise." I waited until he straightened. "I am here about something interesting my aide discovered within your domain. Lead the way."
Erik adjusted his garments with shaking hands and hurried to show us in. His apprehension pulsed through his posture; he knew exactly why we were here.
Good. The game, little Erik, was only just beginning.