|| The Chaos Mage ||

Chapter 2 - Commission

A/n: Above image: Zarek

Zarek, Affiliation: Edotaria

Sinistrum palace, Affiliation: Edotaria

Zarek navigated through the dark walls of Sinistrum palace. It was a magnificent building, built from monotone marbles of black or grey, embellished with Dearotalm's finest golds. It was by the far the finest home in Dearotalm, he should know, he lived there.

The halls were quiet besides the occasional servant scurrying past and the rhythmic clatter of his armour as he strides onward. He's quick to reach the heavy set of doors that lead to the throne room. He rests his palms on the door for a brief second before pushing them sharply open.

His eyes lock onto his father, who slouches upon his throne, a lazy smirk on his face.
A trembling servant clears up the remains of a shattered glass from the floor, blood from her nose making the shards slippery in her fingers.

It was fairly obvious what had occurred in there just a few moments before. Zarek felt anger and disdain twist in his chest, an emotional blade. He was sure there had been a time when his father was far less cruel. 

Though, he'd always been cold.

Zarek can recall a childhood of teachings, hard won lessons. It took a turn for the worse after war was waged with the neighbouring kingdom. Zarek hadn't seen the man for a good three years before it was finally over. After that fateful return, he'd never been the same. He found pleasure in harming others. His so called lessons were no longer that.

Zarek gently clears his throat. Approaching his fathers throne warily, he bows on a single knee before him. "Ah Prince Zarek." King Alastor greets his son in a mocking tone. "What in the name of the empire took you so long?"
"My apologies father, I came as quickly as I could." Zarek expertly conceals the emotion in his own voice, careful to keep it cool and level. "Tch. No matter, I suppose I shouldn't expect so much."

Zarek clenches the fist behind his back, the leather of his gloves making an near audible creak. "My blood is wasted in your veins. But at least now, finally you can prove your worth something. I have a mission for you." Zarek fights to keep his expression neutral. Of course the bastard wanted something, why else would he want to see his second youngest son? He only needed to pay attention to the eldest three. Heir, advisor, general. Then the youngest was there to be spoiled and married off to some wealthy noble. He has no purpose in his fathers perfect world. Other then to be his personal assassin it seemed.

"Please do elaborate sire." He forced out in a polite tone.

"Hm, so impatient." The king complained, before continuing. "As I'm sure you've already heard, nineteen witches escaped confinements in the Ketean outpost this morning. Reports say they were freed by a singular unknown individual by use of magic. It is believed to be the same individual behind the escape of nearly five hundred other prisoners." He drawls, his face turning a furious share of red. Zarek nearly snickers, but realises that could cause his name to also be added to his fathers kill list.

"I've sent your sister to retrieve the other prisoners but I want this freedom loving rat gone understand?" The older man seethes. That made sense, his sister was the general of his father army. It still stung a little though. He was sent simply as an executor. She had a role which was vital to the people. He couldn't hold it against her thought, he knew how hard she had worked to serve Edotaria.

"Of course father. I just have one question."
"And what is that, boy?"
"How do I find someone whom I have no description of?"
The kings angry expression falters, and becomes one of gaunt glee.

"My men aren't entirely useless Zarek. Anyone, witch or no, would still be vastly outnumbered."

Zarek blinks for a single confused second.

"This could be your easiest mission yet. The target in question is supposedly injured, and hiding out somewhere in the nearby woodland. Which might I add is currently being patrolled by about two hundred soldiers of varying rank."

"They'll be dead by morning sire."

"I'm counting on it, Zarek."

A/n: Sorry for the shorter chapter today, but we now have some new characters, yay! :D
Ain't king alastor a piece of shit!? At least he has an excuse tho unlike Roddak 👀 Anyways... time for random lore facts!

Random fun lore fact: Dearotalm is the single supercontinent in this world! It is home to a variety of different magical species as well as humans. Human magic-users powers are entirely genetical. A lot of magic users will specify in certain types of magic. These types include: Fire, Water, Wind, Electricity/Lightning, Earth, Wood, Metal, Sun, Beast, Fairy, Moon, Balance and Chaos. No magic is more powerful then the other however some types are more rare. Any magic can be trained to be more powerful then others. Most magic users live together in small villages or covens.