Empire of Shadows

Chapter 1: Rasmus

4 years ago at Emperor's court.

Clan leader Rasmus Dark was summoned on an audience with His Imperial Majesty Dorian the Great. He arrived half an hour ago, accompanied by his devoted escort. All dressed in finest silks with streaks of onyx color a party of flying men made an impression to the townsfolk. They were greeted by immense and lofty buildings with folded ceramic tiles that stretched up to the mountainside. A long and swift waterfall foamed at the top of the capital beside Emperor's Palace, which had black-golden threaded outlines and tall, eye-catching tea trees.

Now, walking behind court's eunuch Flavian, whom everyone secretly called runt, Rasmus could only guess what Dorian wanted of him.

The letter he received several days ago was very brief and screamed of its urgency. His lady wife warned not to test Emperor's patience and leave as soon, as it was possible. She would take care of their palace in his stead. Rasmus never doubted Felicia and her abilities. He considered her as his equal. Two parts of the same coin they were.

Clan leader furrowed his brows, when his companion suddenly stopped next to the guards.

"Your weapon please, Master Dark," Flavian turned to him with a polite smile. "You know well the rules."

Emperor was always cautious, especially with invited guests. Nobody could enter his throne room with weapons in hands. Actually, no one could enter the Royal Palace without being inspected. The guards on the city walls examined their party a while ago.

Still with a somber look in his eyes, Rasmus obeyed and handed his scabbard with plain steel in it. Dorian must understand that such powerful man as me doesn't need a sword to manage dark energy. If I wanted to hurt him, I could do it with my own hands.

"Thank you, Master," runt took the sword with a light bow and gestured to the guards, "open up the doors for our friend."

Wards did as they were told and in a few moments massive ebony wooden doors burst open. Eunuch stepped forward and entered throne room first, Clan leader Dark steady and confidently following him with the guards in the rear. In six years nothing really changed here.

Rasmus scrutinized the room with apathetic expression. The same marble tiles, high ceiling with patterns of strewn gold, pots of incense everywhere and in the center, at the top of the steps, seated on a black wooden carved throne, was the Emperor himself. He wore a sable hanfu, painted with golden dragon features, perfectly emphasizing his slim figure and a pearly royal barrette that adorned his shiny crow hair.

"Your Imperial Majesty, Clan leader Rasmus Dark arrived at your call," bowed deeply eunuch, eyes on his boots.

"I see," Dorian's heedful purple eyes shone with delight at the sight of a man in front of him. "Thank you Flavian. You may take your leave. "

Bowing one more time, runt turned his back to Emperor, when suddenly Dorian drawled: "Actually...you may all be dismissed. Leave me and Clan leader Dark alone."

Flavian evaporated at the exact same moment, servants and guards with him. Only then His Majesty shifted in his throne, offering a taunting smile. "Well, well, look who finally graced me with his presence, Clan leader Rasmus Dark. Come here."

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes, forcing his lips into a smile and took a few steps closer. "Yes, it's been a while Your Highness."

"How's your wife Rasmus? I heard Lady Felicia has been attending public events more often. Decided to get out of your hole after all?" mocked Dorian with that annoying smirk of his.

"Haughty turkey,"Rasmus thought to himself.  "Your Highness has a witty mind. In fact, we've been thinking of leaving the shadows. I believe it is time to reclaim our known power and respect."