As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Ashborne estate, the excitement from the sparring matches transitioned into a lively banquet. The grand hall, adorned with banners of the Ashborne crest, buzzed with the chatter of nobles from neighboring families, all gathered to celebrate the unexpected triumph of Velgrim-or, as he now identified himself, Zariel Ravenshadow. The long wooden tables were laden with sumptuous feasts: roasted meats, golden pastries, and goblets of rich wine, each dish crafted to perfection by the estate's skilled cooks.
Among the attendees were prominent families, eager to forge alliances and showcase their daughters as potential brides for the newly hailed champion. The Stormrune Family , known for their lineage of powerful mages, approached Lord Alaric with their daughter, a striking young woman with fiery red hair and sharp emerald eyes. She was the embodiment of grace, and her parents hoped to ensnare Zariel's interest. However, as Zariel conversed with nobles and enjoyed the festivities, he felt detached, an old soul encased in the form of a fifteen-year-old boy. The prospect of arranged marriages and political alliances held little allure for him.
Seated beside him were his siblings, Caden and Cyra, who had graduated from the academy just the previous year. They exchanged knowing glances, their laughter resonating in the joyous atmosphere. Yet, beneath their smiles lay a scheming ambition. Both Caden and Cyra had cultivated influential connections during their time at the academy, and the spark of mischief danced in their eyes as they plotted to make Zariel's life challenging. They relished the idea of testing his resolve, eager to see if the shadows of his past could withstand the trials ahead.
As the evening wore on, Zariel caught snippets of conversation about the academy, the hardships faced by students, and the fierce rivalries that shaped its halls. The prospect of entering such a world thrilled him, igniting a spark of determination. He glanced at Lyra, seated across from him, her expression a mixture of pride and anticipation. The two had developed a camaraderie through their fierce duel, and she too sensed the weight of expectations that lay before them.
"Do you think they'll let us walk to the academy tomorrow?" Zariel asked, his tone light yet carrying an underlying seriousness.
Lyra smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "If they allow it, I'll gladly take the path less traveled. A monster hunt sounds far more exciting than riding in a carriage with a dozen noble families."
Zariel nodded, their shared understanding fostering a bond of adventure. "Let's make it a true journey then. We'll prepare tonight and set out early."
YOU ARE READING
Twilights of the Gods
Fantasi"Centuries ago, the battle mage who dared to challenge the gods was sealed away in eternal darkness, his name erased from history. But prophecies whispered of his return, and now, after ages of imprisonment, he has been reborn in a world dominated b...
