The heavy iron-bound gates of Ravenscrest Castle creaked open, the hinges groaning like an old warning.
Sera stood waiting at the edge of the courtyard.
She was flanked by Emma, who held a thick leather-bound book pressed against her chest. Beside them stood Sir Alaric, the captain of the guard, along with the head maid. Vina and Tia stood slightly behind Sera, watching with curious eyes.
Behind them, a formation of household guards stood in rigid silence. Black cloaks rested on their shoulders, each embroidered with the sigil of Ravenscrest, a black raven with wings partially spread, perched upon a silver crescent moon above a mountain peak.
The raven held a small key in its beak—symbolizing vigilance and guardianship over the lands.
The design was stitched in black and silver upon every soldier's shoulder.
"Are the books taken care of?" Sera whispered to Emma.
"Yes, well hidden. Not in the castle anymore" replied Emma, whispering.
Sera nods.
A restless wind swept through the courtyard.
It carried the scent of moss, wet stone, and faint traces of wildness drifting down from the forest.
From the road outside the gates, the royal auditor's procession appeared.
At the head of the convoy, a banner fluttered in the wind, carrying the crest of Duke Silas, a golden spear piercing a coiled black serpent upon a crimson shield, symbolizing authority and dominion, announcing clearly, whose house backed the auditors, to all who saw it.
The auditors carried the backing of a powerful ducal house.
At the center of the procession rolled a finely crafted carriage escorted by mounted guards and clerks walking beside it with parchment-stuffed satchels bouncing at their sides.
But what truly caught the eye was the creature pulling the carriage.
Three curved horns spiraled from its skull, and its thick wool shimmered faintly with residual mana.
It was a Tri-Horned Ram.
The massive magical beast snorted as it pulled the carriage forward.
Tia tugged lightly at Sera's sleeve.
"Mother... what is that?"
Sera glanced toward the creature.
"That is a magical beast called a Tri-Horned Sheep," she explained calmly. "They are sometimes tamed and used as mounts or beasts of burden."
"Not many magical beasts can be tamed. Most are far too ferocious."
"But a few species can be domesticated with enough skill."
Vina's eyes sparkled.
"Can we get one too?"
Sera shook her head gently.
"We could only keep one if we managed to tame a wild one ourselves."
"However, beasts like these are different."
"These rams are designated animals of the imperial administration."
She gestured toward the carriage.
"Certain magical beasts are reserved as symbols of noble houses or imperial offices."
"Only members of those houses—or officials of certain ranks—are permitted to ride or use them."
YOU ARE READING
The Eclipse Moons Grimoire: Lilith's Soft Whispers
FantasyA boy who wishes to be a girl dies in an accident and reincarnates in a world of gods and demons as the second son of the baroness with hidden past. His supposed mother disguises and raises him as a girl.
