Among The Empire

Chapter 1

“No matter what, you have to endure.” Drake repeated these words in his head for every step he took up the long staircase. He never imagined he would be within a 25 mile radius from the emperor's palace. He was fearful. He wished he left his horse closer to the entrance. Like, right in front of door. But he couldn’t go back now. Even if he just got off his horse. Even if he had only climbed ten steps.

Drake stepped inside the palace, and messed with his hair. He knew his appearance was far from glamorous, but he wanted to at least look decent. He took another step, and was bombarded by guards, who stripped him of nearly every belonging. As far as they were concerned, next to everything could pass as a potential weapon. Drake stepped forward towards the emperor's throne, having felt almost, but not quite, violated by the thorough inspection. If these people were so worried about the emperor's safety, then it didn’t make much sense to leave the throne unguarded.

At the bottom of the golden throne, sat three miserable elves. Drake sensed the broken presence of their souls. They had become numb, and despondent. They were each dressed in skimpy and tight outfits, leaving little to the imagination. They were covered in small marks and bruises. Drake looked away in disgust, with a pang of sadness in his heart, and ting of anger in his blood.

He looked up at the emperor, who sat lazily on his throne with a crystal chalice of red wine in his hand. He was respectfully dressed in a purple toga, a color reserved for royalty. A Corona Radiata sat slightly lopsided on his head. His hair was jet black with sideburns, and the only facial hair he had was a little stubble.

Drake paused several yards from his throne and croaked in a dry voice, “Your Imperial Majesty.” The tyrant laid his grey eyes on Drake, his expression remaining stagnant. “I’ve heard you have a magi guild here. I’m interested in joining it, since I want to… enhance my skills in magic.” Drake paused, waiting for a response. He wasn’t even interested in being a part of the magi guild, but he had to join the enemy in order to save his allies, who were held captive here.

It was a full minute before the emperor finally spoke. He was giving Drake this up and down look, the kind you’d receive from a class as a new student in school. It was unnerving, and uncomfortable for the half enderman, who hated the feeling of being watched.

“And what is your name?” he drawled, seemingly bored and indifferent.

Lie, Drake thought. But his mouth betrayed him. “I’m Drake,” he stammered. He had wanted to appear confident, but was now shaking in fear. It could easily pass it as stage fright though. “Um… care for a demonstration?” Drake suggested.

The emperor nodded slowly, his eyes half open, possibly in annoyance. The young mage took several steps back, closed his eyes, and inhaled slowly, maintaining a steady composure.

He raised one arm slowly above his head, magic energy pulsing through his veins. It slowly formed into something tangible. A green and blue flame came from his hand. He began to bend the fire, contorting it into impossible shapes. It morphed into a flaming peacock. It strutted gracefully towards the throne. With the flick of a hand, it vanished into dust.

The emperor seemed somewhat impressed by Drake's abilities, and knew there was more than this. He paused in thought, and took a sip of wine. Drake wanted to believe it to be the blood of his victims. What he didn't know, is the emperor didn't have to lay a single finger on a person to make them suffer. He had other methods.

Despite being very tall compared to practically everyone, Drake felt small in front of this tyrant.

The emperor turned his head. “Lalea,” he called. A young woman stepped forward from beside the throne. She wore long blue robes lined with gold, and a white dress. Her hair was a vibrant electric blue, as well as her large eyes. At first glance, she appeared to be wearing bracelets. Make a double take, and you’ll realize she was wearing canceling bracelets. A canceling bracelet allowed a mage mobility, unlike canceling chains, but it's purpose was the same: neutralize a mage’s power and absorb their mana if it is used. They are nearly impossible to break, and when broken, aren't even kind enough to give you your mana back.