Tenth year of Emperor Archaldes (Three years before the Emancipation)

There was no sound but the light rustle of the wind through the short grass. The hot midday son felt like fire on Adrianna's bare arms and calves as she lay unmoving in the dirt. She could feel ants crawling under her thin tunic but didn't move a muscle to disturb them. She'd been there for three long hours, letting the local animals adjust to her scent as she accumulated their own. Before her, gently placed on the ground, was a bow and a single arrow whose head lay in a small pouch. That, and the golden-hilted dagger strapped to her hip, were all that she'd need. She knew that she wouldn't be disturbed; her father was a senior councilman for the Palian Empire, and his hunting grounds were under strict controls. Only family and guests were allowed to enter, and Adrianna was never to be interrupted during her visits. Those who had broken that rule had quickly learned to fear her wrath.

She could hear her prey now and she still didn't move, though her breathing became slightly more rapid. The thrill of the hunt filled her as she smelt the herd of deer as it wandered towards her, right on time. Her hands inched forward, silently taking hold of the bow and arrow. She went still again even as the ants reached the blonde hair that flowed across her back. The first deer came into view, a young doe full of energy as it searched for food. Adrianna didn't move but let the animal move past unhindered. There was no challenge in killing a doe. They posed no real threat – and lacked enough meat to justify the effort, at least when measured against today's goals.

Her patience was rewarded a few minutes later when the buck came into view. It stood nearly six feet tall, its brown fur shining beautifully in the sunlight. Fierce looking tusks hung from its upper jaw as it searched out the source of the strange scent it was detecting. Adrianna stayed still as she studied the massive antlers and decided that this was her target. The buck spotted her and their eyes met. She stayed still, keeping her body relaxed and her heart rate low. After a few moments her prey decided that she wasn't a threat and turned away, disregarding the strange creature sprawled in the dirt. That was its last mistake. Red powder spilled from the pouch as Adrianna pulled the arrow out and notched it before slowly beginning to rise to a crouch. It was a delicate movement; not so fast that it startled the buck and not so slow that she appeared to be a predator. Years of experience paid off, and the buck ignored her as she shifted into position. She slowly lifted the bow and centred it on her target. This close, she wouldn't miss. The arrow released with a twang, an unmistakable sound that sent the deer fleeing. It was too late for the buck. The arrow carved its way into its chest, stopping short of the heart but releasing the paralysing concoction that it had been coated in. Eyes wide, the buck collapsed as Adrianna stood tall, brushing her long hair off her shoulders, and unsheathed her dagger. She straddled her prey's shoulder and ran a hand over one of its four-foot antlers.

"You're a beauty," she whispered. She stroked its head, then with a powerful movement jammed the dagger into its throat and began to cut.

***

Persunia was a city of white stone that rose out of the surrounding country like a rock in the sea. Even in the late afternoon the streets were bustling with activity as the continent's largest trading centre went through another day of peace and profit. No one paid much attention to the snow-white horse with the deer strapped to its back as it made its way through the streets, though the rider got many a second, subdued, look. Adrianna was the daughter of a senior councilman and had been blessed with both an excellent social position and ideal genes. It was not without reason that she was known as the Beauty of Palia, though many potential suitors had learned that beneath the soft skin and alluring body lay an aggressive and cunning spirit that would have served her well in politics had she not devoted her days to hunting instead. She was well aware of the looks she received as she moved through the city, and she wore a playful smile as she returned a few of them with a wink and suggestive glance. It was all a part of the fun to her, and she knew that it would be the high point of many people's day.

Her father's home was near the centre of the city, a large three-level house with ornate golden trim. It was surrounded by high walls covered in carefully managed vines, and Adrianna barely glanced at the guards who swung the silver gates open to allow her in. She made her way up the path and leaped off the saddle as a stableboy ran over to meet her and the horse.

"A successful hunt, Milady?" the boy asked, running his eyes over the buck's body.

"Quite," Adrianna replied with a smile. She liked the boy; he was only fourteen but had a deep love and respect for animals, one that she rarely found amongst those her own age. She watched over him and had made sure that his family was well-looked after for his loyal service. She was a hard taskmaster but she honoured those who did well.

"What are your orders, Lady Adrianna?" he asked as he stroked the buck's fur. He gave an approving nod as he studied the antlers.

"The head is to be prepared and sent to my room. The rest can be butchered for tonight." Almost as an afterthought, Adrianna rustled his hair and said quietly, "Take some cuts of meat for yourself. Tell the cook that I said so."

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"He won't believe me."

Adrianna winked at him. "Tell him I said 'Ariala'. He'll listen."

The boy frowned but didn't argue. Adrianna laughed and put her bow and dagger on the saddle. "Don't even ask, child. Just trust me."

Without waiting for a reply, she climbed the two-dozen steps to the bronze double doors, which were again swung open by a pair of guards. She found her mother in the lounge arranging flowers on the table and straightening out cushions.

"Are we expecting a guest tonight?" Adrianna asked innocently, pretending to be surprised by the glare that her mother gave. She had never enjoyed the social events that her father's position necessitated, much preferring to spend her time on a hunt or enjoying a good wine without the social drama.

"Your father is having some of his fellow councilmen over tonight, as you know," she said. She ran her eyes up and down Adrianna, frowning at the soiled tunic. "I should hope that you will wear something more...appropriate."

"My best robes, Mother," Adrianna promised. She may have been twenty years old, but until she was married she was under her mother's authority. Such was the Palian way, even for someone as headstrong as herself. "Why is Father inviting his friends?"

"You haven't heard the news?" Her mother stopped her fussing and turned to her, crossing her arms. Adrianna shook her head. "I would have thought you'd be the first to know."

"Know what?"

"The Emperor's Guard has chosen its new recruits." Her mother smiled. "They chose you and Kane."

The thrill of her earlier hunt was overridden by the elation that ran through Adrianna's body. Years of prayers and hopes would be answered that night.

"You're not as lucky as you think," came a new voice. Adrianna spun to face her father, unable to hide her wide smile.

"Thank you, Father," she gushed, and he shook his head.

"Don't thank me yet. I've been warning for years that dark times were on the horizon," he told her. "The time is closer than we think. As an Emperor's Guard, you'll be on the frontline."

"You've always been a cynic," his wife shot back. "It's a wonder they keep you around."

He ignored her and told Adrianna, "Go and get cleaned up, they'll be here soon. Silvius will be with them, and I will not have the Primate of Persunia speaking to a dirty hunter in my home."

"My best robes," Adrianna repeated, and kissed him on the cheek on her way past. She could feel another hope rise deep inside her. If Silvius was coming, his son would be too, and that always made a night warmer.

***

When she came back downstairs a few hours later, she was wearing a light-yellow peplos, a single piece of cloth that was folded and belted at the waist. It was tight around the chest, and had long slits along the legs that ran up to her knees. She made her way to the dining hall, where a ten-foot oaken table seated a half-dozen councilmen, their wives, and sons, as well as Adrianna's parents and brother. A slave boy guided Adrianna to sit by her father across from Silvius' son, a handsome legal scribe named Alexander. He was a prime physical specimen, as Adrianna had discovered only a week ago when he had interrupted a hunting session. He was one of the few to avoid her wrath in such an event. Now he gave her a slight bow of his head as she sat, and she winked back.

"Welcome, Adrianna," Silvius said, oblivious to the silent exchange between the two young people. He was losing his grey hair, though his eyes had lost none of their sternness in his old age. He was still a force to be reckoned with, not someone that would be crossed lightly. "The newest of the Emperor's Guard."

"It is my honour, my Lord," Adrianna replied quietly.

Silvius laughed and waved a hand dismissively. "Our families have known each other for far too long for such formalities, Adrianna. My name, after all, is Silvius."

Adrianna was no dull fool. She realised the power play that her father had made. No one at this table dared to call Silvius by his name, not even in private. For her to be given such an honour was a declaration of her father's power in the council. It was also a reminder that she owed her position to Silvius. He had given; he could take away.

"Thank you...Silvius," she replied, her eyes downcast even as her voice was loud enough to be heard across the hall. Alexander smiled. It had been the perfect performance.

"You should have been a politician," Alexander said, his voice low enough for only those around them to hear.

Adrianna rolled her eyes. "Too much talking, not enough action."

As if to punctuate her statement, a younger councillor spoke up and asked, "Darius, are you still so concerned about this new cultus in the regions?"

Adrianna's father scowled at him as he answered, "The worship of this Elkur is a direct threat to our Empire. If you are not concerned, then you are a fool."

The young councillor shook his head. "So the peasants want monotheism. It's foolish but it's empty nonetheless. This is nothing but a nuisance. It's certainly not worth all of your time."

"They deny the Arcane their due," Darius snapped. "They may not be sanctioned, but nonetheless the Emperor does little to stamp it out."

"I have received word that the Emperor will release a decree in the coming days about this 'Elkur' cultus," Silvius cut in, and the councillors went silent as the Primate stared them both down. "I do not know what it will say, but I cannot imagine that he will allow them to flourish."

Adrianna tuned them out as she felt a foot run up her leg. She turned to Alexander, who was looking at her with a hunger in his eyes. She smiled at him and brushed a lock of hair out of her face.

"I took a buck this afternoon. Four-foot antlers," she told him. "The head has been mounted in my room, if you would care to take a look at it."

"It would be my honour to see your accomplishments, Lady of the Guard," Alexander responded, his voice level as his foot rode further up her leg. Adrianna looked down at her food to hide the desire that filled her eyes – not from Alexander, but from their fathers. Tomorrow she would join the Emperor's Guard. Tonight, she would enjoy her last hours as a free woman in all the right ways. There were only a few pleasures in life worth pursuing. This day, it seemed, would provide both in abundance.