There was a line of fire streaking across the sky. That fire was me. I would like to say I was flying, as a 4th step war caster is ought to do, but it was more of a slow crash. Damn guards got me good. Thankfully they had given up the chase a while ago, so when I saw the town below I descended quickly to not alarm even more guards.

Luckily I spotted the road in the distance and could guess where it went through the dense woods, otherwise I'd have had to track through the underbrush, which is definitely below the dignity of a a war caster. I spooked a small caravan, but thankfully they were headed out of town and wouldn't cause any trouble for me anytime soon. A quick fire-enhanced dash forward and I was standing at the gates.

A couple of the guard looked up at my approach, squinting behind me, but seeing that I came alone they relaxed somewhat. A lone war caster can do a lot of damage, but they rarely risk themselves like that. I was an exception.

One of the guards stepped forward. "Welcome to Kazar. What is the purpose of your visit?"

Wondering how much I should tell him, I opted for something somewhat true. "I'm not sure yet. I wish to see the Empress, possibly employment, a bit of a vacation as well. It depends on how things go."

The guard looked me up and down, seeing my tattered red dress and for a moment it seemed like he could tell that some of that red was blood, but after inspecting me and seeing my danger rating, he smartly decided not to comment.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"And some shopping." I gave him a disarming smile. "The journey was quite rough as you can see."

He merely nodded, noted something down and waved me in. I didn't let my hesitance show, raised my head, and stepped through the gate, getting my first good look at the heretic Empress' city. It was a bit ambitious to call this the Harrakan Empire when they had a single city and maybe an outpost at best, but ambition can be a value. Time to find a place to stay.

----------------------------------------

Over the next few days I got my dress repaired, some decent food, good nights of sleep and an impression of the people. Despite the horror stories that were told in Enoria, they were going about their normal days following their professions. Nobody was doing blood rituals, there was little crime besides children trying to steal fruits from market stands and overall they seemed to be ... happy. How odd.

I had to get going though, I didn't exactly have a ton of money on me and was quickly running out, but thankfully I'd get to do what I wanted to soon. The chronically absent Empress was holding court, and anyone could get in line and have a decent chance to have their issues heard by her personnaly. Technically this was for citizens only, but nobody questioned me getting in line.

It was a very dull wait, the line moving at a snail's pace and I overpaid some enterprising youths to bring me lunch, but I endured. This was important. This would decide a significant part of my future and if I succeeded ... well, I'd be looking forward to the rewards. Finally the farmer complaining about given infertile land was dragged away after the Empress lost patience and the line sped up. Soon it was my turn.

I ignored the many guards, the fabled golem, the lich standing near hear and focused just on her. There she was, pale, wearing a dark dress with various dark jewelry that didn't quite seem fit for an empress, but it didn't matter. I was here and I would make it memorable.

"Next!"

I stepped forward and gave everyone a bright smile.

"I am Lady Lain, and I've come to challenge you to a duel!"