Zeteria, Twelfth Domain

Asmor Academy

Lara put down her pen and carefully reread her work. She finally looked up to realize that all the other students were still writing feverishly. As often, she was the first to finish. She turned in her paper and left the building as she let her thoughts wander. The exams were finally over. Law, history, political science … she was done with all of it. No more studying. She now had to wait for the results in a month to find out if she would graduate.

She left the Academy thinking about the current festivities in the city. For many Zeterians, it was an opportunity to meet people from other domains, to establish friendships or trade treaties. But Lara only saw the omnipresent crowd and the streets overflowing with temporary stores. Walking around was difficult. She would have liked to stay in her room for the next eight days, but her father wanted her to go out and have fun like young people her age when possible. She had given up on making him understand she had no desire for it.

Immersed in her thoughts, Lara reached one of the many parks in the city. She walked to an isolated corner, where a century-old tree stood, accompanied by red and yellow winter flowers. She cleared part of the snow that lingered and unfolded a small blanket she always took with her for such situations. She sat at the foot of the tree and rested her back against the robust trunk. The tranquility of the garden was soothing.

Wrapped in her cape, she savored the cold air on her exposed face. Her breath condensed into small white clouds every time she exhaled. She watched them rise and disappear before suddenly letting out a muffled sound. Someone was up there, sitting on a branch.

“My apologies, I didn't mean to scare you.”

Lara tried to smile. She was in Asmor, in the heart of the Republic. An assassin wouldn't reveal himself like that, would he? She would have been reassured to distinguish his features, if not for the sun that stung her eyes. It was impossible to see him clearly. As a precaution, she slipped her hand over the handle of the dagger hidden under her cape.

“I was just surprised... To sit so high... you're Phemacian, aren't you?”

The figure bowed his head.

“Indeed. Rest assured, I am not an enemy.”

“Can’t you come down? My neck is killing me.”

The Phemacian straightened up before dropping to the ground, his wings holding back his fall. He then performed a formal salute, fist on his heart. When she crossed the blue cold gaze, it jolted her memories. It was as she remembered, as cold as steel. Lara was surprised.

“Aydan! Is this a joke? What are you doing here?

“I did not think you would be so curious,” The young winged man said.

“You were probably hoping I wouldn't recognize you,” she added. Are you on a mission? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be nosy.”

“I am part of the delegation sent to Zeteria by the Kaiser,” Aydan replied. “I am just resting a little.”

“And you have a new uniform... The gray one of the Heralds. A promotion maybe?”

Aydan nodded. Lara expected him to explain... then remembered he wasn’t the type to talk much. It was weird to see him like that. He was part of the squad that protected her four years ago. A serious young Gofer, eager to do well and rather distant. She had worked hard to break through his defenses and had gained a solid friendship in return. The Phemacians were honorable people, and the Mecens, elite soldiers in this Domain of warriors, were even more so. After leaving Phemacia, they exchanged letters. It was hard to frequently communicate as she was constantly on the move, and he also had his missions. It was easier for her to send her mail to the Mecens barracks. When Aydan was back from a mission, he always took the time to answer her.

Their writing exchange was precious to her. Aydan was one of the few people she trusted completely.

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“So you were up there totally by chance? On the same tree, I sat under…”

She was watching for the slightest reaction on his face, which is why she saw a slight movement of his eyebrows.”

“I was resting for a moment.”

Lara bit her lips. An indirect response... meaning his presence wasn’t a coincidence The idea that he had been following her for a while crossed her mind. She got up, worried. Lask and her had taken all possible precautions since their return to Zeteria. Was she in danger again?

“You are troubled.”

“I’ve lost track of the time,” she lied. “My father must be worried... I have to go back.”

“Can I accompany you?”

She nodded. No need to deny it, in his presence, she could relax. No sane person would go after a Mecen. They walked for a long time, in silence. Lara knew the neighborhood well, and favored the less frequented streets, even if it meant a longer trip. The few people they met looked at them in surprise and hurried to get out of their way. She wondered what image she gave with a Mecer at her side. The thought made her smile. They finally arrived in front of her house. Lara unlocked the heavy solid wood door, before turning to Aydan.

“Thanks for walking me home. I hope we can meet again before you leave.”

“Me too,” the Herald replied with what looked like a smile.

Lara did not mind that he performed a formal salute to take his leave. The Phemacians and their respect for manners … She closed the door behind her. Her father would know what to make of this unexpected encounter.

OoOoOo

As soon as Lara disappeared behind the heavy door, an individual landed near the young man. Two golden circles sparkled on his gray uniform, which contrasted with his brown wings. His hazel eyes landed on the young Herald.

“Was it really wise to expose yourself with her?”

“She saw me. I had no other choice, Kadir.”

“I didn't know you knew each other. The Kaiser shouldn't have put you on this mission.”

“He knows it. And you've met her in the past.”

Kadir’s eyes narrowed.

“My memory is playing tricks on me then. Was it long ago?”

“About four years. Our first mission together.”

The Herald whistled softly.

“That’s a while back. And you kept in touch? Impressive. You don't usually bond easily with others. Your first love, perhaps?

“You’re way off. She's my Brynhild,” Aydan just said.

“The Su’wrath,” Kadir mumbled, amazed. “I knew you were full of surprises, but to make such an oath... I understand better the reason for your presence.”

Behind the windows, the curtains stirred, and in the street, passers-by watched them with curiosity. People from all Domains were represented in Asmor, but it was rare to witness Mecens converse in the middle of the street.

“Go back to give your report,” Kadir said in a low voice. “We are attracting too much attention. I will take over as agreed.”

Aydan bowed slightly, fist on his heart, and with a few short strides, reached the heavens in the direction of the Palace.

OoOoOo

Asmor Palace

In a few days, the entire Republic would discover the face of the Scion. The session of the Parliament had been extended all morning. After validating the Consul's decision, they debated details about the ceremony and the procession in the capital.

Sitting in his office, the Kaiser of the Ninth Domain studied the route the Consul and his Scion would take, as well as his delegation. In charge of security, Jafar posted Mecens at all strategic points, and best distributed the various army corps of the Republic. Such big gatherings tend to generate some incidents.

A Gofer entered the room and saluted, fist on his heart.

“Kaiser, Herald Aydan is here.”

“Thank you, Gofer Yusaf. Send him in,” he replied, standing up from his chair.

The Kaiser wore the Harbingers' white uniform. On his black hair with traces of gray rested a thin circle of silver. Behind his back were two immaculate white wings.

Aydan walked through the door and stopped in front of the Kaiser before making the regulatory salute.

“Did you find her?”

“Yes, Kaiser.”

“Perfect. Anything else to report?”

The Herald hesitated only a fraction of a second. The Kaiser crossed his arms.

“She knows I'm here.”

“This kind of rookie mistake is not like you.”

The young man remained silent for a long time. He had gone through the scene a dozen times in his mind. The tree was the only potential camouflage nearby.

There was no other alternative, Aydan.

Rha was right, of course. But he would have liked it to be otherwise.

“What do you want me to do, Kaiser?” He finally said.

“Continue surveillance with Herald Kadir. I will tell Herald Abbas to join you. He will be under Kadir's orders.”

“But…”

“I know you don't like it,” Jafar interrupted. “His experience will nevertheless benefit you.”

“As you wish, Kaiser,” the young man whispered.

It’s a good thing, even if you don’t realize it yet, Aydan.

He will seek to take command of the mission since he has as many Circles as Kadir.

You're only sixteen, Aydan. You still lack perspective.

Should everything always revolve around my age? He got angry. Kadir is twenty-four years old. Is he too young as well? And Abbas is only two years older than him.

Rha's laughter resounded in his mind for several seconds.

I was there at the coronation of Hysko, the Familiar finally revealed. To me, you are all chicks just out of the egg. As for this Abbas that you seem to find so superior... prove to him that he is wrong to underestimate you.

Jafar’s voice interrupted his internal dialog with Rha.

“Good. So go with my blessing,” Kaiser Jafar said. “We only have a few days left before the presentation of the Scion.”

Aydan saluted again and left the room.