“Identify yourselves, dragonriders!”

A full dozen soldiers approached along the left side of the entry queue, weapons at the ready. Most were armored, but two were robed mages.

“I am Rai Flamme, Archmage and Sword Saint,” Rai said firmly. “With me is Mizeiya Swiftblade, my betrothed, and Braveheart, my familiar.”

“I am Isa Bloodscale, Archmage and Grand Warrior. With me is my apprentice, Sylvie.”

“We come seeking an audience with the king to offer our assistance in the war, and to obtain permission to purchase land from a minor noble. I have here badges showing my affiliation with Lord Henrik Amit of Fairholm and the Chancellor of the Isle of Heaven’s Reach.”

Rai held down the badges, which one of the soldiers was brave enough to step up and take before stepping back and showing them to the mages.

“Mage Sight,” they both cast, looking over the objects.

“They’re both legitimate. The noble’s has the standard noble house mana signature; the Tower’s is… well, I’ve only seen one before, but it matches.”

The badges were returned to Rai.

“When you say Archmage, are you insinuating that the two of you are sixth circle mages?” one of the mages asked.

“That is correct. We are also both sixth tier combat artists – I use a sword, and Isa uses a halberd.”

“Impossible,” one of the soldiers said. “We would have heard tales of such legendary figures.”

“We have been… distant from the modern world these last two years, returning to find that my homeland of Landsgrace is at war with the Republic. Besides, look at our age. We have clearly only recently achieved our current heights. There hasn’t been enough time for tales to spread, with our until-recently seclusion from society.”

“Impossible is impossible,” the man stubbornly insisted. At your age, even being a fourth tier would be impressive enough, let alone fourth tier and fourth circle – that’s the level of Master. You’re saying you’re not just Champions, but Legends… without any legends to your names? Yeah, right.”

“Tell me, do you have eyes? Do you not see the drakes upon which we ride? Do you not accept your compatriots’ assessment of the badges? Do you think that the Chancellor of the Magic Tower would tolerate someone saying such blatant lies to carry around her badge?” Rai’s eyes narrowed. “Do not mock me.”

“If you’re so powerful, prove it!”

“And how would you have me do that without attacking you? I could knock you all out with a single spell, but what would that accomplish? I could best you in a duel, but again, what would be the point? You sound like a petulant child.”

Rai’s gaze left the annoying soldier and followed the mage who had left to return to the gate.

“Has he gone to report in and have someone more powerful come meet us? Good. We will wait.”

They didn’t have to wait long. Less than a half hour later, a dozen griffon riders, a dozen mages, and a half dozen full-plate-wearing soldiers flew over the city wall toward them. The griffons and armored soldiers landed around them in a circle (the other people in line having gotten well out of the way by then) while the mages stayed in the air, also forming a circle. The most elaborately-robed mage, an elven man who appeared to be around the elven equivalent of sixty years old, floated down in front of them until he was only about two dozen feet off the ground. In his hand he held an expensive-looking staff topped with a giant fist-sized ruby.

“I see you decided to take me seriously,” Rai said with a smile. “You must be the Royal Court Mage, Lord Amadeus.”

“Indeed,” Lord Amadeus replied. “When I was told one bearing the badge of the Chancellor of the Magic Tower had arrived claiming that he and another were both Archmages and legend-tier combat artists, I decided to greet you myself. Judging by your appearance, I presume that you are a Soul Mage?”

“Correct, and Isa is a Blood Mage.”

“That means that you lack versatility compared to a Scholastic Mage such as myself, even if you are one circle higher… assuming you are telling the truth. What did you say your name was?”

“Rai Flamme.”

“…I’ve heard that name. The first discoverer of Tower Era ruins. Recently, the Tower made an announcement that you had returned from your ‘private sabbatical.’”

“Correct. During my absence, I grew much stronger. Now, shall we discuss our next steps? I am here for two purposes: to offer aid in the war and to received royal permission to purchase land from a minor noble, as I have been informed that such permission is required for a commoner to buy land from nobility.”

“Technically, yes, but it’s usually the noble who sends in paperwork which is reviewed by clerks, not the commoner seeking a direct audience with His Majesty.”

“And what’s the turnaround time?” Rai said knowingly.

“Months, sometimes even a year or more.”

“I wanted permission a little faster than that. I plan to build a manor on that land before winter.”

“A manor… for you and the woman riding on that drake with you?”

“Yes; this is my betrothed.”

“You don’t seem at all intimidated to be surrounded like this. You do realize that they are all Elites or Masters?”

“I presumed. The truth is, I can likely knock about half of them out with a single spell, then do it again for the rest. Honestly, the biggest threat is to my drake and Sylvie, Isa’s apprentice. I would be greatly upset for my drake to pass, and would be murderously furious should Sylvie be killed, but I am not concerned for my own safety. Still, I’d rather this not degenerate into violence.”

At this, Amadeus frowned. “That’s some confidence you have. Assuming I take you at your word… why would I want to let someone so dangerous into the city, let alone arrange a meeting with the King?”

“Because you can’t exactly afford to turn away the potential military power that the two of us represent,” Isa interjected.

Amadeus remained silent for a few seconds before letting out a sigh. “I shall now check the validity of your claims to being sixth circle mages. Sight of the Archmage.”

The Royal Court Mage’s eyes turned into pools of luminous blue. “You are indeed a sixth circle mage,” he noted with some surprise. He turned toward Isa. “As are you… wait. Why are you covered in powerful Illusion magic?”

“Because I’m not a member of the so-called ‘civilized races,’ and I didn’t want my race to cause an issue,” Isa said calmly.

“You’re a member of a monstrous race? What are you?”

“A saurian, formerly a kobold, and eventually I will evolve into a draconid.”

“A saurian…? That’s that powerful? If you weren’t in the presence of your current companions, you would be a target for elimination.”

“Hence the disguise. But you would find me no easy mark.”

“I imagine. And you, Rai Flamme, you vouch for her?”

“I do. She’s been my partner for three years now. She is completely trustworthy. I should craft her a ring or something that hides her illusion from Mage Sight and Sight of the Archmage to avoid future issues…”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Amadeus’s expression turned into a scowl. “Thinking of ways to further deceive is not a good look.”

Rai shrugged. “Not my fault everyone is so prejudiced against ‘monstrous races.’ In the days of the Ancients, kobolds, saurians, and draconids were included among the ‘civilized races.’ Now, are we being escorted in, or…?”

“Show me the Chancellor of the Isle of Heaven’s Reach’s badge.”

Rai took it out again and held it up.

“That’s genuine. Very well. Follow me.”

The drakes took to the air and followed the Royal Court Mage at Rai’s and Isa’s urging, surrounded by kingdom’s soldiers.

“By the way,” Rai called out as they flew over the walls, “how did you manage to get the Flight spell to last so long? You all came from the palace, right?”

“We have an ancient artifact that amplifies magic, multiplying the duration of spells cast by ten.”

“Hm… I’d love to study it, but I’m sure that’s not allowed. It must have been crafted by one of the Mage-Kings of the Tower Era.”

They bypassed the majority of the city, flying until they reached the outskirts of the palace grounds, where they were led to land. There, they waited while stablemen were summoned to bring the drakes to the stables.

“It’s been some decades since I last laid eyes on drakes,” the middle-aged elven stableman said. “We used to have a few here at the palace in the previous king’s time, but there were never any eggs… it would be an honor to take care of them during your stay, honored guests. Do they know commands?”

“Not in the common tongue; they only know words in the ancient tongue,” Rai said. “Still, they are quite intelligent and should response to pantomime and tone.”

“How…? No, I suppose it’s none of my business. Leave them with us, and I will ensure they are well taken care of.”

The drakes were led away. Now on foot, Rai’s group were escorted into the palace itself by the mages and armored soldiers; the griffon riders stayed outside.

“This is a guest suite for visiting nobility and royalty from other nations, and the likes of the Chancellor,” Amadeus said when they reached a bedroom suite. “Here is where you will spend the night; food will be brought to you for supper. Your meeting with His Highness will take place at some point tomorrow, presuming he agrees to meet with you.”

“Thank you, Lord Amadeus.”

“This place is even nicer than our room at the Magic Tower,” Isa commented. “It’s a lot bigger, for one thing. And fancier.”

“Once we’ve eaten, we should get some solid sleep,” Rai said. “Tomorrow we need to make a good impression on the King.”

“I can’t believe we’re actually going to be meeting with royalty,” Mizeiya said a little nervously.

“Well, assuming you count the Rulers of the Tower Era, this won’t be the first time for the rest of us,” Rai said. “Archmage Arcanius even played host and tutor for us for many months. Sylvie, Isa, follow our lead, okay?”

“Got it, Mister Rai!”

“Of course.”

-x-

Rai, Isa (in disguise), Mizeiya, Sylvie, and even Braveheart kowtowed at the base of the stairs leading up to the throne. At the top of the stairs were the King’s and Queen’s thrones, both of which were occupied, the empty chairs for the Princes and Princesses, the King’s and Queen’s well-armored bodyguards, the Royal Advisor, and the Royal Court Mage. Lining the red carpet were rows of armored halberdiers. The Queen was slender, wearing a slim bejeweled red dress and a red veil that hid her face. The Royal Advisor was an older, yet still attractive, elven woman in smart robes. And the King looked like a warrior, despite being in his mid-fifties, with well-defined muscles and strict posture, his gray hair cut short and his beard nearly shaved to nothing. He obviously intended to impress, for he wore an orichalcum breastplate in addition to his silver-and-gold jeweled crown.

“Raise your heads,” the King said in a deep, authoritative voice. “I am assured by Lord Amadeus that two of you are sixth circle mages – sixth circle mages who also claim to be sixth-tier combat artists. Mighty people who, in time, will surely have legends written about them. And you come to me… to personally petition for permission to buy land from a nobleman, and to offer your services in the war. Is this correct?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Hm… I like the look in your eyes, boy. Unafraid, yet not arrogant. What is your name?”

“I am Rai Flamme, Your Majesty.”

“Rai. I would have you spar with me.”

“Your Majesty!” protested the Royal Advisor.

The King stood and a broad-bladed hand-and-a-half sword appeared in his hand, made of orichalcum. Is he using an equipment ring? Rai wondered.

“I assume you are armed. Stand and draw your weapon.”

Rai stood, calling his sword out of his ring, which he had modified to allow for changing out any weapon, armor, clothing, or accessory stored within rather than all at once all the time. The rainbow-colored blade seemed to shimmer in his hand.

“Curious weapon. What is it made of?”

“Perhaps the only material in the world superior to orichalcum. We’re calling it divine metal for now, as it appears to be formed from residue left over when the gods use their powers.”

The King raised an eyebrow. “Are you suggesting you have met gods?”

“Two of them, if only briefly. The God of Medicine and the God of Devotion.”

Rai stepped into a combat stance. “What are the rules?” he asked.

“Normal strikes, but we go until one side cannot continue or surrenders.”

“So, no holding back? Very well. Please, take the first move.”

The King jumped down the stairs, his sword suddenly wreathed in flames, lightning, and frost. The blade flashed as he brought it down in a vertical slice, shearing through Rai’s forcefield armor as though it weren’t there. Rai stumbled back as blood sprayed, and the king followed up with an upward diagonal slash that similarly sliced through the forcefield as though it were a film of water. Dangerous! Rai thought. Another hit like those will put me in the danger zone. Rai immediately burned star energy from his qi core to initiate Counterthrust mode, altering his flow through time to enhance his ability to dodge (and counter any dodged attacks), then thrust, using a fourth-tier art he’d had little chance to exploit before, Decelerate, which fused star energy with qi to slow down struck opponents, in addition to hitting harder than a simple attack. At his will, his sword phased through the orichalcum breastplate, going between ribs.

The King grunted in pain, his movements obviously slowed, and he swung at Rai, who this time was able to dodge and immediately counter, phasing his weapon through the breastplate again when he stabbed. The King wheezed and held up a hand.

“Two exchanges, and I… cough… came out much worse.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Your Majesty. If I had taken another hit from you…”

“But you did not. Both of us used our weapon’s abilities to ignore armor, but you… I… cough…”

“Allow me to heal you, Your Majesty,” Mizeiya said, standing. She placed a hand on the King’s shoulder, prompting the King’s bodyguard to draw his sword.

“It’s fine. Go ahead, girl.”

“Heal Dangerous Wounds. Heal Severe Wounds. Heal the Wounds. Heal Dangerous Wounds. Heal Severe Wounds.”

“…Thank you, girl. What is your name?”

“Mizeiya Swiftblade, Your Majesty.”

She turned to Rai. “Let me heal you, too. Heal Dangerous Wounds. Heal Severe Wounds. Heal The Wounds. Heal Dangerous Wounds. Heal the Wounds.”

“It was a decent, if quick, match,” the King said. “I believe that, if you can stand up to me using your secondary skillset, you’ll be able to contribute well to the war effort. Very well. I grant you permission to purchase land.”

The King returned to his throne and stowed his sword. “Now, show me your true self, saurian.”

Isa dismissed her illusion.

“I see. You are indeed a saurian. I’d ask to spar, but I have a feeling I’d die. You give off the vibe of a very dangerous warrior. I was informed that the child is your apprentice?”

“That is correct, Your Majesty,” Isa said respectfully.

“And that beast is your familiar, Rai?”

“Correct. She is a rare magical beast known as a carbuncle; her name is Braveheart.”

“Yi-meep!”

“Mm. Well. You are a citizen of this country, are you not?”

“I am, as is Mizeiya. Isa’s homeland is within the borders, but obviously not part of the country proper. As for Sylvie, she is from a distant land.”

“Tell me about yourself and how you became as powerful as you are.”

“Of course, Your Majesty…”

-x-

After the King had had his fill of listening to stories, they moved to the palace’s war room, where Rai and Isa were given information about the current situation with the war, though not in too much detail.

“These two locations are soon to be the sites of battles between armies,” the King said, pointing to two spots on the map that covered the table. Generals Isla and Isling are stationed here, while Generals Lando and Kelst are stationed there. They’re the only Champion-class members of our military still alive at this point. There are rumors, however, that the Theocracy and the Kingdom of Silversun might lend their own Champions to bolster the Republic.”

“Do you want us to split up or pick one of the battlefields to support?” Rai asked.

“Split up. If they decide to throw the majority of their Masters and Champions at one battlefield, then if you choose the other site, we’ll suffer a crippling loss. I suspect they’ll split their high-level forces evenly to avoid being crushed on one front themselves, but there’s no way to be sure.”

“Understood. What’s the enemy army composition like?”

“Both armies have a mix of about fifty percent conscripted slaves, thirty percent free conscripts, and twenty percent trained soldiers. However, they outnumber our forces almost three to one, since our forces are about twenty percent conscripts and eighty percent trained soldiers. The enemy soldiers are primarily infantry with some cavalry and a solid percentage of mages, as well as a handful of monster tamers. Both armies are roughly the same, and we don’t know which enemy generals are where.”

Rai frowned. “That’s unfortunate. If we at least knew which one had more powerful mages, I could go there while Isa went to the other. I have unique spells designed for dealing with mages. How long do we have before a clash is predicted?”

“It could happen at any time now.”

“Do you happen to have a drawing of either of the locations? An accurate one.”

“…I do, but why?”

“To teleport, so that we don’t waste time traveling. A decent illustration should be enough for me to do it.”

“I’ll have those fetched for you then. Will you head out immediately?”

“Yes. If the situation is unstable and could erupt into combat at any moment, it is important to get there quickly.”

“Good. Bring us victory.”

“We will.”