Chapter 86

The City Lord’s Palace was a formidable structure in the dead center of Ur. Made of the same black basalt as the walls, the architect had clearly eschewed form over function. It was a simple square building, with narrow windows that could double as arrow slits during a siege, and it was large enough that most of Ur’s citizens could shelter there during an attack.

Even with large blue banners, featuring the lion symbol of Ur, draped from the roof, and covering large sections of its walls, they could do little to soften the utilitarian look of the Palace. To Wil, he could envision masses of monsters or beasts crashing against the hard stone, like a tidal wave, only to be driven back.

Combined with the shimmering field of powerful enchantments that covered the area, and the well trained and well-equipped guards stationed at the entrances, even Wil was intimidated as they approached.

Inside, plush blue rugs ran the length of its long hallways. Paintings covered the walls, and plinths containing vases, or statues demonstrated the city lord’s wealth to visitors.

If the outside was stark utilitarian design, then the interior was luxurious opulence. Even here, hard faced guards stared at them silently as the trekked down hallways and quiet servants walked with heads down, only sneaking them a quick glance before scurrying away.

“Is it always like this?” Wil whispered to Astrid, as they passed another pair of guards, one giving Wil a glower that set him on edge. Without conscious thought, his mana roiled within him, waiting to be unleashed at the first threat that sought to test itself against him.

Ahead, the guard captain came to a closed door, its exterior filled with carvings of a lion, roaring at the sky. Above it, the seven-pointed sun of Primaris and the perfect circle of Secundus were both depicted each occupying the sky above the lion.

“Only when my mother is in a mood.” Astrid muttered, her nerves frayed as she darted quick glances at the people around them.

The guard captain pushed open the sealed door, the guards flanking him taking up positions around the now open portal. Without looking back to see if they followed, he marched in, his voice already ringing out in the chamber beyond.

“They’re here, Milord.” His voice rumbled out, the thick carpets and hanging banners preventing an echo.

Placing his hand on her shoulder, Wil gave Astrid an encouraging smile, before the young woman stepped forward, leading the way into the City Lord’s audience hall.

Wil’s first impression of Astrid’s father, the city lord of Ur, was…underwhelming.

The man was seated on a dais, his throne the only chair in the entire hall. Made of black stone, and imposing, it dominated the space. A large banner with the lion of Ur hung suspended behind him, but the theatrics of the room could do little to improve the appearance of the lord himself.

He was small, a short man with a large potbelly and long, dropping mustaches. He was also balding, and his remaining wisps of hair was greying on the edges.

Dressed in fine robes, he had a longsword resting against his chair, although it was obvious to Wil that the man was years out of practice and was unlikely to use it.

Astrid had been generous to describe him as a Rank 13 warrior. He may have been, once, but his time on the throne in Ur had softened him, his mana regressing. Although, some portion of him was still a warrior, his keen eyes raking over Wil, judging, and assessing him, before they turned to his daughter.

Softening immediately, his face broke out into a wide smile, and tears were in his eyes as he bolted out of his throne, his quick movement belying his large belly and out of shape appearance.

“My darling daughter!” He yelled, and he was next to her in a moment, his arms tight around him. Astrid, crying even more than her father, buried her face into his chest, her arms straining to wrap around his bulk.

“Papa! I’m so sorry I left. But I had to, I want to be like Mama.” She cried, her voice muffled.

“Shh, it’s alright my love. You’re back now. Everything is going to be fine. All is forgiven.” He said, burying his face into his daughter’s silver hair.

Watching the father daughter pair embrace, Wil felt incredibly awkward, shuffling his feet from side to side as the Clockwork Owl tilted its head in confusion, its large, metallic eyes taking in the scene without blinking.

Just when he thought he should leave, a loud sound broke the happy moment.

“Hmph.” A derisive snort erupted, echoing through the palace, and Wil felt a heavy pressure press against him. Like a tidal wave, mana swept over everyone in the room. The city lord was spared, but Astrid was pressed against the ground, her knees hitting the rug beneath her feet with a ‘thud’.

Wil fared better, his mana reacting to the pressure with a force of its own. The golden mana within him, changed by his encounter with the patriarch, raced through his body, enhancing his strength, and shaking off the foreign power.

Wary, he looked around the room for the source, when the ringing of boots against stone announced the arrival of a high-ranking individual. Wil could feel their power, at least the equal of Amora, though likely even higher.

‘Rank 16 or 17.’ Wil thought to himself, knowing that this was probably Astrid’s feared and respected mother. A high-ranking Artificer, she was the source of Astrid’s nervousness.

Astrid shook under the pressure, and without waiting, Wil stepped forward, his golden mana forming a bubble of calm around him against the heavy blanket of power pressing down on everyone in the room. Reaching out a hand and resting it on Astrid’s shaking shoulder, he extended the field to include her.

For a moment his mana shield took on the shape of a Dragon Turtle, the creature formed of golden light, its shell protecting Wil and Astrid. With a loud roar, it pushed back against the pressure and the power vanished with a soft ‘pop’.

The appearance of the Dragon Turtle took Wil by surprise, the changes in his mana were growing more pronounced as he grew stronger. It was something he would need to discuss with his mentor, Amora, when he returned.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Astrid shakily regained her feet with Wil and her father’s help.

“Impressive, for one so young…and a foreigner.” A voice rang out, and Wil could put a face to the approaching mana signature.

The woman who entered the room was a near mirror image of Astrid, only more mature and significantly colder. She was tall, with long silver hair tied into a messy bun. She was stunningly beautiful, but harsh, her face frowning in distaste as she took in her daughter, and the young man who escorted her home.

Wearing blue mage robes, she was also adorned in a large number of magical items, the shimmering haze of mana surrounded her from the power of her artifacts, and the room was instantly filled with the sweet smell of ozone, a sign of strong magic.

Small charms and talismans were woven into her robes, her fingers each held a ring, and around her neck were layers of necklaces, each with a different gem or symbol carved into rare materials.

“Mother.” Astrid greeted, bowing her head. Shooting a look at Wil, he was a moment behind, before he gave a graceful bow, not as extravagant as what Archibald Anwir would use, but enough that he would fit in at the Royal Illyrian Court.

“Hmph.” Astrid’s mother gave another snort, this one lacking in the raw magical power of her previous sign of displeasure. Walking next to her daughter, she raked her eyes from her dirt covered shoes, to her ruffled hair, before reaching out and pulling the bag that contained her stolen items from Astrid’s shoulders.

“Now you learn manners? I didn’t know that thieves could show courtesy.” She said, handing the bag to Astrid’s father, before stepping pass the pair and moving towards the waiting white swan, Marali.

“Hello my darling. Did you miss me? Naughty girl, running away from home.” She chided, running her hands over the swan’s head, and completely ignoring everyone else in the room. The swan responded to her touch with a pleased cry, nuzzling her head into her former master’s chest.

“Now, Daughter, I believe it is time to discuss your punishment. You, foreigner, you may leave, your task is finished.” She commanded, flicking her hand dismissingly at Wil.

“Wife, I think that perhaps it would be best if the young man-” Astrid’s father began to speak, before being cut off with a glare.

“It was your ‘thinking’ husband, that resulted in our daughter’s misbehavior! You lost your say on her punishment when you covered for her. How else could she have evaded my sight?” She exclaimed, her mana becoming violent around her.

Astrid’s father stammered for a moment, before deflating. Astrid however, seemed to find her backbone, stepping forward and gripping Wil’s arm tightly.

“Mother, Wil shall be staying with me for the festival, as my escort.”