Chapter 13: The first meeting

Luzbel walked with a determined step from the valley from which he had contemplated the imposing city. He was now on the cobblestone path that led to the majestic gates of Arx Regni. All around him, the bustling activity of people and carriages filled the air, allowing him to pass unnoticed in the crowd.

Before approaching the entrance, Ember, in an act of magic, let out a squawk and disappeared from the view of passersby. However, Luzbel could still feel her presence on his shoulder, encouraging him as he stepped into the unknown.

Luzbel finally reached the great gates of the city. They were magnificent and majestic, with carved reliefs of mythical creatures and emblems of the realm. Their mere presence evoked a sense of grandeur and antiquity. At that imposing sight, Luzbel was filled with awe and anticipation.

Determined to enter the city, Luzbel approached one of the guards guarding the entrance. The guard wore imposing armor and had a sullen look on his face. Luzbel tried to make contact, saying in a shy but confident voice, "Hello, sir, I need to meet Titus Marcellus."

The guard, upon seeing the dirty, dirt-covered country boy in torn clothes, let out a derisive chuckle. "Yes, of course, and I have to see the emperor. Don't bother us, kid, and go play somewhere else," he replied disdainfully. His fellow guard joined in the mockery, laughing along with him. "How funny is this child, who says he wants to see the Commander," he also mocked.

Luzbel, shrewd and foresighted, decided to seize an opportunity. He took the letter out of his pocket and showed it to the guard. Seeing the seal of the empire on the letter, the guard stopped laughing and shouted, "That's the seal of the empire! How is that possible?"

The seriousness and recognition in the guard's voice made his companion stop laughing. The guard looked at Luzbel and said with a mixture of curiosity and caution, "I hope this isn't a joke, kid, because if not, it's going to cost you dearly."

Luzbel nodded confidently, showing his determination. He was aware that he had aroused the guards' interest and that this opportunity could be crucial to his mission. The guard indicated that he should stay in the barracks until the Commander's orders arrived, while he himself would carry the letter. Luzbell nodded and headed for the three-story building made of white stone with Doric columns.

***

The guard rode swiftly through the streets of the majestic city on the back of his imposing horse. The air was permeated with a sense of war, as if every stone in that place was imbued with the strength and might of the empire. Finally, he reached the center of the city, where a magnificent Roman-style palace stood.

The palace was an architectural masterpiece that imposed its presence on everything else. Its sculpted columns, decorative fountains and high walls spoke of the grandeur and power that resided within. It was a physical representation of the empire itself, a fortress that housed the secrets and decisions that shaped the destiny of the nation.

The guard arrived at the main entrance of the palace and introduced himself at the reception desk. About to complain about his presence, the receptionist stopped when he saw the letter with the imperial seal that the guard showed him. Immediately, the palace doors opened and he was allowed access.

Once inside, the guard was ushered into an elegant but austere office. The walls were adorned with strategic maps and ancient weapons, while an imposing oak table occupied the center of the room. Everything in that office spoke of the authority and seriousness of the man who occupied it.

Inside the office, a middle-aged, handsome man with dark, curly hair and green eyes waited. In his features one could see the toughness and discipline that had been forged through countless battles and challenges. He was Commander Titus Marcellus, a leader respected and feared in equal measure.

Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Titus Marcellus, without losing his composure, said, "Come in." The guard entered and, in a respectful tone, reported, "Sir, I am the guard at the gate, a boy handed me this letter with an imperial seal."

Surprised, Titus Marcellus took the letter and quickly read the back. His eyes widened in surprise as he discovered the identity of its sender. Carefully, he opened the letter and plunged into its contents. As she read, a sigh escaped her lips and a lone tear slid down her cheek. "Roland, you old fool... how is it possible that in leaving the army you could meet an enemy who would take your life?" he muttered under his breath.

After a moment to recover, Titus Marcellus rose from his seat and issued an order with firmness in his voice. "Take my orders, send a patrol to the town located one hundred kilometers to the west. And order a carriage to take me along with the boy," he said in a firm, authoritative voice. The guard, in a gesture of obedience, squared his shoulders and saluted, "Yes, sir!"

***

Luzbel waited in the barracks, sitting in a study, while playing with Ember, his faithful companion. The air was heavy with tension and mystery, and the glints of worry in his eyes revealed the heaviness in his heart. Suddenly, the sound of a door opening caused Ember to duck quickly, alerting Luzbel to the presence of someone else.

At that precise instant, the door opened and in walked Titus Marcellus, an imposing man who looked Luzbel up and down with a serious expression. "I take it you are Luzbel," he stated as he appraised the young man curiously.

Titus, whose face had previously been serious, gave him a friendly smile and said, "I suppose you're in my charge now." Luzbel nodded silently, avoiding eye contact and letting his thoughts wander to the traumatic past he had left behind.

Titus motioned for Luzbel to follow him and the two mounted a carriage waiting outside the barracks. During the ride, an awkward silence reigned, weighing heavily on the atmosphere. After a while, Titus approached Luzbel and patted him comfortingly on the shoulder. "Kid, I know it must have been hard, but I need you to tell me everything that happened," he asked in a warm, understanding voice.

Luzbel sighed deeply and began to narrate how a man with bird wings had slaughtered his people and Alistair. Wisely, he decided to hide the truth about his own wings and Ember's existence. Titus nodded solemnly and muttered, "It is strange to meet a man with bird wings. Could he be a powerful demihuman? But why would he destroy the village?".

The rest of the journey passed in silence, both of them deep in thought, until they finally arrived at a beautiful Roman villa in the wealthiest part of the city. The carriage drove through the road lined with lush greenery until they reached the imposing mansion.

The mansion stood before them, an architectural marvel that exuded elegance and grandeur. Its ornate columns and perfect proportions revealed the Roman influence in its design. Luzbel was impressed by its magnificence and size, feeling a mixture of admiration and a certain shyness.

Titus opened the carriage door when they arrived in front of the mansion gates, where a group of people were waiting for them. With Luzbel at his side, Titus introduced the young man to his family and butler Vlad. "Luzbel, may I present my wife Placida, my daughter Morrigan and my loyal butler Vlad," he announced proudly.

In front of Luzbel, stood a middle-aged woman with brunette hair and blue eyes. Despite her years, her beauty was undeniable and her voluptuous figure radiated a motherly elegance. A gentle smile tugged at her lips as her eyes conveyed a comforting warmth.

At her side, there was a little girl of the same age as Luzbel. The instant their gazes met, Luzbel felt an accelerated beat in his heart, as if an invisible thread united them in a deep and inexplicable bond. The girl had jet black hair that fell to her waist, and her face was a masterpiece of delicacy and beauty. Her petite features, pretty nose and fine, elegant lips and eyebrows were perfectly complemented by captivating deep purple eyes. She wore an elegant black dress that denoted her noble status.

Although the girl was overwhelmed by the intensity of the encounter, she could not help but cast furtive glances towards Luzbel's face and his shining golden eyes. An unfamiliar feeling stirred within her, a mixture of curiosity, fascination and a slight blush that colored her cheeks. However, shyness pushed her to hide shyly behind her butler, though her eyes continued to be drawn to Luzbel's presence.

Titus looked at his family and Luzbel with pride. "Now, Luzbel will stay in our house, as it is the last wish of an old friend," he announced with serenity and conviction in his voice.