As they came to a halt before the gates, Wymar noticed a familiar presence, and he turned directly towards Jolthar. And Jolthar, who was staring at him, was startled. Even in that crowd, Wymar was able to see Jolthar. And there were about 200 or so men with him.
All of them were mages, who seemed to be under Wymar. But why was he here and only with this number of men?
Wymar, after seeing Jolthar, pulled his horse's reins and moved towards Jolthar.
Wymar's sharp eyes narrowed as he watched Jolthar and another figure beside him. He looked to his sides, but there was no one belonging to the barony, just him alone.
"Jolthar of Kaezhlar," Wymar said, his voice cold and clipped. "What are you doing here?"
Jolthar raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a Kaezhlar; never have been one."
"I come here, representing the Barony of Tekkora." He stated his purpose here, and Myron, who was beside him, tilted his head, confused. He did hear about him leaving the clan estate after the clash with the Naemarys clan. Elara had been sending him letters.
Wymar's frown grew deeper. But he didn't care to ask about the issue. After the battle in Tekkora, Wymar probed about Jolthar and him being in the barony.
He looked at him and asked, "Whatever, but why are you alone?"
"I was informed that the Barony of Tekkora would be sending men to fulfil the Emperor's decree. Yet here you stand, alone. Care to explain?" This update ıs available on n0velfire.net
Jolthar met Wymar's gaze squarely, his expression unreadable. "I am here on behalf of the Barony," he said, his voice calm but firm.
"I am the only one who came, and I am enough."
Myron held back his laughter; he couldn't help it. The way he said it, in front of the strongest mage of the empire, a direct subordinate of the Great General. Myron knew about him; after all, Wymar was renowned for his magic in the empire. He was amused at how Jolthar was keeping a straight face all while throwing his words at Wymar.
Wymar's frown deepened, his eyes narrowing as he studied Jolthar.
"Enough?" he repeated, his tone dripping with scepticism.
"The Emperor's decree demands three hundred men, not one. Do you take this as a jest, young man? Or do you simply believe yourself above the Empire's laws?"
Jolthar's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure. "The Barony of Tekkora has just recovered from a brutal battle," he said.
"I'm sure you are aware as well. After all, you have been there too."
"We do not have the men to spare. But I am here to fulfil the decree in the only way we can. My drake and I are more than capable of handling whatever threat the Chittera pose."
Wymar's lips curled into a sneer, but he sighed.
"You arrogant boy, I will deal with you later," Wymar said, clearly angry at Jolthar.
"We have far more important matters to deal with." He turned to the castle gates, where the soldiers of the count were coming out.
Inside the castle, the grand halls were alive with the soft glow of candlelight and the faint hum of chatter. Servants moved swiftly, ensuring everything was in its place. The anticipation of their lord's arrival hung thick in the air.
When the doors to the main hall opened, Count Hamen entered, his stride purposeful, his presence commanding.
The moment he stepped inside, a figure broke from the group of noblewomen gathered near the great hearth.
A woman, stunning in her grace and beauty, rushed toward him, a smile gracing her lips.
"My love," she whispered as she reached him.
Countess Evelyne, his wife.
Hamen's expression softened as he opened his arms, allowing her to step into his embrace. They stood there for a moment, the image of a devoted and loving couple starkly contrasting with the world of political intrigue surrounding them.
"I missed you," she said, her fingers lightly tracing his collar.
"I was gone for only a few days," Hamen replied, amused.
"And yet, it felt longer."
He chuckled before tilting her chin up, brushing his lips against hers in a fleeting kiss. "I'm here now."
She led him to a balcony, where only two of them were present. There, she talked to him about his travels and where he had been in the past few days.
"Hamen," she said, her voice soft but urgent. "Inadrys came again. He… he was here, in our chambers."
Count Hamen's expression didn't change, but his eyes darkened slightly. "I know," he said, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of something colder.
"I've known for some time."
The Countess blinked, surprised by his lack of anger. "You… knew?" she repeated.
"And you're not…upset?"
Count Hamen sighed, running a hand through his hair as he walked over to the edge of the balcony, gazing out at the city below.
"Upset?" he said, his tone thoughtful. "Perhaps. But anger is a luxury I cannot afford. Inadrys is a Deity, my dear. His whims are not something we mortals can control. And besides…" He turned to her, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The Countess stared at him, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. "You're not angry?" she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Hamen chuckled. "Should I be? If the king of Illumarhen himself takes interest in my wife, should I take offence?" He turned his gaze back to her, sharp yet unreadable.
"Or should I be flattered?"
Evelyne hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Hamen, as always, was difficult to predict.
The count stepped closer to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Do not trouble yourself with this. I have more important matters to deal with."
His tone signalled the end of the conversation. Evelyne nodded silently, watching as her husband turned away and strode toward the door.
"I have guests from the empire to meet."
And with that, Count Hamen left to attend to the matters of war.