and the Harsh Promise(15) 15: The Castle Walls…
and the Harsh Promise(15) The royal carriage came to a gentle halt, after a journey that spanned the vast plains stretching outside the city, before a gate the likes of which Aiden had never seen in his life.
The driver opened the door, and Elandor stepped out first, followed by Aiden with hesitant strides.
The moment he raised his head…
He froze in his tracks.
An autumn of myth unfolded before him—a legendary castle surrounded by towering stone walls that seemed as though they had been carved from the very heart of the mountains.
Its spires rose into the sky until they brushed the clouds, while the sunlight reflected off its crystalline windows, illuminating the surroundings with an indescribable majesty.
The castle was far grander than anything he had witnessed from afar during his years of study.
From there…
It was merely spires looming on the horizon.
But now…
He stood before it, feeling so small that it seemed like an independent world of its own, rather than just a headquarters for mages.
He caught his breath without realizing it.
His eyes darted between the walls and the spires, utterly unable to find the words to describe what lay before him.
The place was not merely luxurious…
Instead, it bore a reverence that made anyone standing before it realize they were at the threshold of the greatest authority on the continent of Aegisor.
Elandor smiled faintly when he noticed the awe upon his disciple’s face, then began walking toward the main gate.
Aiden stood frozen for a moment before noticing his master drawing away, rushing to catch up behind him.
As they approached the colossal gate, Elandor suddenly stopped.
He turned slowly and looked at Aiden with eyes from which that gentle smile had entirely vanished.
In its place…
A stern gaze emerged, bearing the majesty of a master who knew no leniency.
He spoke in a steadfast voice: “Prepare yourself well, Aiden.” The youth felt his heart tighten.
Elandor continued: “From this moment on…
I shall make you taste fire by your own mouth.” A heavy silence reigned.
Then he followed in a tone that brooked no compromise: “The training that awaits you will be harsher than you can comprehend.
I will not grant you special treatment because you are my disciple, nor will I ease your burden because you are the first human to possess this talent.” Locking his gaze into Aiden’s eyes, he said firmly: “If you wish to walk this path…
then forget comfort.” Aiden swallowed hard.
And though his master’s words struck an unfamiliar dread into his heart…
Something within him ignited.
It was not fear…
But absolute resolve.
Taking a deep breath, he nodded with confidence.
“I am ready…
my Lord.” Only then did a barely visible smile trace Elandor’s face.
He turned once more and crossed the great threshold.
For the very first time…
Aiden entered the Castle of the Thirteen Mages, completely unaware that every day spent within its walls would lead him one step closer to changing the history of magic in Aegisor forever.