Regis stood alone, his gaze still on the horizon where the ruined kingdoms lay across the infinite expanse. The wind stirred the air, carrying with it the faint scent of decay, but also the promise of something new—something that could be molded to his will.
The landscape stretched out before him like a tapestry, inviting and threatening in its vastness. From where he stood, at the lip of a shattered outcropping, Regis could discern the remnants of mighty cities, their broken spires clawing from the earth like skeletal fingers towards the sky. Between them, there were thick forests and broad plains lying beneath a haze, their loveliness hiding dangers they most likely held.
His stronghold, the Ashen Dominion, hung far overhead, a witness to his power and the foundation upon which his future empire would rise. Regis could feel the pulse of its energy beneath his feet, the heartbeat of a world that was slowly falling under his sway. And though his airborne fortress was great, he knew this world was not without its threats—and not all of this world's threats could be so easily vanquished.
Kaelen's words echoed in his mind. There are factions, old and new. forces of power.
Regis's eyes narrowed, his gaze slipping from the broken lands to the open heavens. His mind was already calculating the many possible paths to power. But first, he needed knowledge. He needed to know this world, its history, its inhabitants, and its players.
The idea of conquering was tempting, yes—but to conquer wisely, he would need to see the world in its entirety. Only then could he manipulate its strings with the touch of a master.
The tread of steps behind him pulled him from his reverie. Regis turned, his movements slow and deliberate. He was already anticipating the familiar presence of Kaelen, though he was surprised when the advancing figure wasn't the man he had spoken to.
It was a woman instead—a tall, gaunt woman with raven-black hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. There was no armor, but she was authoritative in her presence. She looked fragile and lethal, a flower with fatal petals.
Her eyes met Regis's in silent intensity. No greeting, no introduction, just the power of her presence. Regis had no doubt—this was a woman of importance.
"Can I help you?" Regis's tone was distant, but behind it was a spark of interest.
The woman took a step closer, her dark eyes scouring him with the same meticulous attention that Regis had given to the world surrounding him. Her lips curled into a faint smile, yet it lacked warmth.
"I've been watching you, Sovereign," she said, her voice silky, low and smooth. "You've made quite the impression on the land already. It's not often something—someone—like you comes along."
Regis raised an eyebrow. He had already sensed that his arrival had not gone unnoticed, but hearing it spoken aloud felt different, as if the very fabric of the world was beginning to recognize his power.
"I didn't expect to be so. visible so soon," he replied, his gaze narrowing just slightly. "But I'm not here to be a shadow. If they wish to notice me, then let them."
The woman's smile increased infinitesimally, but it was still enigmatic.
"The question, Ruler, is not whether they perceive you. It's whether you can survive them."
She paused, letting the weight of her words hang in the air.
Others claim the lands are governed by powers older than time itself—gods, kings, and empires that the ages have forgotten. You can call yourself a conqueror, but those who preceded you on this land made their mark. And some of those marks… are not so easily erased.
Regis considered her words carefully. He had expected resistance, of course. But this woman's cryptic warning hinted at something far more ancient and complex than mere mortal kingdoms.
"I've not come to erase anything," Regis replied, his voice firm. "I've come to build. And for that, I'll need to understand everything that stands in my way."
The woman's eyes flickered with a glimmer of something unreadable, before she nodded.
Then you desire knowledge. That I can provide, Ruler. But be warned—there are things in this world that should not be known. There are secrets that should remain in the earth."
Regis observed her intently, considering her words. This woman knew something, that much was sure. But why lay it out for him? What was her agenda?
"And who are you?" Regis asked, his voice rimmed with the curiosity that was building in him.
The woman inclined her head, as though considering the seriousness of presenting herself.
"Alina Draken," she responded, her name dropping from her lips as readily as the wind through the trees. "I am a scholar, among other things. Some would label me a historian, a seer, or simply a wanderer. I am one who understands the world—and the forces that shape it."
Regis's mind was already working. A scholar, a historian. a person who was aware of the ancient powers of this world. She could be useful, at least.
"And why are you here, Alina Draken?" Regis asked. "If you know so much, why have you come to my country?"
Alina's smile expanded, but it was no less enigmatic.
For, Sovereign, you are not the sole ambitious one. I wish to learn this world's true history. The energy that lies in wait to be unleashed beneath its surface. And perhaps, if you're inclined, I'll help you mold it."
Regis's lips curled into a slight, knowing smile. An ambitious historian. How fitting.
"I'll consider your offer," Regis said at last, his voice flat. "But listen well, Alina Draken: I do not take well to being manipulated. If you attempt to use me for your own purposes, I will have no hesitation in crushing that ambition underfoot."
Alina's expression did not alter. There was no fear, no hint of offense—just an unfathomable calm.
"I don't attempt to manipulate you, Sovereign," she told him. "I only wish to see the world changed. And you, it seems, are the catalyst that will bring about the change."
Regis regarded her for another moment, then nodded.
"Very well," he said. "We will speak again soon. But for now, there are matters that require my attention."
Alina inclined her head, hardly perceptibly, and then turned and departed. Regis watched her go, her form receding against the vast backdrop of the shattered world.
He was no fool. Alina Draken was not a typical scholar. She was a player in this world—a woman who sought knowledge, undoubtedly, but one whose motives were less than clear.
And Regis Vortigern was not going to let her play this game without him.
Turning towards the horizon once more, Regis's mind began racing once again. The world is a puzzle, but I have the pieces. And I will be the one to place them.
The Ashen Dominion loomed above him, a reflection of his growing power. But the path to his triumph would not be an easy one. There were factions to manipulate, elder powers to fight, and secrets to be revealed.
But Regis had waited long enough.
His empire was just the start.