The chariot of House Valemortis was a statement of power and lineage on wheels. Its main structure was built of noble wood, possibly varnished oak in a deep ebony tone that absorbed the morning light, giving it a solemn and imposing air. The sides were adorned with artfully painted panels, depicting scenes from the history of the Valemortis family – ancient heroes brandishing luminous swords, the legendary founding of their lands, all wrapped in an aura of ancestral glory.
On the side doors, engraved in gleaming gold, the Valemortis family coat of arms was proudly displayed: a double-headed eagle, with flaming golden eyes, holding an upright sword bathed in light, all framed by a stylized laurel wreath. It was an unmistakable symbol of his influence and military power within the Divine Light Empire.
The morning atmosphere was cool and calm as the four members of House Valemortis approached the carriage. Lady Altheria, in her pale ivory tunic, was the first to climb the elegantly retractable steps, followed by Elyandra, who, despite her young age, moved with startling composure in her deep blue dress. Siris, ever on the lookout, assisted Elyandra with a gentle tap on the back before taking her own seat in front of the coachman. Finally, Lord Vaelric, with his imposing figure and dark cloak, entered the carriage with a movement that exuded silent authority.
With a crack of the coachman's whip and the resounding hooves of the well-tended horses on the pavement of the estate, the carriage left the gates of the House Valemortis.
As they moved away from the manicured gardens and imposing walls of her residence, Elyandra watched the scenery unfolding before her eyes. The carriage glided through the wide and impeccable streets of the capital's noble district.
"This place... It is breathtaking for any salaried employee who receives the famous minimum wage."
The buildings that lined the street were true architectural works of art, with white marble facades adorned with detailed sculptures of angels and divine figures. Lush front gardens displayed a riot of rare flowers and shimmering fountains, where water danced under the first rays of sunshine. Carriages even more luxurious than his passed in the opposite direction, bearing the coats of arms of other powerful noble houses. Well-dressed servants swept the immaculate sidewalks, and merchants offered their fine goods in shops with awnings of colored silk.
In the midst of this opulence, something caught Elyandra's attention. In a square adorned with a colossal statue of the Goddess of Divine Light, a group of people dressed in white and gold robes preached fervently to a small crowd. Their voices echoed with conviction, extolling the teachings of the Goddess and the benevolence of the Emperor, her earthly representative.
This sight, although common, always caused a slight surprise in Elyandra. Faith in the Goddess of Divine Light was ubiquitous in the Empire, permeating every aspect of life, from the most solemn rituals to everyday conversations. The Church of the Divine Light possessed a vast influence, rivaling in some respects the power of the nobility itself.
As the carriage followed its course, Elyandra immersed herself in her thoughts, trying to organize the complex social structure of the world in which she lived.
"The Emperor... He's on top of everything. The central figure, the divine link between the Goddess and our world. His power is absolute, though often exercised through his advisors and the great noble houses."
"Below the Emperor, us. The noble houses. We are the pillars of the Empire, each with its history, its lands, its armies and its influence. We maintain order, manage our domains, and provide warriors and resources for the Emperor. But we also compete with each other, weaving alliances and rivalries in a constant power game."
"And then... the lower castes and the plebs. A sea of people who support this entire structure. The skilled artisans, the merchants who move the goods, the peasants who cultivate the land, the soldiers who protect the borders... Each one with their role, their struggle and their loyalty, whether to their local lord, the Goddess or the Emperor."
"Within these castes, there is a hierarchy of its own. The most talented artisans and wealthiest merchants may rise to a certain level of comfort and influence, but they rarely break through the barrier of nobility. Peasants and manual laborers live a life of hard work, depending on the crops and the benevolence of their masters. And at the base of it all, the commoners, those without possessions or formal ties, often marginalized and living on the margins of society."
"Faith in the Goddess of Divine Light is the link that, theoretically, unites all these layers. The promise of a better afterlife, the belief in a divine order that justifies the existing social structure... It is a powerful tool of control and also a genuine source of comfort for many."
With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Elyandra watched the cityscape give way to greener areas as the carriage approached the edge of the capital, heading for the lands of House Sorell. The visit was just beginning, and the young Valemortis knew that every detail, every interaction, could contain valuable information for the future she aspired to.
The silence inside the carriage, which until then had hung like a veil of expectation, was broken by the soft but incisive voice of Lady Altheria. His violet eyes turned to Elyandra, analyzing her with an intensity that the young woman had already learned to recognize as a veiled test.
"Elyandra, dear," her mother began, with a gentle smile on her lips but with an inquisitive depth in her eyes, "what do you think of this visit to the Marquis de Sorell's estate?" It's a bit of a trip... unusual for us, don't you think?
In Elyandra's mind, the gears of strategy began to turn with the speed and precision of an experienced player evaluating the board. She knew that her every word would be weighed and measured. It was time to activate his most focused tactic: observe, analyze and respond with the caution of someone who knows the risks of a hasty move.
She straightened her posture, meeting her mother's gaze with a studied serenity. His voice, although childish, carried a surprising maturity.
- I believe it is a political act, Mother. He replied respectfully. "From my point of view, this is a common noble practice, a public demonstration of cordiality so that both Houses remain well regarded in society. It is a way to reinforce the image of union and cooperation, even if the internal dynamics are more... Complex.
Lord Vaelric, who had hitherto watched the landscape with an indecipherable expression, turned his cold eyes to Elyandra. His voice, when it manifested, cut through the air with the authority of a commander on the battlefield.
"You're not entirely wrong, Elyandra," he conceded, a faint tinge of approval in his deep voice, "but the truth that underpins relations between the Great Houses is a much more intricate tapestry.
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on his daughter, as if confiding in her a state secret.
"House Valemortis, as you well know, is the shield of the Empire. We are responsible for the security of our borders, for the maintenance of internal order through our legions, and for all military affairs. Our power lies in martial strength and discipline.
He paused briefly, allowing his words to settle.
"House Sorell, on the other hand, holds the reins of free markets and imperial finance. They are the ones who guarantee the flow of goods, who establish the trade routes and who control, to a large extent, the wealth that moves the Empire. Its influence lies in gold and trade.
He went on to cite other influential Noble Houses, painting a picture of the intricate system of power.
"House Eldrune, with its vast arcane knowledge, is the guardian of magic and scholarship. House Lyra, with its Goddess-blessed lineage, influences faith and religious affairs. House Thorne, with its extensive fertile lands, ensures the food supply for the Empire. And House Vancroft, with its unrivaled naval fleet, dominates the seas and overseas trade.
Finally, Lord Vaelric revealed the truth that Elyandra already sensed, the dark layer beneath the façade of unity. His eyes shone with a cold, savvy cynicism.
"In the eyes of the people, these six Great Houses remain united, a bulwark of power and stability. But the truth, Elyandra, is that under this mask of cooperation lies a constant struggle for influence and advantage. Human nature, even among the nobles of the highest lineage, is invariably marked by greed. Each House, in its own way, subtly – or not so subtly – tries to usurp power and resources from the others, using and abusing their respective influences for their own gain. Alliances are fluid, and betrayal lurks in the shadows of the most opulent halls.
The weight of his words hung in the carriage, shedding new light on the nature of the visit to House Sorell and on the complex and unforgiving world that Elyandra was beginning to unravel.
Her father's words echoed in Elyandra's mind, painting a grim yet realistic picture of the intricate tapestry of power in the Divine Light Empire. She felt the weight of responsibility that her lineage carried and the complexity of the world in which she was inserted. The façade of unity and courtesy among the Great Houses now seemed a thin layer over an abyss of ambition and greed.
The little noblewoman brought her hand to her chin, resting her elbow on her other hand, a thoughtful gesture that did not go unnoticed by her parents and Siris. His golden eyes, once fixed on the landscape, now wandered absorbed in his thoughts.
"I'm at the center of a great intrigue, even though I'm still a child. Every smile, every word exchanged between the Houses... Everything seems to carry a hidden meaning, a strategic maneuver. I need to learn to decipher these codes, to see beyond the surface."
She pondered the role of her own House, the Valemortis, as the military arm of the Empire. Brute force and strategy were his tools. And House Sorell, with its dominion over finances... wealth as a weapon, market manipulation as a tactic. How did these two forces balance each other? Where were the lines of tension, the points of conflict?
Before her mind could reach a definitive conclusion, three firm knocks on the window next to her brought her back to reality. Elyandra startled slightly, her eyes meeting the familiar figure of her owner, Dalia, mounted on an elegant horse with dark coats, who accompanied the carriage with impeccable posture.
Dalia tilted her head slightly toward Lord Vaelric's window, her firm, clear voice reaching into the carriage.
"Lord Valemortis, we are approaching the estate of the Marquis de Sorell.
The information seemed to awaken Lord Vaelric from his own thoughts. He nodded with a brief nod to Dalia, his gaze turning to Elyandra.
"We've arrived." Get ready, Elyandra.
Elyandra blinked, realizing that the trip, which in her absorbed mind had seemed like a brief instant, had consumed a considerable seventy-three minutes. She hadn't even noticed the passage of time, immersed in the analysis of her father's words and the implications of the world around her. Now, the estate of House Sorell approached, and with it, the opportunity to put into practice its first lessons in the intricate power game of the nobility of the Empire of Divine Light.
Leaving behind the urban environment, the journey had taken them along winding roads that snaked through a dense forest. The tall, leafy trees created a dark green roof, filtering sunlight into sparse rays that danced across the path. The fresh air carried the earthy aroma of vegetation and the distant singing of birds.
Suddenly, the density of the forest decreased, revealing a clearing where the property of Casa Sorell stood. A mansion of palatial proportions, rivaling in grandeur the House of Valemortis itself, dominated the landscape. Its noble walls, built of high-value light stones, surrounded a vast expanse of meticulously manicured gardens. High above the wrought-iron gates, the coat of arms of House Sorell—a golden lion rampant over a sky-blue field—was proudly displayed.
To the plebs, it would be a sight that would paralyze breath, a tangible symbol of the wealth and power of the nobility. But for the Valemortis, accustomed to their own opulence, it was just another demonstration of the influence of a Great House.
The carriage approached the gates, which opened silently the moment the Sorell guards identified the coat of arms of the double-headed eagle. Elyandra and her parents, closely followed by their escort, entered the grounds of House Sorell. The carriage came to a gentle stop in front of the main entrance.
Lord Vaelmortis was the first to leave, his imposing figure dominating the space. He turned to Dalia, who had dismounted from her horse with surprising agility, and whispered some safety directives in a low, authoritative tone.
While her father gave the instructions, Elyandra observed House Sorell with her analytical eyes. The architecture was a testament to the highest financial degree imaginable. White marble columns adorned the façade, extending to a flawless slate roof. Large windows, framed in gold, reflected the morning light like shimmering jewels. Statues of mythological figures and elaborate fountains adorned the front gardens, and the soft sound of running water filled the air. Every detail screamed wealth and ostentation, from the polished stone paths to the strategically arranged rare flower pots.
Suddenly, the large dark wooden doors at the front of the mansion opened, revealing the Marquis de Sorell. A middle-aged man with a warm smile and richly embroidered outfits emerged accompanied by his son, Arcturus, a shrewd-looking young man, and Callen, whom Elyandra knew well by this time.
"Lord Valemortis!" Lady Altheria! And the young Lady Elyandra! What an honor to receive you in our humble abode! exclaimed the Marquis de Sorell, his voice charged with calculated cordiality.
Lord Vaelric replied with his usual formality, a slight nod accompanied by measured words:
— Marquis de Sorell. We appreciate your hospitality in welcoming us to your property.
The Marquis opened his arms in an inviting gesture.
"Please come in." The house is yours. We have prepared everything for your comfort.
Lord Valemortis led the way, followed by Lady Altheria. Elyandra, maintaining the composure she was taught, followed her parents. As he passed the Marquis and his companions, his golden eyes met those of Arcturus. Young Sorell smiled widely, a glint of recognition and perhaps anticipation in his gaze, reminding Elyandra of the magical card games of her last visit. She reciprocated with a polite smile, though her thoughts were already focused on the interior of the mansion.
Next to Arcturus, Callen maintained a neutral posture, his gaze fixed on a point beyond Elyandra, as if she were a transparent figure. The young Valemortis noticed the apparent indifference, but she was not shaken. She remembered well the chess game and the spark of intelligence that had flickered in the eyes of the salt prince of the Leonine empire. That initial coldness was perhaps just a mask, a defensive tactic.
Without showing any reaction to Callen's apparent ignorance, Elyandra continued on her way, her small shoes making an almost inaudible sound on the stone floor as she entered the luxurious abode of Casa Sorell, her senses already on alert, taking in every detail of the environment.