Alastor

The southern part of the empire was considered the most peaceful and wealthy. A warm climate, fertile lands, bustling ports, and trade caravans—all of this had been under your control for several years. Formally, you were just one of the regional rulers, but the south prospered so well that many envied your position.

Above all rulers stood one man—the king. His palace was in the capital, where you had to travel for councils and policy discussions.

After one of these trips, everything went strange.

You returned home tired after a long journey and endless conversations about taxes and borders. All you wanted was to get to your chambers and rest. But in the palace, it was immediately clear: something was wrong. The servants looked tense, and one of the guards cautiously suggested that you should look in the basement.

It sounded suspicious.

You descended the cool stone steps. The torchlight cast long shadows along the walls, and from the depths of the corridor came the soft clanking of chains. And that was strange—you didn't remember there being chains in the basement.

When you turned the corner, the picture became even stranger.

A man sat against the wall in the room, chained with heavy chains. His clothes were expensive, his posture was surprisingly upright, and his expression was irritated... and a little amused.

You froze.

Because before you stood the king of the entire empire.

He raised his head and looked at you.

• Oh. You're back.

The chains jingled softly as he moved his hand.

— Maybe you can explain why I am chained in the basement of your palace?

You blinked, looked at the chains again and asked:

— …And who brought you here?

The king looked at you for a long time.

“That,” he said dryly, “is exactly what I was hoping to hear from you.”