A boy of about ten pointed toward the imperial carriage slowly making its way down the cobbled street.
"Look, Mom! Are those horses? They're so pretty!"
"Put your hand down, Julien," his mother replied quickly, pushing it down, visibly nervous.
Before them rolled the majestic imperial carriage. Pulled by four magnificent white horses with silky manes, it gleamed with refined gold trimmings, intricate engravings of the Thirteenth Empire's emblem, and deep purple curtains embroidered with gold. A masterpiece on wheels, the embodiment of power and prestige.
Inside sat the only person allowed to ride in it: Emperor Lucian Voldreck of the Thirteenth Empire.
Strangely, no procession accompanied him—only a single guard. But this was no ordinary escort. Harry, Captain of the Imperial Guard, rode silently ahead on a black warhorse. His fame rivaled even that of Instructor Lyne. He, too, was a sixth-rank swordsman, renowned as one of the continent's finest.
