28 Grand Master of the Blood Rose (2/2)

…

Meanwhile, within the Imperial City, an unprecedented event occurred. Following a one vs. one battle, under the gaze of the emperor, the grand masters, the various kings, princes and dukes, Klaus von Karsten crushed the Grand Master of the order of the Blood Rose, and took over his seat.

For the first time in 3,000 years, a non-citizen of the Imperial City took over a Grand Master seat. Although the Blood Rose ranked among the lower four orders, its strength transcended that of the various kingdoms.

In truth, the Seven Grand Orders were military forces and monitoring devices at the service of the von Skoll emperors. The order of the Blood Rose oversaw the Kingdom of Orloth and ensured its obedience to the empire. And while the seat lay in Ravaria, Orloth's capital, the grand master always came from the top-level Archons of the Imperial City.

None expected that Klaus, who'd barely turned 42, already possessed the strength to crush a top-level Archon! With this growth pace, surpassing the top three grand masters was just a matter of time. And perhaps one day, even the emperor wouldn't be his match!

But though many held the same thought, none dared voice it. Drenched in the blood of his predecessor, Klaus crossed the stadium's 300 stairs to kneel before the emperor. The 13th Emperor of Arcadia, as he held the jeweled broadsword destined to Klaus, Niklas von Skoll appeared as a stern man in his early thirties.

But naturally, in Arcadia's arcane circles, physical traits rarely mirrored true age. 160 years old, with broad shoulders and an imposing frame, Niklas stood at 1.87 meters, about the same as Klaus', with short black curls and a massive beard hanging below his chest.

His amber-colored eyes stared into Klaus' cold blue hues with an intensity that made many wonder if the Duke of Kars would live to enjoy the honors of his new function. Though just and impartial in all matters, throughout his 50 years of rule, Niklas von Skoll made one thing clear: he had zero tolerance for threats or insubordination.

Ancient noble houses were wiped out for offending his sovereign dignity. And as the strongest of Arcadia's nine Exarchs, none could oppose him—yet. All believed that since Klaus showed his potential, his untimely death was inevitable. Still, here he was, alive and thriving.

But as many presumed that Klaus finally stepped over the threshold Niklas couldn't tolerate, the emperor lowered the jeweled sword into his hand and declared:

”Arcadia's ancestral laws decree that only the seven strongest magi under the age of 300 may hold the office of Grand Master. Klaus von Karsten, today, before the eyes of Arcadia's elite, you've again proven that across three generations, you know no rival.

It is our privilege to bestow upon you the nine-jeweled sword and name you, the 32nd Grand Master of the Blood Rose. We hope that from this day onward, you shall wield this sword in defense of this land, in defense of its people, of the crown, and in opposition to all abominations threatening the rightful sovereignty of our holy race.

Rise, Grand Master, and may you honor this office till your dying breath!” Niklas proclaimed as Klaus received the sword. On the scene, the top three Grand Masters and Klaus aside, there wasn't one man that didn't gawk in disbelief.

But even as many of his peers debated the true nature of his relationship with the emperor, Klaus clenched his hands around the blade, drenching it in his blood - like the rites demanded - and while his blood rained on the ground, he replied:

”I hereby make the solemn vow to cleanse the Wailing Sea, entomb the Undying Horde, exterminate the Chiropteran Dynasty, and wield this sword in the defense of our holy race!” Klaus made the ancestral pledge and rose from the ground.

For a second, Klaus and Niklas maintained eye contact, but in that mere second, countless emotions intertwined. Niklas turned heels and in a dazzling beam of light, vanished from the scene.

Klaus didn't linger. Headed by Wilfried, his retinue welcomed and led him into a flying vessel that took them all back to Kars.