night toward the imperial capital. His horse was exhausted, but h

ademy for two years, paid by Cornelius to report any useful information.

ld who could sense energy levels that even trained warriors couldn'

town near the academy. Tall walls surrounded it, and guards checked everyone enteri

nce in the noble district. The house was gra

xpensive robes sat reading reports. This was Lucius,

ortant," Lucius said witho

igy at Iron Sword Academy. A ten-year-old

ked up, intere

with two fingers, how he'd moved with impossible speed, how he'

A ten-year-old with that level

what,

ation talent." Lucius stood and walked to the window. "T

und him by the river and adopted him. The boy claims

s n

us. No fam

appeared three years ago by the river?" His eye

my lord. Which means

wned in the Tiber River," Lucius finished. His mind raced.

you don'

ucius's face showed excitement. "If this boy is who I think

edily. "And my r

Now leave me. I have ur

. One to his father Cornelius, telling him to watch the boy carefully. T

g to reports from his ministers. Ten years of ruling had age

on is complete for this qua

rder remains qui

taking power had been. He'd imagined glory and triu

s from running. "Your Majesty! Urge

r. As he read it, his face we

ut," he ord

to leave. They knew that

gy named Marcus at Iron Sword Academy. Found by a river th

wned. I saw him fall into the river. The bea

cus had survived? What if the nephew he'd

a threat. The boy had legitimate claim to the throne. Worse, if he

me. Even if it is him, he's just a ten-year-old boy.

d as he called for hi

d bowed. He was older now

Sword Academy who might be... a threat to the kingdom. I want you to i

sk what kind of threat

nd that grows into a sword pointe

e king's voice reminded him of that night ten years ago. The nigh

ed. *And if he did, what kind of monster hav

orces were already moving against him. He sat in Gran

s treated him differently. Some with respect, o

. "Brother Marcus, Grandfather wants

er. In the office, Grandfat

We need to talk a

re, Gran

anced techniques." Octavius paused. "I think it's time you entered the regional tournament. It'

imperial capital. Where Cassia

tournament?" h

by then, the youngest competitor

slowly. "I'l

w what drives you, but I see darkness in your eyes sometimes. Whatever you're planning, wha

ndfather. Thank yo

y. "That boy is walking toward fire. I ju

up at the stars. His ha

until I see the imperial capital again. Six

know that spies were coming to investigate him. He didn't know that

gun, but neither side knew who w