Tale of a Hedonistic wizard-Chapter 455: Heading towards Witch Spire

"And there was an incident involving Jaegar during the matches. I am sure someone came looking for Jaegar."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

"Why would they want him?" Kyra asked, rising from her seat to approach the map. "He was just a student then."

"Exactly the question," Vlaran said. "One that Father deemed not important enough to investigate further at the time. After all, Jaegar was Angus's son—a member of the extended imperial family. It seemed more likely they wanted to harm him rather than..." He trailed off.

"Rather than what?" Lorcan pressed.

"Rather than recruit him," Vlaran finished.

"But if Angus has been with the Serpents all along..."

The implications hung in the air between them. Lorcan's face paled slightly as he considered what his brother was suggesting.

"You think Jaegar could be working with them too?" Kyra asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "With his own father?"

Vlaran shook his head slowly. "I don't know. But I intend to find out." He straightened, adjusting the imperial signet ring on his finger. "I've dispatched my personal guard to gather information. If Jaegar is involved, we'll know soon enough."

Lorcan rose suddenly, pacing the room with nervous energy. "If Uncle Angus is truly a traitor, then where is he now? What does he plan to do with an entire legion at his command?"

The door to the chamber burst open before anyone could respond.

An imperial guard entered, his face flushed with exertion.

"Your Highnesses," he said, bowing quickly. "The Tower Master, the minister, and the lord blade—they're here. They demand an immediate audience with the Emperor and the Council."

Vlaran sighed as he said, "It seems we're about to get some answers."

Lorcan's face had lost all traces of amusement now. The reality of the situation was finally sinking in—this wasn't just about his rivalry with Jaegar anymore. This was about the fate of the Empire itself.

"We'll join Father there immediately." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

As the guard left, Vlaran turned to his brother and Kyra. "I will go and attend the council. Don't do anything reckless, Lorcan."

Lorcan nodded.

They weren't aware of what exactly Jaegar was involved in or why the Bande de serpents wanted him. Assumptions are what they all had.

-

The journey to Amnohdet was swift but cautious.

Angelina led their small band through less-travelled roads, avoiding imperial patrols and staying clear of settlements where news of the Black Hounds' rebellion might have stirred unrest. Eradarin's magic veiled them when necessary, while Bruna's keen senses warned of approaching danger long before it materialized.

As they crested the final hill, the City of Amnohdet spread before them—a sprawling metropolis of alabaster towers and copper domes that gleamed in the afternoon sun.

At its centre, rising like a spear thrust toward the heavens, stood the infamous Witch Spire, its obsidian surface absorbing light rather than reflecting it.

"The Child of Chaos is truly held within that tower?" Ironshade asked, his massive hand resting on his greatsword's hilt.

Angelina nodded grimly. "I am sure she is. And I think the tower witches would have noticed her by now, keeping her close to the council."

"Then how will you enter?" Jaegar asked, studying the distant tower with apprehension.

A thin smile crossed Angelina's face. "I built some of those wards, child. There are... backdoors known only to me."

They made their way down to the city, blending with the crowds entering through the southern gate.

Amnohdet was bustling with activity—merchants hawking wares, street performers entertaining passersby, and, most noticeably, an increased presence of imperial guards.

"The news has reached here," Bruna murmured, nodding subtly toward a squad of soldiers questioning travellers.

Eradarin stroked his beard thoughtfully. "We should find shelter before we draw attention."

They found an inn called The Twisted Candle in the artisans' quarter—modest enough to avoid scrutiny but reputable enough to ensure relative safety. After securing rooms, they gathered in a private dining alcove.

"I must go to the Spire alone," Angelina announced, her tone brooking no argument. "My presence might be expected, but five strangers would certainly raise alarms."

Jaegar began to protest, but she raised a hand to silence him.

"This isn't negotiable, Jaegar. Stay here with the others. Rest. I'll return by nightfall with what information I can gather."

After extracting promises from all of them—especially reluctant ones from Jaegar—to remain at the inn, Angelina departed, her dark cloak billowing behind her as she disappeared into the crowded street.

---

The hours crawled by with excruciating slowness.

Ironshade busied himself maintaining his weapons, while Eradarin and Bruna conversed in hushed tones over ancient texts the sage had brought.

Jaegar, however, found himself unable to sit still.

"I'm going for a walk," he announced abruptly, rising from his seat by the window.

Bruna looked up sharply. "Angelina was very clear—"

"I'm not going to the Spire," Jaegar assured her.

"Just around the block. I need air."

Eradarin studied him for a moment before nodding slowly. "The boy has sense enough to stay out of trouble. Let him clear his head."

The streets were less crowded now as afternoon gave way to early evening.

Jaegar wandered aimlessly, his thoughts consumed by worries about his mother and confusion about the sudden betrayal of that man. Why did Angus make the Blackhounds create a ruckus in the empire? Jaegar was sure that Angus must have planned something; he wasn't a foolish man; Jaegar was sure about that fact.

And he was still unaware of his mother's location or where she was. He couldn't meet the man responsible for all the chaos in his life.

His thoughts ran back to his aunt, wondering how she was.

So distracted was he that he failed to notice the commotion ahead until he was almost upon it.

A group of young men—clearly some noble brats judging by their attire—had surrounded someone in a small plaza.

Their jeering laughter carried on the breeze.

"Show us again, girl!" one of them called.

"Make the stones dance!"