The Legendary Mage novel Chapter 222

"My lord, what is your plan?"

"First, I wish to parley with Golden Scorch. I'm curious to see what they're after."

At noon the next day, Alavin, accompanied by Lucan and over four hundred guards, approached the gates of Stormcast.

The once-majestic gates were now battered and scarred. The thick stone walls were etched with cracks. The protective moat outside had dried to a vast pit, desolately surrounding the ancient, crumbling city.

"Who goes there?" came a shout from atop the wall.

"Lord of Stormcast, Alavin!" he called to the high ramparts.

The wall bristled with the Golden Scorch's armored troops. Their golden armor gleamed in the sunlight, imposing and grand. They held bows and arrows, peering down at the gates.

A golden-armored general shouted, "Lord Alavin, please wait. The Lord of Golden Scorch has been expecting you."

"Be wary," Lucan murmured to the guard, and the four hundred men braced themselves, ready for what might come.

Soon, the dilapidated gates creaked open, and a heavy drawbridge fell with a thud, kicking up thick dust.

A procession rode forth on steeds, with a middle-aged man at the forefront. His skin was as pale as the moon, and his demeanor was extraordinary. He had a commanding presence. He was the first to spur his horse forward, laughing heartily. "Alavin, I have been waiting for you for a day. All the riffraff of Stormcast have been expelled, the streets are swept clean, and the Lord's manor has been prepared for you, just awaiting your return."

This sudden, enthusiastic welcome left Alavin and his companions somewhat bewildered.

"He is the Lord of Golden Scorch, Lawren!" Lucan whispered to Alavin.

Alavin gestured for his guard to relax a bit, and he approached with a smile. "Lord Lawren, you are too kind."

Lawren dismounted gracefully, and looked Alavin up and down, nodding with a smile. "In the blink of an eye, years have passed, and I hardly dare recognize you."