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The light swallowed Sebastian whole.
It was searing, absolute, like the sun had fallen into his chest and dragged him through its core. He tried to hold onto it, onto the goddess's form fading in the radiance, but the brilliance consumed all shape and sound until even thought itself slipped away.
Alone in the endless glow, the goddess lingered for a moment. Her hair drifted like it was suspended in water, her gaze softening as she let out a sigh.
"It's too bad," she murmured, her voice tender, almost regretful. "That you won't remember any of this."
Her eyes glimmered, as though seeing something far beyond the wheel, beyond fate itself. "I'll make sure to bless you with certain gifts… ones you'll appreciate, even when you can't remember a thing, it will take a bit of time child..." And with that, the light collapsed.
****
NILFGAARD - THE CITY OF THE GOLDEN TOWERS
The air was warm, rich with the scents of blooming roses and trimmed hedges. A fountain burbled softly in the distance, its waters catching sunlight that gleamed off marble and gold.
The boy no longer Sebastian, already lived in this world for five years since his rebirth here. Though something of him still lingered, ran barefoot through the gardens. His laughter rang against the polished stone walls of the estate, echoing among arches and pillars. Beyond the gates rose the sight that defined the empire itself: Nilfgaard, the City of Golden Towers. The spires shone like spears of sunlight piercing the sky, a majesty that could only belong to the heart of the Empire.
By the veranda, Count Fabian var Winneburg stood cloaked in black and gold, his bearing as precise as the cut of his beard. A man of influence, of bloodline and obligation. Beside him lingered a merchant older, sharp-eyed.
"It will be a long road to Ard Carraigh, Count," the man said, voice roughened by years of trade. "The Kaedweni are… temperamental hosts as well."
Fabian's lips twitched into something between disdain and indifference. "Long roads are of little consequence. I must be there in person. This is no minor contract, but a matter of state." His gaze swept northward as though he could see through stone and sky. "The rightful Emperor is back, and he sharpens his sword for a campaign. The North will not remain business partners for long. Better to secure our foundations before the storm breaks."
The merchant's brow creased. "Of course, still, be cautious, my lord. Kaedwen's lords are wolves who dress in silks. Too much trust and they'll strip a man to the bone. The road is filled with bandits in the north especially in Temeria."
A ripple of skirts, the faint sound of slippers on marble, and Lady Winneburg approached. She was fair, but not fragile her dark eyes carried that iron steadiness shared by so many Nilfgaardian noblewomen.
"You speak of north, ser, yet you plan to go there alone," she said, folding her arms lightly. Her tone was calm. "This time, we will accompany you Arven and I both."
Fabian turned, surprise flickering across his face before hardening into resolve. "No," he said, firm as iron. "I'll not drag my five-year-old son into the filth of the North. It is no place for him. Or for you."
Her lips parted, ready to argue, and for a moment husband and wife measured one another, silent words passing through narrowed eyes. Then she exhaled softly and let her voice drop. "But I want to go. I have never seen Cintra, not even once, and the road passes near it. Must I never have that chance?"
Before Fabian could reply, the decision was interrupted by the thud of small feet on marble. Arven came charging toward them from the garden, his dark hair tousled by the wind. His laughter cut off as his toe caught the edge of a stone path he tumbled forward and struck the ground with a dull crack.
"Arven!" Both parents rushed forward, fear stripping their words of dignity. Fabian knelt first, his gloved hands steadying the boy as Lady Winneburg brushed his hair from his face.
The child's eyes fluttered for a moment, dazed, then focused again. A faint trickle of blood marked his forehead, stubborn as any Nilfgaardian noble. "I'm fine, Father," he said, his voice small but steady. Then he smiled, the innocence of childhood glinting in his eyes. "Take us with you, please."
Fabian froze, caught between instinct and reason. The boy's words were soft, but they struck like fist blows. His wife's hand lingered on Arven's shoulder, her eyes fixed on her husband with quiet expectation.
For a long heartbeat, Fabian said nothing. His jaw clenched, the weight of duty pulling one way, the bonds of family another. Finally, he let out a long sigh, closing his eyes as if yielding to the inevitable.
"Damn it all…Very well," he said at last, his voice low and certain. He looked to his wife, then to his son. "But know this...the road is long so don't complain, and you obey me without question. No arguments, no hesitation."
Lady Winneburg's lips curved into a small, victorious smile, though she bowed her head respectfully. "Of course, my dear." And young Arven grinned from ear to ear.
****
3 WEEKS LATER.. CINTRA -
The journey north was long and unkind, the road changing with every mile. From the gilded avenues of Nilfgaard to forests that thickened like walls of green, then into lands where the air carried the sharper bite of the North. Dust clung to the wheels of their carriage, and each jolt reminded Lady Winneburg that northern roads were not paved with marble.
They were not alone. Four Elite Nilfgaardian soldiers rode alongside, their black armor dull under the sky, their discipline unyielding even on foreign soil. To any traveler watching, it was clear enough that this was no common merchant caravan but the passage of a man entrusted with the Empire's word. Count Fabian sat upright despite the bumps of the cart, his bearing never once loosening.
By the time Cintra's stone walls came into view, the sun had dropped low, casting the castle and its town below in hues of amber. The fortress stood proud, its battlements watching the valley like a hawk, the sea crashing far behind it. Though small compared to Nilfgaard's golden towers, it exuded its own power, a rugged strength that spoke of warriors born and bred. Fabian finally said "Ugh, Cintra... it's unfortunate but I have to be here... after all I have a message from the Emperor himself.."
/-\
If you Like this story! Check out my other stories! Shadow Monarch in Dc / Shadow Monarch in One Piece!
&
If you wish to read more or simply support me than check out my patreon at
"https://www.patreon.com/FrenzyAren"
You can Get Access Up to 7 More Chapters if you want !