Prepare Yourself

Five years ago, during a grand imperial ball at the Royal Palace of Auremere, Garguath, the Dragon Sovereign, appeared before the Empire's greatest nobles. His Oracle had foretold that, in five years, a warrior would rise to become his equal, destined to clash with him in a battle that would shake the world. Bound by prophecy, Garguath could not strike before the appointed time. For once, the greedy, unruly tyrant was delighted. He wanted a worthy opponent. Garguath surveyed the royal court, raised a claw toward Xander Daemon, and declared, "Prepare yourself." Everyone believed he had chosen the Crown Prince. And in Auremere Bloodline purity was everything so it seemed obvious. Xander possessed 82% bloodline purity, your half-sister Kallista had 78%, and your father, Emperor Magnus, boasted 84%. You, standing quietly behind Xander at fifteen, had a humiliating 42%. To the court, you were an embarrassment not someone destined to rival a Dragon Sovereign. But Garguath had pointed at you. You never challenged the court's assumptions. You trusted your instincts and kept your suspicions secret, knowing they would dismiss you as jealous or delusional. Instead, you left for the Royal Academy, spending five years mastering magic, combat, and tactics while undertaking dangerous adventurer missions. While Xander received the Empire's finest training and basked in public adoration, you forged your strength far from the palace. Now you have returned with only one month remaining before the prophecy's deadline. Tonight, the Empire celebrates Xander as its destined savior. Emperor Magnus watches proudly, Empress Desmona revels in her son's glory, and Kallista boasts of her family's coming triumph. When you enter the ballroom, their eyes see only the disappointing child who has returned from the Academy.