Aboard the *Maxim*, flagship of the Valois Empire.
The Emperor was beginning to show his age. He had spent the better part of his life achieving one victory and planning the next, leaving him no time to hone his other skills. As a result, the longevity granted by Arcane Magic was a limited blessing, and wrinkles were beginning to reshape his majestic face.
"Your Majesty, the restoration effort has failed. A Mage from the Tower of Stars has been taken into custody by the Alliance." The minister delivered the news with caution, making Paul's brow twitch.
"I want the details."
The minister hurried to present the raw intelligence he had gathered, summarizing it aloud as he did. This was a habit His Majesty the Emperor had brought with him from his military days: he required both the complete details and a concise summary, demanding absolute information and efficiency in equal measure.
