AN: So, this is a little side project I've been working on. Short story, short chapters, but it was an idea I liked and I decided to roll with it. Don't worry, Unholy Alliance isn't cancelled or anything, these next few chapters just need A LOT of touch ups before I'm satisfied with them. For now, hope you enjoy this as well.
"Monuments rise from dust and sand, and they crumble back into it.
Warriors bathe in blood and sweat, and in a flurry of both, they fall.
Can we overcome this cycle?
Can we ascend?"
-To're The Wise- Ancient Scholar of Shurima
"Azir."
I jolted my head upwards and looked at Sur'tesh's unshaven face. The old scholar was wise, claimed my father, and his words were worth heeding, even for an emperor to be.
"Young master, please do pay attention. If you are to rise to the same glorious station as your father...you must know the history of your dominion!" Sur'tesh proclaimed, snapping the tome in his hands shut. "Now, if you will, Master Azir, please, summarize what we covered today."
Steadying myself, I looked up at my teacher and nodded. "The Shuriman Empire was founded seven-hundred years ago, by the first Emperor, Sa'rab. He built his town into a city, the city into a nation, and the nation into an empire. We have some of the wisest scientists, fiercest warriors, most cunning mages, and skilled craftsmen in all of Runeterra." I could see a crooked smile begin to creep across Sur'tesh's wrinkled face. "And we have the most powerful Emperors. Right now it is father." I paused. "I mean, Emperor Anbi."
A deep laugh sounded from the back of the schoolroom. Sur'tesh knelt on the floor as my father entered, flanked by two silent guards. He was wearing his ceremonial robes, long and white, decorated with intricate golden patterns. His long hair and beard hung over the many necklaces decorating his collar. "It sounds like you are learning quickly, my son. Excellent work, Sur'tesh. You are a credit to your Emperor."
"Thank you, Emperor Anbi." Sur'tesh whispered, still kneeling.
"I would like to ask that Azir come with me for now, however." Father gave me a smile. "Captain of the Guard Ku'rik has finally located his gift."
Sur'tesh nodded. "Whatever you desire, my emperor. My services will always be available to you."
My father nodded to one of the guards, and he crossed the room and handed my tutor a bag of gold. I followed them into the main hall of the palace. My chambers were upstairs, so I did not often get to see it up close. I took the time to look around as much as I could. The walls were covered in etchings of ancient heroes and emperors, and the three main halls were labeled in ornate silver lettering. They were the Path of Strength, where the military trained, the Path of Knowledge, where the mages and scientists studied through ancient tomes, and the Path of Reward, where all the sacred items of Shurima were kept under heavy guard. Apparently, we were not going into any of them, as my father and his guards led me up a stairway flanked by two large trees. These stairs would take us to the Royal Chambers, and we emerged in front of my father's throne room. As we made our way down the path to my bedroom, my father began to speak.
"Azir, you will be sixteen years old in only a week's time. You will be a man. And there is something every Shuriman Emperor needs by his side. A trusted ally, a valiant guardsman, a right hand. I believe we have found one for you."
The guards opened the doors to my room, and the sight shocked me. A boy slightly older than me sat on the chair by my bed. He was tan and had short, cropped hair, looking at me with an odd expression. I recognized him.
"Azir, this is Xerath." my father proudly proclaimed, smiling at the gift he had presented me.
I couldn't help but feel my eyes being drawn to a strange mark on the boy's arm. It looked like a burn, recent. It was the symbol of the Shuriman nobility. A brand. A mark of ownership.
"He is yours now."