Saevus.

That word was a source of panic, hatred, or at the very least disgust for many people in Via. Callis, who had keener ears than most, overheard most of his cousins’ conversation after he left, the echoes of it bouncing out of his office, down the spiral staircase of the castle.

It was a word he hated and he hated the people that it represented.

The Half-Saevus Ensis kept walking en route towards the Gate of Tempestis, the only entry point to the castle, for a dual purpose; first, he would talk to his direct superior to inform him of his new assignment, and then he would wait for the newcomer and guide him towards his lodgings.

As he advanced solemnly through the castle, going downstairs and walking down carpeted hallways, many servants and even other nobles couldn’t hide their disgust upon seeing him.

His existence was, for most Highborn, an unbearable insult, since not long ago the Saevus, currently living free in their new lands, in the top of the continent of Centris, were the slaves of the Viani. Not only slaves but the creation of the Viani.

Callis kept thinking about what he overheard thanks to the advantages granted to him by his much-hated half. Canes was plotting something that involved the Paeoniis apprentice, but accusing him without any kind of proof would be useless, as Callis knew how little his word meant to most people.

-You there.- An annoyingly high-pitched voice called out Callis behind him, but he was too immersed in his own thoughts to realize they were talking to him, as nobody usually did.

-I am talking to you, the one standing in the middle of the hallway.- The same voice again, this time around so loud that Callis couldn’t ignore it. The Half-Saevus Ensis turned around and found the source of the voice.

A group of individuals stood there, lead by two figures.

The one closest to him and the source of the voice was a tall and lanky individual, with sunken cheeks and eyes. What little hair he had was combed over his head and it had a garish and sickly green color.

“Smells like chemicals.” Callis thought to himself, realizing he must have dyed it.

The tall man was dressed in equally colorful clothing, with mismatching patterns on his clothing, a long cloak, a blouse with a jacket, high boots, and extremely baggy pants reaching his knees.  

-Move aside lowly Ensis, make way for Vicus Magister Foedusius, the hero of the battle of Rubpretum.- The tall man gestured for Callis to move away as he pointed at the man behind him.

A fat and stumpy man, with strident purple hair, a pencil mustache, and clothes so overly decorated with jewelry and precious minerals, they hanged off of his lumpy body almost as if they were chaining him to the floor, as these robes, meant for a taller and slender frame, were ill-fitting and trailed behind him.

Callis couldn’t avoid sensing his stench with his overly acute nose, something that generally was a bother, but in this case, it was close to torture. 

Callis, realizing that he should move, didn’t doubt it. He stood against the wall standing with his head high and both arms behind his back, the customary stance for Ensis.

The group was still watching him. Vicus Magister Foedusius glared at Callis as if he had insulted him. 

-Vates Magister Parvus, tell this uneducated simpleton he should bow to his superiors.-  The fat Highborn looked like a child about to throw a tantrum as he talked and he slobbered as he did, making his less than attractive face even more revolting.

His steward, that from his title was surely the head arcanist of this Higborn’ regional court, turned to Callis, raising his nose with contempt, glancing over the Half-Blooded Ensis’ entire form.

-What a disheveled appearance you possess lowly Ensis, your lack of care for your looks matches your lack in manners.- Parvus chastised Callis. -Kneel before your superiors.- He shouted, indignant of Callis’ behavior.