The Last Thunderborn

The Countess informed Ranav that her elder sister, Vartika Solanki, had requested his presence the next day. He had been expecting this call from the beginning. His master had previously mentioned that the Countess's elder sister was a summoning mage. Since summoning mages were extremely rare, and books on the subject were even scarcer, the best way to learn was directly from another mage.

To make the most of the opportunity, the Countess decided to send Paramita along with him. The Solanki household was an ancient warrior family, renowned for its elite fighters and expert trainers. By accompanying Ranav, Paramita could receive specialized training in combat and magic under their guidance.

The next morning, as Ranav stepped through the teleportation gate of Khohdwar, he felt the familiar pull of magic wrap around his body. In an instant, he was transported to Taxila, the capital of the Krushna Archduchy. The moment he arrived, he felt as though he had stepped into an entirely different world.

The air carried a different scent… a mix of incense, spices, and fresh flowers. The people around him were dressed in vivid hues of pink, blue, green, yellow, violet, red, and gold, their garments swaying gracefully as they moved. Since the teleportation gate was inside the Taxila Mage Association, the first thing he noticed was the grandeur of the building itself. It was far more majestic than the Mage Association in Khohdwar, boasting intricate golden pillars, domed ceilings, and magical inscriptions shimmering faintly on the walls.

Noticing his astonishment, Paramita chuckled.

"Don't be too shocked," she said. "Taxila is the capital of an Archduchy. This is your first time visiting a capital city, so you're naturally comparing it with what you've seen before. But believe me, among all the regional capitals, this is actually the poorest. When you visit other major cities, you'll understand just how different they can be."

Ranav, still taking in his surroundings, replied, "I'm not just comparing the buildings. I'm shocked by the sheer explosion of colors around us."

Paramita smiled knowingly. "Oh! That's the uniqueness of Taxila. You'll be even more surprised when we step outside the Mage Association. Everything is colorful here. Let's go… my aunt sent a carriage to receive us."

As they exited the association, Ranav found himself utterly speechless despite Paramita's warning.

The wide streets of Taxila twisted through the city like serpentine rivers, lined with vividly painted houses… pink, blue, green, yellow, and even golden, their intricately carved facades gleaming under the sun. Marketplaces were bustling with life, vendors loudly advertising their wares, selling everything from vibrant silk dresses to handcrafted silver jewelry, aromatic spices, and colorful puppets.

Camels and elephants shared the roads with horse-drawn carriages, their massive, regal presence completely unbothered by the chaos of the busy streets. Women draped in embroidered skirts and sheer veils sparkled as they walked, the mirror work on their clothing reflecting light like scattered stars. The jingling of silver bangles, the clinking of anklets, and the occasional chiming of carriage bells created a rhythmic melody unique to the city.

Men, wearing colorful turbans and fitted fluffy dresses, carried themselves with pride, their mustaches curled elegantly, resembling the tails of the peacocks that roamed freely in this Archduchy's wilderness.

Among this spectacle, their carriage was impossible to miss. A grand golden horse-drawn carriage stood waiting for them, and on its top, in large, gleaming letters, was the name "SOLANKI". It was as if the name itself demanded attention, glistening under the sunlight like it was forged from pure gold.

Paramita recognized the driver immediately, so there was no need for introductions. As they approached, the man quickly descended from his seat, bowing deeply.

"Welcome, Young Miss. It has been a long time since you last visited Taxila."

"Thank you, Bhimsen," Paramita greeted with a smile. "It's been almost two years. How have you been?"

Bhimsen, an older man with sharp features, smiled warmly. "I am doing well, Young Miss. Please, board the carriage. My lady is waiting for you at the house."

Ranav and Paramita stepped inside, and the journey through Taxila began.

Even in the midst of the bustling traffic, other carriages, camels, and elephants naturally moved aside, allowing them a clear path. It was evident that the Solanki household held significant power in the city.

When they finally reached their destination, Ranav was greeted by a magnificent sight.

Massive, hand-carved wooden doors stood at the entrance, adorned with brass motifs depicting ancient warriors and mythical beasts. Two majestic marble elephants flanked the gateway, their trunks raised in an eternal gesture of welcome. Above, a grand overhanging balcony, draped with flowing silk curtains, watched over the streets below.

As the gates swung open, an entire world unfolded before them.

A sprawling courtyard bathed in golden light stretched ahead, where fountains sang softly in marble basins carved with lotus petals. The air carried the delicate scent of rosewater, mingling with the gentle rustle of silk-clad servants going about their duties. The walls were adorned with intricate frescoes and gold leaf detailing, whispering tales of valor and legacy.

They were greeted by a well-dressed butler, though his robust build and grand, curled mustache made him look more like a seasoned warrior than a mere servant.

"Welcome, Young Miss, and Young Master. Please, follow me. The Lady is expecting you."

As they were led through the estate, every hall was a masterpiece.

Chandeliers dangled from hand-painted ceilings, casting shimmering lights across marble floors covered with intricately woven carpets. Silver-gilded furniture gleamed under the glow of antique lightstones, while the walls displayed portraits of fierce warriors and grand battle scenes.

Beyond the halls, a secret paradise lay hidden… a private garden where the scent of jasmine and roses filled the air. A lotus pond, its surface reflecting the golden sunlight, surrounded by ornate marble pavilions with elaborate seating arrangements.

Ranav marveled at the sheer grandeur of the Solanki estate.

"No wonder the Solanki household is the second most powerful family in the Archduchy after the Krushna family," he thought.

Jessica, always observant, said in his mind, "There are several powerful mages roaming around the estate, over twenty knights, and the entire compound is surrounded by a highly advanced magical array. The security here is impressive."

Ranav smirked. "Jessica, make note of all these security measures. We might be able to replicate them at our house."

Jessica chuckled. "Already ahead of you."

The butler led them to a private sitting chamber, where an extremely beautiful woman awaited.

She resembled the Countess, though her figure was more mature. She wore a form-fitting combat outfit, suggesting she had either just returned from training or was preparing for one.

An antique tea set rested on an intricately carved sandalwood table, while peacock-feathered fans swayed lazily in the hands of attendants behind her. She sat upon a luxurious divan, her posture relaxed yet commanding… like an empress surveying her domain.

Her eyes lit up as she saw Paramita. "Come here, child. Give your aunt a hug."

Paramita hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.

While hugging Paramita, she turned her gaze to Ranav. "So, you must be Ranav."

Snapping out of his stupor, Ranav quickly bowed, palms pressed together in greeting.

"Yes, My Lady. Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier."

The woman smirked. "It's alright. I've heard plenty about you from my sister. But now… I want to see for myself if you truly live up to the rumors."

Ranav smiled. "I will try my best. Actually, Aunt Vartika loved me a lot. There might be some exaggeration about my capability. Please don't be disheartened if my performance couldn't meet your expectation."