“The Castrum is the most fortified city in the nation thanks to The King’s power. A nigh-indestructible fortress, everything in and outside of the city is heavily scrutinized by a team of elite personnel. All that pass through the gates are heavily searched and background checked while the knights diligently keep watch over the castle walls. The guards regularly patrol the city, making sure every inch and surface is watched over, and take care of disputes and conflicts between the citizens. Nothing can get in, and nothing can get out without escaping the watchful gaze of the skies above.”

Castrum: The Grand Capital

———

The Knight

The Knight is gently set onto a bed in the carriage and is given some privacy while it recovers. The room is accommodated simply with dull steel lining the interior while various pieces of furniture decorate the side. It is more akin to an inn room rather than a carriage for transportation.

After some time, an anxious slap hits the side of The Knight’s helmet. Aegis peaks out from atop the helm out of concern, his anxious blows smacking The Knight in an attempt to revitalize the motionless body.

“I’m fine, Aegis,” The Knight dotes, exiting its fake unconsciousness. “It was necessary for me to get hit.”

The Knight looks around, perplexed at its surroundings. Carriages have changed greatly since The Knight last traveled the land. Like the giant fortress, the structure is able to traverse without the assistance of any mounts or animals, and The Knight can’t sense any traces of magi sorceries powering the construct, so just how is it able to move?

The size has greatly increased as well. As The Knight steps out of their room, they see doorways and paths that lead to many different areas of the structure. Steel serves as the main base instead of wood, and small balls of light cover the ceiling, illuminating the surroundings. A faint rumble echoes from beneath its feet, and windows showcase the outside scenery moving past with breakneck speed.

The Knight takes a small moment to explore the various rooms within the transport. Although time has dulled its once-fiery disposition, a small vestige of curiosity remains within it whenever it gazes at the sight of new marvels. Technology is ever-so changing throughout the ages, and with it, humanity discovers new ways to evolve. No era is quite the same, and The Knight must adapt to the shifting periods or else it will be left behind as a relic of old.

The rooms themselves are filled with peculiar devices. One such location houses a strange cylindrical metal vessel filled with water and has various tubes and pipes attached to it that travels to other rooms. A fire rages underneath it, turning the water into steam. For what purpose, The Knight does not know, but it is intriguing nonetheless.

Another room has a rectangular construct with a large arm-sized opening in the middle. The Knight can sense a remote sorcery within the machine, but it does not respond to any other stimuli besides aura. Since The Knight does not have any of its own, Aegis has to do the work for it. The baby places his little arm within the opening and releases a small bit of his own energy, and in response, a thin green light creeps up onto his arm and begins to surround his body, washing away at any impurities on the outside.

It is a miniature version of the spell that the healer used on The Knight back at the camp, but this machine allows anyone to use the spell as long as they have aura inside of them. It is a curious mix of both technology and Creation, and numerous other apparatuses such as it are placed around the transport for convenient use.

Aegis is bored compared to the pair’s time in the forest. The intricate complexities of the machines elude him, and he becomes impatient at The Knight’s survey. He much prefers looking at the pretty landscape outside, so he begins to smack at The Knight’s helm until it agrees to return back to their room.

As the two make their way back, Dariel emerges from one of the pathways and waves towards it, a hint of concern still remaining on his face.

“Oh, you’re awake?” Dariel asks. “Thank The Stars that you’re a sturdy one. I was worried that Annalay might have put you to sleep for good.”

He glances at the imprint still left on The Knight’s armor. Annalay’s fist is quite powerful, but the Knight redirected the muscles in its body towards the affected area to soften the blow, although the armor is an unfortunate, but necessary, casualty.

“Oh, um, don’t worry about that. We’ll get you fitted once we reach the capital. I made sure to report everything she did while at the camp.”

The Knight lets out a hearty laugh, amused by the concern.

”Don’t worry about it, Madam Annalay had every reason to test me. Although, it would have been nice if she held back a bit.”

“Hah. On the bright side, we think we know what knight order you belong to thanks to your showcase. Your style of Polus techniques uses fundamentals from the Flowing Vanguard, an ancient subsidiary that many of our newer styles are based off of, and the style that the Throne of Heaven Lorelai uses herself! Currently, only one order utilizes the fundamentals, and they’re called The Principalities.”

“That’s wonderful! Maybe the knight captain will be able to recognize me.”

Dariel beams at The Knight.

“I’ll guide you around the capital once we arrive. Hopefully it’ll help to jog your memories, and I’ll be able to show you some of my favorite spots!”

The Knight inspects Dariel more closely. It didn’t intend to get so close with the officer, but the relationship between them is proving to be more advantageous than it initially planned. Dariel’s pinkish hair and olive skin tone exhibits his connection with the royal blood, and having an influential guarantor will make The Knight’s mission much simpler.

And above all else, the man is trusting. Very much so.

“Oh, why don't you explore this transport golem with me? We just got this model sent to us by The Futurum and I’ve been dying to see all of its features!”

The Knight hides a genuine smile beneath its helm while Aegis fumes in silence.

“It will be my pleasure.”

———

The Knight

The transportation golem finally reaches the capital gates, and the pair step outside into the radiating daytime sun. A gigantic wall envelops the city, reaching high into the clouds, and is made with a glossed white stone that shines in the light. Various ledges and outlooks cover the outside of the wall, heavily guarded by on-duty knights and Seraph, and an abundant amount of magi cannons lay installed in numerous spots that inspect the surroundings. The path leading to one of the gates is packed with knights and citizens of all professions, forming a vast line that stretches out into the distance as the guards thoroughly check the identities and possessions of everyone that enters.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Will we even be able to enter before the sun goes down?” remarks The Knight.

“Don’t worry,” Dariel says with a mischievous smile. “We’ll take a shortcut.”

Annalay dives down from the top of the capital walls and lands near the two with a firm thud onto the earth. Her appearance conveys a sense of nervousness towards The Knight, anxious at the thought of being reprimanded for her behavior.

“I’m sorry about before,” she says sheepishly.

The Knight lets out a boisterous laugh.

”On the contrary,” it beams. “It was an honor sparring with The Throne of Nature herself. Your strength is truly something to be admired, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to be taught a lesson by you.”

Annalay chokes up, The Knight’s response being much more kind than she anticipated.

“You’re a good person. If The Principalities won’t take you, I’ll steal you away myself. But before that…”

She grabs The Knight and Dariel by the waist. A tiny hand desperately latches itself on the top of its head, holding on for dear life.

“I’ll let you have a taste of what it’s like to soar through the sky.”

She jumps and spirals into the clouds. They fly high into the sky and above the castle walls as the lookouts give her an exasperated look. She pauses for a moment, allowing the two to get a good look at the world around them. The landscape stretches out as a beautiful green field covers the earth far beyond the eye can see. Smaller cities can be seen in the distance, forming a circle around the capital and acting as checkpoints and fortresses against invaders.

“It’s… stunning,” Dariel murmurs in awe. “So this is what The Seraph see, how beautiful.”

A knowing look of acknowledgment makes its way across Annalay’s face, her gaze affixed at the horizon before her.

“Up here, the world feels so big,” she whispers. “In the sky is where I feel truly free.”

She continues her flight and passes above the city walls, heading towards the large castle situated at the heart of the city. Adorned with various ornaments of wings and feathers, a large statue stands tall at the very top of the structure, depicting the image of the first King and Seraph that built the nation. The castle is covered in sleek marble, and multiple columns surround the dome-shaped top. A grand arch sits at the entrance, welcoming all that step inside.

They land near the arch and a squad of knights hurriedly emerge from within to welcome them.

“We greet the Throne of Nature,” they salute in unison. “Madam Annalay, welcome back to The Castrum.”

“At ease,” she waves them off. “Inform the king of our arrival and the survivor’s retrieval. Let him know to call us once he’s ready.”

The knights bow and disperse to continue their duties; Annalay lets out a sigh of annoyance.

“They’re always so stuffy,” she huffs. “There’s no need for all of this when it’s just for appearance’s sake.”

“The court members will strangle you if they hear that,” Dariel chuckles.

“They can try,” she says playfully. “I’m always itching to knock some sense into those old fools.”

The castle doors open and the three are escorted through the sparkling castle. The grand halls are lined with a royal blue carpet while intricate symbols are carved on the pristine walls. The air is filled with a busy energy as numerous officials pass them by. Some run around with a disheveled appearance, late to a meeting or prior appointment, while others talk casually with a co-worker as they traverse the large aisles.

Eventually, the group arrived at a grandiose waiting room. A large assortment of foreign trinkets are aligned on small display cases around the room, and a large, round lounge made of blue velvet sits in the middle. Annalay collapses on one of the ends and grumbles a sigh of relief.

“Better get yourselves comfortable,” she murmurs, eyes closed as she sinks into the soft material. “It’ll probably be a while before Ascalon finishes talking with the advisors.”

Dariel follows suit and sits on the edge in a more elegant manner, his eyes glued to the decor around him.

“Huh, a lot has changed since I last entered the castle. It certainly looks more… fancy,” he notes as he examines a strange looking statue from The Augurium.

“You can thank The President for that. Futurum’s been sending those things our way for quite a while now. I don’t know. Personally, I think it looks a bit tacky myself, but I’m not really an artsy person so I can’t judge. Those geezers seem to like it though, so whatever makes them happy I guess.”

“Really? Latizia the Gold-Blooded is interested in donations now?”

“Eh, maybe she’s had a change of heart.”

Annalay becomes overcome with manic laughter, her voice shaking the entire room.

“Nah, it’s because she wants us to open up our entertainment district for her citizens again. We’ve been turning away everyone that’s not our own since Xeros’s been trying to worm his scouts into the capital, but our little war is merely an inconvenience to that vixen. Since she can’t get through to Ascalon, she’s trying to win the hearts of the officials. It wont work, but it is amusing to watch her try.”

“Speaking of Ascalon,” The Knight interrupts, trying to obtain any information it can before the inevitable encounter with The King. “Is there anything I should know before we gain an audience with him? I don't wish to show improper etiquette or say anything that might insult his character.”

“Hmm… not really,” Annalay responds. “Ascalon’s not really big about being too formal, so you can just talk to him like anyone else. He’ll probably be a bit touchy due to Lorelai’s disappearance though.”

A grim expression covers Annalay and Dariel’s faces at the mention of her name, and the two hang their heads down as an uncomfortable stillness occupies the room.

“Do you remember seeing a woman in golden armor amidst the battlefield?” Dariel asks, his voice a mixture of hope and fear. “She should have had the Polus insignia engraved on her helm and a gold and silver blade by her side.”

“I apologize, but I don’t remember seeing anyone matching your description.”

The Knight does remember, very clearly in fact. The corpse’s appearance displayed an air of authority even in death, and the blades hidden by The Knight’s side mourned the Throne’s death when it went to examine her features.

“Damn…he’s not going to be able to handle this lightly,” Annalay bemoans. “I guess there is some hope that she’s still alive, and I dearly wish for that to be true, but…sometimes hope just makes the truth all the more unbearable.”

“But still, hope we must,” Dariel scolds. “And if Lorelai has perished, then it’s that much more important that we stay by his side. Grief is an enemy to be conquered alongside others, not alone.”

“Heh, you’re right. Sorry about that, and I doubt Lorelai will kick the bucket that easily. I’m sure that she’s still alive somewhere waiting for us to find her.”

“Was Lorelai close with the King?” The Knight asks. “It sounds like they were beyond a simple subordinate relationship.”

“Well, let’s just say they were closer to each other than anyone else,” Annalay whispers softly. “Ascalon’s a coward so he never fully revealed his feelings, but it was really obvious, even to Lorelai herself. He’s damn lucky that she’s patient enough to wait for him. But now…damnit.”

The door suddenly opens and a messenger pops their head out from the door.

“King Ascalon states that he’s ready to receive you. Please make your way to the throne room Madam Annalay.”

“Gotcha. We’ll be right there.”

Annalay slowly stands up and smacks the side of her helm, attempting to banish her melancholy.

“Well, it’s time we head out. Just be natural and everything’ll be fine.”

The three exit the waiting area and make their way towards the throne room. As they enter, a marble throne greets them from the shadows, two large wings sprouting out from its side. The room is filled with delicate pottery and fixtures while a blue chandelier hangs from atop. A large stained-glass window lies affixed at the very back, covering the area’s expanse with a rainbow of color and light.

King Ascalon sits upon the throne before them. His armor is covered in a deep, vivid amber, and specks of gold dot the plate. His helm is surrounded by two wings composed with numerous small blades that etch out upwards towards the ceiling. In his hand lies a sacred relic of the nation, Mattatron, a zweihander of unparalleled length wielded by the first king of old, now passed down to kings of new as a sign of legitimacy and heritage.

Dariel and Annalay perform a royal salute before getting down onto their knees, The Knight mimicking from behind.

“Glory to the Ruler of the skies above,” they recite. “May the wisdom of the first King and Seraph guide you down the path of prosperity o’ Ascalon, stalwart blade of Polus.”

Ascalon gazes down upon them, and shining gold eyes fixate on The Knight.

“You may rise.”