“The Castrum is home to the most joyous and fanciful entertainment district within the continent. Musicians line the streets singing ballads of legends long passed and rulers of breathtaking might. Taverns keep the district loud and boisterous, while theaters and stadiums offer a large array of performances that cannot be seen anywhere else. However, hidden amongst the bright lights and raucous atmosphere, a small little shop lies hidden from the public eye. It changes locations daily, never quite remaining in the same spot, and it is said that those who can find the store and pass the owner’s test will be given a prize of unfathomable value. Who knows? You might just be the lucky winner…”

Castrum: The Grand Capital

———

The Knight

The Knight makes its way towards the entertainment district with Aegis in tow. The little baby struggles to hide his excited gurgles as he looks upon the pretty structures and fashionable people that pass by.

The sun has slept since they left the castle, and the moon now rises high amidst the night sky, shining its ethereal glow upon the numerous merrymakers that fill the streets. Taverns are abuzz with the sound of revelry, and the people are gaunt with drunkenness, so much so that they don’t even recognize the Throne that walks among them. Aegis attempts to steer The Knight towards one of the drinking establishments, but is met with harsh refusal.

“No.”

Aegis pouts and slams its little fist on The Knight’s helm out of anger.

“No, Aegis.”

Aegis reaches his breaking point and attempts to forcibly move The Knight’s body with gravitational force, a handy little trick he learned as a substitute for flying. But ultimately, his efforts prove fruitless.

“That’s an interesting technique you’ve created there, but you’re far too young to be attempting to control me. Maybe when you’re older.”

The Knight pats the stubborn baby on the head and attempts to comfort them.

“Don’t worry, there are plenty of attractions for us to visit. I’m curious to see how entertainment has evolved through the years.”

A rare, genuine smile tugs at The Knight’s face as it gazes upon the sight of the busy streets.

“I’m quite excited.”

The pair stroll through the district, taking in the sights and sounds of the crowd, when suddenly, a body collapses before them, sent flying by a strong-armed woman from a tavern nearby.

“And don’t come back you dirty little maggot!” the woman roars. “I’ll rip your manhood off and feed it to your mother if I ever see you again!”

The man hastily runs away and the tavern keeper lets out a huff of satisfaction. She spots The Knight and runs towards it, an expression of glee on her face.

“Lorelai, it’s been too long! How have you been?” she asks.

The Knight pauses, trying to scrutinize what possible relationship Lorelai could have had with this random woman.

“Oh, right. Memory loss, my bad,” she says sheepishly. “Why don’t you come in? You used to visit here everyday before they sent you to the front lines. Maybe having a drink just like old times will fire up that noggin of yours, eh?”

“Well, far be it for me to refuse a free drink.”

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“That’s the spirit! Come on in.”

She excitedly takes The Knight’s hand and pushes it into the tavern. A smug Aegis lets out a silent cry of victory as they walk in.

The interior is covered in dark-brown oak, and a sign that says “welcome to paradise” greets all who enter. A couple of other customers near the fireplace let out a drunken welcome, their words slurred beyond recognition. A small counter-top bar is located at the side with bottles of liquor and vintages displayed out front.

The Knight isn’t too fond of drinking, as alcohol doesn’t affect it, but the starry-eyed proprietress standing before it doesn’t look like she'll let it leave unless drinks are ordered and consumed in vast quantities.

“I’ll have what I usually have then.”

“Coming right up!” she hollers. “Oh, and the name’s Mary in case you didn’t remember.”

“Haha, it’s nice to meet you Mary.”

“The pleasure is all mine, my fine madam.”

She expertly tosses the bottle of liquor around her, performing a little show for the onlookers.

“Speaking of fine madams, where has Annalay gone to? She used to come by every day until just recently, but I hear she’s been cooped up in that castle of ours. I’m sure she’s been missing my company if you know what I mean.”

She winks and gives The Knight a mischievous smile.

“I don’t think she’ll be coming anytime soon. A little incident has left her penniless for the time being, and The King has her trapped as punishment.”

“That’s a shame. Anyway, here’s your ‘Campfire Fireball Supernova Extreme’. Cranberry juice, rum, bourbon, vodka, sweet tea, ginger ale, lemon juice, and a splash of fireball cinnamon whiskey, on the rocks, just the way you like it!”

The Knight gazes upon the concoction with fear and a primordial terror wrestles deep inside it. With shaking hands, it slowly removes its helmet and grabs the drink. It takes a deep breath in, and downs the glass in one shot.

It is a good thing that The Knight is immune to poison, for it would have surely perished if not for the boon.

“Haha, that’s my Lorelai! Looks like you’ve still got it.”

“I…Indeed,” The Knight gasps, recovering from the explosion of nonsensical flavor. “Anyways, do you have any spots that you recommend around here? I want to take a quick look around, see if any memories reappear. I heard that I used to come around here quite often.”

“Hmmm. Well, there’s no shortage of entertainment that’s for sure. You used to go to The Cupid’s Theater a lot, but that was with Ascalon so I’m not sure if you’ll enjoy it as much while alone…”

She ponders for a second, foot tapping against the floor.

“Oh!” she exclaims. “I have an idea, why don’t you try to find The Floral Bloom? I’ve heard that It’s supposed to appear today sometime around midnight. That could be a fun little activity for you.”

“The Floral Bloom?”

“Yeah! Rumors say that a small little shop is hidden around here that occasionally opens its doors to those who can find it. If you pass the test inside, you’ll be granted a treasure of unimaginable worth!”

”Really? That does sound interesting.”

“Right? Although, no one has actually managed to find it, but who knows? You might be the first, and I’m sure a treasure hunt is just what you need to get those gears turnin’.”

“I’ll have to take you up on that suggestion then.”

“Great! It’ll turn midnight soon, so you better hurry if you don’t want to miss it!”

The Knight puts its armor back on and leaves the tavern while Mary sends it off from behind.

“Make sure you come back! Oh, and let Annalay know that I’ll be waiting for her!”

She laughs and closes the entrance door as The Knight walks back out into the streets. The Floral Bloom, hm? Although The Knight doesn’t particularly care about the treasure, something about the shop’s description feels odd. It isn’t possible to be able to change locations without the use of spacial sorceries, but users of those arts are scarce in number, even before The Knight’s awakening.

“Aegis, do you sense anything strange in the area?”

The baby closes his eyes and attempts to sense the energy around him. Everything appears to be normal, but a sudden flash of light flares in the distance, discombobulating him.

“Over there? Well then, let’s see what this mysterious treasure could possibly be.”

The Knight walks towards the unknown energy, leaving the main path and entering the dark corridors of the alleyways. Eventually, they come across a strange looking building. A blooming flower is embedded in the front, and the smell of flora emanates from the crevices near the door.

The pair enter and are greeted by a man of lanky stature. The figure is dressed in a red and white robe while his face remains hidden behind a porcelain mask. A single large eyeball bulges out of the masks’ socket while a delicately carved rose covers the other.

“Welcome, dear guest, to my humble little shop. My name is Satanael, and I shall be your maestro on this fine evening.”