First of what I think should be seven chapters, I'm still shuffling around the last three since im not all that sure where start one and end another. After I finished these chapters I thought, "How on earth did I go through so many words without a proper fight?". I mean neither of the two main protagonists are trained to fight yet but couldn't I have had the old man trash a few brigands or something?
Well I'm almost ready to start on the next set of chapters. Again thanks to any who read my, as of right now, pretty trashy work. Now commences several chapters of half politcians kissing ass expertly with half "what the fuck is going on?!"
Oh and incase there is any confusion, italics are meant to mean the MC's thoughts. While any thing else written is what they either hear, see or feel. Any notion less than outright thinking to themselves is just normal exposition.
“Kad, Zan wake up!” Comes the familiar voice of a certain teacher of mine. Although I'm on some level aware this is the last chance I have to say goodbye I doesn’t occur to me to say so. It doesn’t feel as if I'm leaving by birth home forever.
They didn’t even let the other Orphans see me off. I cast my mind back to that day with Daisy, not even more than a week ago but now out of reach. I wonder, if she had come with us to the estate. If she saw that result… Would she have come with us? Or… I didn’t dare think of the alternative, I don’t want to think that the priest could be so cruel. That Janet could be so cruel.
It’s all for the best though. That is what I think I believe, yet even in that I'm unsure. I dress myself and leave the bedroom, out the back I can already see the large mass of scales. Raul is ready to go, every bag and brace is strapped on and ready to fly.
Breakfast is on the table and our things are already packed. I look dumbly at the food before Janet says, “Well go on then.” Then I promptly sit down and dig in. “You'll have to set off as soon as possible to make your stop by evening. Bloody Raul wants to make the trip in two days.” Only half listening to her I nod as I gulp down my soup.
“And Zan…” I look up from my bowl to see a most heartwarming scene. Janet had picked up her son's now reptilian body with her arms but he'd tried to stand on his hind legs using her body as a support and place his maw against her cheek. Trying to imitate a kiss goodbye. While I couldn't see Zan's face his mother is shedding tears.
“... You take care now. Watch out for Kadimae and don't attract too much trouble.” She says to her son, who can only offer a low whine in response. All the while swinging his tail. “Kad I'll settle Zan in on Raul's back, you finish off now.” After that exchange she walks out back.
No one's here to see me off… oh well, not worth getting sad over. I have been thinking over what I learned from Maru and those memories. Memories of another me, one who would end up suffering and running off to a welcome death. I don't want to live like that. No one wants to live like that. A world with no hope.
He has given me what feels like an impossible mission. The dying wish of a father who is somehow already dead yet dies in the distant future. To change the fate of the world. I swirl my spoon about the bowl. What kind of world would I create? Inevitably I spend too much time musing on my question to realize the passage of time.
“Kadimae, come out here.” It's Janet coming from the backdoor. Not wanting to bother her more I scurry outside to the flank of the dragon. Up on the back I can see the bag Zan's tiny frame is secured in as well as a strange looking saddle.
Soon after triple checking every strap is secured and I'm not going to fall out Janet gives me a final warning. “We don't have any high spot for Raul to jump from… it's going to hurt when he jumps to brace yourself.” She pats my arm and climbs off leaving me atop the wyrm.
Raul let's out a deep growl and rather surprisingly he starts running. Around the house and on to the long road he begins to pick up speed on the long straight. I can see long thin strands of mana seep out from the surface of his skin and slowly flow out of sight beneath him. He picks up his pace even further, running faster than I've ever seen any horse gallop.
Then I hear the sound of lightning, the running dragon pushes himself up with his hind legs and with a single fluid motion jumps into the air. Just high enough to clear the treeline and begin flight. The immense force of the jump ends up hurting my ass but not much else. Was Janet overreacting or is Raul being gentle? Well it doesn't matter either way now.
We begin to climb and increase in altitude, while Raul decides to turn gently as to pass over the village. He lets out a low growl, maybe to say goodbye? Zan follows suit although quieter than the large wyrm and I just wave. Although no one will see it feels right.
Down in the village everyone looks so small, like ants. While some appear to look to the sky it seems the rest go about their daily lives. Even the village itself looks tiny compared to the vast reaches of countryside beyond.
We pass over the village and set out on our journey. It's morning and the sun is in the East, with its glare in my eye a little to the left I can tell we are on track to the capital. To the city of Eldwyre.
* * *
These two days on the wing pass by uneventfully, I spent the time admiring the landscape and looking at the patterns the mana would form about Raul's wings.
Raul and Zan had been talking to each other about something I could not for the life of me figure out. The sun is already past its height and we haven't yet seen signs of civilization, bar the King's road. Maybe they think we are about to arrive? Even that is wishful thinking, after having spent the last few hours in the saddle I desperately wish to set foot on solid ground. Or at least a more comfortable seat.
My wishes are answered as I see a farmhouse speed past me, on its own. Then the farms and houses become more concentrated and people appear on the roads. I look forwards to see a mass of buildings on the horizon, far larger than any settlement I've seen before. “Wow…” I say, almost speechless in awe of the capital.
Before me is an almost endless seeming metropolis I can see the straight and orderly main roads give way to a patchwork of minor streets etched into the cityscape like minute veins. Endless structures grand and strange dot the skyline before me, grand spires of white and gold. A grand citadel seeming like a great plateau in an otherwise flat city.
Zan chirps in excitement at the view while Raul gives a sound that feels more like indifference, he likely has seen it before. Or seen an even more magnificent city? I can scarcely imagine such a sight. Then without warning the great wyrm gives out a roar, across the sky. It rings in my ears before on the wind I hear a quieter albeit less majestic sounding answer.
Raul who had been circling the city begins to climb higher and then slowing, at the peak of his climb, falls into a drop. He extends his wings wide to slow his descent and is trying to land on a large stone flat outside the city walls. While expecting the worst our landing is very light. I realize this might be a testament to the old dragon's skill rather than the normal state of things considering Janet's warning. Oh well.
We land on this flat and Zan immediately works his way out of his little sack and jumps onto the ground. I work on unstrapping myself when I hear a new voice. “Boy, identify yourself and both dragons please.” A soldier dressed in full plate, something rather rare in the village walks out.
“Uh sir, can my guardian transform back and talk?” I ask, apprehensive about talking to the knight. He just nods and steps back. Raul gives out a sharp growl and Zan springs into action trying to use one of his small limbs to point at a bag on the side. I first reach the ground and peer inside to find an ornate robe. Definitely Raul's. I pull it out and walk to his head, his draconic form then disappears like a mirage leaving his crouched naked form. I throw his robe at him and he dresses before confronting the guards.
“So Mister?” The guard says to Raul expecting him to complete his name.
“Don't bother dear Sir.” Raul points off towards the city gate out which knight's wearing golden armour funnel out. “They'd say you aren't fit to receive me. No hard feelings.” Raul turns to us, leaving the two guards speechless. “Come along now.” Zan jumps onto my arms and we walk with Raul to meet the procession. Standing behind him I can see Raul's robe, seeming almost as ceremonial as the knight's armour. The image of a great red dragon whose body and tail snake around the piece like a great serpent. It flickers in the light as if it were about to escape into the sky.
The two man wide procession parts and they fall to one knee with their swords on the ground.
“Your holiness!” They shout as if they wish the whole world to hear it. Their fists across their hearts in respect and their voices wavering in what feels like a strange fear. We walk between the two lines leading to the city gate and a single man blocks our way. Golden blonde hair wearing the same ceremonial armour, over his shoulder is draped a complex coat of arms. A deep blue background with a dragon, a valley, a sword and the sun in one shield.
The man at the end who seems to be in his early twenties falls to his knees and places his sword on the ground while bowing. This causes the knight's to place their foreheads against the ground, to not disrespect their leader. “I am the second Prince Ostell of house Eldan, I apologize on behalf of royal father who is gravely ill and the crown prince who cares for him even now. I welcome you to our capital, your holiness priest of lightning, Lord dragon priest.”
Raul waves in dismissal, “You may raise young Prince. I am sad that our meeting could not have better tidings but may you remain in good health and may your royal father recover to utmost health. May the gods bless your family and the realm, such should it be.” Raul ends his ritualistic greeting although not entirely insincere it felt practiced and forced.
Prince Ostell picks up his sword and rises returning it to its sheath. “And might I greet the two young ones beside you.” The prince asks politely I imagine being mindful of the priests position. “You may.” The dragon priest answers and touches my shoulder gently pushing me and Zan forward.
“Uh…” I stutter, the prince smiles. “No need to be afraid, speak freely.” He says. “I am Kadimae and this is Zan Cecil.” I say Zan's name raising his small frame. Something alights in the prince’s eye after seeing Zan up close. “Ah an imperial dragon, is this youngling your successor Lord priest?” Ostell asks feigning or at least I think feigning curiosity.
The dragon priest nods. “And a young magician apprentice too from what I see.” The prince looks straight at me. “Why if you are to attend the Royal magic academy then please look for my third brother. Young Tyrell has never been most social but look out for him, as a favour to me.” The priest steps in and says, “The smalltalk has gone on for long enough.” The prince catches on and lowers his head in apology. “Please might we welcome you at the palace sir?” He tells the priest, who wordlessly accepts.
Servants of the prince walk by carrying our belongings, “I'll have them leave the baggage at the guest estate. Until you secure suitable residence of course.” The prince and the priest make similar small talk all the way to a way-castle within city bounds before securing horses to reach the citadel. Along the route many people line up to see the prince as well as his guests, seems he's pretty well liked.
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The people of the city speak differently to the villagers, the latter having a far rougher accent. Many of the children pointing at the dragon in my arms, Zan is surely enjoying his minor celebrity status.
Time passes and the crowds thin as we pass through a far higher class part of the city. Some form of nobles district. While the serving folk and younger children still act excited the few people out here were far more reserved. Probably feel themselves above the spectacle.
This district is much smaller than the other areas we've travelled through and the final on our journey to the citadel in the heart of the city. As the prince enters the grounds the soldiers present salute him and offer a bow to the priest before returning to work. Ostell beckons that the knights who followed him return to their posts and leads us into the palace.
After entering the great main door I find something I did not expect. The stories of royalty and their lavish palaces draped in finery and polished jewels were in no way like the utilitarian design of this place. The prince catches the look on my face, “Oh don't be surprised, the real place begins a couple floors up. These are the royal ministries.” Kind of like the Sheriff's estate…
From what I see passing through these narrow halls we are walking through some money related department. All the attendants have left us meaning it's just us four. Strangely Raul does not question this. “Almost there Lord priest.”
We come upon a large Iron door, rust covers its surface and it appears to be in disuse. “I believe father have guided you here before?” Ostell says to Raul, who nods politely in response.
“Rather the labyrinth this place is, I have been here before but do not recall much of it.”
“Ah then I shall have a guide sent for you after you meet with Lord father.” The prince is trying to me a gracious host, I do feel he is succeeding. “Very well.” Raul gives in to Ostell’s request. A large iron key pries the door open and leads into a vastly different abode. The walls previously bare stone are now draped in many fine fabrics, reds and yellows abound. Banners with the Royal house’s colours hang on the walls and the floor is covered in a strangely soft carpet like material.
“Please remove your shoes, this is his Majesties secret abode so few can come to clean here.” I remove my shoes and Raul by some feat of magic removes what little dirt is on his feet. “Now please wait a moment.” He says in a hushed voice, placing a finger on his lips as if to remain silent. After a minute he returns to say, “Lord father will see you.” The prince face had gone pale. I'm not sure I'm going to like what I see.
Just down the hall is the gilded doorway to the King's room, a single maid stands outside solemn and silent. She does not acknowledge us as we walk past, lost in thought. Around the bed are three people, two adults and one child. One looks like Ostell, likely the crown prince and the other appears to be some sort of physician. On the other side is a girl with the same golden blonde hair as the rest, maybe only slightly older than me.
No one says anything for a moment, the man in the bed does not stir. “Lord priest.” The crown prince bows slightly towards Raul, before returning to his father's bedside.
“How long has he been like this?” Raul looks towards the physician questioning. “It has been months sir, with no sign of improvement. He can still walk when he's not tired however, fatigue soon takes him.” Raul nods his head slightly as the physician recites the symptoms further.
“This is beyond my knowledge, my deepest condolences.” Raul frowns and takes a seat by the bedside, “It has been a long time since I have seen you Garm, to die in your bed must be most distressing.” From the bed comes a deep pained laugh. Slow at first but slowly picking up.
“Old worm, you look hardly better.” The King pushes back his quilt more so that I can see his face, deep and wrinkled with white hair. The hair is thin and irregular, his deep sunken eyes don't blink as he locks gazes with the priest.
“Now I know, this is not beyond my knowledge yet beyond my means.” Raul says, not particularly to anyone. “What?” The princess says to Raul from across the bed. “But you can't…” She is about to start before Raul interrupts, “This is no sickness of the mind, nor the body or soul. He simply has run out of time, wreckless mana abuse and a lot of of it I imagine. To look nearly a hundred years old at your age.”
“Why try to hide it Garm? What is there to gain?”
“They are not ready!” The King shouts in his broken voice but it gives way before the next sentence. After a few seconds he continues quietly. “My children are not as popular as I with the nobility, old worm. One's allies are like one's arms in this game, I might as well borne cripples.” He slams his arm against the bed, it hardly makes a sound however.
“Even asking for your help would be futile Raul, I can tell. Your don't have much longer either. Greying scales, sign of advanced age. Even your dragon form is half your adult size.” The King makes a ‘pft’ sound. “That little lizard won't even be half trained before you kick the bucket…” Zan lets out a shrill roar at the king but it only riles him more. “Bloody blue rat, shut it in my castle.”
“Father! Please…” The crown prince interjects in the escalating conflict, the king just sighs. “Raul, it is nice to see you. Look after those kids.” He obviously refers to us. However he seems resigned to his and his children's fate.
“Hm, if you don't mind I'll make my way to the estate. Leave his Majesty in peace.” Raul says to which the crown prince nods and returns his gaze to his father. As we leave however Ostell follows us around the corner, “I'll send for Tyrell to meet with you both. If that's alright.” The second prince directed that at me, I bashfully reply. “Um sure, sir.” Ostell smiles and returns to his father's room.
Walking back through the palace I and the dragon priest talk. “He seems eager to get to know me… or have Tyrell do that.” I say to which Raul answers. “He cannot form a relationship with Zan directly, an adult Zan would be above his station by too much. A friend of a friend however? And you aren't too shabby yourself.”
“So it's just about Zan…”. Raul laughs in response, “Isn't that what we are aiming for however? Have Zan take all the attention. Far less dangerous for all parties.” Zan didn't voice any concern to this, not that I'd understand him but he didn't hiss. “An imperial dragon was always going to attract attention, in that case more is better. Keep every eye on you. Makes one harder to manipulate if you make more options for yourself. Now neither of you can be manipulated by the crown, at least for now. The moment they try a high ranking noble would invite you, even if just to spite the king.” Raul's words somewhat make sense, not to mention any noble would be eager to forge a relationship with the future dragon priest. Or even a close friend.
“The King and his barons maintain a cordial relationship for now, but he cannot push his luck with you both without showing the cards his heir will need to hold his throne. Rest assured I've dealt with their like for too long.”
The priest has a good point, I should put this to the back of my mind while I think about the entrance test. The test has four parts, only two I can actually train or practice for but the other two are of no concern. The first test is of our attributes, a single greater attribute or better than is required. Which I more than exceed. The second is the strength of one's soul, which limits how powerful one's magic can become. Good attributes typically mean a strong soul so I should be fine there.
The third is a written exam, which I'm not sure I'll do particularly well in. Mrs Gwynd and Janet both have had hopes for me for a long time but against the resources of rich and noble families? I'm lucky if I do half as well as they should.
Which leads me to the final test, mysteries. Exhibit and use magic based on a simple mystery, the more powerful and strange the better. You are supposed to show a mystery you discovered by your own efforts, of course no one can prove otherwise even if you were taught it so it's another advantage nobility have.
The walk through the palace is strangely quiet for what should be such a busy place, maybe Raul is leading us through a different route of this labyrinth palace. After a time we do however reach the entrance before being approached by a young knight.
“Lord dragon priest, sir.”. The knight is wearing rather plain armour for the royal citadel, he gives a quick bow and continues. “His Highness instructed me to escort your personage to the estate after you left the palace sir.” His nervousness became more and more apparent as he spoke, almost trembling at the end when the priest’s gaze crossed over him.
“Splendid then, please lead the way.” Raul says causing the knight to become markedly less uptight. We leave the grounds of the palace and enter into the noble's district, gone are the crowds of earlier as the sky begins to become a vivid mix of orange and yellow hues with the sunset.
Fatigue washes over me after what has been a long day and I'm rather happy that I'll have a chance to sleep in a bed soon. “Lord priest, it's only another street. May I trust that you can reach the palace if need be?” Raul nods enthusiastically, “Of course, of course. Feel free to take your leave.” The knight give a bow and went back off to his post, wherever that is.
Around the corner is the estate they offered Raul to reside in, far more extravagant than I'd expected. White marble, something I'd only seen in pictures and gold everywhere. The banners of house elden cover the flanks of the entryway. Two guards are stationed at its entrance, wearing royal colours and more servants dot the courtyard behind.
“They always offer me this same place, it has been awhile though.” Raul says offhand as he leads us in, the guards do not acknowledge our presence and stand undisturbed. A short balding man walks across the courtyard to us, “Lord priest, it has been long since we've has you as our guest. How fair you?” He gives a quick bow and stands awaiting an answer.
“I have been well, Diedrich what happened to your hair?” Raul asks the balding man, to which he receives a tension filled silence. “Oh damn you, you old snake.” Raul breaks out in laughter, “No older than you, old dog.”
“Kad and Zan, may I introduce you to Diedrich Elden. The uncle of the reigning King and master of this estate.” Master? Perplexed I look at the man again, having mistaken him for a servant before. He has an air of dignity about him and from his attire he certainly isn't poor but a member of the royal family? I wonder what happened to him.
Timidly I walk up to the old man, any member of that family isn't simple. “Hello sir.” I say reservedly. The old man looks at me with a scowl, “What the hell is up with this boy, I'm not some dragon or warrior. Just an old man.” A little sigh escapes the man. “Raul I'll be out on the porch around back. Come Juliet, tend to our guests.”
From the side of the courtyard, completely beyond my notice appears a tall thin women. Perhaps in her late twenties she kept her head down and quickly comes to her master's side. “Of course Lord Diedrich. Lord priest and young masters, your rooms have been prepared. May I lead you there?” She says this with the utmost calm, completely contrary to her appearance.
“Lead the way.” Raul says and we set off leaving Diedrich behind we enter into the main hall of the estate and up the centre staircase. Beyond that are the bedrooms as well as a study.
“Lord Raul, your room is at the end of this hall. If required the maid, Ethel, will serve you. Young masters, your rooms are the two adjacent. Please take whichever you prefer.” She then bows to us and leaves in a rush. Almost tripping on the way.
“Was she always so timid?” Raul says.
… not like either of us would know.