Karim sat in the car as it navigated through the city headed to House Taa. Taking occasional glimpses outside the window he could not help but sigh, recalling his grandfather’s shadow door.

“Mr. Holow, how long of a drive is it to Kufu’s?” He asked his guard for the trip, an older gentleman whose freckled tanned skin, squinty eyes, and long drooping eyebrows made him seem more like a kind grandpa than a seasoned warrior. However, given how respectfully his mother addressed the old man he was definitely not as simple as he looked.

“Not long. Once we leave the city, we’ll get on the highway that connects our House to the Taa’s then it’ll be at most ten minutes.” Holow replied.

“The highway?” inquired Karim. This was his first time visiting Kufu so there was a lot he did not know.

“It’s a special road that allow cars like the one we’re in now to remain stable even as it travels at high speeds.” Holow explained.

“So, we’re free to go as fast as we want?” Karim wondered.

“As fast as this car can go, yes.” Holow acknowledged, a hint of a smile forming on his face. “You should leave the castle more often, there are even more interesting things to be experienced than a highway.”

“Mm.” Nodding, Karim waited in anticipation and a few minutes later he was not disappointed as the car soon reached the highway, a large navy blue six lane wide, road.

It then made its way onto the lane reserved for Nobles and began accelerating at a steady pace. Soon all Karim could see out his window was one car after another being overtaken and the blurry landscape whizzing by with every second.

However, with time this lost its novelty as the sensation of speed was not really felt within the cabin primarily because it was built for comfort thus to Karim although he could tell they were going fast, it did not really feel like much had changed.

Just as he was getting bored, his communication badge vibrated. Taking it out from his pocket, he immediately answered the call as it could only be one person since his mother already knew what he was up to.

“Where are you?” asked Kufu.

“On the highway, should be there in…” He then looked to Hollow for guidance, who quickly put out four fingers.

“Four minutes. I’ll be there in four minutes.” Karim said.

“Great.” Kufu replied, hanging up soon after.

Taking a moment to look at his communication badge, Karim felt a little excited. He had not thought about it before but with the badge, he could now call his grandfather anytime he wanted. Of course, he would need the unique signal to the old master’s communication badge first, but that shouldn’t be too hard to acquire. He would get it at their next lesson.

“We’ll start to slow down in a minute. If you look out your window, you should start to see the Royal city come into view.” Holow said, interrupting Karim’s thoughts.

Doing as he was told, Karim did look out and what he saw amazed him. Underneath the hazy afternoon sun lay a city as if molded from gold. Every building, every road and even the gigantic walls that lined the city’s perimeter had been colored gold to some extent.

Built on a plain, the city looked extremely different from that of House Night. For one, aside from a gigantic cathedral and awe-inspiring castle located in the middle of the city, there was not a single building taller than four stories. This further accentuated the majesty of the two jewels of the city that rested towards its center, the headquarters of the Church and the home of the Royals.

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Coming into the city, man-made streams of clear water lay parallel to the city streets as well-maintained grass, trees and beautiful flowers lined the path towards the castle ahead, looking picturesque even in afternoon lighting. One could only imagine the sunset view.

Soon the car was approaching the castle gates, which quickly opened due to the insignia of House Night that was etched onto its body.

Driving slowly Karim was treated to quite the sights, through the first gate he saw a beautiful garden that was so big it was more park than anything else. Through the second gate, an enormous lake that had luxurious glass pavilions floating above its calm waters greeted him on his left. And through the third gate he was finally before the castle.

Unlike the House Night castle, that inspired dread as much as it did respect, the Royal castle before Karim inspired only reverence and veneration. A gold masterpiece, that appeared to have been etched from a single stone. Its edges were curved and rounded unlike the usual sharp fringes that characterized other castles.

Such was its splendor that it could only be described as the epitome of grandeur. A place fit only for royalty.

Coming up to the front, an awaiting servant opened the door for Karim. He slowly stepped down, looking up and around to take in the sights and the oddly fitting silence.

“You’re here.” Cried Kufu, running down the steps to greet him. “Took you long enough to come see me.” He said, sheepishly grinning.

“Sorry...” Karim uttered, unable to think of anything apt to say.

“You’re forgiven.” Kufu laughed, grabbing his hand, and leading him into the castle. “Let me introduce you to my friends.”

Caught in Kufu’s rhythm, Karim could only acquiesce. The two ran through corridors and went up stairs, even bumping into a few less than amused maids and guards on the way, until eventually they arrived at his room.

“Guys, look who came.” Kufu announced to a trio of aristocrat youths of roughly the same age as him.

The trio’s collective gazes gathered on Karim’s face for a few minutes before they spotted the emblem of House Night on his clothes, upon which time their expressions visibly changed.

“You are?” One of them, a short, fair skinned youth with brown curly hair respectfully asked. The other two were twins, both sporting short black hair, dark skin and were quite tall for their age, standing at five feet and eight inches.

“Karim, House Night.” He replied, bowing slightly as Sherry had taught him.

“Karim? That Karim?” blurted one of the twins.

“You’ve heard of me?” Karim wondered, narrowing his eyes. He understood that any story about him most likely involved his sickness and isolation.

“Of course, I mean, no.” the youth awkwardly answered.

“Your friends?” said Karim, looking at Kufu.

Noticing the not quite right atmosphere, Kufu pulled Karim outside for a moment.

“Okay, they’re not really my friends.” He whispered. “But they came with gifts, lots of gifts.”

“I don’t understand.” Said Karim.

“Shh. Keep your voice down.” Kufu urged, looking back to make sure the trio were not ease dropping. “Okay, listen. There are a lot of people who want to be my friend and I welcome all of them with open arms…. for a small fee. And before you say anything, I don’t ask them for anything, they politely and knowingly offer, I just accept.”

Staring at Kufu for a moment, Karim couldn’t tell who he was looking at.

“Don’t look at me like that. It was father’s idea.” Complained Kufu, lowering his voice even further.

“The king? Why? If you’re gonna lie at least...”

“I’m not lying. You know father’s other name, right?” Kufu asked however, seeing the blank expression on Karim’s face he knew he was asking the wrong person. “Crimson fox, that’s his other name. At my age, he was extorting, I mean, negotiating with the Church for sponsor fees let alone ‘making friends’ with other Nobles.”

“But why? Your family has everything.” Questioned a puzzled Karim.

“Correct, the family has everything. A man must make his own wealth…is what my father says. So, aside from some small pocket money, I get nothing. This is effectively a test for me, so don’t mess it up.” Whispered Kufu, attempting to convey his frustration.

“Your family’s…unique.” Said Karim, at a loss.

“It’s my father.” Kufu grumbled, rolling his eyes. “Not that you’re one to talk about unique.” He added, pointing to Karim’s chest.

“So, what now? We go back in and pretend we’re all friends.” Karim wondered.

“Exactly, but since you’re here I can definitely get more out of them.” Replied Kufu, a twinkle in his eye.

“Is this why you were so excited for me to come visit you?” asked Karim. “Plus, why have you never told me about this?”

“First of all, I did tell you…. about my treasure stash, how I got it wasn’t important for you to know at the time. As for why I was excited, it’s because you’re my best friend and I do have something to show you. Let’s just… make some friends first.”