Chapter 28 – Let’s See How This Will Work

A few destroyed trees later, Godfrey had sufficient control over his strength that he was confident to return to his supreme being. His master had imparted some of his own memories to help Godfrey understand the current situation and what was expected of him. To Godfrey, having personal memories from his creator was like treasured gifts. He felt blessed and far luckier than other beings, Godfrey knew his purpose. Most inferior beings spent their whole lives trying to figure out their purpose, but Godfrey knew it clearly. Godfrey would do everything he could to make his creator’s life easier and fulfill his wishes!

Godfrey could sense exactly where his master was, it was like a compass that always pointed in Prince James’s direction. Once again, he felt profoundly blessed to have such knowledge for it would help him better see to his master’s needs. He found his Master near the grove talking with the inferior dwarf.

‘Didn’t master call him Galdren, yes that was it.’ Godfrey thought before weaving the magic around him and vanishing from his spot to appear right next to Prince James in supplication.

“EEK! Oh, it is Godfrey.” Galdren said as he held his chest catching his breath.

“Good you’ve returned Godfrey and I see you have masked your aura, very good!” Prince James replied deciding to ignore the fact the Godfrey managed to scare the crap out of Galdren again.

‘At least his aura is contained. Baby steps.’ Prince James thought.

“Your praise honors me master!” Godfrey said while bowing his head.

“I’m going to have to teach you a few things. To start with I don’t expect such deference, especially when we are in the outside world. Understood?” Prince James said as he looked at both Godfrey and Tina.

“As you command master.” Tina answered.

“I will do my best master, though it will be quite difficult.” Godfrey replied.

Shaking his head Prince James replied, “Very well, do your best. Now that you are here let’s discuss Galdren’s plans to recruit more dwarves and blacksmiths.”

They talked in length about Galdren’s plans. Galdren was quite confident he could convince the other dwarves in the quarter to join up. First, Galdren was well known and very respected both in the Dwarven community and with the other blacksmiths. Second, Galdren was adamant that for the dwarves, and in his opinion, any ‘true smith’ would consider this place paradise.

Of course, Godfrey wholeheartedly agreed, his master created this place after all. To Godfrey any place his master created would be paradise.

Prince James, however, was not as convinced. “For those you decide to bring here, they must take a binding oath of silence to only speak of what they have seen to others who have taken the oath or who have already given their oath of fealty.”

“I do not think that will be a problem my…” Galdren started to reply but was interrupted by Prince James raising his hand.

“Let me finish my friend. Before they take the oath of fealty, they are to think they are merely stepping through a portal that took them to a distant land. The story that will be allowed to get out is that one my caretakers had instructed me on how to come to the place they found on their many journeys. It is isolated by mountains, as you can clearly see.” Prince James waved his hand towards the mountains that surrounded them.

“That is easy enough to convey my king.” Galdren replied.

“As long as they do not stay long, they will not be able to tell this is a completely different reality. I shall not have this place become widely known. However, if somehow word does get out, they will be focused on finding the location on the continent to no avail.”

“Fair and wise precautions my king.” Galdren said.

“The binding oath you taught me prevents them from sharing the knowledge. If they start to, they get a headache and pass out, waking up having lost their memories of this place and what they were told.” Godfrey said.

“That is correct Godfrey. Ask your question.” Prince James replied instinctively knowing Godfrey wanted to ask something.

“Why not kill them? The oath could be modified to kill them instead.” Godfrey commented.

Prince James explained his reasoning, “Waste of resources and more importantly waste of life. There will always be fools, no matter what the world. If we killed every fool, we would remove a potential threat, but we also are depriving them of a chance to learn. When there are actual punishments for poor actions and bad decisions there are chances for growth and learning. A chance to go from a young fool to a wise person. I will give the people of my kingdom that chance. Make sense?”

“Completely! Thank you for taking your precious time to explain your logic to this naive servant.” Godfrey apologized.

“Stop that. Naive just means you have yet to learn or know. You cannot learn if you do not ask questions. I created you with both a curious and critical thinking mind, always be willing to use what I gave you.”

“Thank you, Master! I will strive to do so!” Godfrey said excitedly that his creator did not see his lack of knowledge as negative but instead gave him a path forward.

“And what of you Tina? What are your thoughts in the matter?” Prince James asked.

“They cross you or try to harm you, I kill them, quietly, and leaving no trace of course my master.” Tina replied matter-of-factly.

Galdren audibly gulped. “Ye remind me of my brother’s ex-wife, she did not take to kindly to betrayal.”

“I did not know you had a brother Galdren.” Prince James replied.

“Used to.” Galdren said before busting up laughing at his own joke. “Ha, ha, ha! I almost had ya there my king!”

“Good one.” Prince James chuckled before turning to Tina. “I was asking if you understood my stance on not wasting life.”

“I understand master and I will do my best. Please know that anyone who crosses you I see as less than deserving of life.” Tina answered.

“I completely agree with that statement master.” Godfrey chimed in.

Sighing, Prince James replied. “Fine, just try to keep the killing to a minimum.”

Godfrey and Tina looked at each other before Godfrey said, “Understood master. We will at least try.”

Shaking his head and deciding to drop the issue, Prince James decided to get back at Galdren for his minor prank.

“Galdren did you see the special section of private baths I setup?” Prince James asked.

“No, my king. I have not had a chance, been a bit focused on the forge.” Galdren replied.

“Well then let me show you before we leave.” Prince James said as he guided Galdren back into the keep in a part he had sectioned off for himself.

When they entered the private bathing room Galdren was shocked. There was a large shallow pool with heat coming off it and a small waterfall to the side with a few smaller tubs for mineral baths, and an area to shower.

“This is very impressive my king. How do you control all these fancy tubs?” Galdren said.

“Do nothing.” Prince James said telepathically to Godfrey and Tina.

“I am glad you asked, follow me.” Prince James led Galdren to a wall with a few levers.

“You can control the various pools and temperatures with those levers. Go ahead and give it a try.” Prince James instructed.

“Why thank ye my king. Don’t mind if I do.” Galdren said as he walked up to the wall.

“Go ahead and pull the lever.” Prince James instructed.

Galdren pulled one of the levers and steam started to rise off one of the pools. “Very impressive.”

Seeing what one lever did, Galdren pulled one of the other levers. As he did so a trap door opened up underneath Prince James causing him to immediately fall through the trap door.

“WRONG LEVERRRR!” Prince James called as he fell.

Galdren’s face took on a look of shock and horror as he ran to the trap door but saw only darkness down below.

“What have you done to our master? I should kill you for what you have done!” Godfrey roared.

“How was I supposed to know?! Who builds a trap door right in the middle next to other levers?! I canna believe I killed my own king!” Galdren said fear stricken.

Prince James flew out of the trap tunnel. “Gotcha! That is what you get for trying to mess with me!”

Godfrey smiled at the dwarf and Tina chuckled.

“Yer alive?! Wait you can fly?!! Galdren jumped and embraced Prince James. “Oh, yer alive. I am so happy I did not kill my own king by accident. I am not even mad at ye for messin with me, especially if we can pull that prank on a few people I know!”

Prince James laughed. “Ha, ha, ha! That has got to be the most fun I have had in a long while. You got a deal Galdren!”

Prince James continued. “With future shenanigans decided, I would say it’s time for us to return. Godfrey and Tina need to be introduced to my knights first and then my family.”

“While yer doin that. I’ll start recruitin” Galdren said.

Taking one last look at what he affectionately considered his happy place, Galdren stepped through the portal.

‘No better time than the present’ Galdren thought before exiting his shop to start his recruiting efforts.

Prince James exited the shop and called over his knights. “Kira, Aeria, Anara, and Rita. Let me introduce Godfrey Hiraeth, my new personal butler and attaché. He has already given me his oath of fealty and service.”

To their surprise, they saw a well-dressed man in formal butler attire. He was tall, with short grey hair and a very neatly trimmed gray beard. The man didn’t have a speck of dust or dirt on him. Next to him was a petite woman in a maid outfit. Her outfit too was immaculate. Yet if they did not stare at her she seemed to almost blend into the background.

“Where did they come from?” Rita asked concerned as she had not seen a single person enter Galdren’s shop.

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“They were in there with us. Besides they both have teleporting abilities. Show them.”

Godfrey nodded to Prince James then disappeared only to reappear behind Rita and tap her on her shoulder.

Rita let out a very unladylike scream. “Ahhhh!!! Please do not do that!”

“My apologies Ms. Rita. I’ll endeavor to ‘not do that again’ as you put it.” Godfrey apologized.

Rita patted her chest in the hopes of calming her racing heart.

“Now that you’re done scaring poor Rita let’s go introduce you to the rest of my knights.”

Godfrey slightly bowed. “Yes Master.”

“What about her? Can she teleport?” Anara asked.

Tina nodded her head in Anara’s direction. “My skill is not as advanced as Godfrey’s, but I am able to be of use to Prince James.”

Everyone seemed to take Tina at her statement and did not press. Her ability to blend in meant if they did not focus on her, they naturally focused on Godfrey.

“Tina, remind me to introduce you to Sloane. Your natural talent to blending in I think will be of great service to our growing spy network.” Prince James mentally relayed.

“Of course, Supreme One. I will help in whatever way is needed.” Tina sent back telepathically.

On the trip back to the royal palace Godfrey was peppered with questions.

“Where did you learn that teleportation skill?” Aeria asked.

“When did you arrive in the city?” Rita asked.

“Do you know any other magic beyond your teleportation skill?” Anara asked.

“Be careful in how you answer these questions Godfrey. I do not want us to get into a habit of outright lying to my people.” Prince James telepathically warned.

“As you command Master!” Godfrey replied.

“Let me see if I can answer your questions in the order asked. My teleportation skill was a gift from birth. I arrived in the city just today. Yes, I do possess some other magical knowledge, but I only share such things as my employer, now Master dictates.”

Anara and the other girls looked at Prince James pleadingly, their expressions clear, they wanted to know more.

“No, I have asked Godfrey to keep his talents mostly hidden. I want some of his capabilities a mystery for now.” Prince James replied.

“Awe, no fair!” Anara pouted. Which quite surprised everyone as she was usually so cold and collected. They had noticed that her icy exterior seemed to melt when she was around Prince James. The other girls in Tempest squad knew why, but Prince James just figured that was how Anara was as she had not seen her any different around him.

Prince James patted Anara’s head and ruffled her hair a bit. “Don’t pout, you’ll understand later, ok?”

Anara and the other girls all froze at the prince’s action.

“Master why did they all stop at your sign of affection to Anara? Are they going to attack? Should I kill them before they strike?” Godfrey asked telepathically.

“Hmmm. I guess they consider it affection. I did it out of reflex. Oh wait, did I just fall into another anime troupe? Ah well, nothing to do but move on.” Prince James telepathically replied.

‘I wonder if I pout if master will give me a head pat?’ Tina thought to herself as she observed the situation.

“Come on ladies, we have much to do.” Prince James said while he and Godfrey kept walking. That seemed to snap them out of it as they all rejoined the duo, albeit much quieter as if they were deep in thought.

‘What does this mean? Does the Prince like me?’ Anara thought.

‘Maybe I should be more inquisitive. Perhaps then I might grab his attention.’ Kira thought.

‘Man, Anara is so lucky!’ Aeria mentally lamented.

Rita was focused on her orders. ‘I must report this to Mira. She ordered me to report anytime the prince had any physical contact with anyone. Is this what she meant? She is focused on poisons and subterfuge. Hmm, she must be worried they might use that opportunity to harm the prince. I don’t think Anara would hurt him though. She seems to really care for him like the rest of us do. Oh well orders are orders.’

As the prince has been busy over the last several days holed up in Galdren’s forge, most of his personal royal knights were able to catch up on sleep. This allowed all of them to be present and awake when they returned to his wing and gather them up in his private conference room. After introducing Godfrey and Tina to the rest of his knights, he ordered food be delivered for everyone so they could all enjoy a meal together in his wing of the palace.

Godfrey and Tina were assigned the other room right next to the prince’s bedroom, the other being taken by LT Simmons. This particular room was reserved for a head butler and provided a side door into the prince’s bedroom so it would allow them easier access to Prince James without disturbing anyone else. James had a second bed brought in to accommodate Godfrey and Tina sharing a room.

They were all sitting down eating and Prince James noticed Mira seemed agitated.

“You ok Mira?”

“Yes, your highness. Do not concern yourself with it.” Mira replied as calmly she could manage.

“Very well.” Prince James replied while thinking, ‘She is totally giving off yandere vibes. This has got to be from the head pat with Anara, unless I’m missing something. Add it to the list of things to resolve later.’

“Godfrey and Tina, tomorrow go introduce yourselves to High Priest Cendrin. Sloane, go with them. I want you both to be connected to the network of spies for different reasons. Sloane you will continue to be my Spymaster. I want Godfrey to learn things that might affect the market and trade. Tina, I want you to work closely with Sloane and help him where you can. It will be invaluable to the new conglomerate I am having Galdren create.” Prince James explained.

“Conglomerate?” Cooper asked.

“Yes, Galdren will be the public face to the merchants, artisans, and traders that will join the organization. We will profit from it and have access to some of the best craftsmen in the kingdom.”

“Oh, I just didn’t know what conglomerate meant.” Cooper said.

“Hahaha! Never change Cooper!” Prince James laughed.

“No really I don’t know what conglomerate means.” Cooper said in a low voice.

Turning to the knight Prince James answered his question. “Think of it as a giant business that has a bunch of smaller businesses under it.”

“Oh, like how a duke has multiple counts and barons under him.” Cooper answered as he felt he understood the concept.

“Very good Cooper.” Aeria patted his shoulder.

This caused Cooper to beam with a big smile on his face.

Prince James refocused on Godfrey and continued, “After your meeting with Cendrin, see Galdren to get an update. Inform me when he has others for me to meet. Any questions?”

“No Master. I understand.” Godfrey replied.

Telepathically he sent a message, “When do we return to your domain Master?”

Prince James replied through the separate Party Link channel he had with Godfrey and Tina. “Tonight, after we retire for the evening. Teleport to Galdren and bring him and anyone else. I will be modifying the fortress to ensure they have proper permanent living conditions. Tina, I want you to remain here and ensure no one tries to sneak into your room or mine while we are gone. I worry that some of my people are getting a bit curious, but it is not yet time to bring them in.”

“Understood master.” Tina replied.

“As you command master.” Godfrey answered.

That resolved Prince James decided to set some other plans in motion as well. “Lieutenant, I will be starting at the Royal Academy in a few days. My understanding is there are strict rules on guards and servants allowed on Academy grounds. Thoughts?”

“Yes, even royals are only allowed one servant or guard. This fact has been a bit of a point of contention among your personal royal knights.” LT Simmons replied.

“I figured the palace is so close to the Royal Academy, I would just return each evening.” Prince James said.

“Though several nobles stay in the dorms, it is not unheard of for a high noble to stay at an estate off grounds. We will have at least one squad added to the guard rotations at the entrances to the Royal Academy, we may not be able to enter but we can still provide some level of protection.” LT Simmons explained.

“That is a reasonable precaution.” Prince James commented.

“With your return each evening that will help alleviate some of our concerns, but all of the sergeants do not think one guard is sufficient to ensure your protection your Majesty.” LT Simmons finally expressed his people’s concerns.

“Well then, we might as well address this now. I plan to have Godfrey at my side. When he is not available, I will have Tina at my side, or we can rotate a guard in. I’ll leave it to you on the rotation as Godfrey will be required to handle various assignments and coordination with Galdren and Tina will be working closely with Sloane.” Prince James said.

“Hmmm. Not ideal but fair and understandable. I’ll work out the details with the sergeants.” LT Simmons replied.

“Before I start at the Royal Academy, I would like to see more of the city. Especially, I would like to take a trip to the library. I do love to read and would like to make a day of it.” Prince James stated.

“That can easily be arranged. The last word I received from Captain Spears, other than assisting from time to time during our morning exercises there are no other pressing matters. Give the word and we can arrange whatever you require your majesty.” LT Simmons explained.

“Perhaps tomorrow or in a day or two.” Prince James said as he stood from his chair.

“Understood your majesty.” LT Simmons acknowledged.

“Well then, I am going to call it a night. Have a good night, everyone.” Prince James said before walking to his bedroom.

“If you will all excuse me. I too should get some rest so I may better serve the Master in the morning.” Godfrey said before he retired to his room.

“Yes, morning comes quickly. If you will all excuse me.” Tina said before she too left the conference room.

“I like her, she seems nice.” Cooper stated to no one in particular.

“Godfrey is strong. He hides his strength, but it is there in how he carries himself.” Taka Anella chimed in.

“Yes, well, I think we can all see it is clear his majesty trusts them. The rumor is they had John and Susan’s confidence which explains why Prince James holds them in his confidence.” LT Simmons observed.

“Then we should strive harder to gain his trust. I saw how the dwarves at Galdren’s Forge were towards Prince James. In such a short time they seemed to revere him, and I can tell you that in my conversations with High Priest Cendrin the Church of Light is throwing their full support as well.” Kira shared.

“Lady Firebrand wants to tutor the prince privately. Mother said both her and Lady Firebrand were impressed with how he comported himself during the ball. I am to work with our house’s contacts to help grow our information network.” Mira relayed.

Prince James’ personal guards talked amongst themselves for several hours before retiring for the evening, enjoying the rare case where they were all awake and in the same room together.

Once in the room, Godfrey teleported to Galdren.

“Ahhhh!” Galdren let out a yelp, startled, as Godfrey teleported right in front of him.

“Oh...it’s just you Godfrey.” Galdren said after catching his breath.

“My apologies Sir Galdren. Master sent me to retrieve you. Are you ready for me to take you to Sanctuary? Is there anyone else we must retrieve prior?” Godfrey asked.

“Yes, there are a few very interested. One dwarf we absolutely must show up like ye just did. The ole bastard deserves a good fright. He, he, he.” Galdren chuckled thinking of the expression on his old friend’s face when they just show up out of nowhere.

— - - -

James finished modifying the rooms for Galdren and his people. He added more comfortable beds, modern day plumbing and personal bathrooms for each room using magic. After making the necessary modifications, James headed to what he was starting to consider his crafting area.

Once there he created some additional buildings. First a lumber mill, then a few additional workshops for other craftsmen. Just as he was finishing the final building and walked out, he was greeted by a shout from a scared dwarf as his vassals were falling on the floor, holding their sides laughing.

“Ahhhh! Galdren, you bastard! You had him do that on purpose!” One red-faced dwarf exclaimed.

“Ha, ha, ha! That’s what ye get Dunham for tryin to mess with my ale, never mess with a man’s ale, ye ole white bearded bastard!” Galdren said laughing.

There were a few new dwarves, a well-dressed elf, and a few older humans. Galdren seeing his liege straightened up, wiping a tear from his eye. Still doing what he can to calm his laughter so he could do proper introductions.

“He, he, he. My apologies for the disturbance to you, my king. I was just messin’ with an ole friend. Let me make introductions.”

Galdren pointed to the red-faced, white-bearded dwarf. “This is Dunham. He is a fellow smith and specializes in armor.”

Turning to the elf, “This Neaman. He is a master tailor and enchanter.”

Turning to the older humans, “Anduin and Marcia. They are master jewel-cutters and jewelers.”

Turning to the gnome, “This is Pierre. He is a master alchemist.”

Finally turning to the large well-built human who looked like he had to have some other race mixed in, “This is Luigi. He’s the best lumberjack and carpenter in the city.”

Turning to the crowd, “Let me introduce you to my king and ruler of this place we affectionately call Sanctuary. This is Prince James Drake!” Galdren said proudly.

“Welcome to Sanctuary. It is a pleasure to meet all of you. As I trust Godfrey and Galdren explained, as part of your oath of silence everything here you will all take to your graves. Once you get a chance to see everything you will better understand why. Enjoy the tour.”

Turning to Godfrey and Galdren, “Godfrey and Galdren, please show everyone around. After everyone has had a chance to see what Sanctuary has to offer, figure out who will bend the knee and who will be going home. If they do decide to bend the knee, bring them to me if they decide to pledge themselves to our cause.”

As you command my king.” Galdren replied.

“Yes, master.” Godfrey bowed.

“Oh, and Galdren I do give you permission to show them my private bathing area. Godfrey can help you with that.” Prince James stated.

Both Galdren and Godfrey smiled and nodded their heads.

Prince James turned and addressed everyone. “Again, enjoy this once in a lifetime tour.”

One of the neat tricks James had learned while exploring the capabilities of his demiplane was how to remotely view what was going on anywhere within his realm.

‘Scrying is pretty cool.’ Prince James thought as he scried the visitors.

Prince James internally laughed at the various expressions that would occur over the newcomers’ faces, it was priceless. Deep down James figured most would join their team and give their oath. As he watched, Galdren and Godfrey replicated the prank Prince James had played on the dwarf. The utter shock and horror made James laugh and laugh.

‘Ah, thank you Emperor’s New Groove for such a great idea!’ Prince James thought as he continued to laugh.

Sure enough, after the tour, Godfrey and Galdren brought every single person before James.

One by one, they bent the knee and gladly gave their oath of fealty. Some couldn’t wait and practically got on both knees and crawled before James in their excitement to pledge fealty. To most craftsmen what Sanctuary offered was a dream come true and they were not about to pass on the chance to have access to not only the precious resources but the extravagant living conditions.

After all the oaths were given and the question of fealty was resolved, James left the coordination to Godfrey and Galdren.

‘My two OG’s can handle this. There must be a joke in there somewhere. Ah well, back to other matters.’ Prince James thought as he entered his private quarters in the fortress.