The next morning as I exited my tent to start my morning routine, I found both Mira and Kira guarding the entrance to my tent. ‘Did they stand guard all night?’
“Please tell me you two got some rest last night?” I asked in concern.
“We took shifts to ensure you were well protected your majesty.” Mira answered.
‘Man, they really want the job of being my personal royal knights.’ I thought as I just shook my head before replying. “I will not tell you to do otherwise but please make sure you get enough rest. You cannot effectively be my shield if you are exhausted, remember that.”
“We will your grace.” Kira quickly replied.
At this point in time practically all the royal knights, soldiers, and archers/hunters were awake and ready to join in my morning exercise routine. Afterwards, we all ate a hardy breakfast, during which Reggie informed me we would finally be arriving in the capital city later that day. I agreed to finally use the fancy carriage today, to my clear comfortability at riding around in such grandeur and feeling like I had a giant target painted on my back. I knew it was proper etiquette and I had already agreed to the compromise earlier.
I thought of my grandfather and his sage advice in my previous life to help me feel more comfortable with the situation. ‘Do what you say you’re gonna do. A man always keeps his word!’
Once we were underway, I was absolutely bored out of my mind. The fancy carriage wasn’t too bad, a bit boring as mentioned earlier, so I spent most of the time looking out the window while practicing my non-flashy spells. At times just focusing on images and my understanding of the various magic types I’ve seen. Who would know that creativity and imagination would be my most important skills in life! Thank you, family, for nurturing and encouraging such skills!
Once again, I said a little prayer to God for my appreciation of the life I had before, along with a prayer to continue to look after my friends and family. Man, my family and friends must be so worried for me disappearing like that. Lastly, I said thank you for this second chance at a new life. Number one rule in life, show appreciation and enthusiasm for life and those around you even when they are not there any longer.
We gained a glimpse of the capital long before we arrived. The city looked massive, at least the size of New York City! Huge walls encircling the entire city that looked to be easily 10 miles wide. Farmland miles wide seemed to cover part of the plains heading towards the city. The complexity of such an architectural undertaking was mindboggling!
A large mountain range was behind the city both providing defense and from the knowledge I gained it also provided ore from a mine contained within it. Not too far was the forest we were coming out of, but it was clear we easily had another 80-100 miles before we would reach the city gates. I can see why so many flock to such a place, the natural resources combined with defenses would provide a level of security not found in most places I imagine.
It was a peaceful and relatively smooth ride for the remainder of the trip to the gates. The road was well maintained and was heavily patrolled. The view of the farms with their crops and farm animals reminded me of driving in Northern California before bad politics destroyed the vast amount of farming and food production for not just the state, but the country too. It was clear that these farms provided not only most of the food for the massive city up ahead but also part of the kingdom. It would be wise for me to tour these farms in the future, ignoring the people who produce the food your people eat is always a bad idea. Another rule in life and society, always make sure your farmers and food production are as free from nonsense as possible, you never want someone messing with your food supply. Some of my ancestors were farmers and ranchers, their life was hard enough without bad politics, the least I can do is help make their lives easier.
Several knights on horseback rode on ahead as we got closer to the gates to announce our arrival. A path was made in the sea of carts and people coming and going through these gates, allowing us to not have to stop and ride right through. It was clear those knights who went on ahead had been busy. As we approached it was evident the way they made a hole in the sea of people was a row of guards on each side, spears and swords drawn, to allow our royal precession to pass. I could hear the glimpses of comments.
“Ugh, some spoiled noble mucking everything up preventing us from getting into the city.”
“You fool that’s the royal crest. That’s royalty in there.”
At that moment Reggie decided to amplify his voice. “Make way for his royal highness Prince James! Eldest child of our King and Queen! Heir to the throne! OUR PRINCE HAS RETURNED!”
I winced and thought, ‘Ugh. Of course, you’d put me on blast. No chance of slipping in quietly. Alright, time to put my game face on.’
The murmurs only grew louder. A few louder than others.
“The prince?!”
“I thought he died years ago?”
“No, you fool. He was sent away and put in isolation due to him being in poor health. Don’t you remember?”
“Don’t call me a fool! I remember just fine. I just thought I heard a rumor he died years ago.”
“Hopefully he’s not as bad as some of these nobles and foreigners.”
“Be quiet. Do you want to get in trouble?!”
It seemed like Reggie had slowed down the precession just enough to give everyone a good long look at the carriage.
‘I have a feeling he did that just as much for my benefit as theirs.’ I thought. ‘It did give me a chance to hear the various comments and give them a chance to study the carriage and get curious.’
We continued our procession with a bunch of guards marching us towards the palace in the center of the city. From the knowledge I gained from the memories I obtained, plus the books and maps I read, the city is divided into five different sections; four quarters, a city center that housed the Royal Palace, Church, and the Royal Academy. Some might consider the Church, Royal Palace, and Royal Academy separate sections based on the layers of walls and guards between them.
The most popular section which we happened to be traveling through first was the Trade quarter. This quarter held a huge open Market, several general stores, produce stands, butcher shops, and some shipping/import/export facilities. Several merchant families lived above their stores with the wealthier ones owning separate estates in this quarter or others.
Next quarter we seemed to now be traveling through was the Artisan quarter. This quarter was far more affluent. Several people still lived above their shop or had a separate estate. The difference of this quarter was a focus on specialization. Sculptors, masons, architects, enchanters, scribes, some mundane healers, and herbalists to name a few of the professions that lived and worked in this quarter. Like when the procession passed through the Trade quarter people stopped, came out of their shops, and tried to observe what was going on.
‘It looks as though we are headed to the Noble quarter next. Is Reggie touring each quarter on purpose to make sure everyone gets a chance to see what is going on? They want everyone to know I have returned! Free press as it were.’
As we approached the Noble quarter, we saw the library which was placed between the Artisan and Noble quarters and was clearly a dividing line. The library was a massive building filled with scrolls, books, and historical documents. I couldn’t wait to get a chance to explore that building.
‘OK note to self, I am checking out that library when I get a chance. I used to love to go to the library back home before the government shut them all down. I can only imagine what a library in a magical world would contain!’ I thought as we marched on.
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Of course, as we passed into the Noble quarter the level of opulence immediately went up several notches. The estates in this quarter were various sizes, but even the smallest was far bigger than the ones in the Artisan quarter, and ridiculously so compared to those in the Trade quarter. From my recollection, this is where many of the Nobles either lived, or kept a home here when visiting the capital from their own assigned territories. This quarter also housed a few locations for foreign embassies, dignitaries, ambassadors, and diplomats.
The final key population in the Noble quarter with homes and estates closer to the Smithing & Military quarter are the mages and a few upper echelons of military, several of whom came from noble families, but established either separate branch families, or stood out and became a noble on their own merits. There was a significant difference between nobles that possessed territory in the kingdom and those that did not. Nobles with land had more responsibility to the kingdom and therefor held more authority than nobles without land. Several of these non-land-owning nobles were many of the kingdom’s most powerful healers and battle mages who lived in this quarter. It was clear much of the power in the city was in this very quarter and I noticed that our procession slowed down considerably, making me glance out the window.
‘Did the procession get bigger? Ah, they want to put on a show of strength and give them plenty of time to notice. Well played Reggie. These are subtle and overt tactics I’m going to have to make a point to pay attention to if I hope to thrive in this environment. Man, I hate politics.’
The final quarter was the Smithing and Military quarter. The military barracks and training facilities were housed here along with some direct connections to the Royal Academy. I saw several soldiers all standing at attention as we passed.
This quarter housed much of the military, both in the barracks for the Rank and file as well as several homes and estates for higher ranking officers and generational military families. As we moved further in the quarter I noticed some pubs, but what stood out the most were the forges. You could smell the metal and see the heat coming out of some of these forges. I dipped my hand in forging and metalworking, something about creating something with your own two hands just felt so right. Combined with most of my family was either career military or they did their part to protect people’s liberties and ways of life, I felt like I was coming home as I looked around this quarter and took it all in.
As we passed by, I noticed people still stopped but as I peered into some of the forges, I could see several dwarves continuing their backbreaking profession ignoring the procession all together. It was clear the smiths, at least when it came to the dwarves, may have respected the royal family, but something told me they wouldn’t be won over with anything other than grit and a strong backbone.
Lastly, we entered the City Center or what was affectionately called the “Heart of the City” or “Royal Center”. This part of the city included the palace, royal academy, and the Cathedral of Light where the church was based out of. There wasn’t a set or official religion of the kingdom. From the knowledge I had gathered, the kingdom was adamant about protecting religious freedoms, which was very admirable of them. With that said, the Cathedral of Light had the predominant presence in the capital. Their teachings permeated many of the laws and ways of life of the kingdom. They were smart about their placement as the Cathedral of Light was closest to the Artisan and Trade quarters so they could be closer to the people.
The Church employed many healers and scholars both part time and full time as priests, friars, and monks. They also had their own paladins, which acted as both holy warriors and defenders of the faith. It was interesting, as based on the knowledge I obtained, it appeared as though the church would have paladins join the kingdom’s military when various wars and battles were fought but they were never considered a standing part of our military but solely separate. Which in theory made sense, they defended their country, but their primary charge was protecting the faith. Now theory is very different than actual reality where lines blur, or people don’t take well to split loyalties. This potential dynamic is something I will have to keep an eye on, as well as make a point to observe some individual interactions to ensure I understand the true situation.
After circling around the Cathedral of Light we did a march passed the Royal Academy. It was closest to the Noble and Military quarters and trained many of the kingdom’s nobles, mages, and military officers. Our kingdom’s current royal court magicians and sword saints all came from this prestigious academy. In fact, it was my understanding that all the people in key positions of power and authority at one time went through the academy, including my parents and uncle.
Besides the Library and checking out the forges, I was most excited about the Royal Academy. My understanding was that most noble and wealthy families hired private tutors for their children to be taught the sword, or the basics of how to control their magic prior to their enrollment to the academy. With that said, it was kingdom law that anyone can attend the academy as long as they pass the entrance exam, but for the less affluent they have a much larger learning curve to overcome.
One thing I know as a fact in life though, is no matter the challenges, talent and determination find a way. One of our most powerful royal court magician healers, Lady Rollara and her sister Prophet Lara both came from an extremely poor family but possessed a larger energy pool and a true talent for healing and water magic.
Once a person turned 17 in this kingdom, they were considered adults. As adults they could apply for the Royal Academy. The kingdom, through the royal family and nobles, would provide initial testing opportunities throughout the kingdom. The kingdom and the Church of Light would partner to send testers to travel at certain times to different parts of the kingdom including remote villages to ensure everyone had equal opportunity to be tested.
If the person passed the initial test, they would be allowed to take the entrance exam for the Royal Academy. Though costs were associated with such efforts several nobles sponsored those that showed promise or talent. These sponsored individuals would either end up working for that noble family or join the military to help pay back their sponsor. Some nobles would sponsor guards or their kids’ friends for political gains, or control over minor noble families, or lastly, to ensure their children had retainer to see to their whims.
Attending this academy was something I truly looked forward to. As someone who now lived in the capital, I would be automatically allowed to take the entrance exam without having to wait for a tester to arrive at my location. It would be hard to contain my excitement with this whole concept.
I kept thinking to myself, ‘Hello, I’m going to Magic School. Why yes, I am a Wizard! LOL!’
I was lost in fantasies of wizarding school when finally, we arrived at the Royal Palace. It was huge! Uh, who designs places like this?’
Reggie dismounted and came to open my door. He whispered ever so softly, “It is time Prince James. Please remember while we are in the capital, I must address you in a formal manner.”
‘I guess I must get used to calling him Captain Spears again, ugh. That makes me a little bit sad. Well guess it’s time to meet my parents and little sister Aurora.’ I thought as I replied, “Understood Captain Spears.”
I schooled my face to ensure I had tight control on my facial expressions. After taking a few seconds to breath and ensure I wasn’t showing any emotions, which was hard, as I was a complete bundle of nerves, I stepped out of the carriage. ‘Maybe they will be just as nervous as I am.’ I thought as I exited the carriage.
On the way here, one of the non-combatants that accompanied the royal guard here was a royal seamstress by the name of Mrs. Teege. She was a sweet slender lady who looked like she was in her early 60s. She kind of reminded me of my grandmother on my father’s side. Sweet as can be but brokered no nonsense. Mrs. Teege had joined the convoy for the sole purpose of ensuring I was dressed properly when I arrived in the capital.
No joke, her words to me were, “I will not have a prince of our kingdom look like some ruffian or common adventurer! The shock of such embarrassment would kill me!”
She made it clear on the trip here that she absolutely adored my parents. So, she was so adamant that I ‘look just right’, her words. This translated to a few awkward moments of getting poked and prodded as I tried on a few outfit combinations until we both settled on what I was wearing now.
She had taken my measurements to ensure the outfit for this occasion was tailored to fit me “just right” to quote Mrs. Teege. I swear if I hear the words ‘just right’ one more time I might cast a fireball to burn something down out of pure frustration over how much that woman fusses over me and my outfit. The last part of the trip she was in the carriage to make sure I was properly prepared. Don’t get me wrong, like my grandmother, I love the sweet lady, but I can dress myself thank you very much!
Luckily, I could pass off wearing ‘travel clothes’ so she kept it rather simple for what would be considered normal for my high station. Keep in mind that was after I may have ‘accidently’ burned the outfit she originally wanted me to wear that had so many frills I could have passed myself off as a flamboyant pirate who would rather have a tea party than be a swashbuckler.
‘OK breathe James, just breath. That nightmare outfit is nothing but ash that has long been scattered by the wind spell I casted. It is not coming back!’ I thought distractedly to shift my mind from my nervousness.
As I stepped out of the carriage, I wore high-end leather pants, purple silk undershirt with a red and gold tunic. Honestly the whole outfit was the most comfortable clothes I’ve ever worn in both of my lifetimes. ‘I don’t know how she did it but thank you Mrs. Teege, one you realized I was in her words my father’s son you relented and made me something I felt most comfortable in, you are a master at your craft.’
All the royal knights and guards all bowed their heads as an acknowledgment of my station as prince of the kingdom. I was escorted through the gates and through the main courtyard to the royal palace’s primary entrance. I didn’t have to wait long to meet my new family as they waited at the top of the palace steps with an honor guard of their own.