Looking around where we were led could only be described as a truly grand throne room. 20 feet high, 40 feet wide, and around 200 feet long, this was a room designed to show off power. Standing around the edges of the room were additional members of the Royal Guard, their numbers in the hundreds. Spaced between every 10 guards was a battle mage in all their glory. Located in the center toward the rear of this room rested two thrones, large in size, these were true seats of power.
As we approached the throne, I tried to remember everything my mother told me. When to bow, what to say, where to look. Yes, more rules to follow because I’d come to know that people around here like rules almost as much as they like bad names. The king had a look of boredom on his face while the queen had a look of desire. Not that type of desire but that look people get when they find a piece of meat that appears to be cooked perfectly and they just cannot live without it, like finding your favorite toy and dessert in the same store. After spotting that look I almost froze and probably would have if my mother had not slightly pushed on my back to continue.
Once we stood before the throne as my mother taught me I dropped to one knee seeing my mother do the same. I heard a light calm voice call out, ‘Hello dear Maria, it has been way too long since your beauty and grace has stood before us.’ ‘My queen, I thank you for your kind words, however, my absence was due to duty and not desire.’ ‘Yes, we are aware of the honor you do us through your actions as our hand and voice. Time has proven our decision in that regard to be without question. Please, all of you stand.’
To the shock of those standing in the throne room, once we were standing the queen stood and approached my mother. Once there she hugged my mother and stated how she missed her true friends' presence. Standing back the queen announced, 'Come Maria, let us retire into a more private setting, we have much to talk about, oh and bring your son.' With that, the queen dismissed the court and with her husband's hand, she left the throne room.
Looking at my mother I wanted to ask her what was going to happen, but she waved me to silence as one of the queen's aids arrived to take us to the royal family's private meeting room. While walking behind the aid my mother reminded me to keep quiet only answer questions when asked and to try and not give more answers than needed. I know my mother loves the queen and I know they are the best of friends, but I was starting to worry that the queen might not have the best of intentions for me in mind. Flashes of possible futures started to pop into my head and the longer we walked the more worried I became.
As we entered the private meeting room I noticed only 3 people were waiting for us, The queen, of course, the king, and a young girl around my age. I'm guessing this was her Royal Highness the Duchess of Earienton, in other words, the queen's only daughter. Seeing her there caused two strong feelings to grow. The first was the joy that I was able to remember not only the names of the Royal Family but their titles as well. Not bad for the fact I was only told that information once and only yesterday. The second feeling was fear, why would Princess Ceanna be here? I can understand Queen Evelyn and King Lorcan but the Princess being here tells me she is going to be part of some plan and that possible plan makes me want to bolt out of the room. Looking at my mother I can see from the expression on her face that she's thinking the same thing I am.
'Please have a seat both of you, we have many things to talk about and we should do it in comfort.' With those words from the queen my mother and I take seats across from the royal family and wait for the queen to continue. 'So young Nondol, you've caused no end of trouble to our wonderful kingdom, do you know that?' Dropping my head in shock I barely reply 'I'm sorry my queen, I beg your forgiveness for the problems I have caused.' Staring at the floor I hear a soft laugh followed by ‘My dear boy you are not in trouble, while it is true that what you will and have stirred trouble, it is not your doing nor your fault.' Looking up I see a smile on her face as she continues, 'You should be proud of who and what you are, hold your head up and look people in the eye.'
'Now to other matters' Looking over at my mother she continues 'Yes I'm sure you know what is going to happen so let's get it out of the way.' Nodding to the princess she motions for her to move. With that Princess Ceanna stands and walks over to me, holding out her hand she pulls me up and moves us to the center of the room. With that action, the Queen continues. 'Now both of you being 14 does require some delay, the church will not allow the joining until you both turn 16, but for now, we will just announce the engagement.' Looking over at my mother she continues, 'You will both, of course, move into the guest wing here and we will have to begin his training.' Nodding to herself, 'He's going to have a late start due to his awakening at 14 but we can bring in some extra teachers....yes we'll make this work.' My mother finally speaks up, 'Evelyn what are you doing, does the boy not get a say, or for that matter his mother?' 'My dear friend, you know as well as I do that there is no way the crown can allow his power to fall into anyone's hands but ours, think this through, will you? I know you understand what is at stake as much as I do.' 'I understand your point, but the boy just awoke, he's had less than a week to get used to the idea he will be the most powerful person alive but now you want to throw being a royal on top of that. Could you not have waited a few days first?' 'Are you saying you do not approve of the joining?' 'No it's not that, I understand the need and I know you will do right by my family, I just wanted more time.'
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Sighing the Queen stands up, 'Listen I know you do and I wish we had the time as well. However, by now word has traveled not only the all the houses here in the kingdom but outside as well.' Walking over and standing behind myself and the princess 'Joining him to my house is the fastest way to protect him I know. Until he learns to use his power he is a target that will be tested and we both know that.' Smiling at both of us she laughs 'Besides a mother could do worse than a powerful good-looking son-in-law.' 'Now my child please take your future husband for a tour of the castle while his mother and I discuss matters.'
'Yes Mother, come my betrothed let us get to know each other while the old people sell us out.' Pulling on my hand the Princess leads me out of the room.
QUEST COMPLETE - Moving on up
Talk about moving fast! Famous, powerful, and royal. Someone sure aims high. What's the next Emperor of the world?
REWARDS: New young wife, you dog you!!
Ceanna led me out of the room and I noticed 4 guards and another young girl about our age take up spots behind us. ‘Come let us head to the gardens and take in some fresh air.’ With that, I was led quickly through the castle and into a central garden. Taking a seat on a bench I looked at what I’m guessing will be a new wife. Ceanna was short, not as tall as me, but about 5 feet 5 inches. She had long brown hair about to the middle of her back and had a strange pair of green eyes. No one would dare not call her pretty but there was a look of steel in her eyes that made me pause.
‘Listen Nondol, I know this wasn’t in your plans nor was it mine but I think we can both agree that it’s probably a done deal, so let's make the most of it’. I could agree with that and asked her how this would all work. She took the time to explain to me the process of a royal engagement. Tomorrow there would be a formal announcement given and letters would be sent to the heads of all the noble houses. Royal engagements were long lasting, a few years normally which was perfect in this case because we could not be joined until 16.
The two of us talked for nearly 2 hours before an aide was sent to collect us. We were led back to the private meeting room where we found the queen and my mother. ‘Ah good, there the two of you are.’ ’After talking it through we’ve decided you will not stay in the castle, rather you will live in a home nearby.’ ‘This will allow me to keep an eye on you but still give you a little freedom.’ ‘You will be guarded until you can protect yourself.’ ‘I will give you a few days to get settled, but after that, you will begin your training.’ Looking at the aide standing behind her the queen instructed him to notify Mage Oron to make ready to begin training.
‘Nondol train hard and listen to Master Oron, there is no one better in the kingdom than him when it comes to magic.’ ‘Also expect weapons training as well as normal schooling.’ ‘It was a pleasure to meet you, young man, I look forward to seeing what you become.’ With that, we were dismissed and led out of the meeting room. Another aide directed us to follow him and let us know he would show us to the home I would be staying at.
Leaving the castle we entered back into our carriage and headed toward my new home, the prison, where I would be staying. Lost in thought I decided to look over my status.
Name: Nondol(Richard)
Age: 14
Level: 6 (0/3600)
Class: Mage of the Elements
2nd Class: Divine Mage of the Elements
Strength: 11 Intelligence: 23
Wisdom: 12 Vitality: 13
Agility: 13 Charisma: 16
The carriage pulled up in front of what could only be called a small mansion. There was a large stone wall around the home that stood maybe 10 feet high. The home was two stories tall and looked like it could house a large family with a large staff. The house was white in color and had a lot of windows. As we pulled up to the home, I noticed a man standing at the door dressed in a suit.
As we came to a stop the man walked over to the carriage and opened the door to let us out. As I stepped out the man introduced himself as Mr. Dailon the head butler of the house. He invited us into the home and let us know someone would come and take my bags in. We entered the house, and I was introduced to the staff. The staff was made up of 3 maids and a cook with two helpers.