Lucios felt a mixture of admiration and anxiety as he followed his uncle along the path leading to the castle. Ahead of him rose the imposing stone fortress, surrounded by walls and towers. To his left stretched the city of Guarania, vibrant and bustling.
Lucios observed the colorful houses, the various shops, the people of different backgrounds and attire. He listened to the sounds of merchants, sailors, animals, and musical instruments. He smelled the aromas of spices, fruits, fish, and flowers.
Guarania was one of the most prosperous cities in the kingdom, thanks to its strategic location. It benefited both from access to the sea, bringing ships from other lands and kingdoms, and from the arms of the Xingu River, allowing for river transport inland. Guarania's port was the heart of the city, pulsing with commerce, culture, and adventure. Lucios imagined what life in that city would be like, so different from his hometown.
After crossing the city of Guarania, Lucios finally arrived at the castle. He felt relieved to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the port, but also a little disappointed that he couldn't explore the city more. The castle was a stark contrast to the city: quiet, dark, and austere. Lucios followed his uncle through the dark, cold corridors, admiring the tapestries, armor, and paintings adorning the walls.
His uncle led him to the guest hall, where a small, simple table was set with a few dishes of food. The hall was spacious and illuminated by tall windows but seemed empty and dull. Lucios noticed there were only two seats at the table, facing each other. His uncle sat in one of the chairs and gestured for Lucios to do the same. Then he ordered the servants to leave them alone.
Before all the servants left, however, his uncle called one of them and gave him an instruction in a low voice. Lucios could only hear one word: baron. Lucios wondered if his grandfather already knew about his arrival. Nervous, Lucios didn't have to think about it for long as his uncle began to speak to him.
Lucios's uncle looked at him with a gentle smile and began to talk, trying to break the ice. He asked how the boat trip to Guarania was, if the boy had faced any difficulty or danger along the way. He asked if he had managed to rest and eat well during the journey, if he was comfortable in the boat cabin. Finally, he asked about Lucios's sister Isabella, Lucios's mother, whom he hadn't seen in almost a year.
Lucios answered his uncle's questions honestly and simply. He said the boat trip was smooth, without any unexpected events. He said he rested well in the cabin, which was cozy and clean. He said the ship's food was tasty and varied. Finally, he said his mother was doing great.
They talked for a little while longer about various subjects, from life in the city to the latest news from the kingdom. "Uncle, where is grandfather? Isn't he going to meet me?" Lucios asked. "He would certainly like to meet you, Lucios, but father is not in town. He made a trip to the capital two days ago to address some issues," his uncle replied, with a serious expression on his face.
"Grandfather went to the capital in person? What kind of problem would be so important?" Lucios asked, curious. His uncle seemed a bit hesitant about answering Lucios's question, but eventually, he spoke: "The duke of the south made some changes to toll policies in the southern part of the Xingu River arms, and you know that we, the noble houses of the south, are the kingdom's largest food producers. And because of that, many noble houses from the north and west that have connections with the Guato house got furious. So father went to try to resolve this matter directly with the other nobles at the royal court."
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Lucios widened his eyes, surprised by the revelation. He knew the Xingu River was the main trade and transport route between the kingdom's different regions, and any changes in tolls could affect the economy and politics of the entire country. He wondered what the duke of the south was planning.
"But uncle, isn't this very dangerous? Couldn't the duke of the south be offended by grandfather's interference?" Lucios spoke. And his uncle replied, "Father knows what he's doing. He won't provoke a war, but he won't be intimidated either." Lucios nodded, trusting his uncle's words.
His uncle tried to change the subject and cheer up Lucios, who was still thoughtful about his grandfather's situation. Thanks to the letter he received from Count Tiberios a week ago, Lucios knew that his final destination was the Kamaiura house, in the far north of the kingdom, even though he didn't know why Count Tiberios would send the boy there. "Anyway, you don't need to worry about those things. Soon you'll be at the Kamaiura house. There, you'll only have to worry about not freezing your balls off," his uncle said, jokingly.
Lucios smiled, a little embarrassed. He had heard that the north was a cold and icy place, where snow covered the mountains and lakes for most of the year. He wondered what it would be like to live in such a place, and if he would miss the sun and warmth of the south.
"Yeah, I know. But I'm also excited to get to know the Kamaiura house," Lucios said, pretending to be enthusiastic. "That's right, Lucios. But don't forget that the north also has its dangers. You'll have to watch out for the barbarians," his uncle said, more seriously.
Lucios frowned. He knew the barbarians were the people who lived beyond the kingdom's borders, in the wild and unexplored lands. They were considered uncivilized and violent, often attacking villages and caravans in the north, seeking plunder and slaves.
"I heard that Baron Oliver has been doing an excellent job. Since he took charge of that land, barbarian attacks have become less frequent and less intense. He has managed to maintain order and security. But anyway, it's always good to stay alert," his uncle said, praising Baron Oliver's achievements.
Lucios was impressed by his uncle's description. He felt a bit of admiration for Baron Oliver. He wondered what it would be like to meet and live with him. He wondered if he would be a good mentor.
His uncle continued speaking, "Thanks to the letter your father sent, we had enough time to prepare a ship for you, and it's almost ready. At this moment, the ship's captain is making the final preparations and should be ready to set sail in a few hours. Personally, I would have liked you to stay here in Guarania for at least a few days, but your father insisted in the letter that time was crucial and that you should leave as soon as possible."
Lucios quickly replied, "It's all right, I was already aware of the time issue."
His uncle Charlie observed him carefully, trying to read his thoughts and feelings.
A little surprised by what Lucios said, because he thought the boy was completely unaware of Count Tiberios' reasons for sending him to the Kamaiura house, he asked Lucios, "So, do you know why you are being sent to the Kamaiura house?"
Lucios hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should tell everything he knew or not. He didn't fully trust his uncle, who had always been distant from him and was now strangely kind. He also didn't want to appear weak or naive. He decided to be cautious and reveal only what his father had told him. "The only thing father told me is that I would have to seek the favor of Baron Oliver and that in the future, I would receive more detailed instructions," Lucios said, restrained.
His uncle Charlie was a little disappointed with the scant information of his nephew's response. He hoped Lucios would be more curious and questioning, wanting to know more about his father's plans and intentions. He also hoped Lucios would be more sincere and open, trusting him as a friend and advisor. He realized that Lucios was smarter and more reserved than he had imagined, and that perhaps he knew more than he admitted.
He decided not to insist on the subject, as he didn't want to create a bad atmosphere between them. He preferred to change the subject and try to distract Lucios, who seemed tense and worried. "Since we have a few hours until you have to set sail, how about we walk around the city so you can choose some presents to take with you?" Charlie said, trying to sound cheerful and generous.
Lucios quickly became excited about his uncle's proposal. "Of course, uncle. I would love to go with you. Thank you for the offer," Lucios said, with a sincere smile. He agreed and followed his uncle towards the city, leaving the ship and the north behind, for now.