"I want to explore the castle interior more. Please, show me every part of the castle!" I say as we approach the front of the castle.
"Yes, my Queen. It is our pleasure!" Eulalia says shyly.
The five of us walk along the edge of a moat that looks more like a river as Leonita nods in agreement. I peer into the flowing water and see the many fish swimming in all directions. I gasped at a large fish that looked similar to a Mekong giant catfish, but its size could not compare to anything I knew from my world. Its bright yellow color with red streaks seems more appropriate for a tropical fish. But my eyes do not deceive me. This strange fish looks identical to a Mekong giant catfish. In fact, many fish seem to be otherworldly to me. The deep water is crystal clear, and the various colors of rocks at the bottom glisten in the rays of the sunlight. The contrasting colors of the aquatic fish sparkle with the colors of the rainbow as we walk by.
Along the far bank of the moat, an imposing sight greets us—a colossal wall, grander in scale than the protective barrier guarding the Virgin's Sanctuary. This towering fortification is an architectural marvel, with massive stone bastion fortifications jutting out at equal intervals, resembling the formidable teeth of a mythical dragon. Sidran soldiers stand vigilantly atop these vast defensive emplacements, their presence a testament to the city's unyielding determination to safeguard its treasures.
As we draw nearer to the castle, my eyes widen in astonishment at the sight of the long, hefty stone drawbridge leading to the keep, which defends the principal entrance. This drawbridge, reminiscent of London Bridge, appears to stretch twice as far, beckoning travelers into the heart of the fortress.
The towers that loom ahead are not mere structures but fortresses in their own right, standing as sentinels guarding the keep. Their size and sturdiness surpass all expectations. They rise like ancient giants, their stone facades weathered by time and battles fought. Few windows adorn these colossal towers, giving them an aura of impenetrability. They resemble massive square stone fortresses, resolute in their defense.
From the corners of the keep, visible even from a distance, stone bastion fortifications extend outward like steadfast guardians, their stone surfaces engraved with the history of Sidra. The Sidran royal blue flags flutter proudly in the wind, each bearing the golden seal of Sidra—a symbol of the unwavering legacy of the Virgin Queens.
As we approach the drawbridge, I can't help but feel a sense of awe. The drawbridge itself is a marvel of engineering, its massive stone slabs supported by intricate mechanisms hidden beneath. It stands as a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of Sidra's builders, designed to withstand the test of time and siege.
Stepping onto the drawbridge, I marvel at the view that unfolds before me. The moat, now a shimmering ribbon of water, reflects the mighty walls and towers like a flawless mirror. The sight is breathtaking, and I can't help but imagine the countless battles and triumphs that have taken place here over the centuries.
Crossing the drawbridge, we enter the keep, and the grandeur only intensifies. The interior courtyard is a marvel of horticulture, with lush gardens and vibrant flowers adorning the space. Tall trees provide shade, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Stone statues of past Virgin Queens stand sentinel, their likenesses carved with exquisite detail.
As I gaze upward, I am struck by the sheer height of the keep's walls. It truly does resemble a medium-sized skyscraper, but one forged from stone and history. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting the heroic deeds of Sidra's rulers and the stories of its people. Each carving tells a tale of valor, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of Sidra.
Entering the keep itself, I am met with a sense of reverence. The interior is vast, with towering stone columns reaching toward the heavens. The corridors are lit by flickering torches, casting dancing shadows that seem to whisper secrets of the past. It feels like stepping into a different era, a time when chivalry and honor were the guiding principles.
The few windows that punctuate the stone walls allow slivers of light to filter in, revealing glimpses of the city beyond. From this vantage point, one can see the bustling streets of Sidra, a vibrant tapestry of life and culture.
In the heart of the keep, a grand hall awaits, its ceiling adorned with ornate frescoes that depict the history of Sidra in vivid colors. Massive wooden tables stand at attention, awaiting the feasts and gatherings that have taken place for generations. The air is heavy with the weight of history, and I can't help but feel a profound sense of privilege to walk in the footsteps of those who have come before.
The keep is a labyrinth of chambers and chambers, each holding its own treasure trove of history and secrets. From the armory with its gleaming suits of armor to the library filled with ancient tomes, every corner of the keep is a testament to the legacy of Sidra.
As I explore further, I come across a balcony that offers a breathtaking view of the city below. From this vantage point, I can see the people of Sidra going about their daily lives, their laughter and voices echoing through the streets. It is a reminder that while the keep stands as a symbol of strength and history, it is the people of Sidra who breathe life into the city's storied walls.
At that moment, I understood the true essence of Sidra—a city that has endured through the ages, a place where the past and present coexist in harmony. It is a world steeped in history and tradition, where the legacy of the Virgin Queens lives on in every stone and every story told. As I stand on that balcony, I can't help but feel a profound sense of pride in being a part of this timeless city.
After a few moments of taking in the scale of the fortifications, we reach the rising granite steps to the principal entrance to Sidra's Castle. The light gray and blue-gray of the granite steps create a masterly artistic look. I look up and gasp at how many steps we need to climb to reach the entrance. There are no fewer than twenty landings before reaching the top of the stairs. I feel like we are about to ascend to the top of a pyramid.
"Is this really necessary?" I ask.
"You wanted to see everything, my Queen. So why not start with the view everyone else receives when they first visit the castle," Leonita says with a smile.
"Oh man, I didn't mean going up another flight of stairs. Look how many there are!" I say in a whiny voice.
"I will carry you, my Queen!" Diethard says.
I regard him for several moments as I consider his offer, but Eulalia interrupts me.
"My Queen. That would not be Queen-like of you… to be carried in such garments… You could inadvertently expose yourself," Eulalia says softly.
"Ahem… my Queen. I had not thought of such possibilities. With your garments as they are… Lady Eulalia is correct in her assessment. I implore your forgiveness for suggesting such an absurd proposition," Diethard says as he bows to me.
"Come on, don't do that. You were trying to help because I complained. It will be alright. Let's just get this mounting hike over with. Maybe you can carry me some other time when I am not wearing an open-invitation dress," I say with a slight smirk. Although I genuinely desire him to carry me.
"My Queen, a significant portion of your wardrobe is like or identical to what you currently wear. Should I inquire about other outfits? Naturally, the Regency will need to approve whatever I request," Leonita says as I walk up the steps.
"Figures it would be something like that," I say as I sigh.
With Eulalia and Leonita beside me, my escorts and handmaidens journey up the numerous steps leading to the entrance of Sidra's Castle. The castle is grander, more illustrious, fantastical, and more impressive than any castle I have seen. There is nothing like it in all the books, movies, and lore from ancient Earth or my homeworld. Nothing can compare in scale except the mega skyscrapers of my world. And yet, those achievements pale in comparison. A medieval society should not have the capability or knowledge to construct such mega structures.
For this reason, only their engineering prowess surpasses anything constructed in my world. The sky's the limit when the people of Sidra reach the technological awareness of my world. If medieval Earth had this level of knowledge, humanity would colonize the stars centuries before we eventually did. 'Are royals like me responsible for their sudden advancements?'
After an epic climb of the century, we finally find our way to the Sidran Castle entrance. The top landing is the largest and spans the length of the castle. We are greeted by an enormous steel double door that reaches three stories high. There is an imposing feeling emanating from its presence. I find this door to be impenetrable. These monstrous doors can only be opened with the help of large golden loops. The architects of these imposing doors carved the imagery of the Sidren Capital City, the Castle itself, and the many Virgin Queens of Sidra into the doors themselves. Metallic gold embroidery interconnects the different murals. A golden steel-coated frame braces the door in place. Soldiers dressed in golden and silver armor from head to toe stand at their posts along the front of the castle. Royal blue, gold, and silver plumes top the great helms they wear as they stand like stone statues. The rays of the sun reflect off the elegant armor. The impressive soldiers hold enormous pikes with gold and silver tips. These shining soldiers of Sidra grip their swords in their other hands.
"It feels like a castle out of a high fantasy," I mumble. The vast magnitude of the castle leaves me speechless.
"It is a castle, my Queen. Do you not possess them in your world?" Eulalia questions as Diethard and Gottwald speak to the soldiers before the doors.
"Well, we have military bases, but they look nothing like this. Not even close. We have other technologies instead of the massive defenses which prevent our military bases from being attacked. Old Earth may have had castles still standing from the middle ages when humans left Earth," I reply.
The four men pull the large steel double doors open. The metal hinges creak and groan as they slowly open inch by inch. A gold light spills through the small opening as the doors open. The three of us walk through the entrance into the magnificently impressive and grand foyer. Six enormous grand staircases lead up to the second floor. Four of them are directly in front of me. The other two are on the right and left sides of the foyer. Beside each grand staircase are more large steel double doors with more upstairs. The second floor has four grand staircases, which lead to a third floor with more large steel double doors. As we walk in, Eulalia comes close to me.
"My Queen, all the soldiers inside this part of the castle are female. The General at Arms is a female, and she hand-picked every soldier herself," Eulalia whispers in my ear.
"My goodness. So many women in one place," I say as a burning in my womb ignites.
"It is tradition, my Queen," Eulalia says.
"Well, what about in the Queen's Keep? That is how we met Diethard and Gottwald?" I ask, looking her in the eyes.
"You and the administrators can assign any soldier to the Queen's Keep," Eulalia says as we walk up the grand central staircase.