Elgin Grimwald
Standing at the railing of the indoor balcony above the main foyer, I was watching Rin by the front door, surrounded by a few of my servants. I've been carefully noting his actions these past few days, along with how well he gets along with my family.
His training is going as expected, he's handling the pace organized for him somewhat gracefully. Sir Chiron and myself are not worried. The only thing slowing down his progress is his body. His malnourished nature and scrawny muscles keep us from training his Will too much, his own body can barely handle the toll.
But, as expected, it's all going to schedule.
That said, it will still be a few weeks before we can move onto anything substantial.
The servants are currently packing his few belongings to make sure he has everything he needs for the next few days. I've allowed him to help his family move into their new home in the Middle District, even lending them some carriages. Usually, I would not have authorized his departure from the estate so early in his training, but when Phia caught wind of his sister's birthday soon, she practically pleaded in his favor.
That woman's heart has grown softer since our children were born. She's not the woman she once was… perhaps for the best. Even Sir Chiron has always vouched for a softer environment for Leo and Lavinia. They both have gone soft.
It was not long before Rin left. His possessions did not even occupy a full suitcase. The troop of servants assigned to his trip spent most of their time tending to the horses.
"Shall we take our leave, my Lord?" Sir Chiron speaks in a muted voice from behind me.
I turn back, in his direction, his noncommittal face hiding his feelings. His opinion on these council meetings is mutual with mine. The detached Lords and Ladies at the table have no root solutions to the kingdom's cancer. They need to be checked.
With a slight lifting of my cheeks, I spoke with a tired voice. Just the thought of heading to the meeting was draining me. "Let us hope they make it quick."
Sir Chiron and myself climb into my carriage just as the last of the luggage is packed away.
The meeting, like most council meetings, was taking place in the royal palace.
The royal palace was situated off the mainland, on an island East of shore. It was accessible by road and bridge; however, in the essence of time, my entourage was permitted access to travel there by ferry.
When we arrived at the port, there were many lavish boats owned by the nobles of the kingdom, some even living on an island much like the royal family. Unlike them, the royal family owned a boat that stood out above the rest. Full metal casing, reinforced by the best Metal Holders in the kingdom. It wasn't fancy like the others, it didn't shine with the expensive jewels of far-off kingdoms or flash vibrant colours to grab attention. What set it apart was pure spectacle. Size above all.
Its unspotted, white polish finish, with no dents in sight, that towered above the nearby buildings is what made it stand out. The buildings around the port were not tall, but the royal ferry only made them look smaller.
Due to its size, the carriage simply rode onto the ferry and was left near the bottom in storage during the voyage to the island.
If it were a longer journey, every guest would be treated to a room, but for this short ride, all occupants were directed to a large portside dining room with a view of the water.
Most of the occupants were newly promoted and reassigned Elite Guards, headed to the island for training. The dining room was a glorified drunkard party, with enough free alcohol for these 'soldiers' to flirt with anything holding a pulse. Even their oaths of romantic abstinence won't hold them back tonight.
While this scheduled ride is trivialized, it is of no surprise they send me to the island with this batch.
Standing with Sir Chiron by the window closest to the bow, we watched as the distant landmass slowly grew in size.
What was once the shadow of a distant fog, of the royal estate, has now grown close enough for the ferry to take refuge behind its veil. The royal estate, a castle of majesty, stood on a cliff, indifferent to its shores. Far away from the problems of the kingdom.
It stood taller than any building in the Upper District, and just as pure and white as the associate ferry. The rays of the yellow sun radiating from behind glowed with sacred beauty, and the hot orange highlighted the castle's border.
Staring up from so far down strained my neck and my eyes.
"No matter our number of visits, its magnificence never ceases to amaze me." Sir Chiron dramatically exhaled.
"Magnificence is merely a façade; do not be fooled by its grandeur, Sir Chiron. All masks will one day crumble." I dismissed him.
"Of course, my Lord. But, shouldn't you enjoy such beauties now and then? Your life is too grim for such definite views." He looked at me with his passionate grin.
"Let us continue, Sir Chiron." Turning to walk away.
Sir Chiron followed from behind. "You should smile more, Sir." I could practically hear him grinning behind me.
A royal ambassador met us at the ferry's exit, immediately directing us to the meeting chamber. Our carriage would be cared for and our luggage brought to a room within the castle.
"It would seem the king has become an eager man." Sir Chiron quipped.
"Reports from the supporting family heads state they have been receiving troublesome news. I'm sure the king is eager to get ahead of the problems." Reaching the bottom of the port stairs that lead to the castle entrance.
"And you call all Heads useless bretches." Sir Chiron joked with a laugh.
"They are more useless than Bretch Beasts. At least their saliva has multiple uses." Affirming my previous statements. Our guide could overhear, but didn't dare interrupt or demand respect.
We stuck mostly to the main halls of the castle. Their wide corridors barren of personal affection. The only sight pleasing to the eyes was the meticulously decorated pillars.
I never understood possessing a home larger than life can hold. What is the point of this size if all it brings is monotony? With nothing to remind you this is a home, not just a job or a place.
The walk to the council chamber is long, but it is of no concern to me. If they have already started, the later I arrive, the sooner we can leave.
Drawing closer to the room, the oppressive, violent Auras of all the powerful Holders stung like an annoying bug bite. My Elite Will helped to lessen the effect, but it was no match for the likely two dozen others in the room. All important Heads of the Kingdom flaunting their strength and refusing to hold back.