Timothy stared at the window. After reading the letter, he cancelled the march and went to his office with Erik.
The two were silent for a while until Erik spoke with a worried tone "Tim, you don't know anything about women"
"Yeah" he answered lazily
"And…" Erik paused as if recalling something "you never had a lover before"
"That's true" Timothy agreed
Erik leaned on his chair "Some people even say that you" he paused and whispered "like men"
Tim shot Erik a piercing look that almost made him fell off the chair. While it was true that he never had a lover before, it was not because he likes men. He just doesn't have interest in romance. For him, romance was a privilege only commoners could enjoy. Every noble family uses marriage as a political tool so he already knew that someday he would marry someone for political reasons. But now that it finally happened, he was slightly scared. He will live with this person possibly his whole life. Although Castonian law allowed divorce, he will still be tied to her. He was young and still had many ambitions.
He wanted to experience his youth and discover the secrets of this world. He wanted to travel north where the sea spans the horizon, to visit the howling mountains of Ninev, the lush fertile plains of sond, the ghambit desert. Most important of all, he wanted to find the person in his dreams, that woman whose presence fills his heart with both joy and sadness. If he will marry, he can't do these things.
"Baseless rumors!" Erik immediately clarified "but Tim, are you alright with this?"
"It's father's orders. I don't have a choice. As long as she doesn't shackle me, then it's alright."
Timothy stood up and went to the cabinet. He took a bottle of aged Hadean wine. The bottle was one of the best ones in his collection. He then took two cups and offered one to Erik.
"Drinking before breakfast. Is that wise?" Erik cautioned.
Timothy ignored his question. "We will leave the castle and head for the capital tomorrow. You're not unfamiliar with the King's patience. Besides.." he poured some wine into his cup. The aroma of aged hadean filled his nostrils with glee. " we also need to visit your father in Greenwater along the way. The Marquis will be happy to see you again." he took a sip. The rich taste of the wine warmed his heart.
"I'll make the preparations then" Erik also poured some wine into his cup. He took a sip and then emptied the cup into his mouth. He let out an ecstatic grunt "After we're done with this of course" he raised his cup and took the bottle again to pour some more.
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Erik and James prepared for the journey while Tim went to see General Marvin and gave his final orders. He relinquished his command of the castle Knightsend to the General. It was a bad time to change leaders because there are rumors that the neighboring Kingdom of Tulosa was preparing for an invasion. Nevertheless, Timothy trusts General Marvin abilities.
News of the imminent departure made the mood in the castle somber. Although Timothy was strict, he was also popular with the soldiers. Several officers and even common soldiers went to Timothy to confirm the news.
In the afternoon, Timothy decided to give the soldiers his farewell. 4000 men stood silently. Their discipline was absolute and their eyes were brimming with pride. Timothy remembered the same scene a year ago when he punished the soldiers by making them stand all night. They were undisciplined back then, now they stood strong like true Castonians.
"Garrison of Knightsend" He started. His voice was loud and clear. His posture was powerful but not overbearing "I am Timothy Castonia, your garrison commander" he paused "You know me as rooster prince" he gave a playful grin.
The soldiers contained their laughs and the mood was lightened.
"You may have heard of the news. I'm leaving Knightsend. But no, I'm not abandoning you" he assured them "the entire Castonian army is behind you so don't be anxious."
"I only have one request" he paused to catch everyone's attention "If the Tulosans dare invade us, make them kneel. Make them understand that when the lion roars, even the wildest stallions tremble. Show them that they had chosen the wrong land to invade. " Timothy's voice echoed throughout the castle.
"15 years ago they also tried to invade. Our predecessors broke them while defending the walls" Timothy pointed at the walls "these very walls. They assaulted these walls thrice, each time failing. It was bloody, but our predecessors broke them. We then renamed the Castle, Knightsend to warn them not to think about future invasions"
"But it seems our warning did not deter them from trying their luck again. If they did invade, it will be your turn to break them. It's your turn to defend your Kingdom. Instill in their minds that Knightsend's name still stands!" Timothy raised his fist into the air and the soldiers' cheers boomed inside the castle.
Timothy paused to let the noise subside. He then ended his speech with a question, "Will you defend Castonia?"
Filled with emotions, the soldiers saluted by pounding their fists into their chests. Timothy could see the smoldering fire in their eyes. He was proud of them. They are the very definition of a Castonian, strong, loyal and brave.
The assembly was then disbanded with the soldiers in high spirits.
The afternoon gave way to evening, and evening became morning. It was time to leave.
Timothy, Erik and James took one last look at the Castle. Although Timothy might not want to admit it, he had grown fond of Knightsend. The walls were not that tall, but they gave an aura of strength and vigilance. The towers were not so imposing, but Timothy knew that only a fool would underestimate these towers. The gates were not the strongest in the word, but the enemy would have to sacrifice a lot to take it.
The three of them turned their horses around and started their journey. Their destination- The City of Nirvana, Capital of Castonia.