"We?" Shen asked
"Yes you see your not strong enough for me to train you yet so for now I have someone else in mind" Hydris responded "You'll see when you arrive."
************
After a short ride on the carriage.
They come to a stop in front of a palace. The huge palace was beautifully made and eccentric with the pillars holding up the entrance being studded with pearls and clamshells. There were huge statues of different sea monsters and animals. Ranging from a starfish to a shark to something akin to the Kraken in its figure.
"We have arrived," Hydris said with a jovial tone and toothy smile.
Shen was entranced in the extravagance of the palace, He looked at the front there were over 50 windows and there were these amazing lifelike etchings in the stone. "You can get out you know?" Hydris said. In his gawking at the palace he failed to notice that he hadn't left the carriage. Shen exited the carriage and began to walk with Hydris while gawking at the passing grandeur.
As they walked the King asked," What do you see?" Hydris pointed to himself his beard reaching his chest. his face chiseled with a strong jawline and long wavy black hair.
"The King?" Shen responded wondering why he asked "Yes. A King but I was once a commoner as well as a soldier." Hydris began to explain.
" Before I was King this Kingdom was land-bound, And had many wars torn places. Because the original king cared not for the people. Senseless war, after, war and I was sick of it, But there was nothing I could do and I was weak." They entered the palace at this point and shen could see the huge dome roof with all types of paintings on it and they stood in the middle.
"What did you do?" Shen asked curiously.
"I began to train. train harder than ever before I trained until I was bloody and bruised. I became stronger and when I attained enough strength I defeated the King and his corrupt men" Hydris said with a puffed chest of pride.
Shen was dazzled and amazed." but I didn't do it alone. You see the last grandmaster took a liking to me and trained me to seek justice. I wouldn't have any of this if not for him." Hydris said with respect in his voice.
"And you Shin shall also receive training from a grandmaster, And access to the studies you need to progress" They began walking again down a hallway. "You see without being taught you really can't progress correctly. I will be your mentor but not your teacher just yet."
They slowed down in front of a door and Hydris opened it to reveal a woman with 3 other students sitting in a room "She will be your first teacher." there was a little girl with blue eyes, short hair and a bow in her hair.
"Her name is Monsoon and sh-"A loud smash can be heard, The little girl had snuck up behind the King and hit him in the head with a stool breaking it in the process
"WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT INTERRUPTING LESSONS?" She screamed at Hydris with a roar. "And she has a bit of a temper" Hydrissaid spitting splinters out of his mouth.
Shen was stunned. 'The people here are too overbearing here' shen thought. The little girl walked up to him and looked him over. "Who's this statue?" "The girl said.
"Monsoon he is your new student" The King responded with a jovial. "Really? Well, I'm happy to have you. The names Monsoon" The girl put out her hand to shake Shens.
After a moment Shen put his hand to hers. "My name Shen," Shen said still taken aback from her actions.
"Nice to meetcha." Monsoon said as she turned around to face Hydris and said "What did I say about interrupting lessons didn't I say not to interrupt your son's training? And where did this new student come from?"
"Calm down I didn't come here to ruin my son's training again I just wanted to introduce you two we will take our leave now. Come now Shen." Hydris gestured to Shen to follow. As they walked away Monsoon closed the door behind them.
"She has a temper but only because she is passionate about what she teaches, and very good too which is why I allow her to teach my kids. Please do forgive her temper" Hydris said apologetically.
"Now then I take it you must be tired from your journey, and I take it you need time to adjust to your situation. so I'll show you to your room shortly but before that, I have something to say."Hydris stopped in the middle of the hallway and turned to face Shen with a serious expression.
"I put trust in you because you were shu's student. but," Hydris expression hardened and Shen felt a pressing aura that felt like a being crushed by a boulder assaulted his body. "If you have the gall to step out of line. Do something against my will. Or hurt one of my sons. Your end will be swift and painful".
"Understood?" Hydris said. The weight feeling heavier by the second.
"Y-yes I understand," Shen said scared out of his wits, This man emitted an aura that could have made even a sea monster flinch.
"Good," Hydris said quickly changing his expression "Sorry I just need you to understand your position. Now let's get going."
The aura left as quickly as it came and Shen felt the crushing weight leave his body. he let out a sigh of relief 'this man can not be taken lightly' Shen thought.
"Here is your room. I hope you rest up well." the king gestured to the door and Shin went in. it was a large room and a king bed and a few books shelves " Thank you King" Shin bowed "Call me Hydris. Good night Shin" The King left and Shin collapsed onto the bed and began to recollect his thoughts. and with time any sadness turned to rage