Speaking of the town, the displays of grand buildings and its intricate architect are all too new to him. For all his life, he never got the chance to visit any of the Empire's settlements. He has remained at the northern lands and farming was his source of income and sustenance back in their family's early days. Siegtyr and his family eventually were granted a considerable piece of land by the High King for their service to the kingdom. This was during the time when his father, Ulf the Wolf-kin, a young renowned housecarl at that time, defeated the Wolf spirit Fenris single-handedly for plaguing the farmlands and travelers. With Fenris' demise, the Wolf spirit was impressed by the prowess that Ulf displayed, thus a portion of Fenris' power and knowledge was transferred to the Viking warrior. As a result, he was named "Wolf-kin", the worthy adversary of Fenris and he who was granted the aspect of the Wolf.
"I must say, you men of the Empire have genius builders within your ranks. The designs of your buildings and houses indeed do justice with your great reputation and culture." Siegtyr decided to break the ice and converse with the guard accompanying him.
The guard in return was surprised by the civility that the Northman beside him is displaying. The Northmen that he had the displeasure of knowing displayed no love in his culture, but it appeared that this young man is clearly different. In addition, the Viking was also well-versed in their language, much to his great wonder.
"I've been meaning to say this, you show admirable fluency in our language, my lord." The guard inquired with curiosity.
"Why yes. It is only right, given that I will practically be in the center of a whole new culture." Siegtyr grinned in response. "My father, Ulf the Wolf-kin taught me the language he learned from his friend, one of your nobles, a Duke, I believe."
"Yes, I heard the story, of how Earl Ulf was defeated by Duke Triverius in open battle. The Duke imprisoned your father but treated him with immense respect for exhibiting outstanding valor in battle. While Earl Ulf served his time, Duke Triverius made an effort in offering his hand of friendship instead of the usual maltreatment to prisoners of war. When the war finally ended, the two officially declared their friendship, thus forming a bond and alliance between Duke Triverius house, the House of Augustus, and of yours, the House of Unso. It was also seen as a sign of goodwill where even the Empire and the Northern Kingdoms are capable of getting along with each other." The man conversed about his great deal of knowledge regarding the two families.
"Fascinating, you seem to be greatly acquainted with our history for a mere guardsman. Judging by the more intricate armor that you wore compared to the other guards that I observed patrolling around the area, I can say that you are no ordinary individual. Who are you really?" Siegtyr raised his brow in question.
What Siegtyr stated is true. Unlike what his companion is wearing, the other guards in his proximity are instead clad in their average chainmail armor set with a shirt-like design of the similar eagle insignia. The type of helmet that the guards are using is a great helm, showing its red cross design on the front. But nevertheless, their armor still has immense value and material despite its clear inferiority to the man in front of him.
"Ah, forgive me my lord for not introducing myself." The guard bowed his head apologetically. "My name is Lucon Augustus, second son of Commander Cletho Augustus, the brother of our head of the house, Duke Triverius Augustus. I was tasked personally by the Duke to retrieve and bring you to the Emperor."
"An Augustus, huh." Siegtyr stroked his chin with a smirk. "I see. Then it's only right that I offer my hand of friendship to you as the representative of my clan."
With his statement, Siegtyr offered a handshake to Lucon.
"Indeed." Lucon agreed enthusiastically and graciously accepted the kind gesture. "Your words do you honor, Lord Siegtyr. I wish nothing but great and lasting prosperity between our two houses."
"Yes." Siegtyr gave his simple response. They then resumed their walk going to the royal palace where the Emperor and the royal family of the Holy Bahamuth Empire resided.
Upon arriving at the palace gates, Siegtyr could not help but be impressed by how huge and grand the place is. If he were to compare to the longhouse that he and his own family lived, then it would unquestioningly pale in comparison. It's like comparing a diamond to the dirty ground.
'So, this is the very seat of the whole Empire.' Siegtyr assumed a serious demeanor, his calculating eyes wander all around the whole vicinity. He took time to analyze every marvelous detail of the palace, from its extravagant white color scheme, the intricate architectural design, to the overall building materials made mostly out of marble and a few gold ornaments.
With such spectacle display, Siegtyr no doubt felt like a helpless little ant in the face of this predicament. His mind ventured on the days when their kingdom was still at war with the Empire. With him being here, he now got a taste of what the Empire is capable of. If the Empire had their way, then the Kingdom of Uppsland and Fjormark would not last any longer should they decided to not answer the call of peace and alliance. For Siegtyr, it was wise for the two High Kings to enter peace with the Empire and be benefited from the riches, lands, and goods that they have to offer.
Of course, this does not mean that the said Northern Kingdoms would renounce their way of life entirely. Siegtyr and his northern brethren are still Vikings at heart. Even with their alliance with the Empire, they are still proud men of the North, and warriors of no equal. Not even in a million years would they abandon their heritage, the very thing that truly defines them.
Thankfully as part of the peace treaty after numerous negotiations, the Northmen are allowed to keep their cultures and traditions. The Empire value other nation's traditional interest and their way of conquering are actually very lenient compared to the other kingdoms who wished total domination and conversion to their enemies who are completely at their mercy. Although the Empire would still attempt to persuade them in converting to their own religion of Cratholism by means of baptism to further spread their influence and rule.
Overall, Siegtyr shared the same sentiment with most of his fellow Uppish men in keeping the peace. As long as the Empire is true to their word, then there's no reason for Uppsland and Fjormark to break theirs as well.
That, and the two Kingdoms still have their fair share of enemies from the other warring tribes and northern Kingdoms, so their lust for battle and raiding were mostly satiated. The Empire is also wise in directing that particular Northmen's brutish personality instead of her enemies.
"I bid you welcome to the White Palace, Lord Siegtyr." Lucon presented the said grand area to the young Thane.
"Hmm, I must say, it perhaps may almost be on par with the halls of Valhalla. Almost." Siegtyr was definitely impressed by the display, emphasizing the last word.
"Valhalla? You mean the Viking Afterlife? If that's the case, then I am pleased by your compliment." Lucon appreciated Siegtyr's praise.
As they were granted entry by the palace guards, Siegtyr also saw the said guards patrolling around the vicinity of the palace exteriors. Unlike the average guardsman, they wore almost similar attire to the one Lucon is equipped with, emphasizing their military station that is leagues above compared to the guards outside.
Entering the grand hall, Siegtyr and Lucon were immediately greeted by the sight of more palace guards lining up as two squads face on another adjacently. A red carpet is also witness, serving as the formal path to the throne.
The palace guards exhibited great discipline by assuming a position of attention while wielding their halberds upright.
"I believe they are expecting us then if the grand military display is any indication." Siegtyr made his comment.
"Haha, yes, Lord Siegtyr. Consider this as your grand welcome to Danusta, the capital of the Holy Bahamuth Empire. Now let us not dally any further. The Emperor and Empress are waiting for us." Lucon gestured Siegtyr to follow him.
When they're finally in front of the rulers of the Empire, Lucon bowed down on his knees.
The Emperor as what one may expect is a man of his golden years. He has black hair and dressed in his usual regal black robes and also wore a necklace with a silver cross pendant. In his head adorns the Golden Crown of Bahamuth, an illustrious headgear passed down from Emperor to Emperor for countless generations. The crown boasted many kinds of stone jewelry that are engraved. It is of no jest that the crown itself is worth three Kingdoms, a testament of the Emperor's power and his authority throughout the whole of the Holy Bahamuth Empire.
Many regarded him as a piteous man, always seen praying to the Creator for guidance in the chapel. No doubt, the Emperor is a symbol to his people and the perfect example of a religious man in service to the great Creator.
The Empress on the other hand is known to be the strongest supporter of her own husband. She is a woman in her middle ages, known to be a decade younger than her royal spouse. Despite her age, her beauty nonetheless has never wavered, thus garnering the attention of many men and women throughout the land. The Empress wore a luxurious violet robe and a set of bracelets to display her status of royalty and wealth. In contrast to the Emperor's hair color, the Empress instead has silver long hair.