Chapter 14:
Renaissance
After finally finishing up their reconnaissance on one of the forests on the outskirts of the western kingdom, the army quickly packed their things and headed back home to report their findings. The journey back to the Faelfier kingdom's palace was long and arduous, but having made up with Adora, her and Silas returned to their usual amicable and chatty dynamic. The other soldiers surrounding them glanced at the two with relief. The two became unbearably antisocial and angry when they were not talking to each other, and their wrathes were unleashed on the unfortunate souls that were unlucky enough to be around them.
As the two chatted on horseback, Adora glared down at the staring soldiers, who all looked away. This caused Silas to laugh heartily.
"You control your men with a strong hand, Adora." Silas said, continuing to laugh.
"Well, you're one of my men too. Don't forget that." Adora said, sticking up her nose.
"Apologizes, Ma'am!" Silas barked out sarcastically, barely holding back a laugh.
Adora shook her head and began to laugh, which caused Silas to release the laugh he was trying to hold back, "Gods, shut your mouth. I regret saying that."
They both continued to laugh as the large group made their way back to the Faelfier kingdom. Silas was relieved to be able to leave the dangerous border and get back to his home of ten years.
…
As the group finally crossed the large drawbridge and entered the capital, people turned their heads and their faces lit up. Groups began to form around the cobblestone road as the soldier marched into the large, bustling capital. People hustled out of the stores lining the streets, and families living above the stores popped their heads out of windows to cheer. Even the construction workers paused their work on expanding the outer capitol walls to applaud the incoming soldiers. Most of the soldiers smiled and waved as their families began to show themselves on either side of the road. Children ran along the marching soldiers, laughing and playing, until their parents would call them back or grab them to move them out of the way. Silas smiled weakly and waved as Adora called and waved to the many people she knew.
Because Adora grew up in Moireach, the Faelfier kingdom's capital, she was kept very busy waving to her numerous friends. Silas glanced over at Adora with a gentle smile before looking forward and continuing to wave. Once all the soldiers entered the town square, they snapped to formation and waited for dismissal from the king, who emerged from a balcony overlooking the square. The young, wise king smiled and waved to the many citizens who cheered as they saw their king emerge.
"It is an honor to welcome our esteemed soldiers back." The king began, his loud, crisp voice silencing the crowd, "I would like to thank you all for the risks you take when you leave and take on a dangerous mission such as this one. It's difficult to leave your friends and family behind on behalf of the kingdom, and for that, I and the citizens of the Faelfier kingdom would like to extend our warmest appreciation to the brave men and women who fight for us. Please take the next day to enjoy yourselves!" The king raised his arms, which caused the crowd surrounding the soldiers to cheer wildly. After a moment, he dropped them with a smile and turned, reentering the building. This signalled to the soldiers that they were dismissed, and they all quickly dropped their stance to run to their families. The square became a frenzy of bodies, so Silas and Adora briskly led their horses to the stables and dismounted. Two of the stablehands came out and took the horses' reins. Silas and Adora gave their horses one final pat before they began their short walk to the castle.
"Gods, I'm so glad to have a day off. I'll probably just sleep the whole day." Adora said with a content smile, stretching her arms over her head, "What are you planning to do tomorrow?"
"I don't know." Silas said, furrowing his eyebrows, "I'll probably just do some sword training."
Adora dropped her arms and looked at him bewildered, "I know you're dedicated, but Gods Silas, we're getting a day off. Take it! Go get a drink at the tavern or something!"
Silas laughed weakly before shaking his head, "You know I don't really enjoy stuff like that."
"Then hang out with me! We'll go do something!"
"Didn't you say you wanted to sleep?"
"I won't do it the whole day! Come on, let's have some fun tomorrow."
Silas sighed before nodding his head, "Okay, fine. I'll train in the morning then."
Adora smiled before nudging Silas, "Anything you want to do?"
Silas shrugged, "You decide."
Adora thought for a moment before beginning to rattle off ideas, but Silas stopped listening, instead getting caught up in his thoughts.
It was only with some prodding from Adora that Silas snapped back to attention.
"Have you been listening?" Adora asked, looking at Silas from the corner of her eye.
"Sorry," Silas said nonchalantly with a smile, which made Adora look away with a huff, "I'm listening now."
"I said my father wants to speak with you." Adora said with a raised eyebrow, "He sent me a letter right before we returned. He wouldn't tell me what it was about, so it must be important. I wouldn't keep him waiting."
I wonder what it could be about, Adora thought to herself, eyeing Silas, as if doing so would reveal her father's reason for needing to speak to Silas in private, I haven't even spoken to my dad yet. I wonder what's going on?
As the two began to approach the castle gates, Silas began to quicken his step, leaving the slowing Adora. She came to a stop as they entered the gates and Silas began to walk up the stairs to the castle entrance. He turned as he began his quick steps up the stairs, "When have I ever made your father wait?"
"Yeah, yeah." Adora said, waving her hand in front of her dismissively, "See you tomorrow."
Silas waved as he reached the top of the stairs and, without breaking stride, nodded at the guards who opened the castle doors.
Adora watched Silas from the bottom of the castle stairs before shaking her head and walking past, heading to the kitchen to ask Marze for the sweets he stored away for her.
…
As Clarence and Alywin made their way through the garden, Alywin kept an eye out for any of the servants who would stop them, but thankfully it was very quiet in the garden.
"Where are you taking me again?" Clarence asked, raising an eyebrow as Alywin continued to tug on his sleeve.
"It's a surprise!" Alywin said before turning to Clarence, "Relax, you'll like this surprise!"
"Except I hate surprises." Clarence said with a frown. Alywin stopped for a moment before turning to Clarence and letting him go,
"Alright, old man. What is going on with you? You keep pushing me away, and now you're acting like a cup of spoiled milk."
Clarence shook his head and looked away, "I don't feel like talking about it."
Alywin glared at Clarence for a moment before grabbing his shirt sleeve again, "Fine. But stop acting like a pouting child and come along. You'll like this surprise if nothing else."
Clarence bit his snarky reply down and followed Alywin, rolling his eyes in the process.
It only took them a few more minutes before Alywin slowed to a stop and looked around. He nodded happily and turned to Clarence, after which he covered Clarence's eyes with his hands. Clarence drew back in surprise but Alywin closed the distance between them and covered his eyes again, "Come along, now! No peeking!"
Clarence frowned deeply, but stayed still, Alywin's hands still covering his eyes.
"I'm going to move my hands now. You better keep your eyes closed, alright?" Alywin said.
"Yes, yes!" Clarence said, getting frustrated, "Now what is this big secret you want to show me?" Alywin grabbed Clarence's hand this time and led him forward a few steps before moving something and pulling Clarence through.
"Okay, open your eyes!" Alywin said with a large smile on his face.
Clarence slowly opened his eyes, letting his eyes adjust to the setting sun that was glaring at him. Once he fully opened his eyes, he looked around in shock, "How'd you find this? I haven't been here in years!" Clarence let out a small laugh in surprise, as he pushed his shoulder -length hair out of his face, "If my mother found out you brought me here, she'd kill you!"
"I doubt that!" Alywin said, pulling his shirt over his head and removing his shoes, "She likes me too much to do something like that! Now come on, let's get in! We only have a little bit more time before the sun sets!"
Clarence let a genuine smile grow on his face as he stared at the small lake in front of him. Woods surrounded the small lake, making it a hidden wonder to everyone but the nearby animals. The water in the lake was clear and undisturbed, which encouraged the two young men to get in and disturb the calm water. Small lily pads floated in the water, their green pads glowing in the setting sun. The birds surrounding the pond cried out, and other birds returned their calls. All of these noises and sights made Clarence laugh. It made him remember all the times he would sneak out with Valorie, his old maid, and go swimming here. Clarence's face glowed as he remembered the times he was truly happy. Before his eighth birthday, before he was almost murdered, before his life was under constant scrutiny.
Clarence shook his head, trying to shake away the bad thoughts. He then took Alywin's lead and removed his shirt and his shoes, letting the sun shine on his toned arms and stomach. Clarence's daily sword training had built not only his body, but his mind as well. Clarence learned discipline, something he greatly lacked as a child, and gained an outlet for all his anger. The outbursts he had as a child greatly diminished, and the relief was palpable throughout all of the castle.
Alywin whistled as he looked at Clarence's torso, "Do you dress like that for swords training too? Maybe I should get my training switched, so I'm with you."
Clarence rolled his eyes, but could not hide the silly grin growing on his face. Alywin looked over with a small smirk before jumping in the water, causing a huge splash, which hit Clarence with the impact.
"Ah! The water's so cold!" Clarence shouted as he took a step back.
Alywin's head emerged from the lake, and he laughed as he looked at Clarence, "Better hurry up and get in then! Or," Alywin began, sending a small splash in Clarence's direction, which made Clarence involuntarily flinch, "Are you too cowardly?"
"Cowardly?" Clarence balked, "I'm the future king of the Yursear kingdom! I don't have time to be a coward!"
"Then prove me wrong and get in!" Alywin shouted, floating away on his back.
"I will then!" Clarence huffed, holding his head high. He took a look behind him before he took a few steps back, then ran with all his might forward, his arms swinging wildly as his body lunged forward with his jump into the water. The water rippled wildly as Clarence's body was submerged in the water. Alywin let out an excited cry as Clarence's head emerged from the water and he slicked his wet hair back. As Clarence took a deep breath in, Alywin swam towards him with a grin,
"Well, would you look at that!" Alywin said teasingly, "Truly a brave man!"
"Of course!" Clarence said, a small blush forming on his face as he treaded water.
"Come on, we don't have a lot of time!" Alywin said as he circled around Clarence, "Let's have some fun!"
"Want to race?" Clarence asked, a grin forming on his face.
"Maybe." Alywin replied, "What do I get if I win?"
"What do you want?"
Alywin thought for a moment before replying, "If I win, you do everything I say for a day."
"Absolutely not! What would people say if they saw that?!"
Alywin rolled his eyes, "What do you want then? If you win?"
"I want," Clarence said as he moved closer to Alywin, "Something I don't know if you can do."
Alywin raised an eyebrow with interest, "Is that so? What is this thing I can't do?"
"You'll find out if I win." Clarence said, as he swam to the edge of the water. Alywin's eyes lit up at the thought of a challenge, and he followed Clarence's lead to the edge of the water. Their hands almost touched as they placed their hands on the dirt drop at the far end of the lake, where they originally jumped in.
"On the count of three? We race to the other side of the lake? " Alywin said, turning towards Clarence with an excited smile.
"Alright."
Okay. One," Alywin said, pausing for a moment, "Three!" He shouted as he threw himself into swimming, which gave himself a head start on the startled Clarence. Clarence protested before frantically swimming, trying to catch up to the cheating leader.
"You cheater!" Clarence shouted as he began to catch up.
"Too bad!" Alywin shouted back with a laugh. Clarence swam even faster, and almost caught up to Alywin, but Alywin managed to touch the other side of the lake before Clarence could pass him.
"You cheating bastard!" Clarence said, trying to catch his breath.
"We agreed we'd go on three, right?" Alywin said with a deep breath, "So now you have to do what I say!" Clarence opened his mouth to protest, but Alywin cut him off, "Nope, no complaining! I won! You agreed to it!"
Clarence mumbled under his breath before sighing and resigning himself to his fate, "Okay, what do you want?"
Alywin smiled before answering, "Tell me what you wanted me to do if you won."
"That's it?"
"Yup."
Clarence looked away, embarrassment growing on his face before he summed up the courage to answer, "I was going to make you go to your classes."
Alywin froze for a moment before laughing heartily, "Are you serious?!"
"If you're going to be helping me run the kingdom in the future, you need to go to your classes."
Alywin flicked his wrist, sending a little splash Clarence's way, "You could have just asked."
"Would you have done it though?" Clarence said, shooting a stare at Alywin. Alywin smiled, but looked away, and Clarence nodded resolutely, "That's what I thought."
"Fine!" Alywin said, closing the small gap between him and Clarence, "Maybe I wouldn't have. But I have other ways to help you."
Clarence glanced over to Alywin skeptically, "Is that so?"
"Yup." Alywin said as his face inched closer to Clarence's. Clarence looked startled for a moment, before blushing and looking away. This made Alywin smile as he turned and began to slowly swim back to shore.
"Wait!" Clarence called out, swimming after Alywin, "Where are you going?"
Alywin looked up at the sky as he treaded water, "It's getting late, and you look tired. I figured we should head back." Clarence's face began to get a deep red, and Alywin mockingly raised his eyebrow, "Unless there's something else you want to do before we head back?"
Clarence stared into Alywin's eyes for what felt like eternity before moving closer to Alywin. Alywin smiled and laughed lightly at Clarence, which made Clarence's face break into a smile. As they both smiled, they had only a few inches of air between them. They brought their faces closer, and as their lips almost brushed, they heard twigs cracking next to them. They shot apart and looked up.
It was a curious deer that had come to the lake to drink some water. At their quick movement, the deer was startled and took off, which caused the two to laugh.
"We should probably get back anyway. I'm sure people are looking for us now." Clarence said as he began his slow swim back to the other side of the lake where their belongings sat.
"Yeah, the mood's kind of ruined now." Alywin said with a roll of his eyes, joining Clarence in swimming back to the other side, "Stupid deer."
Clarence laughed as the two lifted themselves out of the water and sat on the side. The two grabbed their boots and tied them up before either said anything. It was only when Alywin stood up and offered his hand to Clarence that the silence was broken.
"Need a hand?" Alywin asked, still holding out his hand.
"Sure." Clarence said as he gripped Alywin's hand and stood up. They grabbed their shirts and pulled them over their heads as they began their walk back to the castle.
"I'm glad to see you're smiling." Alywin said as they came out of the woods and reentered the castle's expansive garden, "You've been so depressed lately, I was worried you'd start getting wrinkles from frowning all the time."
Clarence smiled as he shook his head, "Is that why you dragged me out to the lake?"
Alywin opened his mouth to answer, but he was cut off by one of Clarence's stewards running up to him.
"Prince Clarence! Thank goodness we found you! The queen has been looking for you." The steward bowed deeply at the prince before turning to Alywin and bowing again, "Good evening, Lord Alywin Cyneric ."
Clarence tried without success to hide his grimace, "How odd. Sir Alywin and I were taking a stroll in the garden the whole time I've been gone. Nonetheless, I will change my attire and meet with my mother."
"Very good, Your Majesty." The steward said, staring at Clarence and Alywin's soaking wet clothes, "Let us go immediately, Your Majesty. Queen Radcliffe is waiting for you." He hovered his hand over Clarence's back and gave a light bow to Alywin.
"Of course," Clarence said with a forced smile. He turned towards Alywin and aloofly nodded his head, "Thank you for the stroll, Sir Alywin."
Alywin bowed deeply, trying to hide his smirk, "It was my pleasure, Your Majesty."
As Clarence and the panicking steward hurried away, Alywin watched them with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes, before he turned on his heel and walked away from the castle.