(Two Months after the siege of castle Whitetower... )
Clive strode through the bustling streets of Port Isolde, one of the largest ports if not the largest in the twins, rivaled only by Rosalith for size. He was flanked by two other fellow shields of Rosaria. It had been two months since the siege of castle Whitetower. His wounds had almost recovered completely, yet the thought of Tyler still caused him a great deal of pain.
Clive was on his way to the manor of his Uncle, Lord Byron, the man partly responsible for the recent prosperity of Port Isolde. The streets were bustling with merchants and stalls selling everything from vibrant spices to precious trinkets made of the finest coral. As he glanced to his left, he saw several galleons docked in the port.
Clive wondered "I wonder if all these galleons hail from the storm-ridden continent to the west,"
Turning to Wade, he asked, "Wade, do you know where those galleons are from?" Clive pointed at a nearby group of ships.
" I am not sure your grace, perhaps from distant lands to west..., I can could request for the ship's log if you..."
The other Shield interrupted Wade," Those galleons are from Insaldur to west of Valisthea your grace. "
Pointing at a nearby stall filled with spices in cones and scoops beside them, " These spices and coral are all imported from there your grace. Spices do not flourish in Valisthea, save for a few regions in Dhalmekia "
Just as Clive was about to ask another question a hand suddenly covered his eyes and another hand pulled him into a tight bear hug from behind. Clive shouted " what the...!"
From the texture of the hands and the fact that his shields did not aid him meant it could be no other than the one person he knew it was
Clive tuned around" Julia, do you really have to greet me like this every single time?! "
A girl no less older than Clive, wearing a white tunic and a purple gown with intricate golden markings and a pendant with a brilliant violet crystal. The crystal was held by golden lines streaking across it, which kept it attacked to the chain. spoke in a playful tone, "Oh come on, i know you enjoy it every single time"
Clive shot a wary glance at Julia. Public displays of affection were frowned upon, especially for a Shield of Rosaria. Clive gestured the two other men to go Lord Byron's manor " I'll join you guys in a few minutes wade"
Wade and the other man nodded and proceeded to walk in the opposite direction. As the two men left, Clive turned to Julia " Why do you always have to do that in front of others Julia, you know of the consequences"
With a sly smirk Julia spoke " Of course i do know that my dear lord, but its not really fun now is it to restrain myself..? ?"
As Clive opened his mouth to speak, Julia silenced him by placing a hand on his mouth " I understand you are on your way to see Lord Byron, Meet me tonight..... at our usual place, i have something exciting to share with you "
With that she rushed off into the crowd. Clive still perplexed began walk towards his uncle's manor. As neared the massive iron gates, a grand manor stood before him. Wade and the other men were waiting for Clive near the gates. As soon as Wade saw Clive he immediately ran over tom him " Your grace, with your permission.....there is something we must ask of you, its just that even though we are on duty as shields of Rosaria we....want to..."
Wade kept fidgeting his hands. Sensing his nervousness the other man spoke up " Your grace, Wade wants to visit the brothel at the Grand Bazaar tonight..."
Clive though to himself " Even though it is against our code of conduct....sending those two away might give me some time with Julia. "
With a smile in his face Clive agreed and relieved them of their duties for the night.
The study hummed with activity. Parchments littered the desk, and Lord Byron himself, a portly man with a twinkle in his eyes, scribbled furiously. He looked up, his face breaking into a wide grin. "Clive! My boy, how fares the Shield of Rosaria?"
Clive responded with a broad smile on his face " Nice to see you too uncle, Have you made the preparations? "
Byron with a huge grin said " of course Clive, how could i forget, but it can wait. i can't have the lord Marquess waiting with an empty stomach can I ? "
Byron led Clive to the banquet hall. Clive was taken aback by the array of dishes on the table, "Uncle, are you hosting a feast? I was not informed of this."
Lord Byron, clearly amused by Clive's reaction, replied, "No, my boy, this is all for you. Come now, you are not a shield in my house, you are a lord, and a lord indulges in lavish feasts and the finest of wines."
After supper, Clive and Byron retreated to the study.
As soon as they entered the study and closer the doors behind them without hesitation, Clive immediately declared, "The Saint And The Sectary and I shall be Sir Crandall"
Lord Byron sighed, "Very well, you never let me play that part, lad."
Until midnight, Clive and Byron reveled, reenacting various legends and plays. No one, save his uncle, knew of Clive's passion for drama. By this time, Lord Byron was inebriated and fast asleep.
Clive walked to the balcony overlooking the sea, the cool sea breeze brushing against his warm face. The town was tranquil, shrouded in darkness. As he glanced to his right, he noticed a white light emanating from one of the tall towers in the inner town. "There's the signal. I must depart now." Ensuring his uncle was sound asleep, Clive leapt from the balcony.