"Is everything ready commander?"
The commander turned as he heard an elderly voice behind him. A man who was just over seventy years old approached while using his staff as support. Elwood, the elder who the emperor had assigned to protect the vessel from the outside world until the time was right. It was known throughout the empire that Elwood's family, the Whitlocks, had once worked closely with the White Lotus priestess and the royal family. They had served as advisers and teachers. After the White Lotus priestess' death, the Whitlocks swore to protect and raise the vessel once she appeared. It was they who had built this place deep in the mountains and advised the previous emperor, as well as the current one, to not make its location known.
"Elder Whitlock," the commander made a small bow.
"No need for formalities commander. Both of us serve the same master after all."
Elwood smiled and signaled the commander to raise his head. The commander saw brown eyes that were full of age. They seemed a bit tired but serene. He wore simple gray and white garments. His white hair, which reached his shoulders, and his beard were the signatures that testified to the many years this man had lived waiting for the priestess to return.
When the vessel was found and brought before the emperor, Elwood took action and brought the young girl to this isolated small fortress. Though it wasn't anything impressive, the commander could tell it was meant to have great natural defenses. Even if enemies tried to attack the place, they would have to either deal with the rocky mountains or the possibility of losing their lives because of a landslide. It seemed like rain was a constant visitor around this area, so the ground around it was not solid. Not only that but this fortress was well hidden from the outside world. Whoever had picked it had done it after much consideration. Still, it also seemed like the perfect place to hold someone as a prisoner, for it would be a death wish to anyone who tried to escape without knowing the area.
"We are ready to go Elder. We have packed enough supplies for the journey. I would like to thank you for attending to us last night."
"It was nothing, commander. I'm sure you had a long and tiring journey. I'm sorry we could not offer much. As you can see, all of us here live humbly with what mother nature can offer us."
"I still appreciate it."
Elwood looked around as the soldiers moved to their positions as the time to depart came closer. He stopped as something, or someone caught his attention. The commander followed Elwood's gaze. Under a tree were Arcane and Myer who were discussing amongst themselves.
"Elder Whitlock, is something the matter?"
Elwood stood silent for a few moments as he observed the two young men.
"You have quite an interesting party with you."
Though he was speaking to the commander, Elwood's eyes did not leave Arcane.
"So you came after all man with the iron mask…"
A few years ago Elwood had caught a glimpse of that mask. Hidden by the darkness of the night, a shadow had been snooping around the fortress. The only thing that betrayed him was the moonlight. It was a quick look, but Elwood was able to see his mask. He had gone to check the area for footprints or any evidence that gave him an idea of who that shadow was. He had found nothing. For many nights he had stayed up to try to catch that person but had no luck. He even wondered if it had been a hallucination from exhaustion.
"Here you are right in front of me. It seems I was not crazy nor imagining things."
"Who is that man with the mask?"
"His name is Arcane. He is the one who guided us here."
"Oh? I was wondering how you had found this place commander. So you were provided a guide."
"Yes, it seems like there is no map of this place, so I was provided with who seems to be one of the few people who know about his location by heart."
"Is that what he was doing that night? Getting an idea on how to get here?"
Elwood continued to stare. He saw as Myer walked away and left Arcane by himself. He looked up to the window of the tower the vessel was placed in. Elwood frowned for a second.
"Just who are you? Arcane…the royal family never mentioned your name to me."
The commander saw some uneasiness in Elwood's expression.
"So even the Elder doesn't know who Arcane is?"
"Elder, if it makes you feel any better, that man was assigned by the crown prince himself."
"Is my worry that obvious commander?"
"My apologies sir."
Elwood sighed and turned towards the commander.
"No need to apologize. I am indeed a bit concerned that this man is in your party since you will be taking the vessel from the safety of this fortress back to the capital. The crown prince assigned him as your guide you say?"
"Yes. It was the prince's right-hand man that brought this man to me."
"Victor Ectorius, what are you up to this time?"
The Ectorius family had sat on the throne for the last 300 years. It was them who expanded the power of Helios and turned it into an empire. The White Lotus priestess had been sent from the heavens to them as a blessing to the world. No one knew why this family had been chosen by the heavens. What people did know is that after the priestess had perished, the royal family had made it a law that their last name was to not be used until she was brought back. The emperor and empress of the time felt they failed the priestess and did not deserve to use their last name, which means "defender," as they were not able to protect her. As a way of redemption and devotion, they prohibit people from mentioning their last name. This was, of course, a shock to everyone since last names held great power in the empire.
Elwood hadn't seen the emperor nor the rest of the royal family in the last ten years. He knew the crown prince had been rather talented since he was young. One could say he could level up to his father when he takes over the throne. One thing Elwodd did not like though, was how unpredictable Victor was. Elwood never knew what that child was thinking.
"Though he is not a child anymore."
No, the child he remembers was just over twenty now.
"His trust issues seem as vivid as ever though."
Elwood had an idea as to why Victor was being so secretive even with him. He shook his head as he remembered that sorrowful day. A day that had forever marked the royal family and the empire as a whole.
"I wonder how old that other child would be right now."
The old man looked up to the skies. It had been clear just a while ago but the clouds were starting to slowly cover the sky.
"It seems like it will be raining soon commander."
"Ah, yes, we should depart soon."
"That's right, you wouldn't want to be caught in this storm."
Elwood looked back at Arcane who was now walking to stand next to the carriage the vessel would be traveling in.
"Though in my opinion, this storm is nothing compared to what is about to unfold."
The commander looked at Elwood. He wanted to ask what he meant but decided not to.
"Old people do nothing but speak riddles," he thought.
"Well commander, it was nice meeting you."
Elwood turned and walked towards the entrance of the tower through which the vessel would come out. He passed the carriage where Arcane was standing. As he was walking by, he gave Arcane a side glance. The young soldier felt his gaze and gave him a quick look as well. It was not for long, but after looking into Arcane's eyes, Elwood understood. He smiled and bowed his head to Arcane who said nothing. and just nodded back at him.
"Emperor Edward and Victor Ectarius, you two are truly something."
Elwood stood by the entrance of the tower and waited. He saw as the clouds got darker and heard as the wind started to move the leaves in the trees.
"The storm…is about to begin."
"Lady Agatha is now exiting!"
All eyes turned as the doors opened and the vessel took a step outside.