We entered the fortress, and I looked around in wonder. The halls were lined with intricate tapestries, depicting scenes of battles won and lost, and the floors were made of polished stone that shone like mirrors. Captain Lyra led us to a large wooden door, adorned with the emblem of Lady Alethea, which she opened with a nod.
"Wait here," she said. "I will announce your presence to Lady Alethea."
Sir Vincent's men stood at attention, their faces serious and their eyes fixed on the door. Sir Vincent himself looked calm and confident, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Captain Lyra returned a moment later, followed by a woman with long, curly hair the color of dark honey and a kind smile that put me at ease.
"Welcome, Prince Aamond," Lady Alethea said, her voice warm and melodious. "I have heard of your situation. Please, come in."
We followed her to a large throne room, where she sat down on a throne-like chair, surrounded by windows that let in a flood of light. The room was filled with the scent of roses and lavender, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me.
"I understand you need my help," she said, looking at me with kind eyes. "Tell me, Prince Aamond, what brings you to my fortress?"
I took a deep breath and explained our situation, leaving out no details. "My men are being held captive by barbarians in my mother's land. We need someone to send a message to the King of Athenia, asking for his immediate assistance in rescuing them."
Lady Alethea's expression turned grave, and she nodded thoughtfully. "I will help you, Prince Aamond. But it won't be easy... and there are no guarantees of success," she warned. "The journey is treacherous, and the King of Athenia is not one to be trifled with."
I felt a surge of hope, despite the warning. "Thank you, Lady Alethea. I am forever in your debt."
Lady Alethea smiled kindly. "You are welcome, Prince Aamond. I will do everything in my power to help you rescue your men. But now, you must rest and refresh yourself. You have a long journey ahead of you."
I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Lady Alethea. She was willing to help me, a stranger, in my time of need.
As I followed Lady Alethea's servants to a warm bath and fresh clothes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of determination. I would do whatever it took to rescue my men and reclaim my mother's land.
The bath was a welcome respite from the dust and grime of the journey, and I felt my muscles relax as I soaked in the warm water. The servants brought me fresh clothes, and I dressed quickly, feeling refreshed and renewed.
When I returned to the throne room, Lady Alethea was waiting for me, a small smile on her face. "I have summoned my messenger," she said. "He will leave immediately and ride day and night to reach the King of Athenia."
I nodded, feeling a sense of hope. "Thank you, Lady Alethea. I owe you a debt of gratitude."
Lady Alethea waved her hand dismissively. "You owe me nothing, Prince Aamond. I am simply doing what is right."
With renewed hope and a sense of purpose, I prepared myself for the journey ahead, knowing that Lady Alethea's help would be invaluable in the quest to save my men
Please young prince I have arranged your quarters as you know Elyoria is not used to welcoming guest so it took us some time to arrange it said the mansions majordomo(butler)
I just nodded absentmindedly as all I could think of was my men wether they where safe or not
Rest assured young prince I will send one of my Karelian guards to spear head the mission
To bring back your men safe and sound while your here you can read some books from the library about Elyorias history or go on horse back riding although Elyoria is called a fortress it is quite big said lady Alethea
I nodded my thanks to the lady of the fortresses still preoccupied with thoughts of my men. But as I entered my quarters, I was struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The room was decorated with elegant furnishings and colorful tapestries, and a large window offered a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, I would be able to rest easy tonight, knowing that Lady Alethea's messenger was on his way to the King of Athenia.
As I looked around the room, my eyes landed on a small library in the corner. I walked over to it, running my fingers over the spines of the books. Elyoria's history, I thought, might be just the thing to take my mind off my worries.
I pulled out a book at random and settled into a nearby chair. The words on the page came alive as I read about the brave women of Elyoria, who had fought to protect their land and their way of life. Their stories of courage and determination resonated deeply with me.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. It was Finnley, the servant who had been assigned to me. "Prince Aamond, I've come to invite you to dinner," he said, bowing low.
I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Finnley and the people of Elyoria. "Thank you, Finnley. I'll be right there."
As I followed Finnley to the dining hall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, everything would work out after all. Lady Alethea's promise to send a Karelian guard to lead the mission to rescue my men had lifted a weight off my shoulders. I was one step closer to reuniting with my men and reclaiming my mother's land.