Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Guests

It is now the beginning of a new week. The Talons and their entourage should be arriving in 3 days. The work on the 10 merchant carriages is proceeding smoothly. All of them have a new suspension and brand new wheel axles that make it easier for the carriages to turn. The remaining work is only painting which should be completed in the next two days. Since they are merchant carriages for ferrying goods, interior work such as intricate work is not required. Nathan is doing a terrific work marketing the carriages by offering free rides through a very rocky section in the village. The, reception is quite positive particularly for merchants that transport fragile goods such as pottery. Four of the ten carriages have been booked and a down payment has been accepted. The market value for a new merchant carriage is 8 gold coins. With this in mind we have set our selling price at 10 gold coins. All in all, I believe this business revenue will eclipse that of the milling center in less than 6 months.Preparations are taking place at home to receive the guests. Various foods and beverages have been bought. My aunts are doing a deep cleaning of the house and beatifying the compound. Mr. Duran and I are currently conducting our own research. We are currently through with the 10 carriages. We are buying time hoping that we get the contract to revamp the military carriages and chariots. We are currently trying to make a simple wand for me. Maybe later I will graduate to a staff or maybe chose to fight with other weapons such as a spear or a sword so honestly who knows what the future holds.The next day passed without much happening. The day is finally here, today I get to meet the movers and the shakers of this island. I am dressed in a very formal attire, with this it is even possible to mistake me for a noble. Mother also looks as ravishing as ever. Everybody is in top shape, Nathan also for some reason decided to wear his soldier's attire. I think it is a ceremonial type, maybe I'm not sure. A long line of carriages on the road is observed. The first person to arrive at the crack of dawn was the area baron. We were reprehensive about allowing him into our house but decided against to do so. This was because he stated that his life was in danger and would testify all the crimes he had committed against us. According to him, the queen is trying to cut all loose ends after learning I was going to be the next White Eagle. "Are you willing to testify against the wit… Eeh the queen? "I asked. Well in a very short period of time, I am going to outrank everybody in Capel including the royal family. Dealing with a rowdy queen I believe should be no problem after all, I will be the supreme commander for every military and security organization including the royal guard. "I will do everything you command it my liege." Baron answered. Wow that's a 180 degree turn from his usual pompous self. My liege? I'm not even ordained yet not that I'm complaining. Yes grovel before you evil bastard, I will deal with you later on you can be sure about that. "Hey, take over the role of introducing Chrono to the various nobles. I don't know most of them. I will deal with the military officers." Nathan said.The plan was to have an outdoor setting. Various tables and chairs were decorated beautifully with flowers. All the arriving guests after exchanging pleasantries with us were directed to them. Only the heavy weights of the group would be ushered in to the house for extended talks. For all his depravity and greed, it seems the baron is quite competent person to come up with such an arrangement.The Talons arrived in six carriages. It was possible to tell apart their carriages because of the intricate talon carvings towards the front of the wheel. There was also an insignia carried by horsemen who were in front of the carriage. Six different insignias in color but at the core, they were similar in that they showed a pair of sharp talons. Ooh man I was nervous to meet this guys. The first to arrive was an older gentleman wearing dark and purple clothing. "Greetings young master. My name is Hermes the Dark Talon. It will be an honor to teach you all I know about the Dark attribute." Hermes said. "Greetings to you too. My name is Chrono. I look forward to learning all I can from you." I answered as we shook hands. All the Talons introduced themselves and one by one were led inside the house. All guests had arrived by midday. The aptitude and attribute tests were conducted once more in front of the crowd inside our home. The results were as expected, nothing had changed. Discussions were held immediately after the results were out. Opinions started flying out that I should begin training immediately because with the dark attribute, it is possible that I would unlock the use of the other attributes as well. This would necessitate learning how to use the other 5 attributes as well before the calamity hits. Apparently, every 120-130 years, the population of the forest monsters balloon to such a level that necessitates their migration south towards the wall. Burning the entire forest is not a smart idea because it is a water catchment area, doing so would lead to reduction or even drying up of the rivers that are essential to our survival. It is now 110 years from the meteorite incident with my predecessor, shockingly enough, Hermes was still the dark talon then. Dark magic can be used to enhance one's body and increase their life span as he puts it. He is currently 170 years old.Discussions were concluded and it was unanimously decided that unlike my peers, I would not wait until I was 10 years old to begin training. In a month's time, I would move to the capital and train under Sir Hermes. It was also decided to announce the emergence of the new White Eagle to the whole island. My request to modify carriages belonging to the military was approved, I would go as far as to say that Duran and his team would be revamping the carriages of the whole military in the island.