Chereads / SYPHER / Chapter 32 - New Kid On The Block - Chapter 1

Chapter 32 - New Kid On The Block - Chapter 1

The carriage's wheels resounded on the dirt road as the trio traveled to the Auradelle Kingdom. Snores were heard from the other side of the carriage as Xavien had seemingly fallen asleep on the way. Probably more tired than he thought he'd be, not having to walk there on foot was a heaven-sent gift in his eyes. So, he planned on not wasting time catching up on some rest. Dante looked out the window to see the many farmlands and routes along the dirt path. He'd seen multiple drawings of what the road outside would look like from the books he'd read growing up, but seeing them with his own eyes struck a new chord for him.

"You must be excited to see what's out here, right, Dante?" Terra said as she smiled, watching him look out of the window in wonder. She knew he'd be saddened by being away from home, but instantly perking up from seeing what's outside those village walls shows how easily he can get over things. He turned back to Terra with a broad smile before speaking.

"There are all sorts of things out here, from cows to farmers and even different buildings! We didn't have this much space in the village, so seeing how big everything is out here is amazing."

"Oh, that's right; you've never been outside the walls."

"Yep, never."

"Hmm…"

Dante continued to marvel at each passing thing he hadn't seen as Terra began to think of hypotheticals. Considering he'd never left the village, he wouldn't know proper etiquette when conducting himself in the kingdom. She believed he'd be OK with a few tips and pointers.

She contemplated what she could tell him before a voice sounded out to them in the carriage.

"We'll be arriving at the kingdom's gates shortly, so be prepared to finish your trip on foot. I can't stand those guards and all of their questions. I have a business to run!" The driver yelled as Terra peered outside the window to see that the gate was approaching. Dante marveled at the sight of them, seeing how they towered greatly over the many lush forest areas surrounding it. The sound of water moving along came within earshot as there seemed to be riverways connecting and surrounding the kingdom's gates. The blue of the water reflected the sky as the sun had fully risen from the time of their departure. 

The carriage abruptly stopped, and Xavien nearly fell out of his seat before catching himself. Drool had been leaking from his mouth since he'd fallen asleep. He looked around quickly before noticing Dante and Terra staring at his dazed face and laughing before being interrupted by the driver.

"Well, this is your stop! Got some more people to pick up from a town nearby; you kids better get going." 

"Thank you, sir, we really appreciate it."

"Yeah, yeah. I'd appreciate it if you scrammed; I got mouths to feed at home."

The three quickly gathered their things before stepping out of the carriage and watching as the man turned it around quickly and began on his way. The horses charged full speed in the opposite direction of the kingdom. The dust from the carriage flew into the air, leaving the three coughing from the trail. 

"Well, that was rude," Terra stated as they began to walk towards the gates. Xavien stretched and let out a loud yawn as his shoulders slouched.

"Got enough sleep?" Dante questioned as Xavien glared to the side, seemingly still irritated about being woken so abruptly. 

"Not even close, but when I return to the dorms, I will have the best rest of my life." 

"Are the beds there nice?"

"I mean…considering it is the most prestigious school in the land, I'd hope so."

"That's amazing! I'm used to sleeping on a straw-made bed."

"You…never mind."

Xavien stayed quiet after Dante's statement, realizing that he had a different upbringing than him; it'd be rude to assume that he knew anything of what they had grown accustomed to in their time at the Academy. Curiosity filled Xavien's mind as he wondered if he could go off and rest without worrying about the two others getting into some sort of trouble. 

He sighed heavily as the three slowly approached the gates. Others surrounded the area before the gate, from merchants to farmers ready to bring in stock to adventurers and couples looking to start anew. Guards wearing knightly attire surrounded the entrance; they discussed many things with the people before accepting or denying their entrance. 

Dante felt a shiver of nervousness flow through his body. He didn't know what to say to them if they approached him. He wasn't the best at confronting when asked something to which he didn't know the answer.

Terra noticed his unease and patted him on the shoulder; he looked at her as she smiled back at him.

"Just let me handle it; you don't have to say a thing!" She pressed her finger against her lips in a shushing motion before Dante nodded nervously and gulped at the thought of being asked anything. But the idea of having them speak for him eased his mind as they slowly approached the guards at the gate entrance. Their appearance was of two taller men, both wearing what seemed to be their knightly uniforms. Bold burgundy and white stripes presented themselves on the uniform with gold trimmings. It matched the uniform that Terra and Xavien wore to Dante, yet it had a sense of importance.