I had hoped...but what is hope if not a dream?
Beastie
_____
Troan wasn't meant to be in Davor at this moment, his arrival here was a short stop on his way elsewhere.
He was here to retrieve an old friend who would play a vital role in his mission... There were also matters he needed to discuss with his mother while he was in the capital.
Troan had found out about his father's passing less than an hour after arriving at the castle.
He originally had a mission to investigate suspected occultic activities at the borders of Count Wheathel's lands.
Troan was also informed about bandit raids across the borders, but that wasn't what he was being sent to deal with.
To him, everything that had transpired only served to delay his mission.
He felt short on time and information.
Troan could feel the pressure slowly mounting; after all, matters related to the occult were always to be taken with utmost seriousness.
However, he still didn't believe he needed someone else to send him 'aid' that he had never requested.
He felt it questioned his judgment and hinted at a lack of trust in his ability to fulfill his role as a Lord of Avalon.
"What!" Lt. Sol exclaimed, waving both hands at him in denial, his expression was a mix of shock and alarm.
"No, no. Forgive me, Lord Seventh. But you're mistaken!"
"Really?" Troan raised an unconvinced brow. "Then why are you here then?"
Lt. Sol let out a relieved sigh and then grinned, a happy light shining in his eyes.
"I was sent to accompany the Commander's grandniece, Lady Frozen Re' Ages, as part of her elite squad of personal guards. She wants to attend the Jubul."
Hearing this, Troan raised a dubious brow.
"Frozen's attending the Jubul? That girl?"
Troan seemed to think of something and then he sighed, caressing his forehead.
The Jubul was a special event that occurred every four years at the Imperial Academy. It was a unique event for the younger generation that featured tournaments, dances, games, and more.
On the surface, it provided an opportunity for young teenagers and youths within the empire, as well as foreigners, to display their various skills and talents to be scouted, hopefully by someone important.
To the nobility and high-class families, however, it was a social event meant to foster a good relationship among the younger nobility.
Ideally, young nobility who were usually confined in their various lands gained the opportunity to meet peers from all across the empire, converse, learn new things, and build lasting bonds that benefit the various houses later on in life, fostering peace and unity within the empire.
Although Troan had never attended one himself, he had heard some unsavory rumors about the decadent deeds young nobles get up to in the absence of proper guidance, all behind the backdrop of building 'closer ties.'
As for Lady Frozen, she was Commander Marl's grandniece. Born and raised in the Duchy of Bluestone.
The Duchy of Bluestone was located far north of the kingdom of Nauvaus, while the capital City of Davor was located west by the sea.
The Imperial Academy of Zanseth was located southeast of Fort Nighthowl across Nauvaus' border, while Fort Nighthowl was located south of Davor.
They were all connected by railways which ran from Bluestone to Davor, then to Fort Nighthowl's external train station, and across the border into the provincial City of Zanseth within the claimed lands.
"Davor and Fort Nighthowl's railways linked at a point heading eastward, crossing Count Wheathel's lands, and continuing all the way to Fort Vashen and finally into the Xagerios Empire."
Darov served as a key transport hub between various regions, as it held the largest seaport in the realm, linking the mainland to the Isle of Man. It also link Luen to Naveth.
Seeing how glad Lt. Sol was about the guard mission he was assigned, Troan couldn't help but smile.
"Good for you."
He could understand his happiness. Fort Strand was located on a desolate, freezing hellscape. Unpleasant even for ice elementals with great cold resistance.
However, it was important in defending the Duchy of Bluestone from monsters, as well as keeping out the Nirians.
Its major purpose was providing protection to miners procuring valuable bluestones, which was the main source of House Ages riches.
Bluestones were mainly used for powering runes, and runes could be written to accomplish various tasks. In the north, they were majorly utilized for security purposes, mainly in strengthening the veil between Yahn and the Navar.
However, in other kingdoms which experienced lasting peace and had a flourishing artistic culture, they were employed toward musical expressions.
Sol smiled sheepishly at his congratulatory remark.
"On our way to the academy, she discovered you were here and decided to drop off the gift and letter that your brother sent you."
His eyes dropped and his expression became downcast.
"But then we ended up receiving the sorrowful news about the late king, and also of your—condition. As a result, she decided that we wait."
He gazed at Troan earnestly and said. "My condolences."
Troan felt a lump form in his throat.
"Mm." He managed an acknowledging grunt and a nod of appreciation.
Then he cleared his throat and tried to change the topic.
"The commander wouldn't just send anybody along to guard his...precious grandniece. He would only send the very best amongst those he could trust. Consequently, I would likely be familiar with these individuals."
Back at the camp, although Troan usually kept to himself, he was in charge of administrative activities and had unrestricted access to detailed information about the soldiers. He made sure to observe everyone he came across, and how they related to their peers and senior officers. Taking mental notes of their strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes.
It was a habit Troan had cultivated back when he was still heir to the throne, and it stuck with him.
During his early days working in administration, he was frequently around the commander, learning and gaining experience. As a result, he also found out those who the commander held in high regard and acknowledged their growth potential.
Lt. Sol shrugged slightly, wearing an uncertain expression.
"True, but you may not know a few. They were previously assigned to the Dragon Nest. They only got reassigned to Fort Strand a week ago."
The Dragon Nest was located in a desolate, frozen wilderness northeast of the Duchy of Bluestone and east of Fort Strand. As the name suggested it was a place known to attract dragons—specifically frost dragons.
However, the dragons there only had one master, which was Lord Fifth, Lady Eskerin the 'Dragon Whisperer'.
She was also known as the 'Peacemaker', due to her role in ending the War of Unification
Eskerin was the fifth individual to complete the Ancestor's trial in centuries, becoming a Lord of Avalon. What was amazing was that she was only thirteen when she conquered Mount Avalon. After which she received a divine item with unique powers.
As was the case with all other Chosens.
In Eskerin's case, however, the powers she received were related to frost dragons.
At the Dragon Nest, only ice elemental soldiers were posted there, as the dragons were least likely to eat them.
Apart from providing security, they did manual labor like cleaning up dragon dung and cutting ice blocks, judging criminal cases, amongst other not-so-glamorous tasks.
However, those posted there believed themselves to be the most honored.
The soldiers who have served as Lady Eskerin's honor guards not only gain bragging rights, but those who have been in this position for at least five years receive the 'Dragonhead Badge'. This badge significantly enhances their earnings, allowing them to earn triple the pay of other soldiers with the same rank.
This was only fair given the harshness of the region.
"Hmm". Troan seemed thoughtful. "Who are they?"
At this question, Lt. Sol mentioned the names.
"Captain Vahn Du' Hangs of the Viscounty of Solon, and Lieutenant Ulan Beheads."
Troan caressed his chin, thoughtfully and said. "You are right. I do not recognize these names."
Lt. Sol nodded as he expected it. After all, matters regarding Eskerin's honor guards were directly handled by her Swordbearer.
"But you should know the others. As for these two. I'll introduce you to them soon. I recently saw them around this very hallway—"
Click!
The door to a storeroom on the right opened and Sol came to a stop, recognizing those coming out.
"Ah! There they are—" His expression suddenly turned queer as he looked at them.
Troan turned to see two sweaty youths maybe around Sol's age or a bit older. Their clothes looked disheveled and one of them fastened his belt.
The duo stopped at once as their eyes locked with Troan and Sol's.
"..."
"..."
"Ahem!"
Sol cleared his throat a bit too hard making him caress his neck to quell the pain.
"These are Sir Vahn do' Hangs and Lieutenant Ulan Beheads. Sir Hangs this is Lord Troan Re' Ages."
The noble, a youth with a hard jawline, straight nose, and glossy carbon grey hair now slightly ruined, was momentarily shocked, but he quickly composed himself.
He bowed slightly, "Greetings, Lord Seventh. This is my aide, Lieutenant Ulan."
He said, gesturing to the other young man who bowed slightly with reverence in his eyes.
"While I wish we met under a more appropriate circumstance, I would like to congratulate you on your recovery."
"..." Troan simply stared at him, his eyes boring into his very soul.
Capt. Vahn gave an awkward smile.
"N-now if you please excuse us. We shall go about our duties."
He said, before lightly pushing Lt. Ulan to the side as he moved away.
His eyes darted back one last time before turning a corner.
Troan's scrutinizing gaze followed them until they were out of sight.
To Lt. Sol's apparent relief, Troan turned and continued walking as if nothing had happened.
"And the ones I know?" He prompted.
"Ah! Yes. They are Lieutenant Valerie. Lady Frozen's interim lady-in-waiting."
'Ah. Valerie! An old friend. Dutiful and pious." Troan mused.
"Specialist Jigimon."
'Wasn't she the engineer from Xagerios? Or was it arcanist?"
"And..." Sol hesitated with a grimace. "Your Swordbearer, Wriggler, came along as well."
Troan's eyes widened in shock.
'Dratz!" He groaned, feeling a headache coming on.