Chapter 44

The group moved quickly through the late morning crowds while people stopped to gawk as they passed. Nile had been forced into a carriage out of sight, but the sight of their other young royals drew more then enough attention, even before the large Beast that walked alongside them with the strange and angry looking boy.

Tirr’s mood had yet to improve despite Maria’s careful handling. He lay against her grumpily occasionally taking out his frustration by tugging at Garm’s fur.

Upon reaching the Castle the knights of the 1st Knight order were already waiting. Their leader, Commander Owen greeted Claus politely while having his men take Nile to the south tower, where royalty awaiting trial were held.

As his men dragged the crown prince away. Owen turned to look at the large Beast standing nearby and its riders before giving Claus a nod. “His majesty has invited your guests to stay within the Castle and has asked for their presence tonight at dinner.”

“I’ll let them know.” Claus nodded and returned the Commanders parting salute before heading back towards where the Claire and Maria were both tempting Tirr with promises of food.

“Its still early so I’m betting Mrs. Aber’s still has some pies left, how about we head over there as soon as we finish up here and…”

“It’ll have to wait for another day Sis, our father has invited them to stay in the Castle from now on and has asked that we join him for tonight’s dinner.”

Tirr perked up a bit at the mention of staying in the Castle. “We’ll be staying here?”

“Yes,” Claus replied, “We’ll have a private suite arranged for you and your followers. Claire and I already have our own quarters. But you should find yourselves quite comfortable.”

“Great! You’ll get to try some of the stuff I grew up on Chef Vimar makes a delicious stuffed roast and there’s always more food than even an army could eat.”

“Plenty of meat?” The young God questioned.

“Enough meat to fill even Garm!” Replied Claire laughing, drawing out a longing growl from Garm.

“To start with we should head back to my estate. I have some things there I’ll need. We’ll eat a small lunch there and then get you moved into your quarters in the Castle.”

Tirr agreed, now in a much better mood and they left back towards Claus’s estate. Two hours later they returned and were once again greeted by Commander Owen who after assuring Claus that Nile had been imprisoned safely, saluted Tirr.

“Greetings young god of Road’s End. His majesty, the King, bids you welcome and regrets not being able to come meet you himself due to work. He looks forward to having dinner with you tonight as thanks for the help you have provided Claire and Claus.”

The greeting caught Tirr by surprise and he drew himself up into his usual arrogant pose before replying. “You may tell your King that I thank him for his welcome and appreciate his hospitality.”

“The servants will show you to your quarters. There are still a few hours before dinner so feel free to rest and relax until then.” The Commander gave one final salute before heading off, leaving a group of maids to lead them through the warm castle halls.

The Castle itself wasn’t anything too impressive to Tirr, but it made him feel like important people really should have a castle. He could tell it had been well built and decorated to show off what wealth a small kingdom such as this could have. The floors were lined with dyed rugs and paintings and ornaments hung on the walls as they were led through to the western wing.

They soon arrived at their quarters and were brought through a small entryway into a large common room with an attached dining area. The servants gave them a quick tour showing off the multiple available rooms, each larger than the last, as well as a large private bathroom.

The moment the door to the first room opened, Maria’s face had frozen in a mix of horror and embarrassment, and it only grew with each room they were shown. As they settled in and picked their own rooms, she looked around the one she had chosen and thought it was probably bigger than the entire temple back home.

She wandered over towards the room Tirr had chosen to find him jumping up and down on the bed gleefully. Upon spotting her he slipped falling into a clump before getting up and acting like nothing had happened.

“Now this is the type of room I deserve.” He said happily. This still isn’t as good as back then but its better than that old temple.”

Maria found it hard to argue, the painted walls and all the silver and gold glittering through out the room made her somewhat uncomfortable though.

They rested for a awhile before more servants appeared, taking their measurements and following their every move. Eventually they were dragged off one at a time to the bath were the maids scrubbed them down. Tirr was used to the process and enjoyed it, while Maria and Doron came out looking traumatized from the experience.

Dressed in their new clothes the maids led them away towards the castle’s dining hall where Claus and Claire were already waiting for them. They greeted each other quickly before heading to their seats.

Once they had all been seated the King entered. Taking his place at the head of the table. He looked different from when Tirr had first seen him and greeted his guests with a smile.

“I want to thank you once again for coming and for the protection you’ve provided my son and daughter. I’ve read the reports and it seems you’re the only reason our dear princess is still with us.”

“She became one of my followers so of course I protected her.” Tirr replied haughtily, trying not to smile.

“As any good leader should, is there anything I can do for you as thanks for the help you’ve provided to my children and my kingdom. Your help in stopping my older son has prevented quite the bloodshed. Though we are a small Kingdom, if there is anything we can do for a God such as yourself I would be happy to help.”

The flowery words made Tirr smile grow even wider. He started to speak before being cut off as Claire stood up.

“Well actually, Tirr has a purpose in coming to the Capital. He believes the Shards have something to do with his own powers. The few times he has come into contact with Shard users has not been conclusive in anyway.”

“Oh, so what can we do to help? If you want to meet more Shard Users Commander Owen would be happy to…”

“If I may Father,” Claire said looking at Tirr with a smile before turning back towards the King. “I would like to show Tirr to the Shard itself…”