Book 2 Chapter 6

They stayed in the village for the night, helping take care of the wounded while their escort assisted with the cleanup. Maria could not help but feel they would be leaving in a much different mood than they had from the other stops.

Leaving the next morning, they spent another two days traveling as they finished their journey. They tried to get back to the lighthearted chats they were having before, but a dark cloud seemed to cling to them, drawing them back to cold silence.

Arnold spent a good bit of the trip trying to convince the Princess to abandon the trip. They spoke at length multiple times until Claire threatened to throw him out of the carriage if he mentioned it again.

Finally, after two weeks of traveling, they arrived in the city of Lutel. The group was exhausted but felt their energy return as they passed through the cities walls.

The crisp smell of the ocean and the gentle roar of the waves in the distance was accompanied by the frantic shouts of shop sellers pushing their wares. Tirr felt his stomach rumble as he looked out the carriage window at the wide selection of food stalls that lined the roads.

As expected of a coastal city, most of the goods were focused on products from the sea. Stalls were selling grilled fish, fried shellfish, and anything else that could be pulled up from beneath the waves.

“We should…” Tirr started, turning towards the others.

“No,” Maria said plainly, ignoring the disappointed faces Tirr and Garm made. “We’re already a day behind when we were supposed to arrive, we shouldn’t make things any more difficult than they already will be for Claire.

“We should have plenty of time to get some good food later,” Claire added with a small smile, “We should be here for a few days at least, no matter how badly the talks go…”

“Claire…” Arnold cut in frowning slightly.

“You can’t argue that the raiding of a peaceful village is a bad start to the peace talks.” Claire continued, “I was naive, I thought I’d come here talk for a bit and then just send the treaty back for Claus to sign. Now I wonder if they want peace in the first place…”

“This war hurts them just as bad doesn’t it?” Maria asked, “They were sending requests for peace since the current King took over, so I’m sure this is something they desire too.”

“Yeah, hopefully at least…” Claire answered with a sigh, “I guess we’ll see.”

They continued through the city taking in the sights and structures. The city seemed cleaner than Rasor, with the streets more maintained the buildings bigger. Arnold explained that their access to trade with the Southlands opened them up to more economic development, which is part of why Rasor originally wanted to a port city so badly.

As they drove deeper into the city, they couldn’t help but feel their jaws drop in shock as the Royal Palace and the Water Temple came into view. Lutel’s Palace was impressive enough, built-in similar size to Rasor’s castle, but with a much clearer vision in mind compared to Rasor’s mess of addon’s and expansions.

But the sight of the Water Temple in the distance, rising as a beautiful white dome over the city with layered gardens and waterfalls built into its walls, left them all but Tirr speechless.

“Not bad,” Tirr said looking over the giant structure, “Closer to my old temples at least.”

“Not bad huh,” Arnold said his neck craning up to look at the temple as they passed.

They continued forward towards the gates of Lutel’s Palace, where a small crowd waited for them. People had lined up at the sides of the street, kept in line by strict guards who kept them from pushing too forward.

At the gates a well-dressed man with a scruffy beard waited, surrounded by several guards and attendants. He stood evenly with his arms crossed as he watched the carriage approach.

Nearby stood another group waiting patiently. Dressed in robes dyed in different shades of blue. An older man stood in the lead, frowning as he waited.

“The king of Lutel and the priests of the water temple I’d guess” Arnold answered before anyone could ask.

As their escort pulled up to them in front of the gates and they prepared to leave, Tirr caught a flash of white hair out of the corner of his eye. He turned quickly, but the figure he had seen had already disappeared into the crowd.

Before he could even think about what he’d seen, Maria was hurrying him out of the carriage, checking his clothing was in order as they got up.

All of them had dressed in their best clothing for the day. Claire wearing a beautiful red dress matching her hair and Maria wearing a nicely tailored white robe. Even Tirr had been talked into wearing a proper noble’s outfit despite his protests and preference for comfort.

They got out of the carriage, turning towards where the group at the gates waited for them and felt a chill as a heavy sense of pressure washed over them.

The well-dressed man looked them over with cold eyes as he spoke, “Welcome guests,” His expression was anything but welcoming as he looked them over. “My name is Agir WaveCaller, I have the current duty of being King of Lutel… I hope your journey has been safe.” His expression and tone created a strange dissonance with the friendly words he spoke.

Their group could not help but be surprised at the almost open hostility. From those waiting by the King to the crowd nearby, they all seemed to look at them in a quiet hatred. The threat was enough that even Garm let out a quiet growl from where he laid in Tirr’s arms.

Claire did her best to ignore the looks as she replied, “Thank you for your concern, your majesty, I am the 1st princess of Rasor Claire Ena Rasor, the journey went well enough…” Her voice was even as she did her best to keep her own hostility hidden. They attack one of our villages and greet us like this? Claire couldn’t help but think to herself.

“Good.” The young king replied, “Then for now please follow the attendants who will show you to your rooms, I’m sure you must be exhausted, we can speak more at dinner tomorrow… If you’ll excuse me.” He turned away without looking back as he left with his attendants, leaving Claire shocked.

She gave a quick confused look to Arnold who could only frown. He had never expected things to have started this badly even with the attack. The King of Lutel acted so hostile he did everything but order an actual attack.

They followed obediently, ignoring more dirty looks from those around as they passed through the palace gates. Claire held her tongue as they went, and Maria guided Tirr shaking her head as she noticed him about to speak.

Understanding that it would be best to talk in private, Tirr followed as well. As he left, he noticed one gaze was different from the others. Among water priests, who had stood silent through the King’s greeting, there was a young woman who in contrast to the cold stares of those around her, instead just smiled deeply as she watched Tirr. As he noticed her, she gave a small bow, before turning to follow the other priests as they left…