Wes

I stood waiting in the main hall alongside royal knights and palace servants awaiting guests and giving them the schedule for the day as well as directing them to areas of the palace where they could entertain themselves. I had already received several noble guests, but the royal siblings had yet to arrive.

It is still early in the day; I am sure that none of the royal children would refuse such an invitation.

The Doors to the main hall open and a pair of knights escorted some more guests inside. I prepared the usual speech, but the words caught in my mouth when I saw who arrived. The former Lord Oberon Flamberge who had gained a new reputation here in Sagittae being pushed inside by who I assumed was his attendant and companion. A strikingly beautiful young woman with red hair, pale skin, and sapphire-like eyes. Her beauty was at odds with her attire, a thickly padded black studded gambeson that reached her shins, a pair of black leather boots that were a bit worn out, and a sword belt at her waist, the longsword on her left hip. I quickly gathered my wits and began to welcome them.

“Welcome honored guests I am the steward of this palace Wes. There is a banquet arranged later in the evening in the dining hall with King William but until then you are free to mingle with the other guests in the palace garden or the training yard. One of our servants will show you around if you ask.” I said gesturing behind me.

“My thanks for the warm reception steward Wes. I have heard much of the royal palace's maze-like garden and cannot wait to see it. I will trouble one of the palace servants to show us the way.”

I gestured for someone to come forward to guide them.

What a polite young man, though I do not know why his Majesty invited him. It is not my place to question his decisions. With such a beautiful companion at his side, I do not doubt that the more uninhibited guests will do something to cause trouble. They should be safe as long as they stay within the range of a royal guard.

I watched them leave and could not help but take another glance at the wheelchair-bound former lord. He had slightly brown skin, his black hair spilled to his shoulders and his trimmed beard fit his chiseled jaw. He wore a black doublet over a white shirt and black pants with suede leather shoes. His upper body and arms looked well-muscled, and his legs did not look as though they had not seen use in over 6 years. All in all, he looked quite handsome and in good health.

For such a fine young man to be disowned after he became paralyzed is a travesty. Though he was known and well accomplished for his swordsmanship judging by his success since he was disowned his mind is no less sharp than what his blade was.

I shook away any more stray thoughts and waited at my post. Shortly after the doors opened and again a pair of knights entered escorting someone inside.

“Old man Wes!” A singsong voice came from behind the knights. As the knights broke away I saw the owner of the voice, little Ludivine.

“Lady Ludivine it brings me joy to see you again.” I smiled.

I took a look at her companions and was surprised to notice the two men were twins the only thing differentiating them from what he could see was this their swords. The one on the left carrying a longsword at his waist and the one on the right a rapier at his waist. I was further taken aback by the tall bronze-skinned woman with her brown hair in a ponytail and carrying a sturdy-looking wooden spear with a gleaming tip.

“I am glad you think so, let me introduce my companions the brother's Sir Jean and Sir Luc and the Lady Sirena.”

I would like to spend more time and talk with little Ludivine, but I have more guests to receive, and I cannot waste time asking for more information on her companions.

“You have interesting companions Lady Ludivine. I wish we could spend some time to talk and reminiscence, but I am still expecting guests and you are the first of your siblings to arrive so I will have to trouble you and direct you towards the garden or training yard until the banquet this evening,” I said apologetically.

“I am sure we will have more time to talk on the morrow. Until then I will do as you say and make my way to the garden.” She said and smiled.

As I thought little Ludivine is as sweet as when I last saw her. He felt relieved in his heart that she did not throw away her kind and gentle attitude when she grew up.

“My lady we would like to visit the training yard!” The twin with the rapier said suddenly. His brother nodding at his words.

“I see, and you Lady Sirena?” Little Ludivine asked.

“I would like to visit the training yard as well my Lady it has been some time since I showed the twins their place.” She said in a soft voice that I did not expect from such a woman.

The twins bristled at the provocation, but Lady Sirena just smiled at them. The twins then began whispering to each other.

Little Ludivine sighed. “You three sure like fighting each other. Very well we will visit the training yard first but after Lady Sirena beats the both of you we will visit the garden.”

“My Lady! We have come up with new strategies that will assure us of victory!” The twin with the rapier spoke and again his brother merely nodded at his words though his eyes showed that he was fired up.

“Yes, yes, I’m sure you have but there is no need to tell me when you can prove it to me with your actions. Come let us go.”

She gave me a curtsy picked up her dress and led the others towards the training hall. Lady Sirena walking beside her and the twins slightly behind them whispering to each other.

Seems like little Ludivine made some interesting companions and they seem strong and reliable. Though little Ludivine can be airheaded at times I do not think she will cause trouble. Of the royal siblings, she is the last one that I expect to make a mess out of this day.

Again, I returned to my station and waited. Sometime later the doors opened but this time the usual pair of royal knights did not enter instead two knights that I did not recognize barged in. before I could say anything the royal knights in the hall drew their swords and the palace servants scurried away.

“So, you’re still alive old man. I thought you would have croaked by now.” Sylvain said as he entered the hall.

I motioned for the royal knights to sheathe their swords Sylvain would not do anything here. This is just how he played his games.

Sylvain stared at the knights some not yet having sheathed their swords. “Is this how you greet your prince with swords drawn and hostility! I expected everyone to be kneeling when I entered though I’ll give you a pass old man as you are likely never to rise again if you kneel.” He cackled.

To think there was a time I cared for this boy. Was he always like this and I just failed to notice, or did something happen to him that twisted him so thoroughly? Whatever the case the person Infront of me no longer bears a resemblance to the boy I cared for.

I tried to keep my voice calm, the best way to deal with Sylvain was to not play his games. “Welcome back Prince Sylvain. There is a Banquet arranged later in the evening in the dining hall with your father King William but until then you are free to visit the training yard, garden, or wherever else you wish.”

“Is that all you have to say to me? No touching words of reunion, no fatherly words of advice?” He said disappointedly.

I said nothing and merely stared at him not willing to look away first. Finally, Sylvain sighed and looked away.

“I can visit anywhere I want right? Well then, I will make my way to Brigette’s old room. No need for a guide I know the way there.”

Calm! Calm! Brigette is not here, and she has not lived here since she left with Alexandria and Sir Foltest. I will not fall for such provocations.

When Sylvain finally realizes that I would not say anything he began walking away the two knights trailing after him. “You’re no fun anymore old man.” His voice echoed in the hall.

“Go check on the knights outside and see that they are taken care of,” I instructed the servants behind me.

With Sylvain out of the way, the rest of the day should be easier. I do not know the thoughts of his Majesty, but I think that after our last conversation he does not consider Sylvian a possible heir to the throne.

It took some time but eventually, the doors opened, and the usual two royal knights showed no sign of injury as they entered.

“It’s been a while old man Wes.” Said a familiar voice.

“Welcome back Lady Alexandria,” I said as she, Sir Foltest, and my daughter Brigette entered.

Brigette ran up and hugged me and I embraced her as well.

“Hello, father.” She said as they separated.

“I’m happy to see you again Brigette. Since the last time I saw you, you’ve grown into a fine young lady. You look just like your mother when she was younger.”

She teared up but held back. “I know father. Let us talk more at another time I know you still have your job to do.”

She seems to be doing better since last I saw her. Getting away from here was the best thing for her. Seeing her smile and expressing emotion again gladdens my heart. I just hope that coming back here does not cause her pain again.

I looked at Sir Foltest trying to communicate silently with him to protect Brigette. He seemed to understand as he gripped his clothed greatsword on his shoulder and smiles reassuringly.

Brigette walked back and stood beside Sir Foltest and Lady Alexandria stepped forward. “I wish you two had more time to talk and catch up but as Brigette said we know you have a job to do. So, just tell us what you can.”

Lady Alexandria has changed too. She is much more confident in herself.

“Don’t expect your father his highness to choose his heir today or tomorrow he still believes he can convince your brother Bertrand. There is only a banquet scheduled for the evening for all the guests. In the meantime, you can mingle with the other guests in the garden or training yard. Your sister Ludivine visited the training yard with her companion but planned to visit the garden afterward. Your brother Sylvain is also here, though I do not know where he wandered off to.

At the mention of Sylvain Brigette became tense but shortly after relaxed.

Good. She no longer fears him but that was just her reaction to his name. I do not wish for them to meet but if they do I hope that Brigette can stay as composed as she is now.

“I understand, thank you Wes. We’ll make our way to the garden and enjoy some tea while we wait for the banquet.” Lady Alexandria bowed and led the way to the garden.

Brigette squeezes my hand as she walked by, and Sir Foltest gave me another reassuring grin.

With Sir Foltest around the chances that Sylvain approaches Brigette are low. I have an idea of what Sir Foltest did to Sylvain to make him fear him so and I am sure many others do as well, but they know that it is better to not speak of it lest they bring Sylvains or worse Sir Foltests wrath upon themselves.

With Lady Alexandria’s arrival most everyone has arrived; the most glaring absence was the first prince Bertrand who was an eccentric and did things at his own pace. I thought now that he was 30 years old and with his father’s health waning he would return and assume his position as heir but that was not the case. I tiredly kneaded my temples.

It is well known that Prince Bertrand has no desire to become king and is happy simply traveling to the territories in the Kingdom and maintaining good relations. When King William asked Sir Raphael one of the finest knights in the Sagitta Kingdom to accompany Prince Bertrand on his travels 8 years ago he had instructed him to instill the desire to become a king in him. Yet, judging from Sir Raphael’s reports he had failed to do so and had at this point given up. The upside to this whole thing is that the prince has picked up some strange but reliable companions over the years.

I recalled the report I received around 7 years ago about a Chef Osmond that Prince Bertrand picked up from some inn in the middle of nowhere in the Sagittarii Duchy.

Prince Bertrand and I were on the road and had eaten nothing but stale bread and dried beef so when we found the inn we ordered everything on the menu. Prince Bertrand found the food so delicious that he asked Chef Osmond to travel with us on the spot. The chef accepted and has been traveling with us since and the food he prepares is truly delicious.

As Sir Raphael was just getting used to writing reports, there are details I was sure were not written, though his attention to detail has improved over the years. The second report I received from Sir Raphael about a companion detailed how they met a plain-looking young woman named Linnet almost a year and a half after meeting the chef Osmond.

We met a young woman named Linnet who eventually came to handle and deal with our money. We stayed in a small town near the outskirts of the Vesterwood earldom where we encountered a plain-looking young woman who was always clumsily bumping into others and tripping over herself which made her the subject of mockery in the town even though she was one of the few educated people there. When she bumped into the prince he noticed her cloudy eyes, so he retrieved some spectacles from what we call the “Treasure Trove” a large chest that we had been using to store whatever trinkets caught our eye on our travels. Eventually, with the young woman’s cooperation, they found a pair that allowed her to see better. To thank the prince for his kindness she gave him advice on where things were sold cheaply or where we could sell things at a higher price and other merchantly advice as she was a merchant’s apprentice before being dismissed due to her clumsiness. The prince asked her to come with us to Vesterwood instead and help us while we stayed there. With her help, in Vesterwood we managed to not only spend less money than we had done before but also make a profit as well. the young woman advised us to sell some things in the “Treasure Trove” that sold for a high price. Our experience in Vesterwood with her made us realize how wasteful we had been with our money before and how easily we were taken advantage of by merchants. We begged her to travel with us and she agreed on the condition that we were not allowed to spend money without her around to which we immediately agreed.

Based on his reports Sir Raphael seems to think quite highly of Linett and her ability to use money. I speculated that she is probably the reason that the request for traveling expenses from Prince Bertrand has decreased over the years.The final report I received so far about their companions was sent to me at the same time as the second one. It detailed how they came to meet a seamstress and tailor they simply called Granny.

Wanting a new outfit before leaving Vesterwood the prince inquired about where to find the best garments and was soon directed to a shop called “Silk Weaver” run by two brothers. Following the advice of Linnet, we demanded to stay and watch the brothers make the garments after they got the prince's measurements. As we were arguing with the brothers, Osmond and I heard a weak voice from somewhere within the shop. So, While the prince and Linett continued arguing with the brothers, Osmond and I searched for the source of the voice eventually finding the source coming from a hidden wall in the shop. I drew my sword and threatened the brothers to reveal what was behind the wall and after much coercing and physical punishment they eventually did so. What we found behind the wall was a withered old lady who looked like she had not seen the sun for years working on making garments on her own asking for food and water. The prince tried talking to her, but she was unresponsive only asking for food and water. Osmond made a meal of what he was carrying in his pack and what was in the shop and fed her. All the while the brothers were making excuses and trying to escape until I tied and gagged them. When the old lady finally finished eating the prince once again asked her what happened. Her name was Julia but had been going by the name Granny for years now and she and her husband used to run the “Silk Weaver” shop and the two brothers were their apprentices. When her husband died she wanted to retire and leave the shop to the two brothers, so she did just that. Under the two brothers, the shop was not as successful and was losing customers as they were not satisfied with the quality of the garments. About a year after her retirement Granny received a letter from the brothers detailing their troubles and asking her to come and give them some advice. Granny made the trip and when she entered the shop they tied her up and gagged her. Waiting until the dead of night they took off her gag and woke her up and told her that she was to get to work on making garments like before. She refused and demanded to be let go. The brothers gagged her again and told her she would not be leaving unless she got to work making garments. A day and a half later no longer being able to stand the hunger and thirst she agreed to keep working in secret behind the secret wall as the brothers took credit for her work. When we rescued her, she had already lived behind the wall for 3 years. Granny tried to make light of the situation by saying that it reignited her passion for her work, but we all knew it to be false bravado. The prince asked her what she planned on doing from now on to which she did not respond for a long time. Eventually, she said that making garments had been her entire life but now she loathed to do so again. The prince told her that he came looking for a new outfit, but he was fortunate enough to instead find a personal tailor. He then asked her if she wished to join us on our travels. Granny was stunned but eventually agreed as she said stated “I have nothing else to do”. As Granny was packing up her equipment the prince asked her what was to be done with the shop to which she replied, “burn it down for all I care.” glaring at the still bound and gagged brothers. Eventually, everyone but the prince and I went inside the carriage. When I asked the Prince what we should do about the shop he replied with, you heard Granny “burn it down.” then I asked what should be done about the brothers the prince said, “what about them?” He then started using candles to start a fire in the shop. Once he was satisfied that it would burn down we left the burning shop and went inside the carriage leaving the brothers to their fate.

When I read that report I was shocked not only by the situation that Granny was in but that Prince Bertrand had it in him to kill even if it was indirectly. After that, I half-expected reports about Prince Bertrand suddenly becoming mad no doubt my experience with Sylvain influencing my thoughts. Fortunately, I received no such reports and from all accounts, Prince Bertrand was enjoying his travels with his companions,

Suddenly the doors opened, and I sighed in relief as the first prince entered followed by his companions that I was just thinking about. It was like seeing old friends for me though I only personally knew Prince Bertrand and Sir Raphael. I had never seen them, and they did not know me. But I knew them or at least the parts about them that Sir Raphael wrote down in his reports.

Prince Bertrand does not look to have aged too much since I last saw him, and it seems that Sir Raphael finally accepted his fate and shaved his head. I smiled and observed the others.

The pudgy one is no doubt the chef, Osmond! He looks just as I imagined him to be.

The Plain woman with the spectacles is no doubt the would-be merchant Linnet! I will need to thank her at some point for her hard work.

Granny looks healthier than I thought she would though she is relying on a cane she stands with her back straight and walks confidently! She seems to be a few years older than me, but I will not make the mistake of asking her about it.

“Old man Wes allow me to introduce my companions!”

Though I already know who they are the prince does not know that I know, This will take a while but now everyone is here, and whatever King William is planning can begin.