CHAPTER FOUR - Journey To Aethelgard
1086 Words
It’s been two days since the prince made his request, and he got his father’s approval. Arrangements have been made for his trip to the kingdom of Aethelgard. The priestess has given her blessings, the prince’s duties have been attended to.
The prince dressed in green George trouser and plain green hemp tunic, stands before the carriage facing both his mother and father.
His mother raises her hand to his face “please be careful on your way. And don’t hesitate to return home.” She said, voice calm but filled with worry.
The prince takes his mother’s hand in his “I have faced the brutalities of the forest hunting grounds, a merely scouting is nothing so please worry not mother.” He reassures.
“my son.” The calls. “be sure to keep to our agreement” he reminded and with a softer tone he spoke “and be sure to contact us often.”
The prince nods and turns to his companion who seems to still be talking with his older brother, he was taller and bigger than him. The prince walks closer, his hand slung over his companion shoulder with a smile.
“My prince.” The older brother spoke, bowing his head slightly.
“I apologise for stealing your little brother away from you.” The prince teases.
The older brother forces a smile even though he wanted to tell the prince a peace of his kindbut he lets out his irritation with a sigh “ill leave him to you my prince.” He bows “may your mission be fruitful and you return home.” He flares at the prince emphasising “alive.”
The prince hold on his companion tightens then he pulls him away forcefully “lets be on our way, we don’t want to delay before the borders close do we?” He raises his voice.
They enter the carriage and set of on their way to the port.
“why the long face Obinna?” the prince enquiries.
“I can’t believe you dragged me into your recklessness.” Obinna voice grew dark as he vented.
The prince chuckles “just like old times right? We go on adventures ecenwhen danger nears.”
“you annoying…” Obinna rises from his seat on the carriage but it makes the carriage wobble so he quickly sits back down. He clears his throat speaking calmer “you drag me to those adventures against my wishes.”
“but the were fun eventually.” The prince leans forward “I till remember how you kept swinging your stick at that bullies head while screaming at the top of your lungs.”
“shut up.”
The prince laughs
Obinna sighs with reluctance “anyway we should go over the plan once again.”
“aren’t you too serious?” the prince leans back with his hands behind his head “relax, see this as a holiday from all the hustle and bustle.”
“speaking of hustle and bustle, did you respond?” Obinna making reference to the letter the princess sent.
“yes, I sent it in yesterday.”
Obinna nods, pleased with the prince, he leans back on the carriage chair, his gazed fixed on the passing scene thought the window. The brown hits, fence forest, the market women, passing nobles and the vibrancy of the kingdom.
He wonders: what would he experience in the kingdom of Aethelgard? What does God have in stored for him as he moves forward? And what kind of trouble the prince would bring?
They arrived at the deck, board the Mmachi, a hip painted brown, it’s sails white with the crested flag at the tip, and a hawk wood carving at the lead of the ship. A transporting ship so big that it holds thousands of cargo and passengers.
The prince greets the captain “captain Morgan.” He shouts with a wave to the air as he approached.
The captain notices, turns with a smile as he rushes to him, grabbing him from behind on his shoulder and leading him to a corner on the deck “my prince.” He bows a hand to his chest “I apologise for this act but you must remember that no one knows you here.”
“ah yes of course. But worry not as long as you use my unofficial name Alexander, then no one will know that I am prince dike.”
Each member of the royal family and noble of high standing in the kingdom of Duracrete take up and unofficial name to use and hide their identities whenever they go out. Only fellow members of the royal family and nobles of high standing can recognise each other.
“I understand that but it is hard for me to remember such things.” The captain said.
Captain Somtochukwu Morgan Okafor and his family have been the manager of the port until they met the requirements for being given the unofficial name. Captain morgan and Alexander have also been long time friends.
“Don’t worry you’ll be used to it.” The prince reassured.
They then headed to the ship, settled in and blended with everyone as though they were one of them. They said for 6 days and 5 nights, till they arrived at their destination. They unboarded and went into the kingdom, at this time it was already evening and so they looked for the nearest inn to lay their heads to rest.
The prince sat on the bed while Obinna sat by the table, the lamp flickering light on the he examinsbthe kingdoms map “this land is surprisingly more organised, the path to the palace is straightforward.” He meant literally.
The prince hums.
Obinna shift in his chair “youre not too concerned?”
“why should I be?”
“well for one we have no way of getting close to the princess enough to observe her and since we came here your attempt to study the kingdom seems non existent.” Obinna mentions.
“God will guide us in our journey.” He says quoting the priestess form his homeland.
Obinna sighs, closes the map, turns off the lamp and head for the bed. What he didn’t know is that the prince has though of his questions many times, he to is worried about his stay in this new territory, and hopes to indeed learn something but worrying doesn’t change anything.
- Writer
