The Last Realm: The Blood of Clans

7: The Western City

“The western city?” I asked at the young princess.

“Yes, our royal family, and a few other notable individuals stay on the west side of the river, in an enclosed community.” Kelicia replied back lightly.

“Excuse me princess, but it's safe to ponder us not being needed?” Jace smiled as he slipped on an extra shirt, before grabbing for his heavy robes.

“That is why I am present. Only those of royal blood or station are allowed permission into the western city.” Kelicia replied with a stern smile.

“That's my role, we're gonna buddy up about town and see the sights.” Zale laughed in his reply.

“No offense here, your highness.” I started in, glancing around the room.” But we're not exactly proficient in terms of battle or combat. I dunno how safe I feel without my guard.”

“That has been taken into effect, and you might find our accompanying escort will meet your worries well.” The princess smiled as the girls noisily made their way to our doorstep.

Aurelia and Kathryn had a third girl with them who I hadn’t seen before. She had short, dark black hair like a moonless night, even darker that Kat. She stood about Jace's height, just under six feet and had startling bright blue eyes. I grew quickly uncomfortable with her piercing gaze, and felt like I was being dissected by her thoughts. Yet, with her wrapped tightly in a heavy white coat with black fur trim, she radiated a pure beauty like I had never seen or felt.

“Uh.. oh.. err...” Chang fumbled over himself, his mouth wide open in shock.

I tried hard not to laugh, but Aurelia and Kat both looked nervous with the girl around them. Even Jace seemed a bit rattled by her girls presence. Troy moved aside to try and compose Chang out of his stupor, while the princess and Zale both held their composure.

“Did I miss something by any chance here?” I couldn't help but ask, knowing that either I was the odd man out for a rather big secret, or everyone had woken up idiots.

“Ah, this is my personal guard.” Kelicia said with a knowing smile. “She doesn't exactly talk much, but is from a prestigious upbringing that we northerners revere.”

Everyone just nodded as if that settled the entire matter. I still had no clue what was going on and our groups started to split off in their two groups. I had to think fast to figure this one out, but it seemed like there was suddenly a large chunk of the puzzle I was missing.

“Jace.” I called quickly, hoping I could find anything out before he departed for who knows how long.

“What is it? Hurry, we ain't got long.” He pulled back and walked slowly beside me, the others waiting up further ahead.

“That woman.. the escort, doesn't she seem familiar or anything to you? You all know her, don't you?” I asked with growing concern.

“Our search might not be very difficult, to be honest.” He replied back.

“You mean, she's connected to the lost prince?” My eyes widened a great deal at the shock.

“It's possible, but not a certainty.” Jace began, our voices lightly in a whisper.

“During the attack with the wolves, there was a person on the other side of the river. The black object you found was probably from his arrows.” I divulged my only secret, making Jace hesitate.

“That just proves we have to be extra cautious. The girl is most likely with him, or just scouting ahead of him. Tasard has a reputation of being friendly with their kind, so that does give us a slight advantage.” Jace wrung his hands as we neared the groups.

“What do you mean? That doesn't really make a lot of sense.” I gulped and nervously glanced back at the two parties, about to split ways.

“I promise to tell you as much as I know, when we have the chance and privacy.” Jace swore, resting a hand on my shoulder. “For now, keep your eyes open and remember as much as you can. Tell me about it later, and we'll act accordingly.”

We split paths then, my nervousness had me quite jumpy as Kelicia and the escort lead us westward and eventually to the western city gates.

A pair of guards greeted us at the large, ice white double gates and we were ushered inside to the seemingly vacant courtyard. The majority of the buildings looked they were all frosted over, most of them having the same white shade as the majority of the city. I couldn't help but notice that the white tint to Kitasa seemed to start from the looming palace that we were heading directly for.

“This is my mother's home.” Kelicia said softly, as if we might be listened in on by the grass or wind. “The frost palace of Kitasa. The western palaces were built before her death, years ago.”

“Why the frost palace?” I asked, earning a reprimanding glance from Aurelia.

“My sister, the queen Chiara, is commonly known as the 'Ice Queen'.” The air seemed just a touch sharper after the reply back. “You weren't taught such things within the tower?” Kelicia asked with a skeptical glance.

“I think he's spent too much pouring over books and old-world knowledge. Last time I saw him in the tower, the Bishop was painfully trying to instruct him on the world. It wasn't going well.” Aurelia jumped in with her answer, giving me another stern glare.

“Sorry, I'm a bit in Chang's boat on this one. First time outside of Kyzekia honestly.” I put on my best smile, feeling embarrassed at the elusive truth of having only arrived at the holy island just a week prior.

“Mmpf.” Came the grunt from the dark-haired attendant.

“Oh my.” Kelicia gave a soft chuckle, stopping out entire group just a couple yards from the palace doors. “I don't usually get to see Kokin so lively. You must be an interesting person, master James.”

Aurelia tensed up even more than she had been since splitting groups, and even Chang looked a little more shaken now. Kelicia asked us to wait outside the doors while she presented us, and then she slipped inside of the two-tiered white crystal palace. It was a good thing the courtyard was empty once she slipped inside as well.

“Where is he?” Aurelia snapped at the attendant, catching me totally off guard.

The girl only shook her head side to side, her eyes carrying a look of sadness to them.

“Why are you here? When is the last time you saw him? Spit it out you stupid, annoying girl!” Aurelia pushed the girl up against one of the little walls that jutted out near the side of the doors.

“Wait, Lia.. this won't really get us anywhere you know.” Chang tried to plead with the blonde princess to stop her questioning assault on the other girl, but to not much avail.

“I think I saw someone last night on the other side of the river.” I stated flatly, my palms sweating a little.

Both of them, turned their full attention to me, the girl on the wall gasping for a minute then stepping between them and grabbing me by the shirt and pulling me close. I was shocked as she searched my face imploringly, but didn't speak a word.

“It was just some black robed figure with this weird horned bow.” I pulled the odd horn from my pocket to show all three. “See.”

“Put that away.” Chang hissed at me, causing even more confusion.

Both girls looked panicked by my information and evidence, the attendant's eyes were darting around frantically until Aurelia placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered to her calmly. It was at the moment that Kelicia burst the doors open and stepped back outside only to find us all in an awkward situation.

“Kokin!” The redheaded princess screeched loudly. “Unhand him now!”

The dark haired girl, Kokin, backed away quickly as her face grew a deep shade of crimson.

“No really, it wasn't her fault. I said something to her that was inappropriate.” I gulped as I offered the reply in defense.

Kelicia looked me over carefully, as if reexamining her perception of me. Finally shaking her head lightly. “I don't think you're the type to type to make any kind of lewd gestures or statements, but whatever you talked about better not be discussed again.” She quickly looked around the courtyard again nervously.

“Don't worry, it's been settled for now.” Aurelia interjected. “I think we best proceed inside though, if everything is ready now.”

The two princesses shared an understanding as we headed through the doors, Kelicia commanded the girl, Kokin, to go to her chambers and remain dormant.

The four of us proceeded into a grand white hall, adorned with icy blue carpets and curtains. The windows seemed to mostly be an elaborate type of crystal glass that I'd never seen and it made all of the inside seem pale and match the winter world outside. After entering another set of doors, we found ourselves in the grand throne room.

A large ice-like white throne sat towards the back wall, with a long white carpet leading up to it from the doors. Two smaller blue thrones were on either side and each a few pairs of chairs next to each. Behind the throne was a large white banner hanging on the back wall, with a huge ice blue gryphon shape as the emblem in its center.

“All of the chairs are for the court, when the full set is assembled.” Kelicia whispered lightly as we stopped halfway in the room and waited for the thrones to become occupied.

“Wouldn't they wanna face each other or something though?” I asked curiously.

“We have the chairs lined up for audiences, such as yours.” A deep voice sounded from the left side blue throne.

“Father.” Kelicia said with a polite bow.

Aurelia pulled my sleeve down with her to have my timing correct, while she and Chang bowed as well.

“The others should be along in a moment. You must be our last guests, I take it.” The gray haired man examined us carefully.

“Lady Aurelia and lord Chang.” He said with a bow in return. “That would make you master James, correct?”

“Yes, sir. I mean, your lordship.” I licked my lips nervously as I got to study the older man.

His gray hair was parted out of his dark brown eyes and his face looked long and worn, like he had seen too many deep winters. He had on long white robes, with a blue cloak draped over it. He sat down with a small huff and flashed a tired smile.

“It's good to see all of you arriving in one piece.” He started in as the back door, hidden by the large banner, creaked open and a pair of people came forward to the other two thrones.

A hulking man with a mixture of black and gray hair sat in the right blue throne. He had on heavy white armor with silver and ice blue trim. He looked like a middle aged version of the first, older man. His darker hair was slicked back and he had a full beard, but the resemblance was uncanny.

“Uncle, it's always a pleasure to see you.” Kelicia commented, as we all politely bowed again, though he gave no response back.

The third and final person was the queen. She had long, pale red hair and beautiful features. I was held breathless by her fair skin and deep reddish-brown eyes. She had on a white dress with a dark brown skirt, and stood commandingly in front of the ice throne.

“Welcome to Tasard, my royal darlings.” She smiled kindly as she scanned over each of us carefully and with deep evaluation. We all knelt to the floor until she permitted our rise, but she didn’t sit down still.

“It's good to see you all here but since it's your first official visit and only winter ball, I will make the formal introductions before business.” She called out kindly.

The older man in the left throne, Kelicia and the Queen's father, was Andres Azhade, the regent of Tasard. That meant the heavily armored man on the right was Isidro Azhade, the general of the Outland Knights and his younger brother. That just left the queen, Chiara Azhade, to introduce herself.

“I do believe you are the last group to arrive. Your friends that arrived with you on the ship here, got in earlier this morning while you slept.” The queen said with a constant smile, then leaned over to confer quietly with her father Andres.

“I apologize for the unsavory time you've had to endure so far within my country.” She looked directly at Chang. “If we were aware that your brother was inviting himself and guests, an armed escort would have met you before he did.”

A couple more whisperings from the thrones prompted a stern head shake as we stood there silently.

“There have been special rooms prepared for you all. The other guests have been recently re-situated as well.” The queen was still standing along with us through all of this.

“I really do hope that you can enjoy yourselves over the next few days. I have setup preparations to ensure a bit more safety than you've currently ran across. I apologize for any difficulties you've experienced as of yet, however..” She paused for a moment, carefully considering her words. “Unfortunately, we're making a slight change this year to the ball. It's going to be held exclusively within the western city and with the royalty only. No outsiders, period.”

We all felt a little bit of relief but some new tension. I wasn't sure if this was going to be a good or bad thing in the long run, which I think made me more on edge. That and not getting to see any of the eastern side of the city.

“Aurelia, Kelicia will show you around.” Queen Chiara said, clearing her throat as two more people entered the room from behind the banner. “James and Chang, you have the privilege of spending time with General Isidro.”

She dismissed us as the hefty man from the gates, Cristof, entered the room and sat down. Another man entered with him, much younger with red hair and long white robes, who sat down on the opposite side of the room. Kelicia led us to the back, behind the thrones but paused when Isidro called us all over.

“Kel, take the boys to the knights hall and I'll pick them up once we finish court for the day.”

Kelicia nodded and led us to the door behind the snow white banner.

“Hurry and go.” She implored as the throne room doors burst open and heavy boots stomped to the middle of the room.

I couldn't help but glance back once and shuddered as Naren stood in the room looking frustrated at the court.

“Some hospitality you got here!” He half shouted, barely keeping a lid on his annoyance.

Kelicia gave me a firm shove in the back to get me through the door and slammed it quickly behind her.

“Don't you dare pause like that again.” She snapped at me once we all crossed into the back halls safely.

“I'm sorry.” I said while staring down at the toes of my boots.

“I swear your curiosity is gonna really get us in trouble soon enough.” Aurelia said with a slight smirk.

“Hurry now, this way and quickly.” Kelicia started a quick paced trot down the halls, heading to the right and leading us left at the first intersection.

We arrived at a large oval corridor, that had a trio of doors to adjacent rooms. Kelicia smiled and gave us both, Chang and myself, a hug.

“Okay, so stay low and entertain yourselves or something. Uncle Isidro shouldn't be too long, so see you later.” She grabbed hold of Aurelia's hand and tugged her along down the halls further and out of sight.

“So that was Naren when we were leaving, huh?” Chang asked me, a worried look on his face.

“Mm, yeah. Perhaps though we should check to see about talking in one of the rooms though.” I replied back, peering down both halls.

It turned out the middle door was the only one unlocked but before we could go inside one of the side doors opened up and a blond haired boy poked his head out.

“Oh, it's you two. Haven't been showed around or anything yet, huh?” We both turned about and were stunned to find Vahn looking at us suspiciously from behind the door.

“We're waiting for lord Isidro.” Chang replied back, then in a hushed tone added further. “We found Kokin, she's working for the Azhade royal family.”

Vahn froze with a blank expression on his face, then swung his door wide open and motioned for us to come inside. After looking around the room for a moment we both sat on the full sized bed that sat against the far wall.

“This sorta reminds me of a hotel back home.” I quietly said to myself, earning confused looks from both Chang and Vahn.

“So you really found Kokin?” Vahn asked, a raised excitement slipping through his voice.

“Yeah, but Naren is also currently holding an audience with the queen and court.” Chang shot back.

“How do you know about Kokin?” I asked, still digesting the all of the new faces, scenery and information.

“Oh, that.” Vahn nearly doubled over as he laughed. “I guess you could say that I'm on friendly terms with Tajima.”

“Understatement of the year.” Chang said with a big grin.

“What?” I looked confusedly back and forth between the pair. “I really wish somebody would fill me in here.”

“Good thing you're sitting down.” Vahn smiled slightly and pulled up a wooden chair to sit. “First thing you need to know, is that Tajima is missing from his clan. As well as his two attendants, one of which you met. The girl Kokin has been a constant to him for over the past three years, at least.”

I nodded my head at the beginnings of the story, as a lot of new pieces started falling into place.

“I myself have known Naren and Tajima for quite a while, and Chang much more recently. The strained truth is that Tajima was picked as the heir for his clan, leaving the older Naren without much claim. It was the popular decision for more reasons than just personality. My father also endorsed the choice by betrothing my sister Aurelia to Tajima, when they were both much younger.”

I sighed at the news. It explained much more than I thought about a few things, but didn't shed a lot of light on anything up to date. Vahn kept going though.

“A couple of years back, right after Tajima had found Kokin, he and Naren got into a huge argument in their family castle at Takematsu. Tajima was trying to keep Naren from losing his temper about Kokin being around and about not being the heir. Naren had been drinking a bit and it was getting late in the evening when things just erupted. Lord Saizo, the clan head, told Naren to leave until he could calm down. This infuriated the older brother, so he lashed out with his sword and cut Tajima open from his left eye to his ear. That is the first real fight between the two, and they've been at each others throats since.”

I gulped as Vahn folded his hands calmly on his lap, looking at the sun dropping off in the distance, the light by the window fading.

“Mind if I ask why you're being so nice about this, and how you know so much?” I asked with my brow still furrowed, as I finished processing the story.

“I grew up with the brothers. I'd know Chang better if his mother, lady Rana, didn't decide to keep him close and out of world affairs.” Vahn answered a little tiredly.

“That and you're Tajima's best friend.” Chang mocked lightly to Vahn.

“Seriously?” I couldn't help but ask.

“Well, I think he might be closer to my sister and his attendants, but I guess..” Vahn replied sheepishly. “But we have real concerns if Naren is holding audience and here in the country right now.”

“Yeah, I figured he was doing the same as us. If he can find Tajima first, it'd be bad news, wouldn't it?” I looked between the two as they both nodded.

It was the next moment when the door was opened, making all of us jump in surprise. General Isidro was at the door looking at us with a frustrated expression. The large armored man stepped into the room and shut the door firmly behind him, before he spoke any.

“Chang, your brothers are proving to both be serious headaches. We've had to move up the ball by a day's time for more safety reasons.” Isidro nearly growled at all of us.

“Move up the ball? So you mean it's tomorrow?” My jaw nearly hit the floor with the news, as I asked for clarification.

“That it is. Just royalty only, and it will start in the afternoon and be held in the throne room. Queen Chiara, lord Andres and myself will be present to oversee things. I wish I could give you a proper tour, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I ask the three of you stay in this corridor as much as possible.” Isidro didn't have anything in his demeanor that showed a hint of joking or playing with his statement.

“We got it.” Vahn replied back. “James will take the middle room.”

“Good. I'll personally come get you tomorrow, so don't leave for anybody else except the Queen.” The armored general ordered us in as friendly a way as possibly before leaving the room.

“Wow, talk about a turn of events.” Chang said with a nervous laugh.

“You're telling me. So what now?” I asked the two of them, looking at Vahn.

“We start by sleeping as soon as the moon rises. Then we spend the morning getting ready and go try and enjoy the winter ball.” Vahn smiled between a pair of yawns.

“Guess there's nothing else, huh?” I replied back after my own yawn.

“Oh, there will be lots more. Just wait til you see the girls all dressed up tomorrow.” Vahn got up and proceeded to kick us out of the room.

“Well, guess it's goodnight then.” Chang yawned finally, turning the door and going into his small hotel-sized room.

I took my cue and went into the middle room, and sighed lightly. I had to piece together as much information I could from what all I was learning, and had to do it as fast as possible it seemed. Unfortunately, I fell asleep as I was going over things with myself.