4 Castle Life
1277 Words
It was the first time that the King showed any emotion at all. He was laughing even harder than Marcus and Anders did just a few moments ago. All four of them looked equally bewildered. Janus could tell that they hadn't seen him like this in a very long time.
"What's happened to you my boy? You look like a very different person. Where's the kid who wanted to throw his head to the wall at every given opportunity, only to get bailed out by the crown? Pray tell me my son, what happened to you that sparked such a huge change?"
All eyes were now glued to Janus, even Yvaine looked questioningly. Janus had to be careful not to get caught, he didn't doubt that he could be burned at the stake for talking about smartphones and automobiles in this world.
"I saw the face of death." He said.
His father nodded and relaxed back to his chair. This seemed to have eased his siblings as well. Janus allowed them a few seconds for the thought to sink in.
"I've come to realize how lazy and incompetent I was, but that won't be the case anymore. I will pursue scholarship within the castle walls so that I could do a better job of serving the Kingdom in its glory. I admit I still don't know which field I'll be best suited for. I have no ounce of magic, nor battle prowess. And certainly not that good at negotiations."
"You're doing better now." Yvaine touched his hand.
"With much of your help, dear sister." Janus smiled. He wouldn't have survived these past few days without her.
"But I know that that's not enough. Give me a few months. If I fail, you are free to throw me away wherever you like, along with my inheritance." Janus hoped that it would be enough for him to figure his way out of this world.
The King sat in silence with a glint in his eye. His brothers didn't object in any way. The wariness from the two was now gone, they looked indifferent -- perhaps even relieved. Janus' suspicions were correct. The main cause for the tension between them was the succession to the throne. Now that he relinquished his claim, he was out of their way.
Which is perfect for Janus. He doesn't have any desire for the throne. He doesn't even know much about the Kingdom. He just had to live long enough to figure out the golden ring, get his answers and find a way out of his world. Living in the castle would be his best bet to find resources.
"Very well." The King finally said. "You will be stripped of your claim to the throne, and I will withhold your inheritance. You will keep the family name however, doing otherwise would be a scandal. You have three months to prove your worth. You'll still be held responsible for your lands, but all of its profit will be sent to the Kingdom. If you fail, we will have this meeting again. Are there objections from any of you?"
No one made a sound.
"It is settled then. This meeting is over, I have other things to attend to. Janus, I'll have Master Darius check your progress. Pull any of your stupid stunts again, and you will be sent away without deliberation. Do you understand?"
"Yes Father, this is more than I deserve, you are most kind."
"Then let us have a toast."
"To Janus!" said the King
"To Janus!" everyone chimed in. Marcus' was smile was even sharper. Anders' face was back to stone.
Yvaine was beaming. After the meal, Marcus patted him on the back while Anders sped off without a word.
#
Janus started enjoying castle life. While reading Yvaine's books, the thought of home moved to the back of his mind. Now that he was free from the hospital bed and the threat of exile, he can start learning more about what this world had to offer.
He had maids and servants attend to his every need. He didn't have any chores, and was free to do whatever liked. Yvaine had given him more books that kept him busy. He devoured them as quickly as he once did in his previous life.
He had known that magic existed in this world, as seen from the Prince's memories of Marcus, but he could have never imagined the entirety of its scope. Mages were ranked based on their capability. Novices were capable of simple cantrips and conjuring basic food and water. Archmages were adept at manipulating the elements, some were used in war for devastating effect. They can wipe out entire squads of armies with a single spell.
The Warriors and Knights were equally as impressive, he learned more about the Crimson Blades. They were a group of elite soldiers who were always the first choice for any campaign in the Kingdom. They only accepted members based on skill and tenacity. Nobility couldn't join them simply because they had wealth and status. Their grueling training program did not discriminate between rich and poor. Only the toughest fighters can join their ranks. Despite his cold and uncaring demeanor, Janus couldn't help but admire Anders even more.
His books were amazing, and he was learning more every day. But they were now running out. Yvaine had to leave that very morning.
She had no more books left, but promised that she would send him more on her travels. She also said that there were a lot more books in the library, but Janus' legs were still weak and he got lost so easily.
Yvaine kissed him on the cheek as they said their goodbyes and she laughed when he blushed.
Janus didn't know where the library was, perhaps the old Prince wasn't really interested in it.
He walked on and on, taking note of all the areas of the castles. There were chambers in the upper floors that were completely empty. There were a few scholars and guests in the castle but Janus avoided them for fear of messing anything up.
The courtyard had a few squires and Knights in training. Janus decided that he didn't want to do anything with that just yet, as his wrist would throb whenever he saw a blade.
He walked down to the lower floors where the servants and staff worked. As he moved along he couldn't help but notice how drab the castle really was. There was a faint magic barrier around the castle that protected it from the elements and regulated the temperature. But because of this, there were no windows at all.
The servants here looked quite contented with their work, but there was something bugging Janus. The work staff seemed to be all in cramped quarters and work places. Then there was that putrid smell. Curious, Janus pried to know more.
Everyone looked wary of Janus. They wouldn't return his gaze. Some would turn around as they saw him approaching. Everyone avoided him, everyone except...
He stumbled upon a maid whom he recognized from the dinner. She was smiling. He didn't have any recollection of her back then, perhaps due to the pressures of facing the King. But now the memories were getting clearer.
The Prince liked this maid, and judging from the way she was batting her eyes at him. The feeling was mutual.
Her name was Valda, she had dark eyes and short hair. She was rather plump for a serving maid but she had curves that could make a stableboy sweat. He knew the Prince's memories could evoke some emotions on him but this was something else, it was as if the blood in his veins were being collected somewhere...
He shook his head and walked past her, pretending not to notice.
Valda grabbed his wrist and pulled him close.
- Writer
