The World of Rhune

Trei entered into the third ring, the castle grounds. The King’s Own still stood around him. He dismounted Nocte and turned to one of the soldiers, “Take him back to the pasture, and make sure he gets a good rub down and food.” He kept rubbing at his hands, the camouflage from earlier was starting to flake off. He watched the soldier lead Nocte to the pasture and turned to another soldier and gave him similar commands for the howlers. He turned towards the captain, “Have my parents informed I will be with them shortly, but I must wash up.” The captain nodded, eyeing the mud the covered Trei, he hadn’t mentioned it but it hadn’t gone unnoticed, “Yes, Prince Trei.” Trei dismissed the other soldiers and headed for his own quarters.

Upon his arrival the server Lili greeted him, “Hello, Prince Trei,” She looked him over and then added, “Would you like a bath drawn?” Trei nodded his assent and headed back into his bedroom. He removed his adamas armor and weapons and laid them on the table that stood in the corner of his room. He entered the bathroom, the bath having already been drawn and fresh towels set out. He shed his garments and stepped into the warm water. He spared no time scrubbing the mud and debris off, and rinsed his hair thoroughly. Satisfied that he was clean he got out and dried off. Trei examined his side and leg and was glad to see they had healed quickly. He returned to his bedroom, leaving wet footprints on the dark wood, and entered his large closet. He pulled on a plain, but fine red tunic and black breeches. He looped on one of his belts and returned to his bedroom to attach his beloved sword. He quickly put on boots and stowed away his many blades in his attire. He lifted his crown of the manikins head and placed it on his naturally, spiked hair. He took a deep breath and left.

He arrived at the door to his parent’s public chamber, where commoners come and voice their thoughts to their king and queen. Currently it was empty except for his parents on the throne, and of course their guards at the entrances. He bowed to his parents, his father indicated for him to rise. “Hello mother, father,” Trei nodded towards each. “Hello Trei, I trust your trip was good,” His father boomed in his deep voice. “Yes father, I brought down a large stag with the howlers.” The King nodded absentmindedly, “Did the captain inform you why you were summoned?” Trei spoke, “Yes, though he knew little of it.” 

His father nodded but Trei’s mother spoke, “Then you are aware that the Princess and Prince of Cancri are nearly here.” Trei nodded, but he could feel his mother getting at something. She said, “Good. You said you would only marry a Princess if you met her and here she will be.” Trei shook his head at his mother, “I have to like her and her me, besides did you even discuss this with her parents?” Trei’s mother looked a little defeated but she went on, “Well, no. But it is the same most places, besides she said it would be good for each of you to get to know each other and learn about the new places. And marrying someone can count as getting to know them.” Trei sighed, “Mother, you have always put to much meaning into things. Would it really be so bad if I didn’t marry a Princess?” Now Trei’s father entered the argument, “Trei, both your younger sisters are fine with the idea of marrying a Prince.” Trei just about left there, “Dad, they’re twelve and eight, of course it sounds fine to them. Wait till they’re my age and then you can tell me how much they care.” The King replied, “I still think you’re being difficult.” The King crossed his arms and Trei nearly laughed at the expression on his father’s face, “I’m sorry I’m being difficult I just rather not be forced into this. I will make an attempt though, it’s not like I’ll be against her just because she’s a princess.” “Trei, you have to pick one of them, and soon preferably. They’ll end up getting married too; they all have to go through the same thing as you. This trip is a good thing; when you’re in the different countries try to meet the other royalty your age. Not only the Princesses, but Princes too and anyone else you can. It is good to form friendships with people you will end up ruling beside,” His mother said to him. “Fine, I’ll try. I really well. This whole trip thing though, can you explain it, I’m kind of confused.”

“Well you’re going to see the world of course, just like you’ve wanted!” The King boomed, breaking into the conversation again. “Yes, I’ve figured that much out, but like where and with who?” Trei asked. “With Prince Amir and Princess Hannah, and I believe you our making a circle through the three bays. I believe you are stopping at five different countries, six if you return to see Cancri. I believe your first stop will be at Xirra, too see Prince Charlemagne there. Word has been sent beforehand to all the countries you will be visiting.” Trei nodded, “How long is this trip?” “I believe it is about a week in each country, plus sailing time. So it may well be two months.” “Two months,” Trei repeated, “That’s a long time away from home. What ships are we sailing for a trip that long?” “Well if approved by our guests, our own galleons, seven of the specifically,” His mother answered. “Seven?” Trei questioned, “Why so many?” “Well not only are they there for protection, remember it’s not just our own royalty going to be aboard these ships. Also, we will be bringing trading supplies to Icladia, we have purchased a large amount or lumber from them, they will send it over as soon as they got our goods,” His mother responded. Trei was momentarily distracted, “What are we giving them?” “Fruit and vegetables mostly, some livestock too,” The king answered. Trei shook his head, “Okay, sure. What time are the getting in?” He asked. “We’re guessing about midday tomorrow.” “Alright, I’ll be sure to be ready.” Trei responded. “There will be a banquet too, son,” The king said. Trei nodded, he bowed to his parents and left the chamber.

He headed for his quarters, a plan already forming in his head. As much as disliked the girl, he would help the pair get somewhere safe. If he could find away to contact them he was sure he could smuggle them onto the ships, and get them off where ever they needed to be.