In the Grand City
To Athras the city of Ithel was like something out of a story book, the ordered streets and grand architecture a far cry from the laissez faire style of Osilon, even its size was overwhelming, compared to Ithel, Osilon was but a mere frontier town, hardly worthy of the Title of City. Being in such a large city made Athras feel increasingly claustrophobic and he yearned for an opportunity to return the the forests of Mirrorwater where he had grown up.
He walked through the halls of the grand palace in Ithel, listening to the clack and smack of his shoes against the hard stone floor. Although it had taken some getting used to he had eventually managed to figure his way around the grand structure without finding himself walking into a Kitchen every 10 minutes. Soon he arrived at Garrick’s solar, lifting his hand he knocked loudly against the hard wooden door.
An old steward Athras didn’t recognize opened the door, seeming to recognize the young master. “Ah, Master Athras. One moment, I’ll see if the king is available.” The door shut softly, only to be opened again after a moment. The steward bowed. “The King shall see you, Master Athras.” The old Elf parted to let him pass before stepping outside and closing the door behind him.
Seated at his desk, Garrick wore his usual frown, writing dutifully upon a parchment with others littered about his desk. “Master Athras, please come in. Are you hungry, thirsty? Anything at all I may have fetched for you?”
“If it’s not too much to worry over, just some bread and water please,” the young Master nodded graciously, “How are things going, your Highness?” Athras stood around awkwardly unsure of what to do.
“Ah bread and water. Good,” Garrick nodded in approval. “Fasting is good for the soul.” He rang a bell and relayed Athras desire to a page that quickly disappeared. “Things could be better, Master Athras. Please, have a seat.” The king motioned to an empty chair across his desk. “You have heard of the fate befell House Neldor? Executed despite all my pleas! The Queen of Mirrorwater’s heart is darkness,” he scowled.
“A most chilling of news, although I may not have had the best relations with House Neldor through my late father, it is disturbing to hear the least. I hope the Dread Wolf may carry them both to the side of the Lord of Light” he made a gesture, placing his hand twisted over his heart. Graciously he went over to the chair and sat down in it, he nodded at the parchment, “What are these about?”
King Garrick studied Athras for a moment before speaking. “Before Lord Tassarion died, he swore fealty to me. Now what am I to do that he and his brother are dead and gone? Do I seek vengeance for those slain? Do I dare march to war against Elf-kind, appalling though it may be? Or do I become as low as my enemy, and use her own means against her?” He motioned to the parchments. “Perhaps much more can be done with quill rather than sword or dagger.” The king coughed into a cloth as a servant entered, setting a plate of freshly baked bread and a chalice with a pitcher of chilled water, before bowing and making his exit.
Athras looked with concern at the King, “Are you okay?” he queried.
“I’m fine,” the king answered shortly, returning to the parchment before him.
Leaning forward Athras picked up a piece of bread from the table, concern across his face, “I won’t pry if you don’t want me to, but I’m here if you need me” he carefully took a bite from the bread, as he pondered Garrick’s prior words, “Some say the quill is indeed mightier than the sword. Personally a tyrant is a tyrant, even if they have noble intentions, but I trust your experience more than mine own”
“What brings you here, my lord?” Asked Garrick matter-of-factly.
Athras seemed taken aback by the seriousness of Garricks voice, “I thought seeing as I’m your vassal I would come to learn from you and see the rest of the Kingdom I am now a part of, I hope I have not offended you in some way?”
“You wish to learn from me?” Garrick questioned, still scratching ink to parchment. “I am not sure what wisdom I may impart, for it seems all I as of late turns sour and bitter.”
“Excuse me your highness but I am not quite sure what you mean by, bitter and sour” Athras inquired.
Garrick sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he set the quill down. “Nevermind. How old are you, Master Athras?”
“I have just had my 18th name day, your highness” Athras looked uncomfortable talking about his age.
“So young, and such responsibility you now shoulder. Many Elves my age could not live up to such a task, a whole fief looking to you for guidance.” Garrick studied Athras with keen eyes. “So you seek to be my ward?”
“I seek guidance from a mer, my father respected and looked up, If a ward is how you call such things over here, then yes” he nodded.
“I will try and teach you what I can, young Master, so that your people may reap the benefit of your rule. I name you the Master of Hunt, charged with the sacred rights of the hunt the kingdom holds dear. Should keep you busy between lessons and a place within my court so I may keep an eye on you.”
Athras eyes sparkled with appreciation, “thank you, my king. However I must ask, will this not get in the way of me looking after my people?”
“A wise lord knows how to delegate to those he trusts. There is much that can be done through dispatches. Nevertheless, I give you leave to return home and set your affairs in order. Try not to take too long, I won’t have my Master of Hunt shirking his duties to my court.” He said gruffly.
Athras nodded, “I thank you for your considerations” he motioned towards the note, “who do you write too at this time?”
“To Nehary of Rhulerya,” cringed the king. “Voicing my… disappointment in her treatment of the Neldors.”
“Truly her hostility knows no bounds, what are your thoughts on her actions against the Norse of the North Shield.”
“Seems she just cleared the flames of war only to rekindle them once again. I hope, for her people’s sake, that isn’t the case.”
Athras sighed, “If she does I will not be looking forward to facing the prospect of marching at her side once again.”
Garrick blinked. “I will do no such thing. If there is nothing else, Master Athras, I have some matters to attend to.”
“Maybe I can assist you in these matters? you can show me some of the ropes” Athras gave a small laugh, although his voice seemed cracked as if he didn’t want to be left alone just yet.
Garrick stood up. “These matters are… well they demand my attention and mine alone. I bid you good evening, Master Athras. Your tutelage will begin soon enough.”
“As you wish my liege, I will bid you adieu, though I must inform you that I shall be in Halam’Shiral for the next few days, before I return here. That is unless you speak otherwise?” Athras stood up from the chair.
“See to your affairs. I will be here upon your return.”
“goodbye” Athras nodded to the king, turning towards the door.
