263 A Visi (2/2)
”Yes General”
William strode to the gate of the fort, still not removing his heavy armor. Not in front of the men, he thought.
”Are you certain that it is my father?”
”Who else has a name of Leopold Castonia and..” The Squire's attempt of a jest was squished by William's glare. ”I mean yes. I think it is him sire.”
The carriage was a dull one when William saw it. The horses were exhausted though Castonian stallions were not known for their stamina. The driver was a hired one instead of the royal coach driver. Te carriage itself was old and creaky.
Beside the carriage was an old man dressed in old clothing. His hair was pure white now and his skin was saggy. His face was a mirror of William's square chin, dark eyes and thick brown hair- only older.
It is him, William thought.
***
His son was still in armor and sweating. William's arms were thick just like his all those years ago and Leopold was sure that he once had that beautiful brown beard. William reminded him of his youth.
I have three sons. One is a King. One is an idiot. One is a warrior. Omniscient, you have blessed me enough.
Leopold approached his son, halting a few paces away.
”You are here.” William said.
”I haven't seen you for five years and you talk to me without warmth”
”I apologize” William looked down. ”Come to my room. I'll offer you some refreshments.”
William beckoned and Leopold followed. This wasn't the reunion he expected. William was somehow cold to him.
William's room was tidy when they arrived. For a man who commands the whole of the Vanadian legions, William lived simply. The walls were unadorned. The bed was a single neat straw topped with cloth. There was a table with folded papers.
William unfastened his armor and helm and then taking an effort to put the thing on a rack. He changed his shirt dripping with sweat into a simple tunic.
Leopold took a chair given by the Squire and sat by the table.
”There are tea leaves inside the box on the table.” William said.
”You don't have something more biting to the tongue?”
”I don't drink. Alcohol is prohibited inside the fort.”
”You can just slip a bottle or two. You are the head of the legions.”
”If I did that then I would be like...” William stopped as he stared at Leopold.
Me, right? Leopold thought. Dishonest. Dishonorable. Impious.
William whisked his hair of sweat and sat on one chair. ”I have sent my squire for food and hot water.”
”Good” Leopold said. Their conversation was beginning to stale. He must make it flow again.
”Is Wasp still alive?” He asked.
”In the kennel. The men are afraid of him.”
”Let them be afraid. He is your most loyal guard. The kennel would serve to dull his ferocity”
William didn't respond to that. He just stared at Leopold. ”Father why are you here?”
”What do you mean why? To see you of course. You rarely respond to my letters.”
”I didn't have the time. I have to train the Vanadians.”
”I understand. Forgive me. I just want to see you. I've heard that the Vanadian legions will set sail soon. You will go to Wismar with Timothy. I want to see how my son have grown before he leaves again.”
”And Nirvana?”
”Braun is managing it. Don't worry.”
”And he let you go? You are old and you only have Rupert as your guard.”
”You think he would? Of course I employed some tricks. Braun has been holding me from visiting here for months. Too risky for my health he says. I bet he just wants my help in managing Castonia.”
”You lied to him” William said, shaking his head. There was disappointment in that tone.
”Sire” someone knocked on the door. It must be William's squire. Finally, the food.
”Edmund Vanadis request your presence sire” The squire continued. ”It is urgent the messenger said.”
”I should go” William rose. ”You can stay here. There is food and you can ask my men for things you require.”
”No, no” Leopold said, also rising from the seat. ”I will go with you. It is time to meet the old man”