37 Reuniting (1/2)

As they approached, Eileen and Leona both quickly looked at Riou, and as they didn't see the necklace, they turned to Therese.

”We found her and recovered a few things, but the necklace and the short swords were alreadysent elsewhere… he didn't want to continue the pursuit.” said the Lioness, explaining what happened.

Before they could continue the Lioness looked at Eileen. ”What happened?”

Eileen didn't know how to address the matter, so Leona told her master, ”The princess was recognized by a noble in the afternoon, while we were searching for the tracks, as you requested. I found a scent in the thief's bedroom that took us to the city center. I lost the scent there and on the way back we found the noble going for Thanes.”

The Lioness remained quiet waiting for her to continue.

”He was on his way to the summer festival and immediately recognized Eileen. He announced that he'd inform Torwald of her arrival,” continued Leona.

”I see,” said Therese while looking at Eileen. ”You are concerned that now they know you are coming, it will complicate things for you, given the custom of this land.”

Eileen nodded and sighed ”Last time I was here, a couple years ago, it took me about 7 months to fulfill most of the challenges, and I still needed my father to get very angry for me to be able to return home.”

”Can't we just avoid them altogether?” questioned Leona.

Therese shook her head. ”No, now that the princess is known to be in the North, she will have to pay her respects to her Grandfather, and we will have to do so as well,” said Therese.

The Lioness looked back at Riou who was clearly not understanding a word they were saying, and seemed to still be thinking about the last interaction with the rogue, that for some reason had a deeper impact on the boy than she expected.

”Well, you can always ask the boy for help,” said the Lioness turning to the princess. ”I don't know how long we will stay here in the north, but don't worry, we won't leave you behind if that's your concern.”

Eileen nodded a bit relieved after hearing that.

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With the last events, the slow caravan was not an option anymore. With difficulty, Riou communicated through gestures and even some drawings indicating his need to reach Thanes quickly, as he could estimate it would take another month for the caravan to do so while on horse, while they'd be able to reach there in only a few days.

Therese acknowledged the proposal and went to Bronach and Herger to break the news, followed by the boy.

”So that's why the boy is so quiet and gloomy lately? I could swear he was raised and born in Allard with that way of speaking of his,” said the merchant looking down. ”And I'm sorry Viki brought you so many problems. I can't give back what she took, but believe me, deep down she is a good kid.”

Herger looked disapprovingly to Bronach. ”I always told you that girl was trouble.”

Bronach nodded in agreement. ”But still, I owe her…” he paused for a moment before continuing, ”It pains me to see you all leaving before the time…. but you and the boy helped a lot already on the way here, so please, let it be known that you all are welcome to join us anytime.”

The mercenary leader smiled and nodded confirming those words while looking at the boy.

Therese bowed courteously, while Riou shook their hands before leaving with Therese.

They quickly put their things together and left immediately towards Thanes.

The road condition was good. The cobblestone was even while going towards the capital, and allowed the horse to run with ease.

While the travel took place, Eileen tried to teach Riou some words, but conversation and more elaborated phrases would not be possible.

Isolated words like tree, rock, dirt and water were no problem, as they could be pointed out in the open. But conversation and verbs were out of question without any reference, and the boy knew it. The necklace was the only way for him to communicate at the moment.

Deciding once he got another one, he'd start taking classes to learn the language, using the necklace as a reference, allowing him to learn it.

But as it would take a while to get there, he also tried to think of ways to communicate with magic, but as he didn't know exactly how the necklace operated, nor what that Rune on it meant, he couldn't replicate it as it is.

The only way for him was to devise a new method, but all he could think of at that moment was some derivative of telepathy. Which would potentially cover every single language gap possible in that world.

But he knew it was too much of a risk, as Maximilian explained the dangers of using mind magic while connecting minds. Any mistake would be fatal. While thinking about it, the image of Maximilian and his disciple's last moments came to his mind.

Despite having knowledge of many spells, he understood that for this specific language and world, without the proper knowledge of how to do it, it was way too risky. That this was not a game. There were no status windows or game feedback on his actions, nor could he reload in caseanything happened.

The risk was far too great, while Max was not that far away now.

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Thanes was quite similar to Allard in some aspects. The castle-like structure reminded him of an old, wooden, Norwegian church with stone walls to reinforce its structure, just as massive as Allard's capital castle. Also in a similar fashion, was that it was at a much higher elevation than the city itself.

Riou thought it must be a custom of this land to build castles on top of everything.

From the distance, it could be seen at the end of a very steep road that slithered through the mountain, towards the high plateau where the castle was.

The city revolved down, around the plateau and clearly was meant to provide a natural protection from the strong winds that were constantly blowing in that region.

The houses were similar to the villages and Norse cities so far, mostly made of stone and wood. Very few houses had more than 1 floor, and the bigger ones had family crests engraved on their doors, clearly the residence of some of the nobles of the city.

Not too far to the East, the sea could be seen. The dark waters looked strangely still, as no waves could be seen from that distance.

The constant cloudy weather gave the city a gloomy feeling, as little to no activity could be seen in its streets from where they were.

After crossing the massive stone gates to the city, it was time to decide the first stop. As they were very close to the castle, Therese and Eileen wanted to go there to deal with greeting the princess' Grandfather sooner rather than later, and hopefully before the news of her arrival would spread too far and make things even more difficult to counter later on.

Therese looked at Riou and pointed to the castle. ”Eileen, Therese and Leona,” she said while indicating their need to go to the castle now. ”It will be quick,” she gestured with a fast movement a quick stop and then pointed towards the city.

Riou frowned while thinking. He gestured with his hand indicating that they could go later on, and going towards the inn took priority for him, as he clearly was having enough of not understanding anyone.

Therese nodded, indicating they would go to the castle and meet him there later on. With everyone having an understanding, they took their path.

------------------------------ The Norse Castle.

On the small path that lead to the castle entrance was a stable, where visitors could leave their horses. The castle walls began on the cliff, on both sides of the small ridge that served as bridge. No one would be able to trespass that easily. On the small bridge covered by the stone walls, there was a huge iron gate in front of the castle's entrance.

The guards used a heavy leather armor with fur to protect against the cold wind. The helmets were made of iron with fur inside as well, for the same reason. They held spears and shields with a sword attached to their belt. They held no crest or colors, very different from the Allard soldiers.

As they put the horses in the stable and walked inside the balcony-like structure that lead to the castle entrance door, the guards there stood still as the princess passed by, clearly aware of her arrival.

Inside, the wooden carved structures were outstanding. Many symbols, animals and battles were depicted on the walls, carved in detail into the wood. The temperature increased as they walked inside.

Eileen walked through the corridors with confidence, and as they reached a large hall with a fire set in every corner of the room for heat and strange symbols and intertwined patterns carved in the 6 pillars that held the ceiling, someone approached the princess.

”Are my eyes playing with me? Eileen you've grown even more beautiful!” exclaimed the man with open arms approaching the princess.

He was in his 50's, and had a tall and sturdy build with a golden hair tied in a ponytail that barely reached his neck. He had a golden beard trimmed down, not too long, just a finger thick. His eyes were blue, and his clothes were made of many expensive pelts and fur. He had a gold chain holding them together on his chest.

”It's good to see you too uncle,” replied Eileen respectfully towards him.

”Where is Elrik and Hanna? Did they go see your grandfather already?” asked the man after hugging the princess.

Eileen shook her head. ”No, they didn't come this time.”

The man frowned. ”Where is your entourage then?”

The princess continued, ”There is none.”

Still frowning he looked at everyone behind the princess. ”And who would they be?”

Eileen showed Therese and then Leona. ”This is The Lioness Therese and her disciple Leona.”

The man's eyes widened. ”Now I understand why there is no one else. Elrik really spared no expense to keep you safe. I welcome the mighty Lioness.” He bowed respectfully towards Therese who replied in kind.

The man smiled once again, he began to walk towards the door at the end of the hall. ”Your grandfather will be pleased to see you. Come, I will lead you to him.”

As they walked, the blond man continued speaking, ”You came at a great time. The summer festivities will begin in a couple of days. We already sent word for the nobles that you'd be attending as well. We expect a good tournament this year. Almost everyone will be attending.”

Eileen smiled wryly and looked at Therese.

As they approached the end of a corridor, a door opened to a hall with a long table with chairs on both sides of the room and, a few steps above, what seemed to be two thrones. One was empty and on the other one sat an old man with a blind eye on his left and a crystal blue eye on his right. His hair was white and long enough to cover his shoulders and part of his back.

He was clearly a big man and, despite his age, seemed to still carry a lot of strength on his muscles. His face showed a few wrinkles around his eyes while holding a stern look. His attire was very similar to the princess' Uncle, but much flashier, as the pelts were only made of white wolves and white bears. A white beard could be seen in his face, but it was braided with a gold ring holding it together on the end, giving a very elegant look to the old king.

”Father, Eileen has arrived,” said the man bringing the attention to the princess.

The king was not alone. A man with hair as black as the darkest night, wearing a noble's outfit black with details in purple and gold, elegantly turned and waited in silence while the king addressed everyone.

Eileen's uncle continued, ”With her, the famous Therese of the beast lands, the mighty Lioness and her disciple,” said the man approaching the throne, followed by everyone.

By hearing the princess' name, the old man smiled at the throne and leaned forward as if to see better. ”Come closer child, my eye is not what it used to be.”

Eileen smiled at the sight of her grandfather and approached him. His good eye was the same as hers. The crystal blue color was undeniable equal.

He stood up from the throne. The man was a giant if compared to the common man of Allard and would even put Syldis to shame.

He hugged her with one arm to his side. ”How have you been my dear?”

”I'm fine, grandfather,” she replied with a smile.

The old man's eyes widened briefly looking at the princess smile. Even he knew it was a rare sight. ”That's good to hear my child, now, introduce me to your friends.” He looked at the group while holding Eileen to his side.

”This is my Grandfather, Ephil Torwald, the King of Thanes and the lands of the north,” she said while looking at the two who bowed in respect.

The old king nodded. ”You are most welcome here. You may stay as long as you wish, and thank you fof bringing me my granddaughter safely” he said, turning to Eileen.

”How is your mother?” questioned the old king to his grandchild with a smile.

”She is in good health,” replied Eileen as he nodded with a more serious expression.

”I heard the castle was attacked, was that true?”

Eileen nodded with a stern expression. ”Mages with dark robes attacked the castle, but they did not succeed.”

”That fool you call a father has more luck than good judgement, and I told him many times to improve those flimsy defenses. His guards can't fight even if their lives depended on it. I don't know what I would have done if something happened to you and Hanna,” the old man ranted angrily, until he finally sighed, calming down. ”I knew they failed already, but I needed to hear it from you to bring peace to my heart, my dear.”

The king turned towards Therese, ”I also heard the hordes of the savages tribes threatened Brigantium, perhaps you passed by after the incident, did you happen to see the battlefield?”

Therese nodded ”We saw it your highness, charred lands and bodies until the sight could reach” answered the Lioness.

The king pondered for a moment ”Do you believe it was really done by a single mage?”

Therese nodded once again ”Thousands of soldiers witnessed it”

Torwald seemed disturbed by the fact but he quickly set it aside and continued the conversation with his granddaughter.

”I also heard you've been winning many challenges lately… and you taught some Norse noble a lesson… who was it Camus?” questioned the king looking at his son.

”It was Askjell from the second house of Kalle,” Eileen's uncle replied.

”Askjell… well it was expected. He is half the warrior his cousin is.”

Camus added, ”I'm certain the main house of Kalle will represent well in the tournament, perhaps Askjell cousin can become a proper suitor for Eileen.”

Torwald looked at Eileen. ”The tournament might be a good opportunity for you to meet a good husband, I'm glad you came to your senses and came seek in the North. Your father was the last good warrior left in all Allard, now there is no one left for you there” As he finished his sentence he noticed the concern in her eyes.

But before anyone else spoke, from the door, someone entered at fast pace, a beautiful woman, with light green eyes and a long and voluminous dark golden hair. Her face and body resembled Eileen's so much that one could easily say they were sisters.

But all it needed was one glance for one to realize she completely lacked the elegance of the princess. She walked and ported herself much like a man.

”Eileen!” shouted the blond woman.

”Elise! How many times I told you to not barge in this hall when your grandfather is attending?” scolded Camus walking towards his daughter.

She was wearing a light leather armor, with some fur on the shoulders and a sword to her side.

”Don't worry too much Camus… you know how your daughter is,” said a smiling king.

Camus sighed as his daughter approached.

Elise walked towards Eileen with a smile and a high chin. ”Long time no see cousin. I heard you've being doing well on the challenges issued against you,” she said confidently.

Eileen smiled. ”It's good to see you too Elise, and I'm certain you've been doing even better,” replied the princess, noticing that her competitive cousin haven't change since their last encounter.

Camus sighed. ”I wish that were true, but nobody wants to challenge her on the rites. I'm afraid I will have to send her to Brine's temple if this continues.”

”Father!” exclaimed Elise towards Camus. ”The only reason I'm not challenged is because they are all cowards, they know they can't stand me in battle,” she said proudly.

”Don't praise yourself too much. What they can't stand is you… you are beautiful, but the fame of your temperament precedes you and your beauty nowadays,” he scolded his daughter and turned towards Torwald and Brahm. ”My apologies father, Lord Brahm… but this daughter of mine wears out my patience.”

Brahm just smiled while Torwald laughed. ”Don't worry Camus, someday she will learn.”

Elise looked down and puffed, disagreeing with them after being scolded. She clearly was much more impulsive and energetic when compared to Eileen.

Camus sighed once again. ”Well, at least we will have Eileen to show her how a proper princess should behave… are you not embarrassed to know that your cousin has been challenged 3 times more than you?”

Elise puffed once again and looked to the side conveying how unimpressed she was, but glints of envy could be seen in her eyes.

”Regarding that…” Eileen stepped down from her grandfather side and joined Therese while Torwald sat once again. ”My visit today is to pay my respects to my grandfather… but I do not intend to stay in the castle as I do not know how long I will stay in the North” She paused for a moment noticing the surprise in her Uncle and cousin.

”I'm afraid I will not be able to participate in the festivities,” continued the princess elegantly addressing her grandfather.

Elise and Camus frowned confused by the statement while Torwald listened with attention. Both father and daughter looked displeased and waited a moment for Torwald's intervention.

The king stroked his beard thinking on her words, noticing his father was pondering Camus decided to say his thoughts on the matter.

”Nonsense! You came all the way here from Allard for what reason then? Everyone had been informed of your participation. Many are eager to see you fight and to fight you. This is a great opportunity for you to meet a good Norse husband,” said Camus, looking at Eileen.

Eileen shook her head ”Right I can't be held down because of the rites and lose the opportunities before me”

Torwald leaned forward, since he had laid eyes on his granddaughter he knew something had changed in her. She was smiling when she greeted him and she seemed happy.

That was a sight he had only seen when she was a small child. He knew something else was going on and intended to discover what it was.

And with that in mind he continued, ”Unfortunately, the rites can't be overlooked because they became a burden. The path demands that you fulfill your duties as a maiden of the North.”

The room became silent, not even the strong wind outside could be heard.

Eileen looked at Therese, noticing the help request she stepped up. ”What happens in the case she already has a suitor?”

Torwald looked sideways and squinting his eyes with a smirk in his face at the Lioness. ”Well, the maiden's duties would cease and the warrior's call would begin. He'd be presented as suitor and at this time of the year and being Eileen a princess, he'd have to fight at the tournament and do well. Bringing honor to him and his house's name. Showing his worth as a warrior before everyone's eyes. After this, marriage would be arranged by both parents if alive.”

Therese looked at Eileen with a smile, the princess knew what the Lioness was thinking, but still she felt it would be wrong to put him through that without knowing. Aside that there was a risk of him denying it.

It was literally a marriage proposal. And deep down she feared his response, as she knew his focus was towards his home. Marrying a princess could drag unwanted responsibilities towards the kingdoms involved. Beside that, she really didn't want to know his answer for such a question. Because depending on which he decided it could separate them for good.

Losing him completely at this stage was more fearful to her than losing a few months at the North and Therese's guidance.

She promptly shook her head towards Therese, indicating she didn't wish to proceed with that path.

Therese just sighed. But all that display was enough for everyone there to realize what happened.

”Have you lost to someone Eileen?” suddenly questioned the king intrigued noticing her strange behavior.

Camus and Elise ears rise up as both looked at Eileen with surprise.

Taken by surprise the princess began to think on a proper answer. But her strange silence denounced her even more before she could come up with anything, she knew she couldn't lie, but the truth could bring unwanted repercussions at that moment.

After a moment in silence the king sighed and continued with serious tone, ”Did he challenge you?”