6 Edward Williams 1 (2/2)
”Wow, what is up with these clothes? Which century are those clothes from? Why are those skirts sweeping the floors? Is this supposed to be a hospital? A novelty setting hospital? Somewhere the ultra rich has customized to look like from ancient times and I happened to be sent here?”
”Wait , why am I thinking like this? It is like I was sent back to my teenage years. Why… do I feel younger too? My old injuries and aches are not flaring up at all. I feel like I am in a new body. This can't be right, can it?”
”Are you alright? You've been unconscious for a day and a night already. Are you feeling hungry?” The lady who spoke asked Edward.
”Yes.”
”Wait a moment, I will fetch you some broth.”
”Thank you. May I know how to address you?”
”I am Annie.”
After a while, the homely-looking nurse came back with a bowl of hot broth. It even has slices of what appeared to be chicken. Edward looked at the bowl for a moment before deciding not to care.
”If the heavens wanted me dead they would not deem it fit to feed me with a bowl of chicken broth now, would they?” Edward thought as he ate.
”Where is this place?” Edward asked between mouthfuls.
”Everdawn city. Governor… no , I mean, Prince Aureus's castle”.
Edward choked in between bites as he heard he was in someone's castle. ”Castle? Am I not in a hospital?”
”What is a hospital?” Annie looked confused as she looked at Edward.
Edward choked further on his food and thumped his chest to get the food unclogged.
”A place where people go for healing...” Edward replied while wheezing.
”This is such a place. This is a branch of the healing lodge. Master Malcolm and us have been looking after you since you were unconscious. Master Malcolm even muttered it was weird you were unconscious while still harboring a strong life force when casting rejuvenation over you.” Annie explained while harboring a befuddled look.
”Casting? Is she talking about magic? That cannot be, right? Where the hell am I?”
Glancing at the look of utter confusion on Edward, Annie changed topics. She enquired if Edward rushed over from the core realm as the gates closed.
”What realm? What gate?” Edward's thoughts were jumbled.
Saving him from his utter confusion, a knock sounded from the door. A martial looking middle-aged man stepped into the room. Edwards senses went into overdrive. He readied his body to explode into combat at any moment.
The middle-aged man nodded his head as he noted Edward's reaction. He introduced himself as Tarin, special adviser to Prince Aureus.
”How may I address you?” he asked.
”Edward Williams.”
”Is he fit enough for an audience with the prince?” Tarin turned to Annie.
”Yes milord, it was just an unknown malady that was keeping him unconscious. He is as fit as a horse.”
Tarin nodded and turned back towards Edward.
”Williams, my prince wishes to have an audience with you. Is it possible for you to attend?”
Edward knew an order when he heard one. He decided that it was far better to make contact with an authoritative figure than to stumble in the dark further.
Edward agreed.
All the way to the audience chamber, Tarin did not ask him anything and Edward ventured nothing either as he mulled over available information.
”I am most likely no longer on Earth. I may have been transported to a different planet or perhaps even a different dimension. It does not appear all bad though, I seem younger and my body appears whole and rid of injuries. That's a plus at least.” Edward thought as he followed Tarin.
”Such considerations aside, this place might be a dangerous place. They have men like Tarin escorting me to an audience chamber. Though I cannot put my finger on it but my instincts are telling me that this man is lethal. As if he can subdue me with no effort even though his back is” turned now.
”This is just a man serving royalty in this place and this man appears to serve this prince whole-heartedly. Is he serving due to bloodline or is the man capable?” Edward thought as he decided to increase his vigilance level towards this so-called prince.