Ju-Long Lei: Chapter Twenty-Nine
It has been three weeks of non-stop travelling and we still have a long time to go. Presumed another week. Tomorrow we should be reaching the Brown border. I can tell how the environment is beginning to change. Our beautiful trees that change petals turn into large pine trees that are almost as tall as large monster dragons. And soon we shall see the magnificence of their mountains. I wish Zheroh is here is me. He has never travelled to Macdan before. Regardless though I'd rather want to be home celebrating the festival… The ceremony should have ended weeks ago. I have received letters from Chins' crowdrag that his wedding is set two years from now… Ning apparently has actually become very smitten her betrothed. He is feeble as she says but he means well. It's obvious that Ning is going to be the boss of this relationship. But she defends her betrothed Tao Wen from all the rumours that have been spread about him. Good on her… I hope they do well.
The political talks between mother and Sazan have been kept quiet. I don't even know what happened to Fen. But they are still butting heads. They are at a spot now where if one of them does something drastic a civil war could start. However regardless of that everyone else seems to be doing alright now. Without me…
The whole trip has been peaceful. I am very glad for this since Macdan is technically at war. I receive reports daily from messengers who travel to and fro from villages to see how the war is faring. Green is apparently starting to lose their foothold on forts on their no man's land. As the Red Draconium Empire has finally successfully invaded their nation. After five years… They have finally broken ground. By the looks of it, those who are betting on the red side to be victorious will win their bets. As I finished reading the report I straighten the parchment and placed it in my journal.
I have studied the gold books over and over again. I am still no closer to understanding what they say… If only I know the ancient draconian language. Such a bummer, at least I can look at the incredible illustrations in the book. They give me a hint of the details. But that's really much it.
I give Ponderrah a ride outside of the carriage to give him a bit more freedom of running than him being tied up to a carriage day and night. My poor boy… He has no idea where we are going. I do think that I should have left him at home. But then much of my family won't pay much attention to him. He loves his hugs. It'll be nice for him to go on an adventure. Smell and hear different sounds. It'll be good for him.
Azalea my new bodyguard has grown on me. She is strict but friendly. She makes good calls. There was a point where we had to take a longer route due to the road being treacherous for the carriage. But does order me to stay in my carriage… All the time… I was hoping to have conversations with her but she is going by my mothers' orders to make sure she gets her job done. Its hard travelling with people who think they are to below you to talk to you.
A day later we finally reached the Brown border and I demanded to stop the carriage. I walked out and I look at the majestic mountains. The mountain chain stretch so far that they are connected to the Green Empire. The views of the valleys, clouds and trees. It is a perfect place to paint a picture. I took a long breathe in, the weather is perfect for it.
"Your highness. It is time to move again."
I agree, I quickly head back and give Ponderrah a loving hug before I enter my carriage again. And we were off again.
A day later we reached our first mountain, it wasn't bad. The carriage had a few close calls by almost slipping off the mountain. It was deemed safer for me to ride Ponderrah since we can easily go around obstacles. They are still taking the carriage, but let me stay out of it just in case. To my own great relief.
Ponderrah gets so excited when I ride him he always skips his steps every now then I had to be careful with him. After all, he is blind. My saddle makes it easy enough to help him navigate. And he can understand me much better now. Even though he can't speak himself. But I know he always means best, he just needs to be guided.
After a rough week of living and travelling in a dangerous environment, we are not used to. We finally reached Macdans entrance. Two large rock statue of bull dragons guard the entrance. But when you look around you don't see a city. Only the mountain. For the city is inside the mountain. It the most heavily guarded city in the world. Inside the dragon statues, I see people looking out of the peering eyes. They are guard posts. Very clever… People don't usually suspect the statues for being the guard post.
"WHO GOES THERE?" A low voice bellowed that made my skin crawl. It sounded like it came from the statue.
Azalea walks over to the statue. "We have a royal envoy sir!"
"WE NEED PROOF." The low bellowed voice demanded. Without even asking my guards I walk out to look at the huge statue in front of me.
"I am Ju-Long Lei. The third child of Empress Ju-Long Zhen and Emperor Ju-Long-Zhong Jian. I am here to meet with my countries ambassador Shango Barak."
Azalea looked at me in disapproval. But I shrugged it off. I know I'm not in danger here… After a while, the statue bellowed its voice once more.
"YOU MAY ENTER!" And with a small earthquake, the large door opened upwards revealing a cave. I couldn't help but feel excited. I decided to ride Ponderrah inside the cave. The cave is decorated with carvings of Macdans history. From its inception as a Green outpost to becoming a country in its own right. They are beautiful you cannot replicate such art anywhere else…
After walking half hour we see the end of the cave as we all gasped at the sight of the city. From our point of view, you can almost see the whole city. It's a mountain of a city inside a bigger mountain. All buildings are carved from it no separate buildings. It's a gigantic statue art piece. The artists of masonry.
All of their architecture looking similar to their old fatherland by the use of rectangles and sharp lines. Bull class dragon statues and oil lamps guiding every road. I look above and I notice that they have a few skylights around the city. Not enough to naturally light the city but enough to know what time of day it is.
"Okay, your highness. I know the city looks absolutely beautiful. But we must get going."
We walked through the city and I looked at every stone on their pavement I see pattern markings on each individual one. The citizens looking at us in complete curiosity. We stand out like a sore thumb. All of us wearing bright blue gear while they all wear brown and dark green clothes.
We finally reached a stone building that has a large lightning bolt on the roof. The garden even looks similar to home. It had a small Biru tree that looks like its dying as there is no colour in its leaves or petals at all. It made me sad… A tree like that should not be here. I grab the special tomes and place them in my large satchel full of other items. Made it feel so heavy. But these are important I cannot hand them to anyone else.
"Welcome your highness!" As I see a frail old man slowly exit the building. Trying to give me a bow. He is clearly old with his hunched back, wrinkles and a long grey beard. I can easily guess this man is in his eighties or even possibly nineties…
"Hello! You must be Barak Shango? Thank you for the hospitality while I am here." Usually, with names, we learn to use last names as a professional basis. It is expected in our Empire to do so. For Azalea I just use her first name because she loves her name being used. And I love it as well.
"Yes, we are your highness welcome to Macdan! Follow us and the servants shall show you to your room." My servants and I then follow the ladies inside the building. I tried my hardest to keep to the pace of Shango. The poor man is trying his best with his walking stick. As I walked inside I knew how far from home I was. Everything is literally made out of stone. The tables, chairs, sofas, with their tiny little comfort cushions. The main hall had a large statue of one of my ancestors with their dragon standing proudly. The walls like the cave are all engraved with dragon and human details. But unlike the cave entrance, this one doesn't seem to tell a story. It's just art. I follow the ambassadors to my room and I look at the heavy stone door. It slowly shifts upwards and we all walk inside. Even though the mansion looks relatively small outside. It looks very spacious inside. My room looks huge. As usual for a guestroom, it has a stone bookcase, stone table, a stone vase with Ivy in it. But I wouldn't lie that the only detail I did not like was my bed… It is also made out of stone… Cold hard stone. Do the people and dragons here have backs of draconium steel? It doesn't even have a blanket or pillows on it! I felt like my neck and back was going to break by looking at it. I can't even imagine how Shango sleeps on it.
"Azalea! Please come here!"
"Yes, your highness! Are you alright?"
"Please rip out my cushions and mattress out of the carriage and bring them here."
"But your highness! That will ruin the carriage! What will the Empress say?"
"My mother is the Empress I'm sure she can afford to fix it."
I can tell the ambassador was holding his laughter. This must not be new to him. And ten minutes later I see my servants with swords covered in feathers carrying the mattress and cushions. They place it on my stone bed and it makes it feel a little bit better. Sorry, mother… But I cannot sleep on stone.
But after staring at my newly made bed I felt so tired. I dismissed everyone and tried to go for a nap. Sleeping here is going to be a real challenge… As I woke up for my small nap my neck ached badly. I tried to massage it while I looked into the mirror. Handsome as always, but looking worse for wear. I hear a bell from outside. Since the doors are made of stone they have side bells to notify the occupant.
"Yes?"
"Your highness it's time for dinner!" It was Azalea, she must have been guarding my door as I napped. I quickly brush my hair and make my way out. I see the ambassador sitting on the large table as they sit waiting for food. They quickly get up and bow as they notice me.
"Good evening your highness. Did you get enough rest?" Shango asked.
"It's hard… Even with the mattress and cushions."
"They are very hard. Even after all these years, I can't get used to them... These people have a weird thing about sleeping on stone making you stronger… No idea why. But my old bones can barely take them anymore." Shango then grabs a glass of water and drinks. I forget that this place does not sell alcohol. It is the only place where alcohol is not accessible. Too dangerous for workers who are pretty much all miners and too expensive to import… Unless you're a smuggler.
The servants bring out dinner. A large roast boar, with potatoes and pumpkin. Interesting I have never such a roast before. Cooked in large stone ovens. The people here are not like home where we are fancy about foods. Curries, rice's, noodles and soups. The only Empire that competes with fancy foods is the Turquoise Empire. But I don't always expect such food tastes everywhere else. Food is part of our culture. Food in other countries is a means to survive. I always count on my country lucky in this regard.
"So let's get to business. Mother sent me here all the way from Lan-Se to enquire to you about this Stein?"
"Shhhh! Your highness!" As Shango waves his hands and quickly sends of the servants. I quickly send all mine away in this regard.
"I'm sorry your highness. But we are being very discreet about this. I am sure the Empress and Emperor understand."
"They do, that is why I am here…" Even though there is a whole other story connected to this. The Ambassador here does not need to know about it… I have tried my best not to think much about it on my trip here.
"Well, you see… Stein worked for the Gold Emperor Aelius and Empress Laelia."
"What? An advisor of the Gold royal family?" I had to think twice. How is this man still alive? He leans in close to me, so much so I can smell his awful perfume and whispers. "Not only that a Gold priest! Of the ancient ways!" My eyes opened even wider. If the Black Draconium Empire knew of this man still being alive he would have been immediately killed. And Macdan is hiding this man. No wonder why they are trying to keep this quiet. Just having the man here could cause another war… Conspiracy to overthrow the new sovereign Black Empire.
"Well you see, your highness, Stein was born here… He was an orphan in the orphanage here when someone picked him to be adopted. He moved to the City of Loan (Dragon-City) when he was ten. Much of his childhood and teens is unknown. As being in the priesthood. They are secretive about their business practices like all sects are. But he was Master Priestess Tulias' apprentice. Known to be the best Priest of her age. She before him was the priest advisor the Gold family."
Oh boy… No wonder why mother wanted me to keep this quiet. Mother says she was friends with him… I can see why. He was very high up in the political chain and is a Gold priest. Being a priest alone grants respect. She would have met him quite a few times in the past.
"How was he found?"
"I am not sure about that your highness. I only saw a glimpse of him and it was very short. I was not meant to be there long only a short visit. An old man like I am I have to take my time getting around anywhere. I could only overhear so many conversations. Queen Hara is not the quietest dragon around. But the only information I could grasp. Is that he was found in Straaghold or not far from there. Something about a temple being raided, Red Priests… I was forced to leave when they noticed me. Got banned from the palace for a while. Please don't tell our Empress that…"
I couldn't help but facepalm, but at least this curious old man means well. "Hopefully we can find out. Mother wants me to bring Stein to Lan-Se. She wants to see him."
"Your highness I am not sure if that is possible… You see I am not even supposed to know about this. But I remember him, it has been years though… When he used to come here I saw him a few times. Goodman. He is living in the palace right now, the only information I can get is that he is very weak and frail… Something terrible happened to him. Even if we can convince Queen Hara to let him go he'll probably be too weak to travel."
"I guess I will have to send a message home to the Empress. She won't be mad or anything. But I would like to schedule a meeting to see Queen Hara herself."
"Of course your highness! I will send a letter immediately!" And like a cheery old man, he shuffles off. I get to eat my dinner alone again… I hope Ponderrah is being settled into his stable alright. While hoping everything is alright at home. Chin says everything went splendidly once I left. But there will always be that seed of doubt now… Sazan Jona will never let up his chances to try and thwart us. Such a balancing act to try and make sure a civil war does not happen. And if we do there is a chance Sazan will try to send in Black Draconium soldiers again. He failed the last time. I believe that's what mother could be planning. She might actually start a war to end the feud… Or she is preparing in case he starts first. But she needs outside supporters. Someone like Stein, she must have some kind of hope in him.
Time has passed until he comes back. Still cheery as ever. It's rather endearing… He seems to be the sweet and ditsy old man. He happily finishes his dinner. It must have been cold when he got back. But he didn't mind. We didn't speak more about Stein that night.
The next morning we received a royal message from Queen Hara by messenger. I looked at the parchment and it has the brown wax seal of a mountain.
Date sent: 7,030 Tuesdara Augute 28th
Dear Lei, Ju-Long
Well, this is rather unexpected… I did not realise that a Prince Ju-Long from Lan-Se will be in my city. Why hasn't your mother or your Ambassador notified me before hand? This is rather frustrating… It's not like you arrived here magically by teleporting. It would have been weeks of travel? Never mind I know Mister old lightning bolts tends to forget things. Bless him. And I know your mother has been busy hosting festivals and sorting out your family politics.
But regardless of all that, I agree to meet with you! There must be a reason as to why you are here yes?
But I have a busy life with meetings with my officials for obvious reasons. We are in the middle of a war. Since your Empire has declined to join the war. You are forbidden to enter the palace at any other time. You have this one day which I have picked out for you. It is Septembre 1st. Arrive early at the palace gates announce who are and they will let you in.
We will discuss matters then.
May you have courage and strength like a mountain.
Hara Dragon Queen Consort of the Brown Draconium Empire, leader of the city of Macdan
P.S I highly suggest retiring your ambassador. His letter was hard to read, wouldn't have believed it was from you if it wasn't the fancy blue parchment, wax seals with the lightning bolt on it and Shango's name. He forgets words mid-sentence and the writing is very shaky. Since he pretty much has lived here for more than sixty years. I am more than happy to take him as a citizen. We can also discuss this more at the meeting…
I scrolled the letter back up and placed onto the kitchen table. Poor Shango… I look at him trying to read a book. Noticing his face is so close to the book he could merge into it. He seems friendly enough and I had no idea he lived here for this long. But he must have Hara's respect if she wants to make him a proper citizen.
I sigh deeply as I would have to be here for a long while. I decided to write a letter to my mother to send home about the future meeting. I admit I don't want to be the person to retire this sweet old man. I send my crowdrag home. I hope he flies quick…
Since the meeting won't be for a long time. I want to see what their culture is like. Just seeing everything so far is nothing like home. I ordered Azalea to come with me, I want to explore the city. I farewelled the ambassador and to let him know what I am doing. He offered one of his servants Ajanta to help guide us. She seems very strong in voice and presence for a servant. She is much older and very tall. But what I also loved is her wild and thick black hair. She ties it up into a lovely thick braid that reaches down to her feet.
As we walked outside I have never realised how cold it gets underground. I had to wear an extra layer to keep warm. The Blue Embassy is located east of the city and I looked around I see the other Embassies of the different Empires as next-door neighbors. Like home, they all each have a uniqueness that makes it like home for them. Every one of the buildings having the sigil of each Empire on the roof so everyone can see. The Lightning Bolt for Blue, The three lines of paired eyes for purple, Ankh with sharp edges for Orange, The sharp eye for Black, Waves for Light-Blue, Sound ripples for Turquoise, Tornado for White and flame for Red.
But as we walked past the building I notice three imp articular buildings have been destroyed or are in disrepair. I walked to one of them having a closer look. There was only a flimsy gate guarding it. I wonder why they have never touched this building. But as I looked at the architecture it is very elegant in style and detail unlike all the buildings here. I can just see the gold-painted rim on the roof that has collapsed. and seeing many of the pillars that have crumbled into multiple parts. Azalea then pulled me away so I don't get to close to the wreckage. But as I looked I saw a shiny reflection of gold. I avoided her as I wanted a closer look. I pulled away a large rock and see a part of a pointed star.
"Well, I can only guess which ambassador lived here… I am surprised no one has fixed it. What happened here?"
Ajanta walks up to me. She is so much taller than me I had to look up to her. "Your highness. I have been working for ambassadors for thirty years. The last gold Ambassador who occupied this building was Keyanna Grace and her gold dragon Vanya. They were my friends… Very kind. We were the same age so we had many common interests. Vanya meanwhile loved speaking to the dragons here. During the separatist war, she helped ease the dragon concern with Queen Hara."
"Really you knew her? Did you meet any of the Gold royal family?"
"Oh no definitely not… I know of them of what she told me. She loved her country and her people. She wanted to make them proud."
"What happened?"
"This building caught fire… It is thought that they died in the fire. It happened late at night. Everyone who knew her was devastated. However… Their bodies were never found inside the building. Only the servants and dragons who lived there. Everyone in the kingdom searched for them… Days turned into weeks. And we eventually heard that it was happening to their embassies around the world…"
"Yes, the one in my city of Lan-Se was burnt down. Presumed by an ancient oil lantern falling over in a wooden building."
"Us the people of Macdan never think of them as accidents. Because a few months later the City of Loan was purged by the Black Empire… Coincidences I think not…"
I agree with Ajanta's suspicions even more that none of their bodies was found. I look at the gold fragment and I place back into the spot it came. I walk out of the rubble and walk further down the street. The other two buildings are in disrepair one of them I see a huge crack on the roof. Splitting in the middle of a large Key symbol. It is the old Embassy of the Light-Green Empire… Technically under Black Empire rule now. By looking at it no one has lived in that building for years. I can't imagine once being a proud politician to then suddenly becoming a slave to another nation. With no power to stop it but to only beg for help… The help that never came for them… I have always wondered what would have happened if my family aided them? Would they be free or would we have lost? But mother chose her own security of her nation above everyone one else and I still stand by that. It wasn't our war to fight…
As we kept walking the busy street I looked at the very obvious Green Empire building. I cannot imagine being the poor politician who has to live here as the nation's war messenger. Much of it has been graffitied with mud and feces covering the building. I see a brown dragon walking passed spitting on their building. I won't lie it was disgusting but impressive as the spit landed squarely on the window.
"Do they still live there?"
"Oh goodness no your highness. They were moved for ransom and safety purposes. They live in confinement inside the palace. That dragon and the people who made the mess shouldn't have done that. It's unnecessary… We should know better than that."
We walked away from the embassies and I looked up I can see the massive rock palace looking down on us. I need to be patient… I will get back home soon enough… We walked to the markets where it was quiet. The war has taken its toll here… There is not much food to buy. And what people could buy is old and almost rotting… It made me sad a forever reminder that my home has always had food to spare. Even though we could only get so much trade from those who are at war. But such is a price of war… The Brown Empire has not always been known to have the most abundance of farms. Mainly vegetables that can be grown in the ground with very little sunlight. The meats are found from outside of the city in the mountains. Boars and goats the most common meats found here.
I look around the markets and notice a large number of Red soldiers buying trinkets. They must be resting from the war until they have to be sent out again.
Life in the city is relatively quiet. But with Ajantas' reasoning is that many people and dragons work in the mines. For the war effort, they have to work a few hours more than usual. So much of the city is quiet due to this period. Only to hope to not one day fall to their old oppressors. Ajanta gives a quick guide to all of the higher nobles around the city area. Those who own and operate the mines which operate in the neighboring mountains.
Travelling through the city we finally reach the palace square. It is rather plain… Nothing like home where we have the small river of koi swirling the center. I look at the massive dragon statue that looks down at everyone below. This statue guards the heavy Brown metal gates to the palace. These will be the gates I will be entering to see the Queen. Septembre 1st… Such a long time yet.
After a long day of exploring the city. I decided for us to turn back. It's sad that there is not much to do here… But then I can't expect much from a country at war.
A week later I have never felt so bored… Reading can only do so much. There is nothing to do around here… Azalea, Ajanta, and I finally saw the drawbridge mine. It is massive…. It has been well-known that many dragons and humans die by getting lost in the mine shafts. Not to mention all the small rumbling earthquakes which makes me feel uneasy… Talk about a hard job to do. Along with the visitation, I saw the pit. Caused by digging into the earth for the draconium minerals. It looks like a spiral going downwards with many tunnels that can lead anywhere.
Even after only living here for just over a week I do miss the sun… The warm sun. The cold in here never seems to lift. Much of the cold air draft from the mines come into the city. I have attempted to see if I can go to Sun Point in the city however it gets overly crowded every day. Apart from the palace, Sun Point is the most visited area on the city.
My crowdrag finally manages to reach me with mothers' response. I notice though that there are two letters from her. I first read the one with the Lightning bolt wax seal.
7,030 31st Augute
Lei.
You have managed to get an audience with Queen Hara! Good! By the time you get this letter, I hope it is before you see her. It is good to know, now that you know. Please refrain from writing about the man in our letters. Cannot risk. Even though we found out by accident. We all know the implications of this… But please do your best. You know what to do. You are your fathers' son…
As for Shango… Yes, I was meant to retire him but everything with Sazan got in the way. I have begun interviews for a new ambassador to take his place. Where Shango would retire is up to him. I would be more than happy for him to come home. But if Queen Hara likes him there, he can stay in the embassy to help our new ambassador. The other letter is for him to read. Please comfort him, he has done very well for our family for all these years…
From your mother
Empress Ju-Long Zhen
I admit I was very disappointed with the letter. Mother never answered my questions about the family. She is avoiding the subject! And it is so much easier to do that when I'm far away. I cannot send my crowdrag to ask brother since I will be seeing the Queen tomorrow. I sigh as I look at both of the letters. The one for Shango is in a basic blue ribbon. I quickly give my crowdrag a few thankful pats and I let him back into his cage.
Even though I have only heard of Shango by name and lived with him for a few weeks. Giving this letter is going to be so difficult. He is the kind old man who loves to give you more food when you're full. He is like a grandfather like that. Even though I don't know what it's like because both my biological grandparents passed away before I was born. Mother became Empress of the nation at the age of twelve when her father died of illness. She was his only living heir. I heard that my mother did have an older brother but died young. Thinking of this did make me curious, Shango would have met my grandparents and worked for them.
I place his letter in my robe pocket and walk out to the meeting room. Shango is sitting there still trying to read his book. I take out the letter.
"Shango, I have a letter to give you from my mother."
He looked at me and smiled. He is now used to me using his first name. I felt so bad by doing this. This letter felt like I had a bomb in my hand… I handed it over to him and felt bad as he un-scrolled it. I see his face change in expression multiple times as he read. From sadness to shock. It took him a while to read it but seeing his face… Then the tears come out.
He looked down meekly and wiped tears on a handkerchief that he always keeps with him.
"I'm sorry Shango…"
"I'm sorry your highness… I knew it was inevitable… I have served your family all my life. But…"
I see Ajanta approaching him and gently strokes his hand. Making sure that he is alright. I can always give her credit she always makes sure her charges are okay. She is always with her charge unless he orders her away. A bit like my Zheroh or Azalea.
"Shango… The Empress has made her order clear. She has begun interviewing for the new ambassador to travel here. She says she will be more than happy for you to choose your retirement. She says you can remain here to help the new ambassador and she will still pay you. You don't have to fully retire."
But it looks like he wasn't listening to me. He is still processing the information of what has just been given to him.
"I understand your highness… Ajanta will you please help me to my bedroom."
"Yes, of course, sir," Ajanta says. As gently as she can she helps pull him up from his stone seat. And slowly guides him to his room." Ajanta looks at me kindly and strokes my arm as she walked past.
I didn't see him anymore that day… I tried to see him but he said he rather be alone. I should have given him a letter afterward. I feel like I am not prepared to meet the Queen. By reading her letters she seems lax in attitude. Or she can be very sharp in nature. I hear she is kind enough. But she is a dragon she could just be rough on the edges.
After dinner, I still did not see Shango… I felt terrible… I see Ajanta taking out a tray of food that has barely been touched.
"He is not eating your highness… I have tried coaxing him to eat but he refuses…"
I nod in acknowledgment I don't know what to do… Order him to eat? I might have to do so… But the man is depressed. He has been working for our Empire since he could talk. I walk into his bedroom and I see him lying on his bed. Any kind of happiness have left him.
"Forgive me Shango… But you need to eat!"
"Forgive me, your highness. I can't…"
"Why? You can do what you want now. You can remain here or go home."
"That's not the point young prince…" He says in complete defeat. I sit on the side of his rock hard bed.
"Then what is?"
He looks at me with his eyes that are now red from crying.
"I have worked for your family since I could walk and talk… I am now reaching my ninety-fifth named day…"
I looked at him with complete surprise I had no idea he is THIS old. Considering that he actually looks great for his age… Until I broke the news to him. In a day he looks so frail that if I push him it could break multiple bones.
"When I was five when I worked on the farmer rice fields. But I was a very smart boy. My father raised enough money for me and my older sister to travel to Lan-Se. My two older brothers looked after the farm. While my older sister looked after me as we looked for new job opportunities. I was ten when I got my first job as a messenger boy. Handing letters to nobles and their workers. I proved so good for my service at the age of fifteen. I became a steward to an ambassador named Chunhua. The blue ambassador for Loan City. I loved watching her work. And from that moment onward I wanted to become an Ambassador. Work to the best of my abilities. At age twenty-five after many years of loyal service to the nobles. I was granted by the emperor (Leis's grandfather) himself to train as an ambassador. I was so excited… I wanted to make my Empire proud. Eventually, at the age of thirty, I became an ambassador. I was chosen to serve the Blue Empire in Macdan and be our leader's voice."
I look at him as I don't really know what to say or do.
"I am just thinking about my life in perspective… I have no wife or children… I have always lived my life to serve… I have never once thought about my life, It has always been the job."
"You can still serve! You can help the new ambassador when they arrive. Your life is not over yet! You're overreacting a little don't you think? And since you're still under our Empire. We wish for you to not die in misery!"
He sighs deeply and looks at me. "You're very young… You will not understand how I am feeling. When you get older, you will realise that life passes you by like a blink of an eye. But I will try."
"And try you will, that's all my family asks…" I nod at him and he nods back.
The next day I woke up as early as possible. Today is the day of visiting Queen Hara. I felt nervous and excited. I am without my father so I am so much more nervous than usual. I grab the golden books from underneath my carriage sheets. It was extremely hard to move them.
I walk out into the main hall when everyone is all up and ready to go. Even Shango is dressed in his finest clothes. We are all riding individual dragons. I have taken Ponderrah out, who has been impatient with me. I have taken him a few tours around the city. But he hates being here. I was disappointed I was hoping he would enjoy it. The smells I fear is what gets to him. He is constantly nervous. I shouldn't have taken him with me. But I thought he would like something different. A small taste of adventure. I begin scratching his snout with my fingers and he loves it like he always does.
I then prepare his special saddle and we make our way towards the palace. This time we approached the large gate guardian the brown gate opened for us. As we walked underneath I notice there is a wooden door underneath the dragon's belly. There are actual guards inside the statue. Must be the same for those guarding the entrance of the mountain. As we walked through the garden of statues. I see some of them have been destroyed.
We finally reach the stone palace and see guards in brown plated armour. Large burly men. Like many people in this city. Even the women here have muscles that can crush stone with their thighs. I can imagine them snapping me like a twig. We are the swift and they are strong. They demanded us to remove all of our weapons and dragon gears. Many of my guards are hesitant. But I allowed it. I can understand… We are seeing a leader of the nation who is at war. They suspect everyone.
With a loud voice of command the palace doors open and we all walk inside. The dragons are also welcome in the meeting as a dragon Queen encourages it.
The palace is very unique. Like my embassy, the palace is carved from stone. But here are many elements of wood and marble. There are even some green vines growing on the walls. They have some tapestries but the carvings on the walls are what makes it fascinating. Like the tunnel, each panel has a story to tell. But unlike the tunnel, they glow with brown draconium as you walk past. In our priest temple, we have something similar. In history, we were given special status from the City of Loan. Which is now renamed Dragon-City. The statues glowed as we walked past. They have always fascinated me as a child.
We all walk through the massive hall when we see a gigantic iron door. It's the door to the throne room and with another voice command, they open. Azalea as my guard walks in front of me. She seems anxious as she looks around in every corner. I am more relaxed than ever. If someone was going to attack me they would have done it by now…
But as I looked ahead I see a large brown and blue dragon. Large and heavy that looks like a bull. Her huge horns located just above the eyes. Though have been recently sharpened down. But right in between her huge horns is a large crown made from gold draconium. Which shocked me… How could she get something like that in such a huge scale? Like many dragons, I knew she had a bonemark but it couldn't be seen because of her crown. Her hooves are so big and wide she can just step onto Ponderrah and crush him.
But with her large size, her age is very easy to see. Her wrinkles scales taking a toll under her eyes and chin. And some of the loose skin looks like is melting onto her hooves. She has laboured breathing as she tried to remain composed. But as I see the huge dragon I see a man and girl sitting next to her… They must be royal humans. The human King Montahan didn't want the title so he passed it on to his fathers' dragon. This must be him and his young Princess Mantra.
"Welcome, Prince Lei! This is Grand Prince Montahan and his daughter Grand Princess Mantra." She spoke. Very husky and she speaks the human tongue perfectly. It is very hard for a dragon to master human speech. Most cannot even do it. It a great gift for a dragon to accomplish. We bow to each other with respect. Montahan like many other people here is burly with his large muscles on display. His dark skin covered in black tattoos surrounding his body. His very young daughter Mantra has no tattoos but has large lips like her father. Like Ajanta, her thick hair is plaited and wrapped into a bun with yellow string.
"Thank you for allowing me to stay here and seeing you. Your highness. Your city is love-"
"Oh, I know… The city is lovely… It's lovely as much as it can be. Making our city appeasing to outsiders is the least of our concerns. We are a city at war. No need for pleasantries like that. I hear it over and over… And also to correct you, young prince. I am Queen… It's your majesty."
I had to sigh. DAMN! I had the wrong slip of the tongue. I am kicking myself so hard emotionally for that now. I hear she is old and sharp. But I had no idea she was like this. I have to try and smooth it over.
"Well… You're Majesty. I am glad that I finally get to meet you. But there is something or someone we need to discuss."
"We do indeed. It's nice to see you again Shango. Has Prince Lei spoken to you about the situation?"
She spoke to Shango with a very kind sincerity. It's like she switched a personality from snarky to sweet. She must have a soft spot for him.
Shango then shuffles in front of me with his walking stick and looks up at her.
"We have your majesty. Empress Zhen has begun organizing someone new. I will remain here and train them." I looked at him and it broke my heart. He is still not happy about the situation. But at least he is eating again.
She nods in approval. "Since that business has been settled. I presume you are here for a reason? As I write in my letter it would have taken weeks of travel."
"Yes, your Majesty. May I please approach? I hear this is a touchy subject."
The guards surrounding the family unsheathe their spears and gears. But the queen gave a nod in approval and allowed me to approach. It's obvious that I am carrying no weapon. She lowers her large head down towards me. I am only asking to whisper because I know everyone is trying to remain discreet. This is information I should not have.
"Stein Prudens." I whisper into her ear and she looked down at me in shock her eyes are wide open. But remains composed. Then dismisses everyone in the room. Except for Gran Prince Montahan.
"How did your mother find out? DOES ANYONE ELSE KNOW?" She demanded. She tries her best to keep it as quiet as she could.
"We found out by accident. Mother wants to know if he can come t-"
"No. He is not going anywhere. He remains here."
But as I looked at her I see the seeds of doubt growing in her mind. Who else knows? The Black Draconium Empire will come here and demand for him. If not the Black Draconium Empire will join the war. Further escalating war…
"We have known for weeks, your Majesty. If we wanted to make it public knowledge we would have done it by now. I know who he is. Mother has told me. She respects him just as much as you do."
Queen Hara sighs. "I was hoping this meeting would have been about trade routes. Maybe to talk about your fancy festivals of food. Even better to join our war cause…" She sighs again.
"May I please see him?"
The Queen gives a long look of uncertainty. She doesn't trust us and I don't blame her. She then nods to Montahan and he walks out of the throne room. We stand there for a while until he comes back. Montahan nods yes to me.
"Follow him." The Queen demanded and so I jog after Montahan. Un-princely like but I had to rush. Montahan walks so fast I had no choice but to jog after him. We are walking through the stone hallways until we reach a door where he immediately stops. So much so I almost bump into him. That would have been a disaster.
Montahan opens the door and I see a frail man sitting by the window. He is wearing a simple grey robe. But as he turns around he smiles at me. I can see the dark bruises underneath his dark skin. Montahan then shuts the door behind me. He then gets up and uses his walking stick to walk to me. What ever happened to him? Must have been terrible and traumatic. Looking at his eyes he hasn't had a good sleep in years.
"Hello, Prince Lei… It has been a very long time since I have met you. You were this big." As he gestures a small child size. "You must have been four years old. Back then. Now you are a tall nineteen-year-old."
With his cold frail hands, he then grips my face and looks into my eyes. "Ah yes… You have inherited your mothers' blue eyes. A great trait to have." He then turns around and gestures to his table. Which had bread and cheese on it.
"Would you like some food? Come have a seat we need to talk."
I follow him and sit across from his small table.
"Queen Hara has been trying to keep you secret. Why?"
"Because Lei, I am a fugitive now… The Black Draconium Empire wants me back."
"Back? They had you?"
"They did indeed… I have been their prisoner for fifteen years… I was under their mind control. There are some moments I can control myself, but then I lose it again. I was rescued unexpectedly on a mission. It has taken me a very long time to regain my senses and my own being. I'd rather not speak of it now…"
"Understood…" I grab a piece of bread and start to put some goats' cheese on it.
Black mind control gear, what were they doing with him? Such barbaric ways to control living beings should never exist!
"But anyway… My secrecy would have ended at one point. The wardens who were using me were all killed. The others would eventually realise that I have escaped. As I am a special cargo according to them. They would want me back."
I nod and accept what he says.
"Do you have a plan to move away from here then?"
"I would have no choice eventually. Queen Hara has done enough for me. But I need to heal longer and wait…"
"Waiting? May I ask for who?"
"No… It's nothing. Just nothing. I just need to heal more. I can barely travel. I just wish to be myself again. But I have a favour to ask of you Lei. Please wait here in Macdan until I summon you again? Write a letter to your mother. I'm sure she would understand."
Even though I wish to return home as my selfishness just wants to get in the way. I can't help but abide by this quest as my mother wants him. I have not failed her yet… I looked at my satchel and remember the books. I unload my satchel onto the desk. I grab out the books and showed them to Stein. His face lit up like the sun and smiled.
"My old books… "He said softly. "I left them behind, there all those years ago."
"Wait they're yours? I thought they were ours and kept them."
"No, unfortunately. Not that I knew of… Your Empire had no more use for them since you don't speak the language anymore. Many of them were returned to us as a peace offering from many years ago."
He stroked the golden casings of the books. He then looks at the one that has no writing on it. He then chuckles at me. "I take it you have been wondering about this one?" As he pointed to it on the table.
"It has no writing on it." I plainly said. It's like all my past annoyances of trying to figure it out are back to haunt me.
"It does… The book is called. The biographies and tales of priests: By Adria Alphonse."
I looked at him in shock. He can just look at all these books and understand them?! He then laughed.
"Priestess Adria loved testing out invisibility abilities. She was very well known for the creation of the first invisibility gear. She was even cursed to be invisible and remained invisible until her death… I can read the book because I am taught the gold ancient ways."
Well, that certainly took a dark turn… How many dragons and people have died from creating such powers and gear? I shake my head to stop thinking of it. But the gold ancient ways? Now that sounds fascinating!
"Lei please write to your mother and father and thank them for safekeeping them. And let them know that I will write to them. I just need to plan what's next. But I don't really know what the next is yet."
He looks tired and almost falls asleep as he said it. This is my time to leave. I nod to him as I stand up and bow to him. Since he is a priest I must show respect. As I was about to leave I hear a knock on the door and a young red priestess walks in. I see behind her an older man wearing a full red priest garb. I couldn't help but stare at them for quite a while. I have never red priests before. I still think my country's priest armour looks better. I smile at them and bow to them. They bowed in return. Even though their eyes are masked I could easily tell I was no longer welcome to be here. But Stein still smiles at me.
"Ah! Master Kenneth… Miss Lexiana… You're back! Please, Lei, we will meet next time. I have other business to attend to now."
I grab my bag and quickly leave the room to have their business. Even though I wish I could stay. There is so much I want to ask. But once the Red army gets involved. I am cut out. And like that, I rush to thank Queen Hara, then taking my guards and Shango. I need to write back to mother.