Ch. 7

The team could only marvel at the sheer majesty of the castle that stood before them.

"Chateau de Raisin du Crepuscule," Jacques proclaimed, "our blessed capital and the home of Her Highness. Honored guests, be welcome." He and Alan bowed low, then sent the attendants ahead with the luggage. Soon, others came to assist them, until the team realized they were in the company of a full entourage.

"I sincerely hope you don't mind if we walk," Jacques said, "I'm afraid cars are no longer allowed inside the grounds. Too easy a target."

"What?" Oreldo said.

"That's fine, Jacques," Alice said, "We need to stretch our legs anyway."

"WOW!" Stecchin squealed.

"It's just as she described," said Martis in awe, "right down to the seven towers." He quickly filled in the others as to why the castle was set up the way it is, including the dangers Princess Septieme had to face on a constant basis. Alice nodded along. She had known the way it worked for years. Knowledge of the family tree of each noble house as well as in the surrounding countries was paramount growing up.

"Assassination attempts?"Oreldo hissed, "By her own siblings? Is that why they don't allow cars to enter? Why would she bring us here for a vacation?"

"Idiot!" Alice said, "You know the real reason we're here!"

She straightened her shoulders and glared at her team, who quickly stood at attention.

"Keep your guard up but remember to be courteous! The way of Rodelia is one of honor. A good name is paramount over all else. They treat guests as equals, or sometimes even at a higher rank than themselves. Therefore, should any attempt be made against us, it would be both dishonorable and a grave insult to their kingdom as well as the Empire."

"So you think the situation on the train came from someone else?" Martis asked.

"Perhaps," Alice said, "We're still unsure what the man's true purpose was. We'll see what Her Highness may know. With her photographic memory, she may see a link we cannot."

"Speaking of which, Ma'am," Oreldo said, "according to Mr. Alan here, there was more than one on the train."

Alice turned to Alan who quickly filled her in on what he observed. She frowned, but nodded and thanked him.

"Ma'am?" Martis prompted, "Do you still think we should be extra careful here?"

"It would be pretty blatant, Sub-Lieutenant," she said, "but there's a first time for everything. I wouldn't put it past her siblings to use us indirectly just to strike at her."

"It's happened before," Lionel said, "but it's never been proven."

Alice looked sharply at him for interrupting. She'd almost forgotten he was there.

"And that all makes me feel so much better," Oreldo replied dryly.

"Oh dear," Stecchin wailed, "and I was looking forward to having fun!"

"No worries, kiddo," Oreldo said. "We'll all be here to keep our eyes peeled!"

"But I didn't know this was actually going to be dangerous!" Stecchin cried.

"Don't sweat it, Lily," Martis said, "I mean, look at all the help we're getting!"

Stecchin looked around at their entourage, all who held a professional, cool bearing as they marched forward. Her eyes strayed to Alan, who glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and gave the merest hint of a smile.

"Sergeant-Major," Alice said, her voice slightly gaining an edge, "I need you to focus on the mission, not yourself. You are a soldier, a blade of the Pumpkin Scissors, so act like one!"

Stecchin gulped, wanting to protest, but upon hearing the name of her beloved unit, she gained her resolve.

"Yes, Ma'am," she replied meekly.

Reaching one of the towers, their final destination, Martis noticed it was the smallest and least grand. Yet it was still a majestic marvel of granite and marble, surrounded by lush gardens. He looked at some of the others and noticed at least two of them were unadorned.

He asked Alan, "Are they empty?"

"Yes, noble sir," he replied, "Those are the towers of the late Prince Tres and Prince Sexton."

"Were they…uh, I mean…"

"An accident and a casualty of the last uprising," Alan said, "Prince Tres drowned when he turned three. Prince Sexton…met his end…in the southern swamps not far from here. There had been…an ambush, at night. It was over very quickly."

Stecchin shivered. Oreldo frowned.

"You sound as though you were there, man," he said quietly.

"I was," Alan replied, "I'm the one who found him when it was over."

There was a small, collective sound of dismay from the group. Alice sighed and said nothing. She had already known. Lionel didn't react at all.

"Sorry, man," Oreldo said, "That had to be…bad. I wish I had a better way to say it, y'know?"

"It's my fault," Martis added, "I shouldn't have pried."

They had all entered the tower. Jacques had gone ahead to announce their arrival. They ended up waiting for the Princess to receive them. Most of the entourage dispersed, preparing the rooms and carrying the luggage upstairs. Alan straightened up and made his face like stone. He mustn't appear weak to the guests of Her Highness. However, he could see why the other units of the Imperial Army mocked them. Who thinks of a hardened, battle-weary soldier as compassionate, or even considerate? Reaching out in kindness is all but forgotten in war. People mistook the sincerity of Section III as nothing more than a saccharine political trick. He could see now that was very much untrue.

"It's all right, noble sir," Alan said, "It was long ago. It's just a part of our history now. Nothing else to be done."

Stecchin stepped up to him and gently touched his shoulder. "Mr. Alan?"

He looked down at her. "Yes, Sergeant-Major?"

"Well…um, I hope you don't still blame yourself."

Alan inhaled sharply.

"Lily!" Martis hissed. Oreldo pulled her away and gave a nervous laugh.

"Sorry man," he said, "she means well, but she's a bit of an airhead when it comes to tact!"

"Who are you calling an airhead, you-you…toolbox!"

"I'm a…what? Kiddo, can't you ever get the terminology right?"

"What…what do you mean? I know you're just a playa, yo!"

"What?"

"Enough!" Alice said just as Martis and Oreldo dissolved into laughter.

"I'll never understand men," Stecchin sighed. Even Lionel started chuckling.

"I said enough!" Alice repeated a little more sternly, "I know you all want to take it easy, but remember we're here as guests of royalty! We're also representing the Empire, so shape up!"

"Yes, Ma'am!" they said, but it took a minute or two of snickers and well-placed elbowing for them to calm down. Martis straightened his tie while Oreldo combed his hair in place.

Moments later, Jacques returned to lead them into the throne room. Having never been formally announced before, the group took their cues from Alice and Lionel. As they entered, they tried not to stare at the finery that surrounded them. After years of looking at walls of rubble from ruined buildings, including castles, it was a bit of a culture shock. They saw a lone figure on a carved throne fitted with violet crushed velvet. There were a few attendants, but otherwise, they saw no one.

Jacques voice suddenly boomed and filled the room.

"Representing the Imperial Grand House Malvin, House Taylor, and the Imperial Army State Section Three, may I introduce to you Second Lieutenant Lady Alice Lee Malvin, Lord Lionel Taylor, and-"

"Can it, old man!" said a familiar voice, "I already know who they are."

Jacques sputtered. "But-I say, Princess!"

Martis couldn't help smiling. He looked to the figure on the throne, which suddenly stood up and approached them. His eyes widened with shock.

At least the coltish child looked like the princess he remembered. She still had the lovely white mane she had when they first met, but in the space of a year and a half, she had grown like a weed, nearly eye level with Martis now. She was still very much a child in the way she acted, but it was obvious her childhood was in the throes of leaving her.

"My friends!" Princess Septieme cried, "Be welcome! My heart is gladdened to see you all safe and sound! I have been told of your misadventures on the way here, and I deeply apologize for any inconvenience. A banquet supper is being prepared as we speak, so please refresh yourselves and if you have a need for anything, don't hesitate to ask!"

Alice and Lionel bowed low. A moment later, the rest did the same. Stecchin tried to curtsy like Alice, but nearly tripped. Alan caught her elbow and steadied her.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Alice said, "for your generous invitation. I and my platoon are most honored."

Princess Septieme bowed in response. "The honor is mine, Alice. Please, no need for formalities when it's just us. I want you all to be as comfortable as you are at your headquarters. I know we have much to discuss, but it can wait until after supper. You must be exhausted from your long journey."

She turned to Martis and smiled serenely, her cheeks suddenly pinker. He gulped.

"Officer Martis," she said, "you're looking well."

"Thank you," he said, "Your Highness." He bowed.

Princess Septieme gripped her lower lip slightly with her teeth in a moue of disappointment.

"I wish you would be more informal," she said, "like when we first met. But I know you're just following protocol, so I understand." She turned back to the rest of them. "Thank you all again. I shall see you all later. Supper is at 19:00. Don't be late."