Chapter 18

For most Kingdoms, dawn is the time when people are just waking up. Others, after a long night of partying, drinking, and gambling, are just returning home.

In Nordmar, dawn is already blooming with activities. Hunters were departing to track game in the big forests, woodcutters were sharpening axes, fishermen were returning with the catch of the day, and parents were preparing children for the day.

The castle is as busy as the rest of Nordmar. From the cook preparing the breakfast to the maids serving it. From the butcher bringing fresh meat to the stable boy preparing horses for riders.

It is during this time that Ayla, dressed in pants made from the hide of a mountain troll, a matching jacket, warm boots and gloves made from the hide of a buffalo and stuffed with polar bear fur, and a cape made from the fur of a shadowbeast, walked out of the castle. A servant was taking her to the stables.

The day Ayla arrived at the castle, she was too sick to see it, so she stopped in the middle of the courtyard to look at the castle.

Six thick, round towers had been built on various tactical spots for an ideal defense and were connected by giant, massive walls made of stone. Platforms had been added to the walls that mages could use in case of an attack.

Small windows were scattered generously across the walls in a seemingly random pattern, along with same-sized holes for archers and artillery.

A great gate with enormous oak doors and hot oil pots guarded the entrance to the castle, but it wasn't the only way in because the castle had many secret passages beneath it.

Legends claimed that the castle was as old as Nordmar. Built from blocks of stone from each mountain of Nordmar, the castle was the heart of the Strongarm Clan and the oldest building in Nordmar.

A behemoth built in the heart of Nordmar, and if the ancient texts are true, the day the last descendant of the first Paladin dies, the castle will collapse to the ground, and Nordmar will be conquered.

Snow started falling out of the sky, and a strong wind coming from the East made the morning feel very cold.

Gathering the cloak around her, Ayla hurried after the servant, who, not realizing that the Princess stopped for a few moments, kept walking.

By the time she made it to the stables, Ayla had already started to feel very cold. She had no idea how people could live in such a cold place. How she missed Myrthana and a warm sunny day.

Milton was waiting for her in front of the stable. A messenger bag was in his hands – a beautiful messenger bag if Ayla was sincere.

"Good morning, my Lady," he said.

"Milton," she greeted him.

The Fire Mage extended the messenger bag to her.

"I wanted to give you this before we left."

Ayla's eyes widened, "I don't think I can accept this. This is too much."

Milton shook his head, "I must insist."

Ayla's hands reached and grabbed the messenger bag. Her fingers traced the material of the bag. It was made from the hide of an animal. It was light and flexible.

"It is made from the hide of a swampshark, so even if it falls in water or if it rains over it, it won't get wet. It has a lot of pockets for storing lots of things. Herbs, roots, whatever you want. Each pocket has a rune on it so you can remember what you stored in each pocket without the need to open them. I also filled some pockets with some plants and herbs."

She clutched the messenger bag to her chest, "Oh, Milton! This is the best gift I have ever received! I will treasure this forever!"

The Fire Mage looked behind him. When he was sure no one was listening, he said, in a low tone, "The bag is not from me. I only added the plants and herbs."

Ayla frowned, "Who is this from then?"

"Swear you are not going to say a word about what I am going to tell you."

Ayla was curious about who could have gifted her such an expensive messenger bag.

"I swear it on my heart!"

"The bag is from Rhobart. But he doesn't want you to know the truth."

The King was the most confusing person Ayla had ever met. Sometimes he would act like he could not stand her, and other times he would do something nice. She looked at the messenger bag – like giving her a very, very nice gift.

"I can't accept it," Ayla said.

"If you don't take, Rhobart will know I told you the truth, and he will be mad. Very mad at me," Milton said.

Ayla sighed, "Fine! But only because I don't want him to be mad. Why would he give me something this expensive?"

The Fire Mage shrugged, "I didn't ask. Remember, you promised not to tell him that you know the truth."

"I will keep my promise," Ayla said and put the bag on her left shoulder, under the cloak.

When Milton entered the stable, Ayla followed him.

"You are late!" the King said the moment Ayla stepped into the stable.

"Good morning to you, too!" she said under her breath.

Behind the King, Gorn and Tizgar made sure that provisions, blankets, weapons, and other things had been packed in the satchels attached to the saddles.

"Princess," the Paladins greeted her.

"Call me Ayla, please. Princess is just a title, a title that I don't have anymore. And good morning to you all," she said.