The Lonely Ones

Chapter Forty: No Mercy, No Hesitation

The city of Praxstead sits along the edge of a natural harbor. Ships sail to the semi-circular port where a bridge of solid rock connects the castle to the city. The castle could be mistaken for a mountain itself. Spires rip into the sky as if to declare they're the true rulers above. Stone black as the mountainside mimics the peaks while crimson flags etched with gold fly high in the morning breeze. Homes sit clustered, as if they lack streets, along the docks and stretching far inland. One can't see where Praxstead ends at sea, but Wren has been to the capital a few times while bored. He has never thought it to be anything special, especially since it wreaks of feces and trash. All human cities do.

Artemis and Maggie have yet to know that though. Their eyes sparkle at the sight, forgetting momentarily why they're arriving at Praxstead. The country bumpkins stand slack jawed and wide-eyed, incapable of fixating on anything when there's so much to see. Artemis stares at a ship nearby filled with foreigners tattooed from head to toe. Maggie watches a vendor along the dock drag a cart while shouting for sales. They're intrigued now. They won't be when the city gobbles them up, far too much information and chaos for their small town minds to comprehend.

The captain of the soldiers calls to depart once the ship has docked. A soldier approaches to lead Artemis and Maggie, but all Wren has to do is wave his hand at the man and say, "I'll handle them."

The man's eyes glisten over. He nods and walks away. Artemis didn't even notice Wren's trick. How dare he pay so much attention to the city when the truly fascinating thing is standing right next to him. To think a day would come when a city is more worthy of Artemis' attention than the literal prince at his side. The audacity!!

"Don't forget why you're here," Wren whispers into Artemis' ear, quickly retreating to refrain from being suspected of anything.

Artemis stiffens. "I didn't forget. I was..."

"Enraptured by a rat infested city, who's scent will rot your nose."

There's no time to say more. The guards surround Artemis and Maggie. Wren takes his place closest to them. The group moves quickly from the ship and through the city. Maggie and Artemis are huddled together, though Wren can be somewhat understandable in this regard. The soldiers aren't giving them much room, cornering them like wild animals to prevent escape or possibly harm.

The citizens make room for the soldiers, shuffling to side streets or waiting along storefronts. They pay no mind to the two being escorted, seeming uncaring about what the royals may be up to. Wren's not surprised. When he last visited the citizens spoke of their king like a tyrant who ruled from a solitary castle. Of course that was a few centuries ago, but royals never really changed. Wren would know. He's fairly certain he'd be a tyrant if he ruled. Although Artemis probably wouldn't approve. Why must he suck the joy out of Wren's nonexistence reign of terror?

Prior to reaching the bridge, Wren takes notice of a few among the masses. Two girls hold hands walking down the street. A blushing boy walks with his arm around a girl's shoulder. Another couple feeds each other sweets and another sits on a bench, reaching to pull their partner into their lap. Wren never felt an urge to mimic mortal behavior before, but as he peers at Artemis' back he wishes to do something similar. Kiss the nape of his neck. Reach for his hand. Have Artemis' arm around his shoulder or his head in Artemis' lap. When all is said and done, when they return to Eidenswill, Wren will concoct a plan to try it all. And he accepts that, should he ever have the chance to sit on a throne, he will be a somewhat nice ruler like Artemis would like so long as he receives the attention mentioned prior... and some attention in bed.

The bridge linking the castle with Praxstead has three gates. Each heavily guarded by guards and weapons of war. The gates open easily for the group who move closer and closer to the towering dark. Once in the courtyard, reality settles on Artemis and Maggie. They shake. Maggie grips Artemis' sleeve. Artemis glances back at Wren with worry in his eyes. Wren doesn't hold the same sentiment because he will get Artemis out no matter the cost should something go awry. Artemis must sense that because his shoulders ease. He nods, then looks at Maggie to whisper, "We'll be alright."