Finally , said the two of them . Ana and Atticus
Home , replied Philippe
The car makes inroads , to the Kingdom
Just like I imagined , Said Atticus
Nothing like I imagined , replied Ana . I imagined it to be a worn out District
Philippe laughed . A worn out district , he repeated Ana's words in a funny manner
The ancient kingdom in all its glory was there for everyone to see . The Markets , the houses big and small . The cheer on peoples faces .
Trade and commerce seem to flourish here , said Atticus
Very much so , we are an economical kingdom now more so than a warrior kingdom . We once were . Replied Philippe
There were no tall structures like the one in the districts , the buildings were rarely taller than 3 stories high .
The buildings , if you watch carefully have no cracks or broken structures . They are made from the best of materials , sourced from all around the planet .
Yes , agreed Atticus . And also each building looks like they have its own identity . its as if they have a life of its own .
They are indeed beautiful , Ana too agreed . A much more colorful place . A stark contrast to the dull districts . She added
Philippe , said Atticus trying to raise a question
What are those ? he asked them . Pointing over to the big stadiums that towered over the other smaller buildings
Those are called Domes , said Philippe . Those are the places where our soldiers and warriors train . They were used for spectating fights eons ago . My father had abolished it . He thought it was not a fair thing to do . Watching People kill themselves when you have not even held a sword in your life
looks like your father was a fair man , Said Atticus
The best of them . He was the General to the king . They were the best of friends . Enemies trembled at the sight of my father and honest men had a smile on their faces when he was around
Ana was busy looking at the surroundings , the buildings , the homes , the people and the trade and everything that caught her eye
The buildings were getting bigger and richer too . That got the attention of Atticus
Are we getting closer to the palace , asked Atticus curiously
Yes , indeed we are . replied Philippe
And the domes / stadiums were getting bigger and much more grander . The Symbol of the kingdom hung over them .
The noises of swords clashing could be easily heard now .
Practice ? asked Atticus
Yes , replied Philippe .
Look here , said Philippe . These are the houses of the most prominent people of the kingdom . Ministers , Counselman and generals
It is indeed grand . Replied Ana and Atticus together
They have huge lawns and porches and what not . Ana said
Do we get a house like this , asked Ana
Philippe laughed .
Only much bigger , he replied
As they approached the royal palace . There were many people , many horses and elephants all standing by the side of the pathways .
The people standing on the path , made way for the car as three of them approached .
They were not curious or surprised to see such a mechanical instrument .
Atticus was paying attention to the peoples faces . There was no surprise or happiness in the peoples faces . He said
What seems to be wrong , Atticus asks Philippe . The people we earlier saw seemed prosperous and happy
The news of the death if the prince still lingers , replied Philippe
The car approached the palace . Thousands of people stood outside the gates and mourned
The brightness was replaced by gloom . There was sadness all around
Scores of guards stood outside the gates with armor all over them .
Two of the guards at once opened the royal gates , as soon as they saw the face of Philippe
Here we are , Said Philippe
There was no happiness in the faces of Atticus or Ana either
The houses of the minister were better , said Ana
Things will get better , once the Heir is revealed . replied Philippe
I suppose so , said Atticus
I first want to meet my father . added Atticus
He too awaits your arrival . Replied Philippe
The car is parked at the entrance and the three of them make their way to the Palace lobby . The guards carry the luggage behind them .
There are some ministers , and few other prominent men waiting at the entrance door of the palace .
The Palace stood over 200 stories tall , and the royal doors alone stood at 40 feet high
Everything was humungous in the palace . The ceilings , the chandeliers , the sofas , the chairs , the tables , The staircases . Everything
One of the ministers insisted that they wait in the Royal room . Until the arrival of the king
All the newcomers were advised to wait in the Royal room
The ministers all nodded at Philippe . There were no smile on their faces .
One person stood out . Noticed Atticus
He was much bigger than the rest of them and not in the royal attire like the rest of them
He must be ? Asked Philippe
That is Tiberius . He is the General of the Kingdom . He succeeded my father Marcus . Only the title is common between the two of them added Philippe
He does not have the courage nor the power my father once held . He just trains the soldiers and discusses strategy with the king . Said Philippe
He continues . There is no war anymore .Just Politics .
Atticus nodded
The Ministers and the other men began to take their seats alongside Philippe and the newcomers
YOU ARE READING
Atticus
FantasíaA tale about Andora and the kingdoms in it , and how the bloodline of the empire is far more complex than originally thought