Isolde

Chapter 8 - Rilia

By noon the next day they had reached the final part of their journey, travelling between the coast of Rilia and Turige. Storms had battered the coastline and begun to erode into the land, it meant a great chasm had opened between the two countries, which would one day split them completely. It had only added to the conflict between the two countries as it made natural sense to have the border on the chasm line but that would mean Turige having to relinquish a few miles of land to Rilia. The only thing they had agreed on would be that the chasm itself would be allowed to be used peacefully by both countries for travel and trade so ships were allowed to sail freely between the two warring lands to use the new ports both had built.

Frelian's men steered the ship with ease through the dark gap, though some stood on the deck looking up at the new cliffs as if to check for danger. As Turige now knew that Rilia had custody of the princess, it was likely they might break the peace of the chasm and launch an attack. But fortunately no attack was launched and they were able to dock freely on the Rilian side of the chasm.

Around the port, the cliffs were lower, allowing those on deck to take in all the scenery of the new land they'd arrived in. It was similar to Pretusia in its initial appearance but was considerably warmer, even on the journey they'd noticed the increase in heat as they'd travelled further from Pretusia.

The imperial palace of Rilia was visible from the docks, it's turrets towering over the nearby fields. The poles proudly displaying the flag of Rilia, placed as if to taunt the Turige. The palace was much larger than the castle where they'd been staying in southern Pretusia and much more colourful compared to the sombre bricks they were used too. This palace was made of marble that glistened in the sun and boasted of wealth.

The king and queen, Prince Frelian's parents, waited on the end of the dock to greet them, their entourage behind. As the workers of the docks laid the dis-embarkment planks, those aboard lined up to step back onto land. Alouette had changed back into her purple riding clothes for the occasion and had requested Isolde pull her hair back into the best elaborate updo she could manage with her resources. Isolde also wore her hair up but in a simple bun, she stayed in the dress from Biren, feeling her riding trousers and stained shirt would come off as disrespectful to the royals waiting for them, hers were in a far worse state than the princess'. Frelian wore his cloak despite the warm weather and a hat with a feather.

People fell into their positions on the ship, lining up ready to disembark. Frelian and Alouette took their places at the start of the procession as royalty, followed by Frelian's general and best friend, then the soldiers then finally at the end, Isolde. She was not only not a native, but was female and not royalty so she was of the lowest rank. It didn't bother her, she was just pleased to have arrived and whether she was at the front or back of the procession she would somehow end up on land. Taking her place she brushed off her dress and stood up straight, ready to march. She heard footsteps and assumed that they'd begun to move but instead, Frelian came round the side of the lines of soldiers and held his hand out to her.

"Are you okay, your highness?" she asked, taking his hand graciously

"Alouette said you were at the back of the procession."

"I am, I'm where my rank permits."

Frelian smiled, pulling her out of position "You will land with me and Alouette, at the front of the procession."

"But your highness I-"

"-I insist, you've earned your place at the front." he cut her off, leading her to the front where he gestured she should stand to his left, Alouette scowling at the scene from his right. Alouette liked Isolde but regardless of how close they were or could become, one thing she couldn't stand was people sharing her royal spotlight. But she didn't have time to comment as drums began and they stepped off the ship onto Rilian lands.