Destiny's Binds

The Duty of a Duke

With Stiix port in sight, Jay's anxiety about the 'elected to be Duke' situation rose. He was still trying to wrap his mind around everything. He didn't believe Lloyd's claim about his heritage, but regardless if it was true or not, he still got appointed as Duke.

"Welcome home, good Duke."

Jay turned. The Captain -Zane was his name- stood behind him. His pale complexion was due to spending most of his time in the kitchen hidden under the deck. In his hands, he had a package. He held it out, bowing his head. Jay glanced at Lloyd. His new personal security guard stationed himself a few feet away. He always kept his hand resting on the hilt of his blade, as if hooligans were going to attack him at random. Which Jay thought was absurd. They were on a ship in the middle of the Shadow Bay.

Jay took the package, unwrapping the cloth to reveal a loaf of bread.

"Thank you, Captain Zane," Jay said.

"It's the least I could do since you saved the Bounty from pirates," Zane said, "Anytime you need a transport, if we're available, we will come to your aid."

"I'll keep that in mind," Jay said, "But I have a hunch that I'm not going to be leaving the fief anytime soon." He turned back to the horizon. He could make out the individual people walking along the docks.

Zane stalked away. He always walked funny, like he was pretending to limp. Jay asked about the gait once. All that happened was Pixal rolling her eyes, as Zane cast a confused look. "Isn't that how sailors walk?" he mumbled. Jay didn't understand. Which was a feeling he was getting used to.

*

While Jay didn't know exactly what to expect when he inherited an estate. Despite having no expectations, he was still surprised to inherit a pile of ashes. Construction on the Duke's home had not begun. Thus, when shown all the property he now owned, all he saw was the gated tragedy.

Jay walked along the perimeter, captivated by the charcoal. Deep inside, he pondered if he was walking along the same grass as his ancestors.

"The Duke passed in his bedroom," Lloyd said, "Would you like to see?" Jay nodded, allowing Lloyd to lead Jay into the burnt home. Some structures still stood, they crossed under the blackened beams. Jay followed Lloyd as he weaved around the ruins. He stopped, looking up.

"Directly above us," Lloyd said. Jay looked up. There was a hole in the ceiling. He couldn't see much, just vague bits of sky. The air was thicker making it hard to take a full breath. The shadow cast by the remains felt colder. Jay's arm hair stood up.

"Someone definitely died here," Jay said, "I feel it."

Lloyd closed his eyes, rattling off a prayer. Once he finished, he turned to Jay.

"We ought to go," he said, "We need to find accommodations for you until your home is rebuilt. And we might as well collect all your belongings."

"My belongings?" Jay said.

"The few possessions that survived the fire. They're kept at Temple of Light since you lost your home."

Lloyd tilted his head toward the exit of the estate. Jay meekly followed, thankful that Lloyd was around to guide him. He still didn't trust him, but Jay had no one else to rely on. He couldn't rely on himself. No, he was far away from everything he knew.

"I want to send notice to my parents," Jay blurted out, as they left the grounds. Lloyd remained silent. Jay continued, "And I want to offer them a home here. They might choose to live with me."

"They won't," Lloyd said, "The desert is the only place in Ninjago where a dissenter can live free to be a dissenter."

"My parents aren't dissenters," Jay said.