The Blue Flames And Rusted Swords

Chapter 9

Togen took me down the grand halls of the castle. The draperies were a cream color, and the carpet was velvet. The portraits that hung on the walls were mostly of old men with greying hairs, suits, and mustaches.

He showed me chambers of all sorts and even led me to the servant chambers where the servants here usually sleep. It was more so in the basement of the castle, but they had enough sconces for them to see in the dark.

We continued walking along until Togen led me to a door. He unlocked it and led me to the outside where a courtyard was. It was a large courtyard surrounded by battlements.

The stone was gray, and there were weeds that had grown through the cracks. On my left stood a turret and the right, a large watch tower that I could see have guards watching through the windows. I didn't know if it was really considered a courtyard or, more so, a large terrace.

I could see a figure looking over the view, standing by the battlements with his back facing us. Togen walked forward, and i followed behind, keeping up with his pace. The sky was partially cloudy, and it had a good breeze that brushed through my face and hair. The breeze would be more pleasant if I was at Solver Lake.

Togen and I stopped as the man looked over his shoulder to see us. He had dark skin and a buzzcut. He looked to be around his thirties and had a mustache. His eyes had a nice grey color to it. He wore a red brigandine, black trousers, and boots. His sword was tucked inside its sheath, and a canteen hung below his belt.

The man walked over and closed the distance. He greeted and performed a small bow to Togen. Togen reciprocated the gesture before he spoke.

"Reniff, I want you to meet Kadrieus. Kadrieus, meet Reniff."

Togen put one hand on my shoulder and used his other, facing his palm out, gesturing to me, and the guard.

The guard looked over and cocked an eyebrow at me. I copied his gesture and sized him up. He dismissed me and turned to look at Togen.

"So this is the boy Lord Ordanysus was talking about?"

Reniff asked Togen with a hint of disbelief in his voice. Togen nodded, confirming to Reniff.

"Indeed, this is Kadrieus."

Togen looked over to me, and I met his gaze. He looked over to Reniff, and I followed where his eyes went.

"Kadrieus, Reniff is my lieutenant general or my second in command in Lord Ordanysus' arms and guard. You might see him a lot more often, so I figured it's best that you two will meet."

Togen glanced over at me, expecting a reaction or response.

"Why am I here?"

I asked the two, wanting to know my purpose for even staying here.

"That, you will discuss over dinner."

Togen said stubbornly.

"Is he my 'trainer'?"

I asked, cocking my head to Reniff's way. Togen took a glance at Reniff before looking back at me. His face remained solemn.

"No, he isn't. Lord Ordanysus will prepare you one."

I looked over at Reniff and then over at Togen. I didn't know what to make of the situation besides the millions of questions that I could ask, and they would all be left unanswered. It's all much to my dismay.

"Let's go. When it's around six, I want you to shower and change into much more... formal clothing."

Togen looked over at my outerwear, and I could see the displeased look I his eyes. I scoffed and looked down at my outfit. My red tunic was getting dirty, and my grey pants had a couple of stains on them. I knew that I could change into something better. I looked up at Togen and Reniff.