Araluen's Peril

Chapter 8 Reinforcements

Chapter 8 Reinforcement

Selethen walks up to the mast and looked curiously at the strange looking sail design. He turned to Gundar and questioned him, similar to Halt's. Gundar grins and explained how this was a design, designed by Hal, a half Skandian and Araluen boy. Gundar soon went on to adding the fin to the boat. Selethen opened his eyes wide, at the sound cutting a hole in the boat. Halt intervenes,

"It's a mind twisting concept, we'll talk about it later, Right now, there is Nihon-Ja."

There, they saw the elegant houses and boats. The big palace almost beyond visibility. Some on lookers saw the ship and stared at the ship and the strange looking crew. Selethen saw a couple of guards coming towards the docks. They moored along the docks, immediately Halt recognized who it was, it was Moka, one of the Senshi with Emperor Shigeru. Moka and his 6 warriors greeted them. Asking, "Welcome to Nihon-Ja Halt-o san. You too Taka-san." Halt and Selethen bowed back in greeting.

"What wind brings you here?"

Halt replies "We are here to meet and talk to the Emperor."

Moka nods and then asked a bit unsure, side glance at the Skandians "Just you two?"

Selethen grins, "That's right, these guys will be here, probably might be going around to buy some supplies but that's pretty much it."

Moka nodded, and presented a way, "Please, follow me"

Ooo

Halt was impressed at the sight of the palace close up. It was elegant like Castle Araluen. High walls, and the castle palace inside. Emperor Shigeru stood, at the steps welcomes them.

"Welcome Halt-o san, and Taka-san!"

Halt and Selethen bows, "We are happy to meet you too, it has been awhile since Horace's wedding, and ever since the war for Selethen."

Shigeru smiles, "I trust Kurokama is doing well?"

Halt nods. Shigeru ushers them inside. "Unlike the Ran-Kioshi Fortress, the palace now back. So I now can give you the honor you both deserve"

Then adds with a laugh, "I also had prepared a large meal for Kurokama, but I see that he isn't here" with a disappointed tone.

Selethen grins, "That's very thoughtful of you Emperor Shigeru, where Kurokama is, is what we are here to talk about"

Shigeru waves his hand "Please, call me Shigeru." He looks outside, "Allow me to show you your accommodations, save the talk for tomorrow, it's getting late. I will send a messenger down to ask if your ship members need anything."

Halt thought, Might be better when we all have a clear head. The servants directed them to where they will be staying for the time being,

the servant also added "The hot springs are over there, please feel free to bathe in there, honored guest" and he bows, Halt bows back.

The servant's eyes widened at the fact the "Honored guest" had bowed back. It wasn't a custom a higher status needed to do so. Halt took a look in the room, left his things and went to the spring. Halt comments, "I could get used to this"

Ooo

They next very day, they sat and ate with the Emperor. Shigeru implies, "So what brings you here?"

Selethen looks at Halt and then replies "We are here for in need for support."

Shigeru looked interested, "What would that be?"

Halt and Selethen explained the whole story, and how Halt had arrived in Arrida for the help of Selethen. Shigeru's eyes hardened and then softened at the name of the Temujai.