Kingdoms

Part 3

Caden and the pope arrive at the Woodard kingdom only to find Braden out and about doing whatever she can to nurse the sick back to health. Caden steps out of his carnage only to be greeted by many stairs of awe and and jealousy from the genetically  written black eyes of the gargoyles . Caden looks around desperately to find Braden but has no such luck., she has disappeared in to the crowds of people walking around. As soon as he stops looking he is jump-scared by Braden who comes up behind him. He turns around with a smile caked on his face only to see Braden standing in a beautiful purple dress outlined in silver metal and that outlines her body elegantly along with her sparkling black hair that flows down her back matching perfectly with her ebony eyes.

"Caden!" She says as she jumps in to his arms "it's been to long!"

"Much to long indeed" Caden replies "but unfortunately I have come with pope Norman with some devastating news." Braden's smile drops

"What is the meaning of your visit Caden?" She asks carefully as she looks around for the pope only to find him struggling to get out of his carriage

"He is here for all the best reasons my dear Braden" Norman calls. Braden looks back at Caden worriedly.

"Can we talk inside? This is a private matter which should be shard to your people only when you are ready" Braden nods her head

"yes of course" she says as she makes her way toward the pope to help him out of his carriage "are you hungry your excellency?" She asks. As he hesitates to step out of the carriage.

"As a matter of fact I am but-"

"No "buts" if you desire to be fed than I shall feed you. Let us go inside" she says as the walk toward the castle down the winding crowded gravel road, the stones crunching beneath their feet among the many other villagers rushing around the humble marketplace watching as the children play in the street ignoring the pleads of the store owners to stop. People separate themselves as Braden walks by them almost afraid to be within five feet of her. Caden watched Braden Noticing her uncomfortable look, he knows its because she doesn't like being so untouchable to her people.

after a few minutes of silent walking and only hearing the sound of his own foot steps and the birds singing Caden speaks up "The guards outside seem very still today" Caden explains "I remember playing near them as a child and they would always be up and about and almost never in stone form"

Braden nods in agreement " not much happens here these days. It's been good. Our mothers and fathers are doing well with keeping the piece "

Caden opens his mouth as if to say something but is cut off by the pope "yes they have and might you two along with the others do so well one day too"

"I agree. But my family is very respected among my people because of my mother. I don't know what would happen if she were out of the picture" Caden stops in his tracks

"Do you hear that?" Caden says as he looks behind him, his vision becomes blurry and he becomes unsteady. Once the blurriness fell away Caden felt as if he was in another place, a dark blade. Almost like an endless midnight sky, with is no end to be seen. men in dark brown cloaks disappear an reappear before him in different places. Or was it different people appearing?. They are all chanting the same words. Before Caden could make out what was being said he regains his normal vision and looks around confusedly . Braden and the pope stop and turn around baffled at his sudden stiffness

"Temps" Caden whispers to himself, he turns around to face Caden and the pope "go to the castle now" Caden commands, still shaking.

" no." Braden says in her worried manner " Not until you tell me what you saw" Braden walks up to Caden placing a hand on his arm "Caden." She says calmly " what did you see?" Caden turns to her and places his hands on her face that's now red with confusion. His hands are cold from the frosty weather outdoors at the moment. Knowing his "gift" had just triggered she steps back worried about his mental health.

"It's over now. He says as he walks past her quickly , let's go inside" Braden turns to match his speed

"Caden Burgess!" Braden demands. Caden turns around unusually unable to control what he's doing. and starts toward Braden only to be cut off by the pope "what?" He says raising his voice.

"Let's go inside and talk about this" the pope commands directly

Braden and Caden stair back and forth at each other for a few moments not breaking eye contact until Braden begins walking toward the castle bumping in to Caden aggressively as she passes him. Caden looks back toward the kingdom entrance then towards the castle and follows them in through the large old stone arc at the end of a raggedy thick wooden bridge hanging over a magnificent fresh water moat, that connects to the ocean behind the castle and holds the kingdoms water supply.