The Silver Crown

Chapter 5

Caleb

I wake early in the morning, the thick, soft bed cushioning me. I'd forgotten that Tyron's tavern is as good as any five-star hotel. I wash quickly in the basin and head downstairs. Tyron is already up, supervising the preparation of breakfast. One of his assistants gives me a bowl of thick honeyed oatmeal and a large roll. I thank him and go to eat on the veranda. From the tavern's position on the hill, I have a view of the whole western side of the city and the surrounding hills and farms. I eat slowly, contemplating the potential events of the next few days.

Soon after I hear breakfast being served in the main room, Kylee comes outside. She's wearing the new one-piece soft leather dress that Tyron gave her and sits across the table from me. Neither of us speaks for a long while, but eventually Kylee breaks the silence.

"So does this Council rule Androlan or is there someone else?"

I regard her slowly. "The Council serves as guides, scholars, and advisors to many countries. They have based themselves in Andrus because of Androlan's many peacekeeping policies. They live and meet in a large manor next to the Royal Palace. Androlan is currently ruled by King Andron. He's a good king. Peaceful, content. He keeps Androlan running smoothly."

"The names seem a bit repetitive," she smiles.

I laugh lightly. "Deliberately. Androlan was founded by King Androk. It's tradition for all the kings to have names starting with A-N-D-R. The city of Andrus is named after King Andrus, the third king of Androlan. He, through peaceful negotiation, tripled Androlan's territory and built this city as the new capital. His son, King Andril, was the first to live in the palace which still stands at the top of this hill today."

"So why do you always call this Sage we're going to talk to The Wise One? Doesn't he have a name?"

I raise one eyebrow. "Firstly, we call him that because he's so wise. Secondly, it's a lot easier to say than his name. He is called Falarianius Intrulagostun. It's quite the mouthful, so people prefer to call him The Wise One."

"Have you met him?"

"Yes, once. I promise he knows what he's talking about and..." I paused for a moment, staring at the ground. "...and his prophecies always come true. Exactly how he says they will." I turn and gaze out across the open fields, but all I see is roaring flame and falling stone columns. I shake my head to clear my thoughts. "Come on, we've talked long enough. It's time we went to see The Sage and answered your questions."

We ask Tyron if he wants to come with us, but he tells us he's too busy. "Besides, I've no need to speak to The Wise One and Caleb knows how to find the manor. You don't need me to hold your hand."

We proceed uphill towards the large, gloriously decorated palace. The building stands four stories tall in most areas, with high towers adorning the wings. The overall shape of the building is that of a large square horseshoe; a central hall with two main wings, one on each side, both reaching out towards us. The space between is a meticulously cared for courtyard filled with small, flowery gardens and winding stone paths. A solid stone wall surrounds the palace grounds, a wrought iron gate opening to the main road. I tell Kylee that, though Androlan has never seen war since before the palace was built, a small army is kept on duty and the city walls reinforced just in case of emergency. In particular crisis, the whole city can be moved into the palace grounds for shelter.

"Fairly high defense for 'the land of peace and plenty'." she comments softly.

The manor is inside the palace walls, but just to the side of the palace keep. Lush gardens surround the fine, two-story building and a wide porch spans the front. A soft murmur of voices comes from around the side of the manor. As we come around the bend, I see The Wise One sitting in a small wooden rocking chair, a multitude of children sit on the ground clustered around him, listening intently to his story. The Wise One is a cheery old man, short, round, and with a happy smile permanently attached to his lined face. His gray eyes are soft and gentle. Many might even think he's human, until they notice his overly large hands and feet and his gently pointed ears. A small child sits on one of his knees and his opposite hand is waving descriptively as he tells his story. His voice is deep and soft and he is speaking in the common tongue.