The Kings Of Kartia: Legend Of The Moonguards

2: Hiring the Mercenaries

"Lord Caserd," a burly, old man bowed in front of me. Hindi naman na kailangan ang ganoong klaseng pormalidad, but I guess they're required to do this. Otherwise, the societal hierarchy would mean nothing.

Tinanguan ko na rin siya. He is the safekeeper of the Guild, the Thorned Rose Guild, and it is from him we will get the guards my mother has requested for me to have.

Iginiya niya kami ni Tess papasok sa isang opisina. "It is my pleasure to have you in our humble place, young lord."

"It is not," I muttered, na parehas na ikinabigla nina Tess at ng matabang lalaki.

"Behave like a lord," bulong sakin ni Tess. Tapos ay ngumiti siya sa lalaki sa aming harapan. "You must be having a wonderful afternoon, sir Jones. We are truly sorry to disturb your peace."

Iwinasiwas ng lalaki ang kanyang kamay tanda ng pagtanggi niya sa turan ng matandang dalagang kasama ko. Uhm, well that's what she is. An old lady. I meant no disrespect. But she's 39, you know. Pinili niyan alagaan ako imbis na bumuo ng sarili niyang pamilya.

"Not at all. Not at all," Sir Jones replied. "I had been expecting you since morning." Ngumiti siya. "A cup of tea for the lady, a glass of wine for the young lord. Does that sound well?"

"Please," sagot ko.

"We'll have two cups of teas, thank you," sabat naman ni Tess, and then shot me a fierce look. Lagot nanaman ako mamaya. Masesermonan nanaman ako ng matandang dalaga.

Napatingin si sir Jones sa aming dalawa, na parang hindi makapagdesisyon kung anong gagawin. In the end, though, sinunod niya pa rin si Tess. "Tea, then, shall it be."

They exchanged pleasantries as we all sipped our teas. I listened intently, from how the weather the other day had been awful to how the preparations of the festival have been proceeding. Tapos ay pinagusapan nila ang politika, both of who sounded entirely disconnected to and would only talk about the safer details. This is essential in the society that I belong to. Move gracefully, always be formal, and have something prepared to make small talk about while sounding perfectly neutral.

"Now this young lord, how old is he?"

"He turns 17 next week," sagot ni Tess. I smiled at both of them.

"I heard he is Gifted!"

Doon ay biglang nagbago ang mood ni Tess, isang bagay nansa tuwinang mangyayari ay ako lamang ang nakakapansin. She has been with me my whole life. I know if her smile is genuine or if she has something else in mind. When she smiled at what sir Jones had said, something was bothering her eyes.

"Indeed," sagot niya, trying to keep her enthusiasm flowing. Sanay na siya sa ganitong klase ng bagay. "He was tested positive to have a Gift. Although it is still waiting to be discovered. What luck, won't you agree?"

"Yes, yes," sagot ni Sir Jones, "napakadalang na sa noble houses ang pinagkakalooban ng kapangyarihang iniregalo ng mundo sa sangkatauhan. To have one brings an honor to the house." He leaned closer to me this time. "Who knows, you just might be the one who ascends in the Throne of Kartia in the future."

"Such words!" Tess exclaimed, still forcing her smile to stick on her face. However, ang tunog niya ay tila na-eskandalo. "I wish not to have any of the House of Gilda hear these things, Sir Jones. My Lord Vandal has no wish for such extravagance!"

"Of course," sagot ng lalaki na tumatawa. "Alam ko namang wala sinumang naglalayon na alisin sa Pamilya ng Gilda ang pamunuan. We owe them this peace of Kartia amidst the chaos of Harmonia."

"Absolutely," sabat ko sa kanilang usapan, na siyang ikinagulat nilang dalawa. Their conversation has taken a dangerous turn. Hindi na ito maganda. "Now on to today's business please."