Legacy

Chapter 20 - The City of Winter's Breath

There was a cold bite to the morning air but the four-poster bed was warm and comfortable. Kane's left arm ached; the chill leaving it with a pain deep down to the bone. Slowly he unwrapped the dirty bandages revealing the jagged scars still raw and tender. Kane took care to wash the injury cleaning it carefully before replacing the bandages.

Dawn Marie was out in the back garden running and jumping through a natural obstacle course when Kane looked out at the morning in all its glory. The sun was gleaming over compacted snow still barely high enough in the sky to peak above the storm wall. A sense of tranquillity and vitality filled him despite his aches and pains. The prince proved easy enough to find. He was wrapped tight against the cold staring longingly at the Chronicle, his fingers running over the smooth surface while he tried to decode the complicated symbols. The military diary he'd begun to read was half open on the night stand beside books on the ancient tongue. He looked up at Kane expectantly.

"Morning, my prince. What do you think of the House of Thane so far?" Kane asked warmly.

"It is wonderful, Kane. I've yet to even scratch the surface of this place. I've never even seen a library outside of the House of Solomon before. Do you think there will be time to read all the books here?" The prince replied eagerly.

"I'm sure there will be with your ferocious appetite. But remember, Thane has much he wants to teach you and the Archivists will be tutoring you in the ancient tongue."

"They can't come soon enough."

"I will pay them a visit this morning then," Kane said.

"I hope so. I want to start my lessons today if I can." The prince said annoyed at the delay.

"Patience, my prince, there will be time enough. Take advantage of Thane's hospitality. The journey was long and hard. Replenish yourself."

"You're probably right. Can I at least come with you into the city?"

"I'd prefer if you stayed behind today. Give me a chance to explore the city and learn more about it from Thane."

"If you insist."

There was a polite knocking on the door. "May I enter young master?" came a voice from outside.

"Enter," the prince replied after stashing the Chronicle where it wouldn't be seen. Seven, the tall lanky manservant, entered bowing without creasing his immaculate tailored suit.

"Young master, honoured guest, Caladus Thane requests your presence at the breakfast table. He wishes you to join him for a light meal before retiring to the library to review trade receipts with him for the last month. Breakfast is served every morning at eight bells for your future reference." Seven said dryly.

"I'm not really used to getting up this early, but I'll be there soon." The prince said with a groan.

"Very good. Will the honoured guest be joining us?"

"Not today, I think. I feel the need to stretch my muscles," Kane replied.

"Of course." Seven ducked out of the room shutting the door quietly behind him.

"I shall see you later, my prince," Kane said and made his way back downstairs.

"Archon, isn't this a beautiful day?" Dawn Marie asked catching sight of him as she made her way towards the same door as him, her face red and flustered.

"Dawn Marie, yes it is a fine morning. I've missed the cold northern air. I saw part of your workout this morning."

"I'm pretty good, aren't I?"