The Kingdom of Elias

Sorcerer's Apprentice

Cyril led Oswald down a maze of hallways through the castle. As they walked further from the Grand Council meeting, the hum of noise slowly subsided. Eventually they walked out a doorway and into the setting sunlight. They were at the front of the castle, outside, on a lush carpet of grass that stretched for quite a way in all directions.

"This way," Cyril said motioning to Oswald.

As they walked it became apparent that Cyril was taking him to a large plaza a few hundred yards south of the main entrance to Castle Elias. Oswald found himself oddly nervous. He could see large stone statues around the plaza but could not make them out yet. The statues were carved from white marble and towered over the plaza. It was imposing and grandiose at the same time. It imparted a sense of importance, at least to Oswald anyways. When they stepped on the stone plaza Oswald could feel the warmth rising. He got the chills and wasn't sure if it was due to the change in ground temperature, or the magnitude of this moment.

"Welcome to Grand Plaza," Cyril said with a smile. He motioned to all the statues. He then walked over to one of several stone benches encompassing the plaza and sat down. He rested his walking stick next to him.

Directly in the center of the plaza was the statue of King Walter. Oswald gazed at it for a long while. King Walter fit his name. He looked both determined and yet accepting, stern and warm. To his surprise King Walter was not wearing a crown, but rather holding it out in front of him towards the Kingdom. At his feet was a plaque. Oswald read the inscription.

In honor of he who first united the realms, King Walter of Elias. 'This Kingdom is not my own, but for all of us; to protect, and defend, and share. For he who shares their home, shares their heart. My kingdom is yours, for now and all time.'

Oswald smiled at the sentiment of his quote. It seemed to match all the stories Cyril would tell him about the mighty and compassionate king. Behind the statue of King Walter in a semi-circle around the back half of the plaza was the Royal Council. He turned to his left and walked to the edge of the space. He looked up at the statue of Horace Horsecollar. Horace looked very imposing and yet, seemed at peace. He was a large creature and it was immediately apparent to Oswald why he made a good soldier. He noticed Horace was wearing the same collar that he saw on Horatio in the Grand Council. It also had the same mysterious text carved onto it.

In honor of Elite Guard Col., Horatio Horsecollar of the Royal Council. "Why win a fight, when you can avoid it."

He moved to his right until he came to the statue of Doctremanus. Like Grumpy and Sharin, Doc was stocky and strong, and Oswald even thought he could notice a familial resemblance. He noticed the eye patch from the tale of Thunder Mountain.

In honor of Doctremanus of Anhem, member of the Royal Council. "It's rather fun to do the impossible."

Oswald looked over at Cyril who was resting, watching the sunset. He smiled at Oswald and motioned for him to take his time. He moved on to the center statue in the arc. It was Mickey. No matter how many times Oswald had seen pictures of Mickey, his face always made him smile. It was as if he knew you personally. He was dressed in his royal uniform and looked very regal. Oswald noticed in his hand was a paintbrush.

In honor of Mickey of Mortimer, member of the Royal Council. "The people are those who make the magic, and without them, we are lost."

Oswald lingered for a moment looking at Mickey. He felt drawn towards him. Slowly he moved on until he was in front of the statue for Donald. Donald was dressed his full Elias Navy uniform and looked regal. He had a determined look on his face and his brow was furled, ready for action. Oswald now realized that the figurehead on the prow of the K.E. Legacy was that of Admiral Donald. That made him smile. He remembered how fierce it looked and could see that temper reflected in his stone likeness.