Retrace

Chapter Nine

“The central military faction has sworn protection for the young lord on his course through the north,” Cassius announced. “I have Sir Arden, chief of the central military faction with me today to introduce to the young lord.”

Cassius had called me early in the morning to prepare. I had insisted not to wear the blazer and the vest so only my white long sleeve shirt and black long pants are what I wore. Cassius seemed unhappy about it. He did wake my up to have morning tea, but he didn’t tell me that I would meet someone.

I realized one thing about this place. On the outside, it does look like a large commoner’s cottage but, maids and a butler still serve here. They said ‘a different air than of the grandeur of the north.’ If they wanted that, they should have eliminated the servants. That’s what’s really different from the manor.

I stood up and shook hands with Chief Arden. Just like what Cassius said, normal military uniform is different, but that is only in terms of color. I saw the difference right away because Cassius is wearing his uniform and so is Chief Arden. The Constabulary is gold, the rest are blue.

Chief Arden is already old, but he still has his pride. He is clean-shaven, his graying hair combed back and his bright blue eyes look very pleased. He was beaming when he walked in the gazebo made of wood.

“It is a pleasure to finally meet the young lord,” Chief Arden said.

I smiled. “I’m pleased too.” I motioned him to sit down. “Please, I wouldn’t want you to keep standing any longer.”

When we had both sat down, I offered Chief Arden some tea. One of the maids waiting near the table already started pouring tea in Chief Arden’s cup even before he said yes.

I glanced up at Cassius. He’s just standing right outside the gazebo. He went there after Chief Arden and I sat down. It would be better if he would sit down too. He’s even facing his back to us.

“Chief Arden, you seem to be ecstatic today,” I said, taking a sip of the tea.

“Oh yes,” Chief Arden replied immediately. “I would have never thought I would see the young lord pass through the city. I was quite disheartened after hearing the news of your disappearance five years ago.”

“I’m sure you were not alone, sharing that feeling.”

“Upon hearing that the young lord has come to the central, my heart leapt with joy, and so were my comrades-in-arms.” Chief Arden started getting excited that he even raised his voice. “That is why they have agreed to protect the young lord through your journey to the north.”

“So I’ve heard. I have been informed of your intentions. I’m happy for that.”

“Some of my comrades-in-arms have already spread the words that the young lord has already been found and is now here in the central.”

I flinched when he said that. I was also sipping tea that I almost choked when I flinched.

“The public will be most pleased to know that the young lord has already returned to us,” Chief Arden continued. He didn’t seem to notice my reaction earlier that he even continued speaking.

I quickly put the cup back to the table, but it only spilled the tea out of the cup. That made Chief Arden to snap out of his excitement. The maid waiting near us quickly cleaned up the mess.

“I apologize for being carried away by my excitement,” Chief Arden said.

Cassius said that if the public knew about my stay here in the central, which would cause excitement. That would mean that it would be harder to have a safe journey to the north. Cassius added that if would most likely attract the attention of the people who wanted me gone. The public’s excitement could cause a distraction and make me vulnerable. That is what Cassius wanted to prevent and Chief Arden just made it so.