The Emperor and the Servant: A Tale of Two Heroes

Chapter 4: The Crown

Previously: The Emperor investigates on the recent Dark Knight attacks and the kidnapping incidents relating to them. Each person who disappeared had no relation to one another, at least not by blood. The second prisoner in Castle Infinity was a Greek monk, who held information crucial to a certain “quest” Infinity plans to undertake as soon as “three others” reveal themselves. Meanwhile Marcus and Raynen decide to protect the Princess but also have a competition of sorts between them to see who can win her over. The Quest begins. The Emperor opens a book about another book: the Tome of Knowledge. “He who finds it first shall know the road he shall take in this Quest of Destiny.”

Main quote: “The road that leads to wisdom is never easy. There are no shortcuts to succeeding in life. The lesson in every hard journey is always worth the risk to gain.” (Sage’s words of wisdom.)

  “Forgive me, Teacher. There are shortcuts.”

  “The shinobi arts have made you less than proper. The road that leads to wisdom is never easy. There are no shortcuts to succeeding in life. The lesson in every hard journey is always worth the risk to gain.”

  “Well, that is why I begged your forgiveness. You always hated deception and stealth. You always showed your worth rather than hid it. You are truly the Emperor’s teacher.”

  “And you are the son of your father. I know why you are here. You know what you seek…is not here.”

  “But Teacher, I believe you know of its former whereabouts.”

  “As cautious as I know you to be.”

  “Is it somewhere close by?”

  “You can start your search there. But I must warn you. You will face much danger.”

  “I understand.”

  “The Alps hold many secrets that no one dares uncover for fear of annihilation. I wish you all the best”

  “Thank you, Master Merlinus.” He prepares to leave. However…

  “One last thing When you find the Tome, do not open it. Only a Sage like myself can open the Book.”

  “I will ask someone to watch over…”

  “No, do not worry about me. Focus on the task at hand. You must not deter. The key to truth is often hidden in deception. Look deep. You will find what you have been looking for.”

  And so Christian departs. His journey will be long. But the man has his methods.

  He reaches the place after three full days. It was as cold and treacherous as it was in wintertime.

  But it is very unusual since the seasons have changed. Then again, he was at high altitude.

  “Nothing,” Christian noted and he tries to climb down until he hears some snow falling off a cliff near him. There were carving on the rock surface. “SAPIENS QUI PROSPICIT”

  “Wise is he who looks ahead.” He turns right and sees a rising sun. “A new dawn.”

 

  May 1, 1205 A.D.

  Rome, Italy

  There was a grand assembly at the Palace. Marcus and Lync check to see Raynen and the Royal Guards inspecting an arriving entourage. Seeing the guy made Marcus remember the race…he lost.

  As it turns out, despite his neat appearance, Raynen trains half the day, which means all of his free time. He was an athlete, unlike Marcus who only had sessions once a week or sometimes ten times a month.