Empire of Kingdoms Awakening

Chapter 6

As Samuel made his way into the courtyard he came to two guards stationed at the entrance. They each wore a hauberk and held a ranseur in their left hands. In their right was an iron shield. Samuel decided left-handed men would be best, as most people's right were dominant. It provided them the upper hand as that is how most learned combat. "Welcome back, my lord." One stated while he kept his gaze outward towards the small settlement outside of his gates.

The settlement didn't have much. Only the homes of the people who worked inside his walls. When he returned, he did his best to make it more suitable as the structures were worn down. It's how he had concluded he had been gone for a long period. The walls of their homes were splitting from the moisture provided by the snow and nearby water sources. The trails were inches buried within and there was thick ice layered where the snow would have met the dirt. He and his men were swift in making some shovels to make the conditions safer.

At that moment, Samuel's mind wasn't set on making his people's lives more comfortable. He wasn't sure what his next move would be. His body was aching, and he felt exhausted. The only thing he desired to do is soak in a bath hot enough that the steam would fill the room. Living in the cold wasn't something he was foreign to as he was from North Dakota. However, he had access to a better heat source other than fires meant to warm large rooms with stone walls.

He knew the time was approaching for the summit and needed to begin his arrangements; get his list of questions well written and composed. He had yet to add his problems to it either. For some reason, he couldn't find the urge to begin. He had supplied Cole a list of things to arrange on his behalf and he had it finished within 3 days. He didn't want to overwhelm him with more work.

As Samuel wandered through the yard, he could smell the cooked goods and soups from the baker's shop. His mouth watered at the idea of having something warm and savory in his stomach. He could pick something up on the way to his castle, as it was on the way. He strolled over to the great well off to the side of the walkway. He scooped the water in his hands and went to sip. The sound of metal clanging startled him, and he dropped the water onto the ground as he jumped. He had overlooked how close he was to the weaponry.

He shut his eyes to collect his thoughts as this was his new reality. He had to become used to his new surroundings. Once he opened his eyes again, he glanced around. Others traveled around as they babbled away. It was easy for them, as this was their home. They weren't from his world. That was their everyday normal.

He walked towards the baker's shop near his keep. As he closed in, he could hear horses whining. As he swirled his head, he was pleasantly met with Majesty. He stepped over to the Overo and laid his forehead against his snout. After he drew away, he reached into his pocket and picked out some grapes and gave him them. He had discovered early on that they were his favorite treat and it was simpler to keep some on hand. Majesty neighed in joy and Samuel walked away to continue to the baker's shop.

As he neared the shop, he found the baker conversing with a girl. The baker seemed regretful as he was speaking to her in a low tone, and Samuel could not make out what was being said. The girl was discomposed, tensing her fists as she clenched her jaw.

Samuel tried not to get involved and turned his attention to the muffins in the window. His favorite was raspberry, but it seemed that they were out. A lot of the ingredients had to be imported from other kingdoms, due to the weather. The baker had a small nursery in the rear so he could keep up with requests while waiting for his shipments. The baker would have to get some raspberries soon.

As he inched his way closer to the counter their words became audible but sounded as murmurs. He glanced into the small iron pots as he whirled his palms to bring the scents to his nose while he made a choice. Some that seemed unappetizing happened to be the best smelling of the few that remained. He grasped a wooden bowl and lid off to the side and filled it. He wasn't sure what it was, but its scent made his stomach rumble.