Twelve Realms

Chapter 11

Lucia

Sitting on a rock, I use a stick to scrape at the drying mud stuck to the bottom of my boots. 

Today's been a huge failure. I travelled to a different town, hoping that perhaps they would speak to me, but they were just as unwilling as the Cursed Village. Everyone thinks I work for the king, and no one wants to speak to a noble.

I dig the stick into the clumps of mud, trying to pry them off. It's been three days since I first arrived in the Realm of the Forest, and I'm no closer to finding the Thief than I was back home. 

I glance at my mark of Dea. I wish she would give me some sign, something, anything. But the gods work in mysterious ways. They always have. 

I twist the stick too hard and it snaps. I sigh, accepting yet another defeat today. It's not like I would have accomplished much in cleaning my boots anyway. The ground is so muddy you can't take a step without an inch thick layer of mud suctioning itself to the bottom of your shoes. 

I toss the broken half of the stick aside and open my journal. 

There are still plenty of villages left on my list that I could visit, but I really don't know if I'll get any more information. These people seem to be really scared of their king. And they seem to think that he stands to learn nothing from them. That he already knows everything.

Then it hits me: if the king already knows everything, then why not go ask the king about the Thief? 

The more I think about it, the more I realize what a good idea it is. The king is bound to want the Thief caught more than anyone else, and I bet he would love to work with a representative from the Temple of the Winter River. 

I unfold my map. I'm close to the Nobleman's Village. If I hurry, I could make it before sundown. 

The mud slows me down a bit, but I make good time, and I reach the Nobleman's Village right as the sun begins to set. I take a bit of time to smooth the rumples in my appearance that have formed over days of sleeping in the wilderness-- washing the mud off my boots, straightening my jacket and my eternia pin, tying back my hair as it seems quite hopeless. 

As I walk into the town, even in the dying light of dusk, I notice the significant changes between this village and the other villages I've visited. 

The first, and most obvious, difference lies in the physical build of the town. Almost everything is made of stone. The houses are made of smooth, large blocks of stone instead of rough mud bricks. The streets are paved with cobblestones instead of made of dirt. Torches flame atop pillars of stone. Houses are taller, more extravagant, more intimidating. 

But the build of the town isn't the only thing that's different. There's a distinct difference in the people who walk the streets as well. Not only are they dressed in nicer things, their attitude toward me contrasts starkly with the behavior of the village folk. 

Instead of casting me one fearful glance and hurrying away, the people here let their eyes linger on me for several seconds before either turning away and ignoring me or giving me a disdainful look. The people here walk with a nonchalant air about them, in a way that conveys that they will not be rushed for anything or anyone. 

Their behavior certainly interests me, but I'm not here to study the townspeople of Nobleman's Village. I'm here to find the Thief. 

The palace is behind Nobleman's Village, its back facing the border of the Realm. It's a smart placement: no one will be able to attack from behind. It also means I have to walk through all of town to get there.

When I do, two armed guards stand in front of the gate. They don't say anything when they see me, just look down at me, silently.

"Um... hello," I say, smiling nervously. They still say nothing.

"My name is Lucia, I'm from the Temple of the Winter River. I was hoping to speak with the king?"

The guard stares down at me. "The king is not expecting any appointments today," he tells me shortly.

"Oh, uh, well, I don't have an appointment, I'm actually not from around here? I was just hoping I could speak with him about the Thief-"

"The king does not take visitors without appointments," the guard interrupts. 

"Oh. Um." I suddenly feel very awkward and start to twist my hands. "How would I, uh, make an appointment?" 

"Speak with one of the king's assistants."

"And... how would I do that?" 

The guard looks at me as though I'm being incredibly dense. "The king's assistants will not be available for meeting for the rest of the month. You may try and contact them next month."

"Next month? I-- don't think I can wait that long, I really need to speak with him as soon as possible--"

"That is how it is. I cannot do anything more for you." 

"Please, if you just let me--" 

I am interrupted by the sound of the gate creaking slowly open. A distinguished looking man in long green robes walks out of the castle. A second chance. 

"Sir," I say, trying to catch his attention. He does not stop walking, nor even look at me. 

"I will tell you what I have told every other beggar outside these gates: I am not going to give you any money."

"No, no, I don't want money, sir. I just need an audience with the king for five minutes--"

At this he turns to look at me, though he still does not stop. 

"An audience? With the king? You?" He gives a short chuckle. "I cannot see why he would need to hear anything you have to say."

"No, sir, it's me that needs to hear what he has to say. You see--"

"The king's speeches are all on record in the town library. If you need his wisdom, go there."

"No, I need to ask him about the Thief."

At this, a shadow crosses the man's face. "Are you suggesting that it is our king's fault that a man from this Realm escaped the fate of the River?"

"No, not at all, sir," I say, desperately trying to steer the conversation back towards what I need to say. "I'm from the Temple of the Winter River, and I've been sent by Dea to find the Thief--"

The man looks me up and down, eyebrows raised. "Do you honestly expect me to believe that?"

Confused, I tilt my head at him. "Why would I lie about something like that? See, I have the official symbol right here." I point to the eternia flower on my lapel.

The man gives it a skeptical glance. "Any peasant with some spare fabric and decent sewing skills could make that."

"But I'm actually from the Temple--"

"You cannot expect me to believe that the Temple of the Winter River would send someone to our realm, unannounced, to see our king, without any warning or appointment. Say whatever you wish. I will not help you meet with the king. Now leave me be, and go home, simple girl."

"But--"

"Do not make me call guards to take you away. I have had enough with meddling peasants like yourself. It is not our fault if you are unhappy with the kingdom, and frankly, I can't believe you would speak to me in such a disrespectful manner. Go. Home."

He turns on his heel and walks away. I can't find it in me to go after him. I'm confused and shocked and angry all at once. How dare he accuse me of lying?

By the time I clear my head, the man has disappeared. Once again, I've come up empty handed. 

I just pray Dea won't give up on me.