The first thing Morwin noticed when they made landfall was that the boat salesman was right when he suspected Justicar made it onshore. Although the exterior of the city seemed nice, the inside wasn’t in the best of shape.

  Several members of Justicar were wreaking havoc, especially on the outer skirts of the city, as the crew rode by. They’d attacked one of the mills, effectively halting the flow of grain and starving the people. Morwin gritted his teeth. He wanted to reach down to his dagger and attack the members of the rebellion group personally.

  All nine of them traveled within the same carriage, each servant carrying a different bag while Morwin sat plainly, as usual. He watched through the opening, against the wishes of Mr. Axwel, as soldiers were deployed. Those soldiers did not wear the same colors as the one from onshore Agnius.

  “That’s strange,” Mr. Axwel said. “I thought the boatman was just making up lies to try and get us to pay more.”

  “Justicar hasn’t always been here,” Galvin spoke up. “I didn’t see anything happening from inland. These rebels attacking must’ve been something recent. Probably only started today.”

  “That explains why people are still allowed to travel freely,” Morwin said. “Hopefully more soldiers will be dispatched to take care of them.”

  Morwin watched as several of the guards speared through one of the rebels.

  “Those bastards,” Galvin muttered under his breath.

  “Thank Agnius for the soldiers,” Morwin responded. “There must be more well trained ones deeper in the city keeping everyone safe.” Everyone in the carriage sat in silence, their eyes forward, not paying any attention to the outside. A sense of unease rose in Morwin, and he wanted to break the silence somehow. “Kind of strange how they waited until today when I arrived to attack.”

  “They’re not waiting for you,” Galvin spoke. “The whole world doesn’t revolve around you, you know? It’s just coincidence.” Morwin reeled from the brashness in his voice. But he appreciated it. Others treated Morwin like some kind of god, but Galvin only spoke what came to his mind.

  “It’s best if you get down,” Mr. Axwel spoke from the comfort of his seat, his eyes closed and his arms folded. “Lest you catch wind of something you shouldn’t.”

  But Morwin wanted to see. He wanted to see the enemies on the run, and he found himself cheering for the soldiers.

  Then the group of soldiers got overpowered. He clenched his knuckles and gripped his velvet seat tight. He watched as the soldier was knocked to the ground. One of the rebels raised a sword, getting ready to pierce through.

  “No!” Morwin let out a cry. He reached down for his dagger and unsheathed it. At once, all of the servants came to alert. As Morwin was about to leap out of the carriage, a hand shot out, grabbing his wrist with an iron grip.

  Galvin.

  “Let go of me!” Morwin said. “That soldier is about to get killed!”

  And then it happened. A sword plunged, piercing through the soldier’s armor, killing him.

  Galvin yanked him back down and Morwin toppled over, the dagger falling from his hands and sliding across the wood.

  “Hey, keep the commotion back there down!” the driver shouted.

  Morwin peered up to see Galvin standing over him. “How dare you do that to me,” Morwin said. Despite Galvin treating him like a normal person, he despised it when Galvin used such force like that. “Do you have any idea who I am?”

  “He’s right,” Mr. Axwel said.

  “Thank you, I knew you’d-,”

  “If he didn’t pull you back, who knows what could have happened.”

  “I’ll be taking this back,” Galvin said, reaching and picking up the dagger. He moved to Morwin’s side and unlatched the sheath as well. He slid the dagger into the leather and put it away.

  Morwin stared up at him with a look of bewilderment.

  “Why?”

  “So you don’t try to play hero and get yourself killed,” Galvin answered, holding a cold gaze at Morwin. “I’m not going to be the one to explain to your father how my training somehow convinced you you could be a soldier. And I am especially not explaining to him how that very thought got you killed.”

  With that, the conversation was over. Galvin sat back down. The other servants let out a sigh of relief before relaxing in their seats.

  Morwin frowned but also returned to where he sat. He tried to get another look over the carriage, but Mr. Axwel pushed him down.

  “I know how you feel about the dissenters,” he spoke. “But you are not here to fight them. Them being here is just an annoying coincidence, and we will proceed with our plans. We are not to get involved with them, no matter what. Else we’d be putting you in harms way. Besides, the work you are doing here will prevent this very thing from happening in the future.”

  Morwin knew he was right. But then again, he didn’t want all of his training with Galvin in swordsmanship to go down the drain. He wanted to do something to help the soldiers suppress the members of Justicar.

  Sometimes, he liked being in a position of nobility. He could get whatever he wanted at the snap of the finger, but other times, he was powerless. He would be ushered along by his servants and made to do things he didn’t want to. Morwin was a puppet in the shadow of his father, and he hated that feeling of being strung along.

  Morwin pouted the rest of the way. They’d arrived at the inn Mr. Axwel suggested. It sat deeper within the city, where there certainly was fewer rebels. Morwin could see why, given the amount of soldiers standing guard.

  The air felt different in Jovin City. The citizens of the city moved with a wariness in their step, and a fearful look plain on their faces. Morwin couldn’t understand why Justicar chose to attack this area as well. Jovin City wasn’t even a part of Agnius!

  The carriage halted, and one by one, all of the servants got off.

  A war cry could be heard from the distance. “For justice!” one of them shouted. Morwin spun to see someone in a black cloak with a demon mask running up on him, a dagger in hand. Panic rose. Did that man somehow knew his status within the country? He thought about the possibility of traveling so far, only to die a pathetic death at the hands of Justicar.

  As the rebel approached, Galvin stepped out of line and grabbed the man by the wrist. Morwin watched in awe as his bodyguard moved with grace. One thumb pressed hard on the wrist of the assailant, and with one movement of Galvin’s hand, the man dropped the dagger, and with the other arm, Galvin used the momentum of the man to swing him downwards, slamming him against the ground.

  The man let out a cry of pain.

  Galvin stepped over the man. “Come on, let’s go,” he said.

  Morwin stood there, staring, his mouth agape. “Aren’t you going to arrest him? He tried to attack me, the son of one of the ministers!” Morwin protested.

  Galvin shook his head. “We’re not here to arrest rebels. We’re not soldiers or peacekeepers. We’re just here to complete the task assigned to you and then go home.”

  The other servants nodded in agreement.

  Mr. Axwel was not phased by the attack. He still stood tall with dignity, both hands clasped behind his back. “Into the inn, shall we?” he said.

  Morwin nodded and Mr. Axwel led the way for him and all the other servants.

  A hand rested on Morwin’s shoulders when they were inside the inn. He turned around to see Phalmor there, a concerned look in his eyes. “You’re shaking,” his servant said.

  Morwin didn’t even notice through the adrenaline coursing in his body. His knees were bouncing against one another. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  He nodded a smile of thanks. “I am,” he affirmed. A lie. “It’s just I wish we could do more here to help defend Agnius.”

  Morwin spared a glance at his hands, and realized Phalmor was right. Every inch of his body was trembling. How much did his other servants notice?

  His hand moved to grip his sapphire necklace, breathing in. He calmed down slightly and released a drawn out breath.

  Mr. Axwel immediately went searching for the inn owner, speaking to multiple of the attendants that worked there until an older man finally emerged. Despite Agnians having a darker skin tone, the man that stepped out was a shade darker than most. He introduced himself as Ishan to the group before clasping his hands and turning to Morwin, the one who seemed the most important out of all of them.

  “Now what can I do for you guys?”

  “We would like to rent out the entire inn,” Mr. Axwel spoke, quickly moving in front of Morwin.

  Faces turned to him. “What?!” Morwin proclaimed. “We could make do with three or four rooms, but the entire inn?”

  Mr. Axwel pursed his lips and nodded. “I had an inkling this might be what I would end up doing, and seeing you get attacked outside, it reaffirms that idea. So yes, I would like to rent out the entire inn.”

  “But what about the people already here?” one of the other servants asked. A man by the name of Icar.

  “They would have to find other inns. The safety of young Master Morwin is of utmost priority.”

  Ishan simply laughed. “My friend, there is no way you can rent out the entire inn. We have only limited capacity! Rooms are filling fast and the cost is rising.”

  “Ten igians,” Mr. Axwel spoke. The room stilled, everyone frozen in shock. Morwin’s ear perked. Did he just hear the older man right? Ten igians!

  Igians are the highest denomination of coins, made out of a rare gemstone of utmost value. The other denominations were made of silver and gold, but igians were made of cut diamond. One was worth a hundred mets, and here he was, just offering it without a care in the world. Just one was enough to feed an entire city for a week. But ten igians?! He would be able to buy out the inn entirely.

  Ishan started sweating.

  “Are you… are you sure?” he said, his hands rubbing against one another.

  Mr. Axwel nodded. “I have the funds with me,” he answered.

  “Mr. Axwel!” Morwin protested. “You argued with the boat salesman about spending fifteen mets. And now you’re offering him ten igians?!”

  Mr. Axwel nodded. “That is precisely right.” He turned to Morwin. “We can’t risk Justicar knowing you’ve come here. I don’t think that man outside knows who you are, but if he did, you would be in grave danger. We would need to take over this inn and have zero chance some of the other patrons are members of the group. When it comes to your protection, I will spend as much as I need to.”

  “I won’t argue against it,” Ishan spoke.

  Mr. Axwel reached within his jacket pocket and produced ten of the shiniest coins Morwin had ever seen, its edges cut neatly and expertly, the surface reflecting the dim candlelight in every single direction. And Mr. Axwel had a bunch of them in the palm of his hand.

  “Remove the other patrons from the inn and do not accept any other visitors for three days, and this is yours.”

  Ishan eyed the coins with a primal hunger behind his eyes. “Done,” he said, practically salivating at the thought of having that much money.

  Within the hour, all of the patrons were kicked out. As they all were leaving, the guests hurled curses and swears at their group. One of the patrons even threw a glass bottle, to which Galvin caught. Ishan shared in the abusive attack as well, but at least he had his riches in his pockets to make up for it.

  Once the inn was completely empty, Ishan led the nine of them to their rooms. Each person had their own room, right next to each other, on the second floor of the inn.

  Morwin stopped Galvin in the hallways as his servant was about to retreat into his room. “Hey,” he said. “You were right. In the carriage. I’m sorry I acted to brazenly.” Galvin raised an eyebrow. “And thank you for saving me back there.”

  The only response he got was a scoff and a door slammed in his face.

  Morwin retreated back to his own room and unpacking commenced. Although he traveled in comfort the entire way, his muscles still tire, and the thought of laying in a soft bed excited him.

  It didn’t take long for him to drift into unconsciousness.

  Morwin awoke before sunrise. He knew he was tired from the previous day’s worth of travels, but with the talks approaching rather quickly, he found it difficult to resume sleeping. Every time he tried he’d just end up tossing and turning, different scenarios playing in his mind.

  And there was also the matter with Justicar. Was Rathalin safe for him? Surely his father would have ordered double or triple the forces be on guard around that area. He just couldn’t be sure.

  Morwin shook his head. Him falling back asleep was not happening. He decided to go for a walk.

  He took one step outside his room and was met by two of his servants: Phalmor and Vince. Phalmor just laughed.

  “Mr. Axwel said you probably weren’t going to go sneaking out but he wanted to be sure.”

  Morwin folded his arms and gave his two servants a scowl before retreating back into his room.

  When his servants did not follow him, he said, “I know you guys are out there now, so might as well come inside.”

  Vince was the first one to enter.

  Morwin was surprised by how well his servants dressed, even in the middle of the night, when no one else would see them. Vince had neat blond hair, combed back and styled with gel. He wore a fanciful tuxedo similar to Mr. Axwel, except he didn’t wear a bow tie. Phalmor’s rather long hair was tied into a neat bun, resting on top of his head. Morwin often ostracized him for styling himself similar to a woman, but Phalmor never let the insults get to him. If anything, Morwin wanted to provoke him so his servant would return the insults, but he never did.

  His father had great taste in picking his servants.

  “Why would we enter your room when you’re trying to sleep?” Phalmor posed, already inside the room.

  “Why not?” Morwin replied. “Besides, I’ve pretty much already given up on sleeping.”

  “The nerves getting to you?”

  “Yeah.”

  Morwin didn’t find himself talking to his servants often. The main ones he spoke to were Mr. Axwel and Galvin. He just… never bothered to learn about anybody else.

  Vince rested a hand on the boy’s shoulders. “Your father picked you for this because he trusts in you. You need to trust in yourself.”

  Bah. Words he’d already heard before. They were being paid to coddle him like that, and if it didn’t come from someone like Galvin, he did not believe a word. Despite that, he displayed appreciation for them. Outside the window, the sun steadily made its way over the horizon, bathing the land in its warmth. As if on cue, roosters gave their usual morning cries.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  How nice to wake up to the sound of birds screaming their heads off…

  “Okay,” Morwin said, breathing in and out. “I can do this.”

  He reached for the sapphire necklace which lay sprawled on his bedside table. He held it up to the light, letting the blue light dance this way and that. He wrapped the string around his neck and let it dangle in front of his chest. Instantly, his nerves calmed.

  Time passed by too quickly. One moment he was in his room, speaking with his servants, and the next, he was in the carriage again, eagerly waiting for the arrival at the palace. For some reason, Guenevir had not been in her room that morning. Mr. Axwel was furious, fuming about it the entire time while moving towards the palace. The other servants listened as the older man ranted about protocol and performing their job with due diligence.

  The city shined in broad daylight for the first time. Less rebels out, tons of guards holding position. Morwin couldn’t believe the grand scale of the city. Buildings made of concrete extended high into the sky. People here didn’t wear traditional clothing of Agnius. Instead, they wore more loose fitting garments.

  Mainly, the clothing people back in the mainland wore were meant to protect from the sun, tough fabric made from a plant that could shield the heat rays. Here, they didn’t care much about protection. It wasn’t nearly as hot either. They just dressed… fashionably.

  Some people even walked around revealing their arms! That was a foreign concept to him. If he were to do that back in the mainland, his arms would be scorched black within the hour.

  The most shocking thing, however, was some buildings didn’t even have roofs on them. They were built to house things, but the architects never considered building protection from the elements over them.

  If Morwin had a choice of deciding where to live, Jovin City would be a contender.

  Well, if it was anytime before now.

  Galvin had explained to Morwin earlier that the reason so many of Justicar was gathered here was simply because this is the place with the least protective forces from Agnius. They could do harm here, retreat back to the mainland, and not face any penalties.

  Morwin frowned at that. Could they really just destroy some buildings and then sail back to the mainland as if nothing happened?

  “We’re here,” a voice called from up front. Morwin liked this driver more; he was friendlier than their previous.

  At hearing the man’s voice announce his impending doom, his hands started shaking, his breaths growing shallow. He quickly reached down to caress his sapphire necklace, holding it close to his ear and listening to the sound of his mother’s heartbeat reverberating through him. That calmed him down instantly.

  Until Mr. Axwel held out a hand.

  Morwin gave him a quizzical look. “What?”

  “The sapphire necklace,” Mr. Axwel requested, wiggling his fingers.

  “No, I need it,” Morwin said.

  “It makes you look weak,” the head servant replied. “Necklace is a woman’s adornment, and a sapphire is a woman’s jewelry of choice. If you’re going to be negotiating with Lord Seldam, then you will need to be carrying better gemstones. Perhaps a ruby to display your manliness, and a topaz to show your wealth?”

  Morwin shook his head.

  “Young Master Morwin,” Mr. Axwel spoke in the stern voice that he hated. Every time he spoke to him like that, it made him feel like nothing more than a child. “I will be needing your keepsake, and in exchange I will give you a ruby and a topaz ring. No exceptions.”

  Morwin scowled before finally taking off the necklace. The moment he did, he felt the familiar protective feeling vanish, an emptiness settling within him.

  It was impossible to describe how the gemstone made him feel. It just felt like… home.

  In its place, Mr. Axwel produced two pieces of jewerlwry with the promised gemstones encrusted in and handed them to Morwin. Morwin took them hesitantly, and hesitated even further before slipping them on his ring fingers.

  “Good,” Mr. Axwel said. “I will return this necklace to you after negotiations are complete.”

  He wanted to object. But the finality in Mr. Axwel’s voice convinced him it was wiser not to.

  One by one, the servants got out the carriage. Morwin was the last one, and Mr. Axwel assisted him off. As they walked up to the grand palace doors, Mr. Axwel handed the driver twenty seds and gave his thanks before continuing forward.

  This time, however, the head servant didn’t lead the way. He stood there and turned back, staring at Morwin, ushering the young man forward.

  He took the invitation. One by one, his servants all followed him. They stood before the grand doors and Morwin rested a hand on each handle. He sucked in a deep breath, and pushed them open.

  What met them was a grand hall with a neat and exquisite marble floor, extending all the way inside. Paintings of grandeur lay hanging along the walls, and a soft red velvet carpet welcomed them in. This place was almost as impressive as Morwin’s palace back home.

  Of course, all of the servants had been used to living in a palace such as that, so the sight before them wasn’t as magnificent. If anything, it was to be expected.

  At the far end of the hall, several servants stood, in similar attire to Morwin’s own. They stood tall and firm, their expressions unreadable. The hairs on Morwin’s arm rose in response to the air of intimidation.

  I can do this, he kept telling himself. He found himself moving subconsciously to touch his sapphire, and was always disappointed when it wasn’t there.

  Off to the right, a grand set of stairs lay, and at the top, a man dressed in all white descended. He appeared about to be in his forties, had streaks of gray on his head and a nice goatee to compliment his messily styled hair.

  Step by step, he walked down the stairs. Each step he took, his boots clicked against the marble. He walked with hands in his pockets, eyes forward, and confidence in his gait. He stood before Morwin and scoffed.

  “I was told that De’Shai would come here himself,” the man said. “But he is too much of a coward so he sent someone else.”

  Morwin balled his fists and was about to hurl a string of unpleasant words before calming himself. He is the one here who’s in need of something, so he had to show some level of restraint.

  “I am a De’Shai,” Morwin spoke.

  “If you say so,” Lord Seldam replied, sauntering back to where his servants stood. As he approached, they opened the grand doors at the other end of the hall, leading into a grand ballroom.

  Lord Seldam mentioned for the nine of them to follow, and they did. Inside the ballroom, many wooden tables were set up, ready for some kind of party.

  Morwin glanced upward and noticed the massive dome of glass above them. The ballroom was even fancier than the entrance of the palace. Streaks of authentic gold ran up and down the walls, intertwining with one another, creating fanciful patterns.

  Lord Seldam made his way and sat at the table in the very middle of the room. He relaxed visibly and allowed his body to sprawl.

  Morwin followed suit and sat down. All of the servants remained standing up, however, despite there being more than enough chairs for everyone.

  Everything in the room appeared uneasy, Morwin especially. The room, Lord Seldam, his servants who outnumbered his two to one, and especially the grandness of the rest of the palace.

  You live in a place like this, Morwin had to remind himself. He rested both hands on the table, and the lord of the town immediately took notice of his two rings.

  “Can’t say I’m pleased I have to talk to a messenger instead of De’Shai himself, so let’s make the talks short, shall we?”

  Morwin nodded. “That would be in both of our best interests.”

  His knees shook violently. He hoped Seldam couldn’t notice it. That, and the sweat forming along his forehead.

  “I’ll get straight to the point,” Morwin said. “This town is within Agnian land. It should be Agnian property, but the people here have been allowed to live of its own accord, following their own laws. That is fine with the king and the ministers, but Jovin City lies between the kingdom and the traversable ocean. We would like to request direct access via the river channels here, unquestioned.”

  Seldam let out a laugh. “No,” he said. “I don’t know if you know, but the people here despise the king and his rule. We have lived peacefully under the rule of one governing person for centuries, and that should be how it remains. Throughout the years, our citizens have been fearful the king would come and forcefully reclaim the land. We’d been expecting it, so the past leaders have made preparations in that case.

  “And instead of an invasion, they send me a boy, barely old enough to drink, to talk to me about opening up my town to their corruption. Don’t make me laugh.”

  Morwin balled his fists from under the table. “Lord Var, the Minister of Commerce, could use access to your city. He is willing to pay a monthly tariff to have his goods travel through here. A hefty tariff.”

  “Take a look around,” Lord Seldam replied. “Do you think we need whatever measly seds you guys will give? I say the town is thriving on its own just as well.”

  “I’ve heard pirates exist around these parts,” Morwin said. “Out there in the sea, people who live on ships because they don’t like the rule of the king. What if they come and attack you and forcefully take over your city? You barely have the defenses you need to fend off against them. If you were to allow Lord De’Shai to have access to your city, he can in turn provide protection.”

  Lord Seldam leaned in, a spiteful look in his eyes. “We refuse to give the king and his loyalists even an inch,” he spat. “We would rather have our town overrun by pirates and our arms chopped off before we ask for any assistance from them. Now, if you have something actually useful to give me, then I would consider our talk over.”

  Morwin deflated in his seat. The week spent traveling here, enduring the heat of the sun, traveling through the long hours of the day, down the drain. Not only that, but the faith his father had put in him, his transition to become a man of diplomacy. And he failed. Had Lord Seldam notice how much he was shaking, how nervous he was and how much anxiety clouded his mind?

  A wave of dizziness washed over Morwin. Just like that, it was over.

  Before he knew it, he was out of his chair and running out of the room. He couldn’t take this anymore. He was sick of playing puppet, pretending to be something he wasn’t.

  “Master Morwin!” Mr. Axwel shouted after him. He could hear several of Lord Seldam’s servants laughing and making jeering comments, but he didn’t care.

  He pushed his way out the door and ran about the palace, finally making his way to the washroom. He leaned over the basin and looked at himself in the mirror.

  A failure stared back. Not only a failure, but a fraud and a loser. He gripped the basin with all his might and let out a string of curses. He had one job here, and he’d failed in the most spectacular way.

  Tears started to form in the corners of his eyes. He’d been foolish to believe he could represent a man like his father. A man whom, with just his presence, can cause guards to stand up straighter, return focus to the slackers, and inspire men to run straight into oblivion. Was he really that man’s son?

  A soft knock came at the door. “Young Master Morwin,” Mr. Axwel’s voice spoke. “You need to come out. A man of your status shouldn’t run out of the room in a fit of rage like that.”

  “Go away,” he called back. “Leave me alone.”

  Mr. Axwel did not do as instructed. The doors opened and his servant walked in, a soft look in his eyes. “No,” he said. “You go back there, and you give Seldam a piece of your mind, not only for insulting you, but insulting your father and the king. You show him that the words he speak about you are not true, and you do it with the gracefulness of an Agnian diplomat.”

  “That’s not going to change anything,” Morwin answered, staring at the ruby on his finger. “He’s already made up his mind, and he doesn’t seem to be the type of man to change his decision.”

  “Regardless,” Mr. Axwel began. “Would you rather fail by running away and cowering or would you rather go down never giving up, giving your best effort until the end?

  Morwin sighed, thoughts circulating through his head. He wiped at his eyes. As much as he hated to admit it, Mr. Axwel had a good point. “Fine,” he answered after a moment. And then took off the two rings on his fingers. “But I’m not going to pretend to be something I’m not. I will go back only if you give me the sapphire necklace.”

  Mr. Axwel raised an eyebrow. "I can’t do that. You know the symbolism of that kind of gem,” he said.

  Morwin gripped the basin, veins popping out along his forearms.

  “That’s the only way you’re going to get me to go back,” he said, his mind made up.

  “Morwin, please,” Mr. Axwel spoke. “Do you think it a good idea for you to behave like that, to bring shame to Lord De’Shai’s name?”

  Morwin turned to stare at his head servant, looking at him in the eyes. He’d never argued with Mr. Axwel before, and didn’t want to start then. But he needed to put his foot down and let him know his position.

  He wanted to go back to the ballroom. But he couldn’t play pretend. His truth needed to be spoken, both from his words and how he carried himself.

  “My word is final. If I don’t have my late mother’s necklace with me, I will not continue my discussion with Lord Seldam. Either you give it back to me or you can find someone else to be my father’s little diplomat.”

  A hint of a smile made its way onto Mr. Axwel’s face. As if the man was waiting for that kind of reaction. “You sure have grown throughout these years.”

  His servant reached into his jacket pocket and produced out a shimmering blue ornament.

  They exchanged gemstones. The moment Morwin put the familiar jewelry over his neck, he felt the sense of calm return to him. A surge of confidence passed throughout his body and he stood taller. The piece of him that was missing came back, and he felt, for the first time, that he could do it. With a renewed sense of purpose, he marched out of the washroom, back to where Lord Seldam sat in the grand ballroom.