Ascendance The Original Lands Book 1

Folduin turned and walked towards the ranks of the assembled soldiers. Captain Teluria stayed by his side.

"Make way for your Emperor!" Folduin shouted so suddenly, causing me to take a step back. I heard a snicker behind me and heard it was one of the twins laughing, a smack echoed through the air following that. I could feel my face turn a light shade of red. I'll have to work on my reflexes, this won't do.

The men assembled acted as one large hive mind, and immediately formed a path for us to walk through. I had to admit, it was pretty impressive. I could get used to this.

I walked forward, after noticing Folduin and the Captain waiting on me. I heard footsteps behind me, telling me that my small entourage was instep and following.

The rows of soldiers knelt as I passed by, causing my heart to jump slightly at the sudden and graceful movement.

Well, jumping was a start. I did say I could get used to this, but I couldn't help but wonder if I really truly could. There looked to be hundreds of men in this hanger, assembled and awaiting my arrival.

I was definitely going to question Folduin on Galia later and to be honest, I was excited. After minutes of walking, we finally made it through the walkway that the men made for us. These sh.i.p.s had to be manned by hundreds of people, it made me wonder what the population of Galia really was.

We passed through a door, which opened for us automatically, and we entered a white corridor, luckily it was one of those corridors that didn't hurt your eyes because of it being too bright, it was, in fact, more soothing to walk through this corridor, and even be in it.

There were several more people with uniforms like the Captain's in the hallways, though judging by the lack of medals and emblems on their uniform, added by the fact that they instantly moved to stand by the walls when we approached, told me all I needed to know about their rank.

Many of these people had unusual eye colors, which included--but not limited to-- forest green, tangerine orange, yellow, a crimson red that matched Folduin's, and even the amethyst purple like Zurlian's.

We passed by several barracks, armories, restrooms, mess halls, gyms, even a few bars. I made a silent promise to go in when I hit twenty-one. I didn't know the law in Galia in regards to drinking, but where I came from, twenty-one was the legal age to drink. Mom drilled it in my head, so I plan to see that small thing through at least.

We ascended floors until we reached the top one while using an elavator. I was told that this is also the floor that the bridge sat on. I promised I'd take a look at it later after I got some food and shut-eye.

We walked through several more corridors, passing by more doors. The difference being these were VIP rooms, for higher ranks like the Captain, Folduin, and apparently myself. We turned down a hallway and I found myself looking down a beautiful vanilla carpet with a sort of blue pattern of crosses engraved on it. It was the most beautiful carpet design I've ever seen.

The walls down this hallway were decorated with several paintings, ones of breathe taking scenery, hand-drawn portraits with extraordinary detail, and others showed brutal wars with different types of weaponry.

At the end of the hall sat a double door, the hall ended with the set of doors itself. Our group walked towards the door, and I was surprised at how excited I was to get a few thoughts to myself.

Folduin easily opened the beautiful carved doors, and inside sat a piece of art that took my breath away.

A gorgeous white and green marble floor gave a sense of home, with a beautiful white wall to finish the touch. There was a small sitting area, with chairs, a coffee table, and a couch. On the side sat a side room with a single door. But at the end of the room is what caught my attention.

The end part had glass walls and even a glass ceiling. Several very comfortable chairs sat facing the walls and ceiling, allowing one or more interrupted ability to observe the sky and stars.

Several paintings graced the walls with their presence like in the hallway. There was also what looked to be a mini-fridge sitting in one corner of the room.

Many smaller tables leaned against the walls, some holding candles while others would hold smaller pristine, porcelain decorations. Several cabinets hung from the walls as well, holding inside several different types of glasses.

I stood speechless as I drunk in the room. One could say it was fit for a king, and I'd be inclined to agree.

I looked at Folduin and saw a smirk plastered on his face, "Does the room please you, my lord?" He asked, after seeing my face.

I sheepishly grinned and nodded. This room was perfect, now I just needed some video games and books, and I'd be set for a life time. A gut feeling, however, told me that I'd lack the time needed to enjoy the distractions they provided.

Folduin took a step back, "I know you have questions, but your rest is important right now. I ask that you take this time to catch up on it. I'll have the servants whip up some food and have them deliver it soon."

He pointed towards the other door in the room, "That is the bedroom, please make yourself at home and get some rest. A restroom is inside, with available plumbing. Men will be stationed outside this door at all times of the day." Folduin turned towards the door and paused as he was about to exit.

"There is also a large variety of clothing awaiting you in the wardrobe in your new room. These pieces of clothing were tailored by the best Galia has to offer. They are very different from your own style of dress, and if you feel like you need assistance, just remember we are all at your disposal." He bowed deeply, then looked at me expectantly.

I stood there for moments, waiting for him to say more and finally understanding what he wanted when he said nothing more, "You may leave," I dismissed him, feeling pretty uncomfortable telling someone they had permission to leave my presence. This was definitely going to take time to get used to.

Two of the Knights entered the room and took positions inside beside the double doors. Both were armed with a spear and a sheathed sword. There was also a holstered pistol on the right part of their waist.

"With your permission, my lord, we'd like to remain inside here should you need anything," One of the Knights said, with his helmet muffling a voice that sounded pretty gruff.

"I don't mind," I said confidently, feeling quite the opposite. I did want alone time and could get it in the bedroom, but I wanted to explore the room a bit. Well, this was no problem anyway. I'm not gonna tell them to stop their routine. I had every intention to do work as I grew into my new role as Emperor, and I understood completely that I needed to be kept safe. Besides, as much as I didn't want to admit it, the thought of having these heavily armed Knights that looked pretty badass made me feel more in power.

The men stood in their positions, Folduin left the room after seeing the brief exchange, the Captain waited for him outside along with Tirieal and his squad. I saw several more Knights positioning themselves in the hallways before the doors shut.

The first thought on my mind was a shower, so I naturally walked to open the door which led to the bedroom.

I instantly noticed the windows and a glass door to the right, and a balcony sitting outside with several chairs. There was like a visor resting over the balcony, shielding the furniture from the sun and moon. From what I could tell, the balcony could be easily closed off.

A large king-sized bed that felt like it could fit more than half a dozen of me rested against a wall. A beautiful azure carpet decorated the floors, it looked to be a mixture of silk and velvet. I assume it was a product of the other part of the world. I reached down and slid my hand across it. It was possibly the smoothest piece of fabric I've ever felt.

A large wardrobe sat vigilance at one part of the wall to the left of the bed. Beside the wardrobe was another door. I naturally moved towards the wardrobe to check and see what was in style in Galia. I pulled open the large double doors. Instead of it being a regular wardrobe, stairs extended down and it turned into a walk-in closet.

I took the stairs and noticed a button on the side. I pressed the button and lights turned on. With a raised brow, I looked at the content of the clothing.

There were several long coats that reached down towards the ground, it looked like they would stop right near the ankle area. Those weren't the only things that caught my attention, despite the ill.u.s.trious designs they had on them.

Hanging on a next rack was a wide variety of shirts, several of them button-ups with more of a Galian design, such as the coloring, others were very different. Many of them were stenciled with a careful design. Across from the shirts were several different types of pants, shorts, and even u.n.d.e.r.w.e.a.r, each of a variety of colors. Not wanting to be left out, there was a small corner of accessories, such as gloves, belts, hats, rings, and bracelets.

Then there were a few different pairs of shoes and boots. My eyes immediately set on a pair of creamy boots with an azure blue design. It fit the Galian standard color scheme that I've seen so far, so I decided why not?

I eventually went with one of the longer coats that reached out towards the floor, there were several straps and other buttons around the coats, which revealed hidden pockets and fabric compartments. Like the boots, the coat was creamy white with an azure blue border design. The shirt I picked out wasn't that bad either, it was a short-sleeved button-up made from what felt like really comfortable silk, it was a pure snow-white shirt with five silver buttons down the center. I grabbed a pair of silky socks, and a pair of pants of the same material as the shirt, the pants themselves had a blue line racing down the side, causing them to match with the long coat. Then I grabbed a pair of boxer b.r.i.e.f.s which I prayed would fit me. Finally, I grabbed a blue belt, with had the Galian emblem I've seen many times on the capes and sh.i.p.s, stenciled on it.

With my clothing picked out, I laid it on the bed that would easily swallow me up, and stepped into the bathroom.

The bathroom was big enough for half a dozen people to rest peacefully inside. The tub gave me plenty of room to enjoy the water as I saw fit. And if I didn't want to take a bath, there was a nice shower in the corner with several different shower heads surrounding it.

I undressed from my clothes quickly, and instead of heading for the tub, went for the shower. I didn't feel like relaxing for an hour inside, I just wanted a nice shower. I opened a compartment and withdrew a towel and wash rag, and as well as pulled out a shampoo and body wash bottle from a separate cabinet.

Finally, I got in and turned the water on, and enjoyed the slightly warm sensation of water washing over my skin.

Only then did I allow my wounded heart to open the flood gates that washed out the pain it felt in tears. It seemed like the hurt would never stop.

***

I know I decided to take a shower because it was faster, but after I broke down, I sat there for a bit and just tried to relax while in the shower.

Once I dried myself off with the towel, and styled my hair up with a bit of paste, I left the bathroom and looked at the clothing I laid on my bed. I quickly and easily put the articles of clothing on. Then I pulled the long coat over and stood in front of a mirror.

I had to admit, I looked like a roleplayer or a character from an anime. But still, I looked like a badass roleplayer or character. Anyone watching me would think I was crazy, as I went through several different types of poses with the mirror observing me.

With myself being dressed and now hungry, I left my new bedroom and walked into the sitting area.

The guards saluted me on seeing them, and I nodded sheepishly at them.

Sitting on the tables were several different platters of warm food waiting, the smell drew me in and made my mouth water.

Several different types of dishes didn't help as I nearly drooled over the food, so I did what Allen would have done. I dug in.

***

It didn't take long for me to get full from the food that just kept coming, and with a final bite, I put my fork down and rose.

"I'm going to get myself some sleep, I'll be up later," I informed the guards, who simply replied with an "Understood, my lord," and then I turned and walked into the room, shutting and securing the door behind me.

I reached the bed in no time, and laid gently down on the mattress, now clean and fresh in clothing. Normally, I would have stripped myself of every piece of fabric with the exception of my boxers, but I was simply too exhausted from yesterday's events.

Mom was gone, and Allen was wounded and nearly killed. In the span of an hour, I had almost lost all the loved ones I had.

I still remember the face of the man who did it.

Hair styled backwards gave him a look of an outlaw, he had no facial hair or tattoos that I could tell. I'd say he was as tall as Folduin as well. I feel like I could pick the man out in a crowd though, and I certainly wouldn't forget the way he looked.

I reminded myself to talk to Folduin about capturing him, he will pay. That much was for sure.

Sleep found me very quickly not too long after.