{Friday, 12th March, 1114}
[Plodor, Wingedor Empire]
[1 hour later]
My esteemed sirs and madams, I present to you… the castle of Plodor!"
Nestled amidst the lush and vibrant greenery, the castle stood on a rocky outcrop. Towering the surrounding blend of trees and foliage, the battlements and turrets had pointed red-tiled roofs and tiny slits that hid a darkness behind them. Leading to the castle was a wooden bridge erupted on stone pillars over a steep ravine.
"Woah, daddy, mummy fat castle! Fat castle!"
"Yes, it's a big castle." His mother replied with a warm smile.
Murphy studied the castle, her azure eyes flickering between the different towers and spires. She quickly took out a note book and began writing.
"As a Wingedorian, I am proud to say that the castle of Plodor has never once been felled!"
With a fat smile planted on his face, the guide continued.
"Alongside the harbour, both grand cathedrals and Winter Haven, this is the last of Plodor's landmarks! The bastion serves as a symbol of longevity for the Empire."
"Mummy, what does lawnchevity mean?"
"Baby, it means living for a long, long time."
"A long time?" he questioned.
"Yes, a long time." She ruffled his hair as he tried to resist.
Fisher stopped the carriage briefly for the family to admire the castle. Mary held her son's hands, explaining all kinds of words to him.
…
Murphy sat on one of the nearby benches facing the castle in the distance, her head bowing over her notebook. Hearing her father's footsteps she quickly snapped it shut.
"Still won't tell me what you're up to?" He asked with a playful squint. His voice was soft and warm.
Murphy smiled as she brushed her silky black hair behind her ears. Sliding off the bench, she slowly walked towards him, pressing the notebook against her chest tightly. "It's a secret. A secret for you. You must not peek."
"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow.
"A secret for me? What about Mama?"
"She has one for you too. Did you forget what day it is tomorrow?" She grinned.
He paused. Then slowly his mouth curved into a wide smile.
"I completely forgot." He laughed.
Without warning, Murphy wrapped her arms around her father, squeezing tightly. He staggered back half a step with a surprised laugh, then returned the hug. One hand rising to cradle the back of her head.
"Mother said to give you hugs more often." She murmured into his coat.
He laughed again. "You used to give your father such tight embraces when you were young, but from seventh grade onwards, it's been so hard to get one from you." Her father smiled and kissed the top of her head, his hand resting protectively at her back.
Murphy pulled back from the hug and looked up. "Promise you won't try to sneak a look at my diary tonight."
"It's a diary?" He echoed, his lips curling up into a mischievous smile.
"I- I mean, promise that you won't." She stammered.
He held both hands up in surrender. "Alright alright, I promise."
"Thumb pact." She declared
Obediently, he held out his thumb. Murphy pressed her thumb against his.
"I, Conrad Decaine, promise not to peek at Murphy's notebook until she shows it to me herself."
Murphy giggled at his theatrical voice, then as if remembering something, she reached into her pockets.
"In the meantime, you can have this." In her hands was a small handmade charm, there was a bronze star wrapped around a blue gemstone hanging from a thick string. "I bartered for the materials on the first day we arrived at Plodor... I finished it yesterday. I was going to give it to you tomorrow with my diary- I mean, with my gift. But this will soothe your curiosity, daddy, take this."
He laughed softly as he took the charm into his palm, "Your father can wait, you know."
Ignoring him, Murphy beamed, satisfied she returned to the bench to continue her diary.
Watching his daughter work peacefully on the bench, the man felt a strange ache in his chest. He thought back to when she was a tiny baby, her tiny fingers wrapped around his thumb, the one that just made the thumb pact. And now she had grown up to become a charming, elegant lady just like her mother. Grasping the charm tightly, he retreated back to the carriage.
Upon seeing his fellow guest approaching, Fisher beamed, his smile was nearly as radiant as the setting sun behind him. "My esteemed sir!"
Conrad chuckled softly. "Fisher, thank you. For this amazing trip."
"It's always my honour to accompany a loving family such as yours." Fisher bowed.
"Thank you." Conrad nodded, his expression softened even more. "Mary had always wanted to try the famous Sagig oysters… and Plodor's fried cod. Murphy was always interested in the city itself." He paused as his gaze drifted towards the castle.
"My daughter plans to pursue a career in engineering."
Raising a curious brow, Fisher asked. "Engineering? So she will not follow in her father's footsteps of a Stardian."
Conrad shook his head, his voice became firm. "I would never force her to become one. It's not a pleasant job. "
"Ah! I've heard… since the war..." For a moment, Fisher's usual animated face relaxed with a rare kind of solemness.
"But my esteemed sir! I respect your work ethic!"
A smile tugged at Conrad's lips.
"You don't have to force yourself, you can just talk normally."
Fisher burst into laughter. "Hahaha, thank you for your concern my esteemed sir, but this is how I normally act.
"How commendable." The smile widened on Conrad's face.
Fisher winked. "Though I exaggerate a bit for my esteemed customers. I have always been a sparkle from my young days. A lot of people seem to like it." He gave a playful and mischievous smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.
"But a lot seem to hate it."
Conrad gave an apologetic smile, "I can imagine that some people would not be able to handle your high spirits." Conrad continued. "Do you get a lot of customers?"
"Plenty plenty." Fisher waved his hands, as if he was swatting flies away. "Word of mouth is a powerful weapon! I am sure that's how you found me, my esteemed sir!"
"Indeed," Conrad reached into his trouser pockets and pulled out a small pouch. "Actually, Fisher, I was planning to give this to you."
Handing it over to the tour guide, he explained. "This is three Francs, on top of our payment. Your company has been pleasant. Keep up your good work."
Fisher's face lit up, his eyes widened in delighted surprise. "Thank you! My esteemed sir. Thank you! I will gladly accept!"
Conrad smiled. Just as Fisher finished pocketing the Francs, an old and hoarse voice interjected from behind them.
"Mind if this old man joins your conversation?"
Conrad and Fisher turned to see a hunched figure leaning on a cane. Beneath the chaotic mess of his grey hair was a face weathered with old age. His eyes held a sharp twinkle, it seemed very young compared to his age.
"Ah! Of course not!" Fisher exclaimed, stepping aside.
"It will be my pleasure." Conrad added, gesturing for the elderly man to join them. Noticing his physical state, Conrad asked, "Shall we find a bench?"
"Ah no need, this old man can still stand."
Fisher and Conrad introduced themselves.
"Ah, a Stardian from the Santoria Kingdom. How humorous. I must say, young man, you are brave to come here during these times." The old man smiled.
"You can call me Adnil."
The three spent the next few minutes conversing, the atmosphere turned even more comfortable.
Fisher spoke with his usual enthusiasm, sharing stories from his years as a tour guide.
Conrad, in turn, offered a glimpse into his own life as a Stardian and as a father and husband to his family. He mentioned the struggles of his work in the Santoria Kingdom.
Aside from a small sum of believers, many people held disdain for the church, often resulting in vandalism or scuffles with the Church of Prosperity's property or personnel. The Arbiters did nothing to stop it, some even secretly rooted for the troublemakers.
The old man Adnil also shared thoughts of his own, offering historical knowledge on Plodor but also the continent as a whole. Even Fisher had learnt something new.
The rest of Conrad's family eventually returned to the carriage. Just as Conrad was about to climb onto the carriage, a voice called out to him.
"Ah, young man." Adnil spoke, raising his calloused hand as if telling Conrad not to leave yet. His voice was low and hoarse.
"Pardon the old man for his rudeness, but I couldn't help but… observe your exchange with your daughter earlier." The old man smiled, as if reminiscing his past.
"The world needs more men like you."
Conrad bowed awkwardly.
…
The carriage's wheels clattered past the towering silhouette of Plodor Castle. Its ancient stone walls seemed to catch the evening glow of the sky. Fisher and his guests.
Conrad sat on the carriage, his thoughts ran in circles. "The world needs more men like you."
The phrase echoed in his mind, looping endlessly.
Am I really that commendable? To love one's family? To act with dignity and care? Was it truly so rare?
He clenched his hands together tightly, resting them on his lap. He had only done what he believed was right. Kindness and integrity was not supposed to be exceptional qualities, they were to be expected from humanity.
The world seemed to be spiralling further into darkness, people seemed to be losing their virtues, straying away from the teachings of god.
What would be of this world in the future? Was his daughter stepping into a world destined to be filled with chaos and ruin?
With the war coming up… greed disguising itself as ambition…
Conrad's eyes, usually sharp and steady, now looked dim and distant. He had unknowingly clenched his jaws.
Across from him, Murphy glanced up from her notes. She studied her father for a moment.
She could see it, his eyes were clouded by a silent storm. She could sense his despondent gaze that hid behind his blue eyes.
Murphy knew about her father's struggles as a Santorian Stardian. She knew the burden that he was carrying.
Conrad chased his thoughts away, before observing the city of Plodor passing by.
The stone-paved streets were wide enough for about six horse-drawn carriages to move side by side. This path forward was not straight, offering numerous bends and changes in size, the road led into the beating heart of the city.
On both sides of the roads stood a myriad of buildings with different heights and width. There were many gaps between the buildings, these were paths that connected to other roads like winding arteries of a body.
The city stirred with its usual rhythm.
Whilst not as bustling as the port, the inner city was still teeming with people. Market stalls, restaurants, taverns and all kinds of shops were open. The scent of roast meat mingled in the air like perfume. Groups of children chased each other between wooden posts, couples walked hand in hand. A group of women donning bright bonnets and layered skirts were pointing at different shops..
Amidst the small crowds were people that stood out like living statues. Each of them wore a midnight-blue tunic of tightly woven wool which sat beneath a breastplate of polished steel etched with a thirteen-pointed star. Their trousers were of a dark charcoal weave, tucking into a pair of leather boots. Around their waists hung a long sabre that almost reached the ground. Their presence was unmistakable. They were the Stardians serving the Church of the Star.
The Stardians played a similar role to the Arbiters of the Church of Order in the Santoria Kingdom.
Wandering scholars in long coats with high collars and buttoned waistcoats leaned over stacks of books on the stalls, muttering observations to themselves as their round spectacles slid down their noses. Some wore silky white gloves, some carried wooden canes, some had both. The majority of these were genuinely young and hard-working scholars. However, a small number of them were Divine Scholars who served the Church of Eternal Wisdom.
Whilst the Stardians patrolled the city openly, the Divine Scholars operated undercover. The combination of their efforts kept Plodor safe.
The Wingedor Empire had two main Churches. The Church of the Star, and the Church of Eternal Wisdom. Both had very different doctrines.
The Church of the Star teaches that light is the source of all power. They believe that the sun is the holy messenger of their god. Good deeds will welcome light, drawing upon the warmth and protection of the divine, whilst sinful deeds will breed darkness, plunging one into misfortune.
The Church of Eternal Wisdom believes that wisdom is the purest form of Divinity, everyone must strive towards learning and gaining wisdom. Ignorance is the root of sin, and only through wisdom can one be closer to the realm of the gods. This was almost similar with the teachings of the Santoria Kingdom's Church of Knowledge.
Though not as powerful as the Church of the Star, the Church of Eternal Wisdom still had a significant influence all over the Wingedor Empire.
…
Eventually, the carriage pulled into a large, cobbled square. Arriving at the courtyard of a large building, Fisher stopped the carriage.
The building almost looked like a palace, its outer walls were made out of pale ivory stones with soft veins of golden threads pouring all over, forming Xs and diamonds. It stood about 6 floors tall, the balconies on each floor were adorned with iron railings that were forged into delicate floral patterns.
At the entrance stood a pair of tall, darkwood double doors that were opened. Sprawling above the doors was a canvas colored in a deep royal blue with a golden embroidery tracing the shape of a snowflake.
Flanking the doors on either side were two statues of a lion with wings that were raised.
This was the Winter Haven hotel.
"Alas, my esteemed sirs and madams, our journey together has come to an end. It is a pity, I hope you all enjoyed Plodor and wish you the best of travels in the future!"
Conrad put a hand on Fisher's shoulder. "Thank you, Fisher, for the great experience."
"I must thank you all for your patronage." Fisher bowed. "Please visit again!"
After exchanging a few hugs and waves Fisher climbed onto the carriage. "Goodbye my esteemed sirs and madams!"
Riding his carriage away, he turned around one last time and grinned before shamelessly shouting.
"Remember to tell everyone back home about Plodor's Fisher exclusive tour!"
Conrad and Mary couldn't help but smile.
Exhausted, the family entered the inn. Candle chandeliers dangled from a high wooden ceiling, casting a golden light across the polished granite floors and tall pillars that held up the tiles on the ceiling.
The lobby was grandiose. It was more like a small royal hall than a simple inn.
In the centre of the hall sat a mahogany front desk. On each side of the desk sat a set of large staircases that led upstairs.
The family greeted the receptionist before climbing the stairs and retreating to their room.
Half an hour later, Mary and Conrad were packing, the room was a tumultuous mess. Suitcases laid open like books on a table. Cillian had fallen asleep.
Murphy was nowhere to be seen.
Folding a white tunic, Mary whispered "Dear where's Murphy?"
"She's probably wandering the city again. I've assigned one of my guards to tail her. Don't worry." He glanced at the desk.
The diary and pencil was taken. Conrad smiled.
…
Midnight. It was now Saturday.
Sitting on the edge of his bed. Conrad glanced at his pocket watch, the soft ticking of the tiny gadget sounded disturbingly loud in the room of light snores. His family had fallen asleep.
Quietly, he got dressed, wearing the same thing as earlier. After giving each of his family a light kiss on the head, he moved towards the door.
His hand rested on the door handle as he cast one last look over his shoulder.
Then he left.
At the entrance of the inn was a horse-drawn carriage waiting for him, two bright lanterns hung from the carriage's half-roof. Climbing onto the carriage, he handed the driver a pouch of coins.
"To Koldstein Tavern."
The driver nodded, and without a word, he flicked the reins, pulling the carriage away into the night.
Sitting on the carriage, Conrad observed the streets of Plodor at night.
The streets were not as lively as in the day, all the shops and restaurants were closed, but there were a few people wandering about.
The stamping of hooves was surprisingly quiet in the tranquil night. Even the presence of the Stardians seemed to have decreased.
Another carriage passed by, going in the opposite direction. The two drivers waved towards each other.
Several wooden poles stood on the wide cobble roads, hanging several lanterns. Some were already extinguished, the remaining lantern flickered like fireflies in the night.
The journey was peaceful, the carriage passed by many large buildings, squares and even the Polare Cathedral. Its spires towered fearlessly in the darkness.
Conrad counted more drunkards than sober people. The taverns were truly alive in the night.
Shortly after, the carriage pulled to a stop.
Conrad thanked the driver and stepped down.
In front of him, a large building with the foundations of cobble stone and wooden walls stood before him. The windows lining the wooden frames were all open, exposing the busy indoors of the tavern as countless conversations and cheers can be heard. Lanterns hung crooked from an overhang, swaying lightly in the wind.
A wooden sign with faded words above the door read Koldstein Tavern.
Opening his palm, he stared at the beautiful charm that his daughter had given him earlier.
The blue gem shimmered faintly in the moonlight like a captive star.
Smiling, he hid the charm away.
It was time to meet an old friend.