Into the fields of Summer - 106. Masters of Earth 1

Chapter 105 - Masters of Earth 1

I decided to have a light snack with Matra and Uncle Selvenus after meeting with the PR team. My grandmother and uncle were both happy to be spending more time with me, as they’ve been away in the provinces recently.

“I really hope to see more of both of you,” I said, just before taking a sip of tea.

“Definitely Chris, we’ve been very busy the past few weeks,” Matra replied.

“I agree, but with my older brother being caught up with the entire demon resurgence on Earth, I have to do more in helping rally and train the guards in the realm,” my uncle added.

“Your Patri has been caught up in a lot of meetings with the Advisory Council and High Circle, I’ve taken some of his load, regarding affairs that concernlocal government,” my grandmother said.

“How’s everything in the provinces?” I asked, my grandmother. I have to admit, despite briefly studying them in the crash course I had a few weeks ago, I barely have any first hand experience with the local government here in the realm.

“All is well my dear boy. It’s just a matter of making sure the town, and village chiefs know they’re not forgotten by the crown.”

“How about the governors? Shouldn’t that be their job?” I curiously asked. I’ve only met three governors so far. Prince Havar for the City of Katar, Prince Delic for the Northern Province, and Nelthana for the Western Province.

“Indeed it is, but they do need our help from time to time. It is also in our interest to be visible to the people outside the capital unless we want the governors to be too influential and have ideas of their own,” Matra replied, with a slight edge in her voice as she seriously looked at me.

“What do you mean?” I asked

“My mother means, we can’t let the governors accumulate too much influence and power.” My uncle interjected.

“Why?”

“Remember how each tribe holds a majority in their province?” My uncle replied, in a tone that left me to draw my own conclusion.

I thought about it for a moment and then understood what they meant, “you mean they could secede?”

“That’s a remote possibility, but that’s something we don’t want to happen. Ever since the time of the first king, keeping the harmony between the 4 tribes has been the job of the crown. The issue was easier to ignore in the past, when our people lived in their own lands hundreds of kilometers apart and had greater autonomy. However, it has always been the vision, since the first king, King Maktar, to truly unite our kind, each king or queen before has taken a step towards complete unification. Our exile to the realm has certainly accelerated the process of integration though that does not mean we don’t face any friction,” Matra introspectively replied.

“Woah, is there inter-tribal tension that I’m not aware of?” I asked, slightly worried that the government of the realm is more fragile than what I assumed it to be.

“Not really, the tensions have certainly died down since the time of King Hadros, but it doesn’t mean the minor noble houses of each tribe aren’t jockeying for power,” My grandmother replied.

“We would rather not risk rekindling any sense of rivalry between the tribes. It’s good that the people don’t feel any animosity against each other. The previous rulers have taken out the laws and institutions that gave any undue advantage to a certain tribe, but that doesn’t mean, there aren’t people out there that would want to use any lingering sense of tribalism to their advantage.” my uncle added.

“Is that why you guys want me to push with this PR blitz?”

My grandmother and uncle’s eyes lit as I mentioned that.

My uncle snickered, “certainly does not hurt us, if we have a popular prince on our side,”

“Chris, I don’t want you to feel manipulated, but as members of the royal family, the people look up to us as the source of their strength. A weakness on our part, will certainly weaken our government and that’s not something we can afford at this point,” my grandmother said.

“King Maktar, united the four tribes through political skill and magical prowess. Do you think the four chieftains would have acceded to him if he were weak?” My uncle added.

“The journey toward full unification of our people has been a long and slow one, but I’m sure we’ll get there someday,” my grandmother said to me as she gave me, a light smile.

“Then, I think I have to do my part,” I replied with a meek smile which was warmly received by my Matra and uncle.
—-

I arrived in the all too familiar Hall of Maktar dressed in a comfortable red and gold robe. My teachers weren’t in yet, so I took my time looking around the expansive room. I noticed that aside from a desk and a board, there were also pits filled with sand, rock, soil, and mud in the far corner of the room. I also saw several large boulders each at least 6 or 7 feet across.

A few minutes later, Masters Estano and Etgaros arrived, both were in green and yellow robes just like when I first met them in Patri’s office. Although both were 405 years old, they looked to be only in their mid thirties. Both stood at 6’2 and as brothers, they looked very similar with each other. As members of the Heradeya tribe, they had near eastern features, a mix of Turkish and Arabic. Though Etalos might have had features that borderline on the feminine, these two were all man, with their sharp and defined features. Master Estano might have been more muscular than Etgaros, but both of them were really hot. ‘Oh shoot, Chris! Stop lusting over your teachers!‘ I thought to myself.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, your highness,” Estano said, as he approached me.

“Don’t mention it. I got here a little early.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally have the time with you. We’ve been pushing his majesty to have you train with us as soon as we saw you at your Ascension,” Etgaros chimed in, as he gave me a sexy smile.

“You were both there?”

“Hmm... Yes, we were, though I’m sure it would have been hard for you to spot us among the tens of thousands of attendees,” Etgaros replied, with a slightly teasing smile.

“We’ve been told that we’ll set the Hall to a 1:10 ratio,” Estano remarked as his eyes wandered across the room.

“Yes, if that’s okay with you,” I replied.

“It would be an honor. Very few have been in this hall, and it’s only our third time in here,” Estano replied as he set his gaze on the walls of the Hall, as if to reminisce his own memories of the place.

“Okay, let me set the dial then,” I replied as I approached the control mechanism and then slowly switched the dial to 1:10. They didn’t even flinch or wince with the ratio, only proving to me that they’re indeed powerful, as if them looking as guys in their thirties despite being 4 centuries old isn’t proof enough of their strength.

The first two days in the hall were spent with a thorough discussion on Earth magic theory. To say that it is complicated would be an understatement. Despite being one of the first elements to be harnessed by the elves along with Water, Earth is actually harder to master; it was actually the last element to have been Mastered by the elves due to its complicated nature. Earth is composed of various minerals and substances, all with different properties that make it hard for a mage to wield it. Another thing that’s inconvenient for earth mages is, unless you’re skilled with transmuting elements, you’re stuck with whatever kind of rock or soil you have in the vicinity.

The two masters took turns discussing at length various theories, I can see why they’re co-headmasters of the Earth High Academy the knowledge they’ve shared was certainly enlightening. I just hope I am absorbing enough knowledge for the actual thing.

During breaks and downtime, we three spent time getting to know each other. Apparently both of them were personally mentored by King Ethnar, my great grandfather was already retired and saw potential in the brothers, from low level golds, both reached platinum level in less than 15 years, and that’s a feat in itself. Very few golds reach Platinum level, there are 500 golds for every platinum out there, and golds themselves are already very rare in the first place, being only 0.05% of the population. My great grandfather certainly whipped them into shape.

During dinner on our second night, the brothers even gossiped about the other power players in the realm and they certainly did not hold back with their disdain for Prince Havar.

“That power hungry prick!” Estano barked, at the mention of Prince Havar.

“Brother...” Etgaros said as he tried to calm his brother down.

“What? Don’t tell me you share his views?”

“Of course not...” Etgaros replied as he warily eyed his brother and then me.

“Oh, apologies Chris,” Estano said. I asked them to get rid of the honorifics on day one.

“No need to apologize. I’ve certainly heard rumors about him,” I replied, with a sly grin.

“Let’s just say, I’m glad Katar is not in the eastern province. That city is the problem of the Northerners and Westerners,” Estano harrumphed, referring to Katar being in the northwestern region of the realm, bordered by the Northern Province to the east and the western province to the west.

“So, how’s the Eastern province?” I asked trying to diffuse Estano’s irritation with Prince Havar.

“Oh, you’ve never been?” Etgaros asked, as he raised a single eyebrow in slight amusement.

“I’m afraid not. So far I’ve only been to Ashtelon and the Capital.” I replied with slight embarrassment. I must admit that I’m fairly sheltered here in the realm.

“We need to fix that. You should visit us in Bishgor soon. You’d love it there.” Estano said with excitement, referring to their hometown and capital of the eastern province.

“I’ve read about Bishgor. I’ve heard stories about it too,” I replied with a smile.

“Nothing beats being there. It’s a beautiful place. A city carved into Mt. Bishgor, its terraces a spectacle like no other,” Etgaros chimed in with an almost childlike excitement in his voice.

“I’ll make sure to visit.”

“You better.”

—-

On the third day we started to practice some low level Earth magic. For the first few hours, I found it very tough, and frustrating to say the least. At one point I doubted whether I had any aptitude for the element! I could barely move a handful of pebbles.

*groan* “this is hard! Can’t I just use spells to move them around?”

“That’s spell casting not earth magic, you should know better than interchanging the two,” Etgaros warned, with slight amusement at my frustration.

“I can’t believe I let them talk me into this,” I complained.

“Now now Chris, we’ve all been there and I assure you, you’re making progress.” Estano calmly said as he massaged my strained shoulders.

“We’ve all been through this. It’s frustrating for any new earth mage out there. Progress with this element is painstakingly slow,” Etgaros added as he played swirled around several pieces of rock with ease as if to mock me.

“I have so much respect for what King Ethnar was doing when we sparred.”

“I’ve heard of that battle.” Etgaros noted.

“You have?” I asked, losing my concentration and the small amount of earth I have been straining to manipulate in the air fell on the floor.

Estano and Etgaros both chuckled, “of course we have, if you’re well connected, you hear whispers and stories about this prince,” Etgaros teased.

*groan* “I thought Patri has been trying to keep my skills a secret.”

“Oh, the royal family has certainly taken measures on that regard, but as students of your great grandfather, we might have been forewarned about your skills,” Estano teased.

“I guess I’m being a disappointment now huh? I can barely lift a rock!” I exclaimed in frustration. I was getting testy, I was barely making any progress and my self esteem was taking a serious battering with every failure I stumbled over.

“There there, don’t worry about it, we’ve taught countless earth mages before you, this is progress, trust us.” Estano soothingly replied.

—-

The Fourth day was spent with both masters taking turns coaching me in proper earth manipulation, a few hours into it, I’ve finally been able to control a significant amount of rock. Halfway through the day, something clicked in me and then it just started becoming easier, it dawned on me that my initial difficulties were due to me not adjusting my energy levels according to the composition of the rocks and soil I’ve been handling. Estano and Etgaros were pleasantly surprised to see a substantial improvement in my Earth magic. I wasn’t spectacular but at least I was able to move on to the next plateau in my Earth studies.

The hardest rocks to manipulate, are the ones that are made of various types of minerals. Composite rocks certainly were complicated, the different minerals required differing levels of energy to control, too little, and then your Earth Spell will fail, too much and then it will also fail, trying to balance the right amount of energy without losing concentration was the key!

On the fifth day, I tried something different. Instead of following the modern elvish theories, I tried sneaking some Tashik based magic into my earth spells, during the first few tries, it seemed that I was regressing due to the new spells appearing to be weaker, but a few hours later, I appeared to have the hang of it. Now, I could even break the boulders from a few feet away!

“Chris, this is unbelievable, what you’ve achieved is something that would take years if not decades for other earth mages to accomplish,” Etgaros said over dinner.

“You’re just saying that,” I said trying to hide my blush. I can’t help it, I’m not good receiving compliments, though they certainly mean something, especially coming from these two!

“Goodness, if you can do this in 5 days, I can only imagine how good you’ll be in a few weeks,” Estano said, as he lightly chuckled with his brother, “one of these days, you’ve gotta train with the neophytes at the Kashi, training with you will certainly be a morale booster and serve as an inspiration to them.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I shyly asked.

“We’re the headmasters, of course it is,” Etgaros said, winking at me.

—-

The remaining days in the Hall of Maktar went by like a breeze. Not only did I substantially improve my Earth magic but I gained new friends in Estano and Etgaros.

On our last day of training, we even moved towards light sparring. My Earth magic skills were still far from that of Estano and Etgaros, but both Masters we’re confident that I was on my way to becoming a very skilled Earth Mage.

“Chris, teaching you has been a pleasure.” Etgaros said as he stared into my eyes while gripping both my shoulders.

“My brother is right, we have never taught someone as skilled as you. In the past 10 days, you’ve progressed to a level that would have taken decades for others. I certainly see why the palace is careful with letting any information on you slip prematurely to the public,” Estano added.

“Thanks, Estano and Etgaros. I wouldn’t have made it without your help,” I said smiling at them. I then hugged them one after another just before we exited the Hall.

“I’ll see you both soon,” I said to them as I waved goodbye and headed towards the residential palace.

“Don’t forget, you promised to drop by Bishgor!” Etgaros shouted from the distance as he and his brother waved farewell.

“Of course, I will!” I enthusiastically replied.

—-

I was in my bed in the royal palace when I heard a knock.

“Come in,”

“Chris, you doing okay?” Etalos asked as he walked in.

“Just tired, but I’m doing well,” I replied.

“Okay, I thought I should tell you, while you were gone several meeting requests have been made to your office.”

I sat back against the headboard and asked, “what sort of meetings?”

“Well, first, Treasury Minister Neyana has requested that you meet her, along with several individuals from the business sector. Second, Prince Havar made another request to meet you, then another from the Council of Governors as well.”

“Wasn’t I only gone for a day or did the Hall of Maktar go all wonky?”

“Just a day,” Etalos replied with a teasing grin.

“Any clue what they want to talk to me about?”

“Well, Minister Neyana has been approached by several investors to broach the topic of expanding our business interests on Earth.”

“Am sorry what?” I asked slightly confused.

“Not sure what the exact details are. From what I gather it appears several wealthy and prominent industrialists have seen your appointment as Ambassador to Earth, as a sign the crown is willing to expand the elvish foothold on Earth.”

“Why don’t they talk to the King about this?”

“They did, and King ZoHal said they should discuss this with the ambassador.”

*groan*

“This is good Chris, it means your Patri trusts you.” Etalos said trying to give me the comfort and confidence I needed.

“I’m too young for this. I don’t have a clue about this!” I said almost in near panic.

“Calm down. That’s why Minister Neyana will be there, she should have some insights about this matter.”

“Fine, but don’t schedule it this weekend. Maybe sometime next week.”

“Okay.”

“What about Prince Havar?”

“Sorry, his office didn’t give us more details about his intentions.”

“Okay, I’ll think about it. What of the Council of Governors?”

“Oh, it appears with you slowly gaining influence at court, it appears the governors are already jockeying to be in your good graces,” Etalos said with a slight smirk.

“Oh fuck, I hate politics,” I groaned in frustration. “Can’t they go curry favors with my uncles instead?” I added.

“It doesn’t hurt them to have multiple supporters so close to the King.”

“Fuck me...” I complained.

“I’d rather you fuck me,” I heard Etalos whisper.

“What was that?” I asked.

“Nothing,” replied a blushing Etalos.

—-

We returned to Greensburg at 6 am of Saturday.

“One of these days, I’m seriously going to have a bad case of jet lag,” I said as I went to the kitchen to grab a light snack before hopefully being able to take a nap before Leo’s birthday party.

“Ohh, someone’s rather grumpy,” dad said walking in on me.

“Hi dad, mornin’”

“Mornin’ son. How was the realm?”

“Fine, spent 10 days in the Hall of Maktar. I’m pretty sure I’m aging faster than I’m supposed to,” I retorted.

Dad chuckled, “Didn’t you just stop aging?”

“Uhhh... that’s not what I meant,”

“Hmph, just take it easy son. I know it can be stressful but you’re doing a lot of good for the people around you.” Dad said with an encouraging tone.

“I hope I’m doing enough,”

“You’re more than enough son. More than enough...” dad replied rather introspectively.

“Are you gonna get sappy all over me dad?” I teased.

“Way to go, to break the mood,” dad teased back.

“I love you dad.”

“Love you to son.”

—-

I was joined by Victor and Kalron for the lunchtime birthday party at Leo’s house. As much as we wanted to have the rest of the crew join us in his celebration, that might have raised some questions from the other visitors, so we thought it was best to allow only the young and young looking ones for his party but worry not, coz we’re having a dinner party for Leo as well back at my place where the rest can celebrate my best friend’s birthday.

Several of my soccer team mates were in attendance, and it was nice to see them again. I exchanged several pleasantries with Enrique, Kyle, and Keith.

Leo also invited some of his classmates from his school.

Mrs. Nicholson cooked a fabulous feast for Leo and the atmosphere was joyous, and filled with energy as we all wished Leo a happy birthday.

The elvish cookies that Etalos and Kalron baked and brought to the party were a complete hit. As soon as Mrs. Nicholson learned that my “cousin,” Etalos had a hand in baking them, she couldn’t help but try to get the recipe from him. Good luck to Etalos explaining to Leo’s mom that several ingredients used can only be found in the realm, hehe.

“Thanks for coming guys,” Leo said as he pulled me in for a hug while Victor and Etalos stood beside me.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I replied.

“I wish August was here.”

“Don’t worry about it, he’s on his way. I’m sure he’s excited to see you.”

“Well, at least he didn’t forget that it was my birthday.” Leo replied, with a mock pout.

I exchanged a knowing glance with Victor and only smiled in response.

“Happy 18th, Leo. Here’s my gift to you.” Victor said, as he handed Leo a small box wrapped in red.

“What’s this?”

“It’s for you to find out later,” Victor replied, with a wink.

“Ohh thanks Victor,” Leo replied happily.

“Here’s mine,” I said, as I handed him a slightly larger box wrapped in blue.

“Oh, you didn’t have to Chris,” Leo retorted, as he took hold of my gift.

“Don’t mention it buddy,” I said, patting him on the back.

“Here’s mine,” Etalos said, just above a whisper as he handed Leo a paper bag.

“Oh... Eta... Ethan,” Leo corrected himself, in case someone heard him. “You didn’t have to!”

“Well, that’s not much really, it’s just something I found in the art district you know.”

“But Ethan, the art district is pretty posh, I’ve been there too you know,” Leo said, with an amused tone as he received the paper bag.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m well paid by this certain Prince,” Etalos snickered.

Leo giggled in response, “I bet you are.” Leo handed his gifts to his dad for safekeeping, my best friend then took hold of my hand and said, “Come on, let’s eat some more,”

“Eat again?” I incredulously asked.

“Don’t tell me you’re refusing food Chris Rogers?”

“Of course not!”

While Leo was chatting with some of his high school friends, I couldn’t help but notice some girls trying to glance at my direction.

“Seems like the girls like you,” Victor whispered to me.

“Seriously?” I muttered in response.

“Go on, why don’t you check what they’re thinking of.”

“Victor... that’s rude.”

“Come one, live a little,” he teased.

“Fine...”

I reached out my thoughts to the three ladies and bam! The thoughts They had of me were certainly not PG!

“Eww Victor, how could they think that.” I muttered with a slight shiver spreading through my body. Okay, there’s no denying, I’m definitely gay.

“I think it’s cute,” Victor stifled a laugh.

I reached out to Victor with my mind and spoke mind to mind with him, “There’s nothing cute about what they wanted to do with me!”

“Aww, babe, you’re so easy to tease.”

“Ugh, Victor, I need something to drink to erase those images from my brain,” I replied.

“I have a few ideas of things you can drink,” Victor replied with a slightly raised eyebrow.

I caught on to what Victor was thinking, and I replied. “Now we’re talking.” Hehe, sorry ladies. I definitely don’t swing your way.

—-

The party at Leo’s house ended at around 4pm, and we had several hours to spare before the party at my house.

“Oh, Chris, you really didn’t have to host another party for Leo here,” Mrs. Nicholson said with her classic charming and sweet demeanor.

“It’s nothing big really, I just wanted another excuse to spend time with my best friend over here,” I replied with a grin as I pulled Leo into a sideways hug.

“You’re spoiling our son,” Mr Nicholson added in amusement.

“Nah, I’m sure that’s August’s job,” I teased as I gently elbowed Leo.

Leo’s parents laughed much to my best friend’s embarrassment. Gosh, Leo’s cute when he’s blushing. Kind of hot too. Oh oh, I can’t seriously lust after Leo, I mean, he’s Leo for god’s sake! Gosh okay, distract thyself. Think of happy thoughts Chris. Happy thoughts happy thoughts.

We were in Leo’s room while he opened our gifts.

“Oh Victor! This is beautiful!” Leo said with a mix of amazement and excitement as he put on a brown leather strapped, and silver plated watch. It had a minimalist design and was something I thought matched Leo’s usual outfits.

“I hope you like it,” Victor replied.

Leo was checking out the watch then he yelped, “Dude! This is a Patek, this is expensive!”

“Oh, come on Leo, it’s really nothing,” Victor said as he helped Leo put on his new watch.

“Thanks Victor.”

“Now open mine,” Etalos cheered from the side.

Inside the green paper bag were three scarves. The first one was red with silver trimmings, the second was green with yellow and white accents, and the third one was white with gold margins.

“Etalos, these are exquisite and wow... the designs are just beautifully. It feels good too!”

“Well, I didn’t realize that winters could get so bad here, so I thought you could use these,” Etalos replied with his usual cute smile.

“Thanks, Etalos!” Leo said as he hugged the cute elf.

“Now, let’s see what my best friend got me.” Leo said with a teasing grin. For the longest time we’ve only been giving each other pranks as gifts during our birthdays. Last year he gave me a porn magazine, a gay one! While on the other hand, I gave him a vibrator! He almost went nuts when his mom accidentally found it, good thing Mrs. Nicholson thought it was a head massager.

“I hope you like this.” I said.

Leo unwrapped the box I had for him, after a few seconds, he pulled out a light blue sweater with silver accents and designs. Elvish scripts were also embroidered into the cuffs of the fine sweater.

“Damn Chris, this is so nice.”

“Go on try it on,” I said with an encouraging tone.

Leo didn’t think twice about it and put on the sweater. A moment after the fabric settled into his frame, my best friend added, “wow, I can feel energy flowing into me, it’s slightly warm and tingly,”

“It’s made of the finest fabrics in the realm, and I asked the imperial tailor to specifically make it for you.”

“Thanks a lot Chris.” Leo replied as he felt the fabric all over his body.

I didn’t tell my best friend that I enchanted the sweater with several spells that will keep him strong and healthy. Let’s just think of it as an added bonus.

—-

We went to my house at around 7pm for Leo’s second party of the day. In attendance were Dad, Yal, Kalron, Nomir, August, the twins, Arthur and Arnold. Henry, Mark, and Troy were also present but arrived a bit late.

“Wow guys, you’re here!” Leo said in a surprised and excited tone as he saw the twins.

“Like we’d ever miss you turning 18,” Arthur said with a grin.

“I missed the two of you!” Leo said as he pulled in August’s younger pack mates for hugs.

“Cage and Fred are sorry they couldn’t come, they said they’ll make up for it. Sergei and Gerard are excited to meet you too,” Arnold said.

“Well, I look forward to meeting them,” Leo replied.

“Come on guys, the food is ready!” Yal chimed in.

We all went to the dining area and my friends were able to prepare the best elvish dishes available. Well, they kind of cheated by using the portal at home to ferry food from the palace to the house.

At some point Arnold and Arthur took their time to get to know the other elves in the house. It’s so easy to forget, they haven’t been around elves yet, aside from myself.

As the party went on, I saw August pull Leo to the side. The muscle bound werewolf had this serious look on his face as he said something to Leo. My best friend stood shocked for a moment, wide eyed, then his expression changed to that of complete happiness. He pulled August in for a very very sensual kiss, a few seconds later they pulled apart and then I heard Leo reply, “I’m so fucking glad you’re moving here! Best gift ever!”

—-

The party at my house was a resounding success and the festivities ended at around 1am. August, Arnold and Arthur we’re staying the night at home much to Leo’s joy. Let’s just leave it at Leo “sleeping over” at my place but we all know he spent the night in August’s room.

After a short nap, I went to the realm to check out the palace library and maybe visit my office as well. However, a few minutes after arriving, I received a messaged on my phone from Patri.

“Come to my office as soon as you see this.” Well that was rather ominous.

I put the palm of my hand on the scanner outside Patri’s office, it went green and I made my way inside.

“Chris, good that you’re here,” Patri said smiling at me from his desk.

“Am I in trouble?” I curiously asked.

“No, why would you say that?”

“Coz of your text.”

“Oh, that...” Patri chuckled a bit.

“What’s it all about?”

“My father wants you to visit him in Ashtelon. He thinks it’s time for you to learn Earth Magic from him,” Patri said with a teasing grin.

“Am sorry what?” My voice Slightly quivered at that.

“How’d you want to get there? By train or car?”

“Now?”

“Why delay the inevitable?”

“This is all just so sudden. That’s all.”

“Estano and Etgaros could not stop praising you, so father wanted to polish you up as soon as possible. We also thought if you were given advanced warning, you would do your best to delay this, we all know he intimidates you.”

*groan*

“Fine, Hmm... I wanna see more of the countryside, I wanna travel by car.”

“Okay, want Nomir to drive you, or we can have someone else drive from the palace guards.”

“Nomir’s sleeping at home, the guards will do just fine.”

“Okay, it’s settled then. Also, Selvenus will join you, he wants to train with your great grandfather and although I want to be there myself, I have some matters to tend to here.”

“It’s okay Patri.”

“You’ll do great Chris!” Patri said patting my back.