43 Chapter 43

~Talfen, the capital of Coldshore~

~The Royal Palace~

Andras' early morning meditation was interrupted by the doors of the living quarters being slammed open, it wasn't even dawn yet and the other trainee guards were still fast asleep. Two guards stormed in, hoping to catch Andras unawares only to find the person they had come for calmly staring at them, fully dressed with a hand on the hilt of his sword.

The one in front stumbled slightly and cleared his throat, ignoring the couple of guards that their door-slamming had roused. "Andras? Captain Gautier orders your presence."

Andras rose to his feet, glancing at Randall's mat where he was still fast asleep as he walked forward, he had a feeling that he would be parting ways with the chatty trainee forever.

The guard that had spoken looked up when Andras walked up to him and he had to step back a step or two because of his intimidating height. "Come with me," He rudely said, turning around to sweep out of the living quarters into the dim light of the morning.

Andras had been expecting to be summoned by the Head of the Royal Guards but he hadn't expected it to be so early or so soon. He quietly walked behind the two guards that had been sent to fetch him, wondering what the final decision would be.

Once again, he was taken to the palace of the Captain of the Royal Guard, the very first place he visited when he first arrived at the Royal Palace. When he was ushered into the room, he found Captain Gautier on his feet this time around.

Andras' first instinct was to hover around the doorway but Gautier immediately beckoned him in.

"Come closer, lad." He said in a gruff voice, looking like he had hastily gotten ready that morning, even his headband was slightly off kilter.

Andras obeyed dutifully, it was just him and Captain Gautier in what looked to be his receiving room. He waited curiously to find out what he had been summoned for.

Gautier cleared his throat and crossed his arms behind his back, "His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Cederic summoned me yesterday…"

Andras remembered the Crown Prince saying he would do that, it was a pleasant surprise to find out that he had truly kept to his words. It was easy for someone of Prince Cederic standing to forget promises made to a random guard in training.

"...He was also here this morning and ordered that his decision be made into full effect before the sun came up."

A look of surprise swept across Andras' usually blank face at the rest of the Captain's sentence. He wanted to ask about the details of the Prince's decision but he held back, waiting for Captain Gautier to say it himself.

Captain Gautier started to pace, a troubled expression on his face. "Now, I'm no fool, and I certainly don't appreciate being taken for one but we both know that you're no nephew of Malcer."

Andras' expression fell off his face once more, his shoulders stiffening. He hadn't expected the conversation to go down this path.

Gautier stopped at this point to shoot Andras a piercing look, "But His Royal Highness is undeterred by this fact and insists that you be given the promotion even after being told your sketchy background."

Andras listened quietly, this was to be expected, there were a lot of contradictions about him and it would be odd indeed if not even a single person asked questions. It was also no surprise that Captain Gautier's loyalty to the Royal family surpassed his friendship with Malcer.

"Crown Prince Cederic has appointed you to be the personal bodyguard of King Holdred's esteemed visitor, this is a very important position, the very future of Coldshore may very well depend on this…"

Andras frowned at this, in any other situation he would have been pleased to hear this because this was beyond his expectations but a niggling thought kept crashing into his thoughts. 'Esteemed visitor?' Only one person came to mind and Andras found it very difficult to be pleased about the newest developments.

Compared to this, he would rather have been given the postion of an inner court patrol guard, that was far better than being made to protect an Angel. The first time was a fluke, it wasn't supposed to happen again.

"Are you listening, boy?" Gautier boomed, largely displeased.

Andras snapped out of his thoughts, a vein ticking on his jaw. "Yes, I apologize for my rudeness, Captain." He said flatly.

Gautier hmphed, appeased by this, "As I was saying, you're required to report to Prince Reqiel's palace right away. Accommodations and meals will be provided for you as you're now assigned to his entourage. You report only to Prince Reqiel and the Crown Prince and your authority overshadows mine if the situation calls for it." He rattled off, sounding none too pleased about the entire situation.

That made two, if Andras wasn't completely out of options, he would have turned down this promotion and just leave Talfen without learning their fighting tactics much like he wanted to.

"Crown Prince Cederic also orders that you duel him so he can sufficiently appraise your proficiency in battle, mind you, this will determine if you will be given the position of Prince Reqiel's bodyguard or not."

Andras' gloomy thoughts swerved at this new addition, this was exactly what he wanted, it was too good of a deal to pass up on in the first place but this new addition sealed the deal.

"Very well," He spoke up, bowing his head slightly.

"Naturally, this means that you'll be allowed to use your custom weapons as you now have a high enough rank." Captain Gautier concluded, looking Andras over disapprovingly.

He personally had no ill-will against the odd trainee, especially as Malcer was the one to bring him in but he couldn't help but disagree with the Crown Prince's decision to promote a total stranger to such a delicate position.

"Although I doubt you will be able to win against Crown Prince Cederic who is the very best fighter in all of Coldshore, but you may give it your best nonetheless." He added, his tone condescending. "Try not to die, lad, Malcer won't be too happy to hear that." He stated, dismissing him.