3 Road Trip

Finally! The long-awaited tour was on the way. Before noon, the soldiers positioned to lead the convoy were on horseback along with Nick, Cravter and Bur matched with them, followed by the carriages of the princesses than the twin Brothers Fred and Fere were with the guards after the carriages along with Grant who was thirteen and Frank who was fourteen. riding ponies close to their carriage after this were the wagons, carts, and mules loaded the provisions, as well as those carrying servants. Then came the last batch of soldiers. the convoy was very lengthy and it took two hours before the last soldier was out of the Palace gate and into Brown City.

"I always wonder why it is called Brown City, there is nothing Brown about it" observed Bur as he rode alongside Cravter. Looking all-around at the hassle and bustle of the capital. They had passed through the residential area of the nobles and courtiers. These areas were mansions and mini castles made of white marble stones that seem to glow in the sum. And separated by walls and gardens. The farther they went the less space was left between the houses. The houses near the outskirts of the city were made more of woods than stone and were so close together. As shelter and shops were erected on every available space. The people were dressed in colorful clothing and seemed contended. They waved as they passed and children ran out to see them.

"It's not called the brown city because of the color of the city. It was named after earth giants that built the palace as thanks to my great-great-grandfather who freed them from a terrible curse of wakefulness cast on them by an evil witch" replied Cravter.

"Wait! What? Giants built the palace?" Exclaimed Nick

"Well, at least that's what the legends say" chuckled Cravter at the look of Nicks's face.

"The present servants' quarters were the first original castle built by our ancestors, continued Cravter.

" Wow, and l was just wondering about that this morning," said Nick as he turned in his saddle to stare at the castle towers with new respect in his eyes.

"But how come I never knew or heard that legend?" Nick asked.

It took some time before Cravter finally answered: "well, you know the kings' ba...ba...." Cravter found it hard to call them that.

"It's ok Cravter, everyone calls us that, and we are used to it. It doesn't affect us". Nick added trying to soothe his worries.

" Yes I know but it isn't right. I agree your mothers were not legitimately married but the king our father accepts and proclaims you all as his children, so why should you be termed bastards and treated differently? For one thing, the rest of us get to be educated in history, politics, and more but you lot are just taught how to read and write and that's just about it" Cravter's face was solemn and sad.

"Well, at least we got this to be on this tour, that's was your idea, and we are grateful for it," Nick said trying to cheer him up.

"Your Majesty, It's Just how things how, they are even lucky enough that the king accepts them and treats them right. If you want you can teach those willing to learn about every District when we get to each city." Bur suggested. "That way it will be fun and educational".

"Yes! yes! I like that very much, that would be wonderful ' Cravter said with a smile.

" I bet luna would love that a lot," Nick added, "that curious little thing would absorb all the knowledge."

By this time they were out of Brown city entirely and we're well into the road that leads to the southern district to Oral city. The view was wonderful. The sky was blue and the sun was high but trees along the road gave shade to them so it wasn't too hot. There were a few houses here but not grand. They came across all the wagons piled high with clothes and other travelers heading towards the capital. The forest was alive with animal sounds and birds chirping, some could even be seen on the branches of some nearby trees. The road was smooth and well-kept so the riding was smooth especially for the carriages. Just before dark, they got to an inn where the owner welcomed them and let them camp on a field just behind the inn there they set up tents and ate from their provisions, and water their animals from a nearby creek. Some stayed up and talked about the tour but not for long before they all went to sleep because they were tired. The soldiers kept watching.