Chapter 12: Capital Drama

The journey to the capital wasn't ideal, but the ride on the Swander significantly reduced the travel time. "I still can't believe we arrived at the capital in three days," said Soymin. "Well, I am shocked by the stamina of these guys. Don't they ever get tired?" remarked Stan.

"Hey, don't you ever get tired, Tony?" Stan asked the driver of their Swander.

"Well, not really. It's actually the easiest task you can be assigned to in the group," Tony replied.

Speaks Stan, "Well, we should get going to the..." 

"Heard you got offered a place in the group," interrupted Riona and Eron.

"Yes, the leader offered me a spot on the condition that I complete my basic training by myself in three months."

"Yikes, sounds like the leader. Basic training usually takes a couple of years, even for our kids. We can't have them rushed through their foundational training," Riona replied.

"Well, but I know you can do it, Stan. I believe in you. So where do you plan to go? Come join us at the lodge, at least," offered Eron.

"Thanks for the offer, but we'll pass. It's already a time crunch with the deadline given by the leader. We need to collect supplies," replied Soymin.

"What's the plan for the capital, by the way?" asked Stan.

"The leaders are going to the castle to present themselves in front of the king, and we are going to help the rest of the group settle in at an inn and relax for a week or two here in the capital, I guess," answered Eron.

"Cool. Well, take care of yourselves, Stan and Soymin. Wish you both the best of luck," said Riona.

Stan and Soymin walked towards the bustling center of the capital, Kuru. "First, let's go collect your medicine and potions. Then we'll discuss where to go. Good enough?" asked Soymin.

"Sounds like a plan," replied Stan.

"The capital truly is different with its tall buildings and crowded streets. Food stalls, games, musicians—it's like a festival is going on every day," Stan remarked, taking it all in.

"Well, it is, but it has its cons too, like theft and robbery in broad daylight becoming extremely common. Beware of pickpockets the most. Once it is lost, you won't find the lost things again, no matter what it is. Okay, let's first go to the medicine shop. Follow me, Stan."

"After crossing many lanes, they reached a lesser-used alley, a little suspicious looking but still adequately occupied. After walking a mile, they stopped at an old, rusty shop with a wooden door that was being regularly repaired and taken care of, as it wasn't chipped away. The front door had a cloth cover of green providing shade to the customers. Both of them walked in, and the doorbell chimed. The inside of the store was just a couple of cupboards on the side for the shopkeeper and a glass display showcasing bracelets, rings, and belts. The glass panels were the only separation from the waiting area from the seller's side. The shop also had a couch for the customers to sit on.

"Welcome," came a voice. "What can I do for you today?" 

"Well, the usual and a cup of tea," said Soymin. The owner turned around and froze. Shocked, the owner started bombarding him with questions while coming out from the back. "Sir Eliza! What are you doing here? How? Oh, my duckling god! You are alive, sir? How have you been? Where have you been? What actually happened to you?"

"Calm down, Warren. As you can see, I'm fine. Some bitter turn of events led me to this state of mine. But now, it's all okay and good. Hopefully, if I don't get caught by guards again. Huh," Eliza chuckled a bit. "Your name's Eliza? Wow. What else have you lied about, Soymin?" Stan asked.

"Soymin? Sir? Wasn't that the name of your subordinate?" Warren asked.

"Guys, calm down. I will answer your queries one by one, but this is neither the time nor the place. First, let's go to the back. Can we?" replied Eliza.

"Oh, yes, yes, absolutely. Come to the back, here," Warren said, holding the door. All three of them passed through the back door and arrived at a storage place. The only light coming into the room was through the roof, covered by glass. Light spread sparsely throughout the room as the glass was covered with dirt and dried leaves. The room had some side lamp shades dimly lit up. "The only thing keeping the room from looking like a romantic place is the cluttered space which smells like medicine all around us," Stan thought. "Well, all the better. Think what would happen if it actually gave off a romantic vibe. Someone suddenly barges in and sees three grown-up men sitting in a dimly lit space, whispering and touching. Wow..."

Warren arranged for them to sit at a table with three chairs around it. They all settled down.

"So, sir, what happened? It was issued that your head be brought to the king no matter what, be it alive and attached to your body or just a head," Warren said with a straight face.

"Yes, so the person named Soymin helped me to survive," Eliza replied.

"Your subordinate, sir? But your head was presented in the court; we are sure of that. I mean, that was proclaimed by the announcers the next day in the square as a warning to the rest. 'DO NOT GO AGAINST THE KING IF WE DON'T WANNA END UP LIKE YOU, sir,'" Warren recounted.

"Are you sure it was my head? Did anyone see the actual face? No one, right?" Eliza questioned.