38 The Woman in Yellow
THE NEXT DAY, BANQUET FOR PRINCE GALEN
It was a chilly late afternoon, when the newly proclaimed warriors arrived to guard the castle for the banquet as their first duty as security. Afterwards, they will be required to choose where to go - either Hesam or Beorg, Swords or Bows. The warriors formed a battalion in the palace's bailey to receive a few announcements from the lords.
"I applaud each of you. May you all be protected with the light of God to become the best warriors of Nether. After this day, we will part and may you have a great learning journey in the respective new homes that you will choose", Lord Harlan said. "Remember, the weapons you picked out from the chest in Brandenburg is just your guide. Choose a home with your heart", he added.
"Galanthe", Lord Callaghan called. "Assign them to guard the palace. We'll leave after the celebrations.", he ordered.
Jacomus was assigned in the parapet walks of the castle. His team were made of archers to watch beyond the palace's high walls. Atrius was entrusted to roam the castle town. He and his band of knights were to receive the incoming royals, nobles, Paladins and high-ranking warriors. As the new warriors proceeded to their posts, Lord Harlan specifically called Haelan for a private matter.
"Haelan, come forth", Lord Harlan called his most favored warrior.
Haelan immediately approached Lord Harlan as ordered. She knew exactly what the lord would relay, given the fact that she neither picked out a sword nor a bow.
"You have a choice to either stay with us in Brandenburg or choose Hesam under the supervision of Stellan", Lord Harlan advised.
"I will think about it fervently, my Lord", Haelan indefinitely answered. Actually, for Haelan, it doesn't matter which to choose at all. Her intention is most definitely focused on finding her way home. Lord Harlan smiled and gave Haelan a tap on the back as they proceed to the great hall.
The night has completely fallen, and the palace guests have arrived one by one. The great hall was slowly filled with effusive ladies in thick gowns and dashing men in their bejeweled crowns. With queens and kings, and princesses and princes, the palace shone the brightest as surrounded with aristocracy and the elite.
Staring at his clear reflection in his boudoir, Prince Galen marked his time as his esquire clothe him properly for the banquet today. In his mind, he could only think of Helena whom he couldn't wait to see again. He watched her leave the castle last night, he even tried to calling her name but she didn't hear a thing.
After a poignant encounter with his father last night, only the thought of Haelan served as light that he could see in his dark clouded mind. He lifted his hand trying to remember the feel of Helena's palms when he held them. He could still get the whiff of the floral scented perfume she wore. Surely, Helena's absence left a hole in the Prince's lonely heart.
He scratched his blue eyes in boredom. Then he yawned loudly as time seemed to slow down until he could see Haelan again. With a quick glance to his window, he caught a glimpse of the incoming brigade of steel armored warriors entering the palace. He instantly felt his heart thump, his destiny have arrived.
As soon as the last button of his cream-colored embroidered brocade was closed, he sprinted out of his room to finally see the person he's yearning for. The esquire even called him for the few last tassels and gold brooches that they need to attach, yet, the Prince have already took off.
Prince Galen didn't even mind the fresh flower arrangements that were gathered and displayed on large porcelain vases for this very special day. He turned down the servants who greeted him as he passed by. He didn't even noticed the gorgeous princess in yellow ruffled skirt asking for Stellan. Catching his breath, he stepped out of the arched palace doors to see the woman in the armor.
"Haelan.", he softly uttered a man's name.
Haelan found herself assigned in the palace's beautiful rose garden. Together with Gio, Yiannis and a dozen of men, they scattered up to the courtyard of the palace making sure no one will interrupt the celebration from there.
Making her way through the maze if the palace's grandiose rose garden, Haelan wandered under the night full of stars, shimmering like diamonds in the sky. The garden was surrounded with stone pillars, tall thick bushes of roses, and a few gazebos, perfectly arranged according to the Queen's precedence. There were also beautiful ornated garden fountains that hold fresh water, one of the many favorites of the Queen.
Standing guard, Haelan noticed Yiannis left his post and took their fellow warriors on duty inside the castle, probably to sneak a peek of the princesses. They even invited Haelan over, however, she insisted to stay behind.
Haelan remained on guard, despite being alone. Since no one were left behind, she decided to take off her armor for a while. She stretched out a bit and checked her palms. Feeling like brand new, Haelan is in perfect state to use her powers. Fulfilling her duty as a Woman of Honor, she stayed in the middle of the tall hedgerows of the blooming red and pink roses. The sweet-smelling scent of nature made her feel relaxed. She walked around to see a great field of the palace's vision. Wondering where could the Southwing tower be, she felt a blithe energy coming in.
"Haelan! I have been looking for you", Prince Galen come around running towards Haelan. He flashed his pearly white teeth as he gleam brightly at his so called destiny.
"Prince?", Haelan widened her eyes seeing the young royalty out of the great hall.
"Galen. Please call me Galen", Galen said as he catch his breath. "I've been looking around for you", he said with his endearing blue eyes.
"Aren't you supposed to be in the great hall?", Haelan asked.
"I can't stop thinking about you", he smiled charmingly as he reach for Haelan's hands.