The group would travel in the day, camp at night and continue. This went on for a week until finally, a soldier says, "LOOK! WE'LL BE ARRIVING SOON." There it is, the capital of Zolkia. Despite being a small kingdom, it is walled with farms outside the walls. There's an aqueduct carrying water across the city as outlets are made into wells. The houses are arranged in a confusing way so you'd have to make many turns before reaching the castle at the center.
Before the city is another group of people including soldiers returning from the monster tide and travelers. The people are arranged into 2 long lines, one for travelers and the other for soldiers. The soldiers confirm their identities and enter without paying anything so that line is faster. The carriage carrying the quartet and the Duchess drive outside the lines straight to the gate.
A Silver Crow soldier steps up to the guards, "Duchess Zephan requests entry into Zolkia."
The guards at the gate are startled, they didn't expect her to return so soon. "Y-Yes you may enter." He stands aside and signals the others to let them through. The Silver Crow leads the carriage through the gates, the bustling city is right before them as people make way for them to pass.
Chuck brings his head out the window and Flint does same through the other window as they gaze at the city. Aku shrugs, "Boys." She looks over to see a Twenny with her head between her knees, "Ummm, sorry." No response. Aella has a worried look.
The carriage drove through the streets then through a second gate, this gate is large and has a lot of designs on it and quite colorful. The same Silver Crow soldier goes up to the guard. "Duchess Zephan requests entry into the noble district." The guards nod their heads as a signal then the gate opens. They continue into the noble district.
Flint looks around the beautiful place with nicely arranged buildings and gardens. "This place is beautiful. I didn't see a place like this in Frishia."
Aella giggles, "That's because a lot of nobles reside here. Some own territories of their own and have accommodation here." She puts her hand on her chest, "I also have an accommodation here for my guests, that's where you'll stay if you wish to stay in the capital." Twenny grunts though her head is still in her knees.
Aku touches Twenny's back, "Are you really alright?" she's worried.
Aella looks at Aku, "Maybe we should make the meeting tomorrow."
Twenny replies from below the seats, "No way, I don't want to ride another carriage tomorrow. Let's deal with all the hassle today."
Aella's thoughts, "She calls meeting the king a hassle? She's really interesting." She grins as she looks at Twenny then at Chuck. She stares at him for a while.
They finally arrive before the castle. The carriage opens as they get out. First Aella, Chuck, Aku and Flint as they get ready to go. Flint turns around, "Uhh, Teacher? We've arrived."
Twenny raises her head and looks at Flint, she tries to sit up. *CLANK CLANK CLANK * Twenny's eyes are teary as her thoughts, "My parts so clanky?!" she forces herself straight as her back arcs painfully, "Ack!" She tries to walk outside but she misses the handle and falls.
"TEACHER!" Flint catches Twenny as she squirms in his hands. Flint's thoughts, "Wait, why's Teachers body so hard."
Twenny breathes heavily, "This is the last time I travel your way." She tries to stand on her feet.
Flint supports her to her feet as his thoughts, "How strange, now her body is soft again." Twenny wobbles on her feet as she slowly walks to Aella.
Aku goes behind Twenny, "Have you tried using magic to…" She sees runes on Twenny's back, Aku continues. "Oh, you have….. Let me help you." Aku gives her shoulder to Twenny but the height difference gets to Twenny as she stares at Aku. Aku holds Twenny's arm to her chest to support Twenny, Twenny keeps staring at Aku. Aku smiles, "Well, shall we continue?"
They walk up to the stairs and climb it to the top as Silver Crow vice-captain leads them. The vice-captain stands before the guards, "I'm Vice-captain of the Silver crows and Duchess Zephan is here to see the king."
The guards nod, "Understood. Would you please wait in the guest room as I inform the king?"
The vice-captain nods, "That will be nice."
The guard opens the door and signals a maid to lead them to the guest room as he goes to inform the king. Twenny seems to get better as they approach the room, by the time they reach the door Twenny is able to walk normal again.
The maid opens the door for them, "Please wait here." They enter the room and sit down. Aku goes to the window and looks over the city. Aku smiles, "I didn't think we'd get such a view."
Aella chuckles, "Of course we'll get this room. I'm the Duchess of Zephan." She turns to Chuck and taps on the seat beside her. Chuck who is admiring the wallpaper notices Aella and sits beside her as they chat.
Flint looks at Twenny as she seems to be in thought, "Teacher, I want to ask. Why are you so against meeting the king?" Flint sits beside Twenny
Twenny looks at Flint then at Aella, "*Sighs* You 4 are the saviors of Frishia, based on strategy KINGCRAFT alone. It's only wise to keep the strong close so they can be used and controlled." The trio seem confused as she continues, "KINGCRAFT is a skill of kings. It helps one to rule a kingdom and according to it, it's wise to control us." Twenny points to Aella, "You'd be in charge of us, facing persecution- oh letters from other nobles to use us." Chuck looks at Aella and back at Twenny as Aku turns her head at Twenny.
Chuck holds Aella's hand, "What's wrong with that? I mean we would get some rewards from them and at least a place to live. We're a society so we help each other even if we use and are used by others, it's what a society is all about."
Twenny rests her back and head on the chair, "It's not wrong since it's how a society thrive. But that will delay my plans."
Aku turns to Twenny, "What plans do you have then?" Aku asked not expecting an answer.
Twenny stays silent, the trio expected this but Aella seems to be curious. Twenny answers, "The reason I'm here…..You couldn't fathom it." Aku looks back outside, Chuck relaxes in the chair and Flint sighs.
Aku looks at the sky, "Twenny, from all that we've been though. Do you not trust us to tell us who you really are?"
This question seems sensitive so Aella gets up, "I think I'll wait outside."
"Sit down." Twenny says but sounds like an order. "My name is Twenny Alcore, I'm from a faraway place. I don't consider myself a princess though I'm part of a group created for.... Preservation."
Flint is confused, "Preservation?"
Aku is confused more, "Preservation? What are you trying to preserve?"
Twenny shakes her head, "You aren't ready to listen to the rest of it. And it's not because I don't trust you. The more people 'here' who know the higher my chances of being compromised." They take the words in and she continues, "As for why I'm here. Think of it 'setting up an ambush'."
Flint, "Setting up an ambush? For who?"
Twenny clicks her tongue, "That's what you aren't meant to know, at least for now. Who knows, you might get the whole truth later."
Aku walks to Twenny, "You said Preservation earlier, is there a threat coming?"
"Whether a threat is coming or not shouldn't concern you now." Twenny stares at the ceiling, "It's more of another nation's threat not yours. I'm just here to set an ambush for what might or might not come. When the time is up, I'll leave to fulfill my duties." Silence fills the room.
Flint looks at Twenny in the eye, "When the time comes for you to leave, I want to come with you."
"Huh?!" Twenny is surprised, "Why?"
Flint smiles and lies in the sofa, "I'll follow you until I surpass you." Twenny's thoughts, "Oh, I guess you'll follow me for the rest of your life." Chuck continues, "From the last battle, it seems I can catch up to you. So, until then, I'll follow you and when I surpass you…." He brings his face closer to Twenny's face, "I'll get you to tell me everything." He extends his hands for a handshake, "Deal?"
Twenny smiles, she shakes her head and shakes his hand. "Deal."
A screen appears before Flint.