Chapter 12
Sacred Hospitality
Castle Titan, Konge Province, Titan
"I think of the journeys of my youth. Days on days with naught but the sky over my head and the bare ground beneath me. How precious a roof and bed appear at the end of such travels."
-Excerpt from the assorted writings of Mark the Guardian
Brother Matteus figured it would take them two days to go from Pik to Castle Titan, but he was not accounting for a military pace. Mark wagered that the accommodations at the castle were better than what could be found camping around a roadside inn and that it was worth a little more wear on the men. They were not likely to be setting out on their punitive expedition right away, so the castle would be the best place to let the men get fully rested from their journey.
The castle was perched atop a plateau, possibly one that had been created by magic as the surrounding landscape was otherwise rather flat. During the War of Ban, it was known as the Last Citadel, the furthest stronghold on the Southern Continent's western front. Whether the plateau was naturally occurring or not, the sheer cliffs were the work of thousands of men cutting away the rock to make it almost impossible to scale. There was only a narrow, winding path carved in the south face where scarcely four men could stand abreast.
Though there were signs of repairs, reconstructions and additions over the castle's long history, the main structure retained a very old style, everything simple and squarish, but with clean, precise edges. Such exacting craftsmanship was rare anymore.
There were newer settlements outside the main castle with the familiar wood construction seen in the other cities. From casual observation as they were passing through, it seemed that there were more people than there was proper shelter to house them. People fleeing the rebels in the south and the lawlessness in the east probably received an even chillier welcome from the cities than the Gladian company and so they flocked to the castle for their refuge. The situation would not last for long. If the plague were to break out here...
As they drew closer to the front gate, a voice called out from the gatehouse, "Who goes there?"
Mark had not been idle during their journey thus far and had taken to studying Nordish with the help of Squire Halfdan. Nordish had some loose relation to Bannish and the pre-Everardian dialects of Gladius, which made it easy to pick up, especially for someone like Mark who had something of a natural gift for languages. It was enough for him to understand common expressions. He was not yet confident in his ability to speak the language, though, and continued to rely on Squire Halfdan to act as interpreter.
Speaking in Bannish, he said, "I am Mark, Lord of Aran, of Gladius. We come by the order of Edric, King of the Gladians, to answer His Lordship the Archduke's call for aid."
For good measure, Squire Halfdan repeated his words in Nordish. The guard had apparently been informed of their impending arrival, because without any hesitation, he called out to the gatekeepers.
"Open the gates!"
The gates slowly opened and the company was admitted inside. They were soon met by a small party clad in what must have been the Archduke's livery. The leader among them raised his hand in salute and, speaking in Bannish, said, "Greetings, Lord Mark. Welcome to Castle Titan. I am Hrolf Henrikson, Master of the Stables. Follow me and we will find a place for your horses and your bannermen."
"We thank you," Mark said.
Mark, Sonia and Sir Emerich dismounted, along with Floki, Vili and their entourage. The knights' horses were taken by their squires and led by Hrolf and his men to the stables. Meanwhile, another party appeared from the inner gate. Based on their dress, Mark assumed them to be chamberlains. This was proven correct when the first among them greeted him.
He and his retinue bowed low and, speaking in Latin, he said, "Greetings, my lords, and in the name of my lord His Grace the Archduke, I welcome you to Castle Titan. I am Polybius Strato the Grand Chamberlain."
Mark gave a slight bow in return and said, "We humbly and gratefully receive the hospitality of His Grace the Archduke. Speaking of which, I would ask after the accommodations for my men."
"The Royal Hird was once much larger, my lord," Lord Polybius replied. "There is room enough in the barracks for all of your company."
"They will be glad for a roof over their heads."
Polybius gestured to the keep and said, "The guest chambers for the men of breeding are inside, my lord."
Mark simply nodded. If he knew the men would have to sleep in tents, he would be more reluctant to accept the quarters intended for highborn guests. He could not do as he had done in Hellebard, though. He had to walk a fine line as a representative of King and kingdom. He could not do anything that would bring dishonor to either.
Polybius then said, "May I ask, my lord, how many rooms must be prepared?"
"We have four nobles: myself, Lady Sonia here, and two of the sons of Lord Sigbjorn of Pik; ten knights, and nine free squires. The sworn squires and pages will sleep in the same chambers as their masters, of course."
Polybius nodded.
"Very good, my lord. If you will, this way..."
As they made their way into the keep, Polybius said, "I regret that His Grace cannot greet you in person at this time, but you will see him soon, my lord. If you would be willing, permit me to show you the gardens while the rooms are made ready."
Mark nodded. It might cause some embarrassment to insist on going to the chambers before they were made ready. Viewing the gardens was sure to be a welcome distraction before he would have to concern himself with the delicate diplomacy of dealing with the Archduke and the other nobles of Titan. It might be one of the last moments of relaxation he would enjoy until he found himself back home.