Crownsmith Chronicles

The trip back seemed a lot faster than the trip there. The sergeants in the cart with him made light conversation as they plodded along. They even told him several times that he could talk, but he wasn't falling for it. Instead, he held his mouth shut and tried to get as comfortable as possible while tied up. At least he was in a proper chair and not lying on the floor this time.

As they approached the gate, the guardsmen on watch asked to inspect the coach, but the sergeant driving must have made himself known, because the guard called out, "Yes, Sergeant!" and let them through without inspection or fee.

It didn't take long once they were in the city to reach their destination. They stopped in front of an old, abandoned store of some sort and Key was hoisted up and taken inside. It seemed like one of those places too expensive and run down to sell. There he was tied to a post and warned not to try to escape. Someone would be there for him soon.

Key got comfortable, still, not talking, just in case someone popped out and confirmed his loss. The room got eerily quiet, and he heard the cart pull away. The knots on his wrists were standard among the guards. He had tried to get out of them before and found it an exercise in futility. So, he did what anyone would do in that instance, and went to sleep.

He was awoken by voices in the dark, followed by rays of lantern light through broken and dirty windows.

"Check in there, while I look over here," Key could hear a familiar voice. Castor.

The door opened, and of all people, the prince walked in holding a lantern. "He's here, he's here! I found him!"

Castor ran into the room, followed by two of the largest guards Key had ever seen. The guards searched the building as Castor clapped the prince on the back. "You did it, Your Highness. You're a hero!"

If this was some elaborate ploy to get Key to talk, Key was beginning to take the bait. He decided to risk a loss and to ask one of the many questions he had. "Can I assume it's over now?"

"Yes, rest assured, you're safe now," the prince said, puzzling over Key's ropes. "We saw you get abducted by those, those ruffians, and immediately began an investigation to search you out. Your Captain stumbled across a letter detailing the plans for your abduction. I'm not sure I quite understand how you came by that…."

"The prince spearheaded your rescue mission, taking full control of the investigation," Castor quickly cut in. "He even offered one thousand Royals to the one who discovered you. Good thing he found you himself, otherwise they…. Well, anyway. We've been talking about that, haven't we?"

Bartholemew looked down sheepishly and nodded.

Key began connecting all the intricate pieces and finally understood what was going on. The prince personally took over the investigation after offering a one-thousand-gold reward… He wondered if it meant he was the illegitimate son of the king or something. He banished the thought as quickly as it came. If he was certain of anything, it was that he was not royalty.

"Do you remember anything about your captors?" Castor asked. When the prince turned his attention towards Key, he made a 'don't say anything' gesture.

"I'm afraid I didn't see anything," Key said, feeling the ropes fall from his wrists. "They had me blindfolded the whole time."

"We have to issue a reward for bringing them to justice," the prince announced, helping Key to his feet. "What should it be?"

Castor coughed. "Let's not make any official proclamations until we've discussed it at length. My sergeant has had a long day. For now, let's escort him home so he can get some rest. How does that sound?"

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As they walked, the prince asked excited questions, and Key found himself pretending to have actually been taken by criminals. Castor was encouraging it.

When he had made it back to his barracks room, his foot locker was no longer there. He sighed, expressing his frustration quietly to not wake up the other people in the room. He had to remind himself that they were probably more exhausted than he was. He might have had a long day, but at least he didn't have to stand watch.

He carefully tore back his covers, hearing something fall to the ground. It was the distinct sound of paper. He walked around his cot and felt around the ground for whatever had dropped. His hand touched what he was looking for, and he felt the distinct texture of wax in the center. He stepped into the common room where there were always candles lit and cracked the seal and began to read:

Sergeant Key,

It is with great pleasure that we extend our congratulations on your recent promotion. Your dedication, discipline, and exemplary service have not gone unnoticed, and this advancement is a well-earned recognition of your commitment.

In light of your new rank and success in the trial period, you are hereby invited to take immediate residence in the Sergeant's Quarters. Your accommodations will be prepared and ready for your arrival, and it would be an honor to have you join your fellow peer group in the facilities.

Once again, congratulations on this pivotal point in your career. We look forward to seeing you settle into your new role and your new quarters without delay.

Respectfully,

The Sergeants' Quarters

He read and reread the letter and considered how they changed the name of 'The hazing ceremony of cheating games' to 'the trial period' and lowered the letter. The only good thing was that he didn't have anything to pack. He turned towards his barracks room one last time in a silent farewell, and with nothing else to do, he stepped out into the night to discover his new home.

When he approached the large building he knew the sergeants lived, he knocked on the door. The door opened and he was greeted with a cheer.

"This is your home now, no need to knock," Steele announced, leading him into the common room.

Inside were chairs, cushions, and a replica of Royal City on a giant table. Each building was expertly carved out of blocks of wood. Even the city walls looked to be to scale. His attention was directed to the back of the room, where each of their branded mugs hung on hooks next to a row of cast iron brands. He recognized his mug in the last spot hanging over a name plate that said, "Eulerous."

"It's late, so I'd better get home," Briggs said, approaching Key, holding out his hand. "It's a shame our game was cut short. Shall we call it a tie?"

Key shook the man's hand and agreed, "We'll have to finish what we started next time."

Briggs laughed, "Ho ho! You got yourself a deal. You're going places, young man, I can already tell. It was a pleasure being part of your introduction ceremony."

After Briggs left, Steele also mentioned how late it was and that he was going to bed. "Key, let me show you where your room is."

Key followed him, passing congratulatory remarks from the other sergeants down a passageway with doors on either side. As Steele led the way, he talked about the building's history. He opened Key's door but tarried as he finished.

"It had been built on a hot spring by the command of General Grayson, but he had meant it for the officers. The sergeant's quarters at the time was a dismal place, and so as construction was complete, they all came up with a plan to gain ownership. They got together to jump on the roof until it caved in. After that, it was only a matter of paperwork before the sergeants owned the building you are standing in now," Steele looked around fondly at the walls. "I don't know if Old Grayson designed it, but whoever did made a covert exit out of the back. Just go through that door, and it will lead you down a separate passageway to the exit. Your private bath is through that door.... Well, I'll leave you to it."

Key was stunned. He hadn't had his own room his whole life. It was a little small and perhaps a touch too warm, but it was his. There was a bed, a writing desk, and his foot locker. He opened it to find all of his belongings were still there. The sergeants must have tricked him when they buried the other one. He shook his head, bewildered, as he sat on his bed.

He was about to lie down when he remembered Steele saying something about a private bath. He instantly jumped up and ran to the side door. He opened and found a stone tub dripping hot water into a reservoir. The room smelled slightly of mildew, but it wasn't something he couldn't fix later. He instantly stripped down and got in, hot water searing the day's stress off his skin. Somehow, it had made the whole thing worthwhile.