The royal emblem consisting of double bordered Winstrovian map with a diamond planted crown shined in the morning sunlight. Horses had gold jewelries on their heads whereas the men, holding high military ranks, in golden armor whipped the horses to their destination. Peasants paused to see the elegant chariot and returned to their normal activities once it escaped their sights.

Maester Rudolph sat beside the charioteer in the street of Avna. On just handful of occasions he had been fetched to the royal palace but no one of them involved a chariot being sent for his service. He used to think an old horse was a privilege before this day.

Guards were kind to him till now. Still he was aware things could change inside castle walls. King’s guards were notorious for their losing their temper on anything dissatisfactory whether in market or on anything else.

The horse raced in paved street. It was the most comfortable place to be born as a horse in Ouskerus. Wealthy men and those in King Lacroix’s circle resided around Kingsroad. Maester Rudolp couldn’t recall when he had felt a jolt after coming near to palace area. Kingsroad had been cleaner ever since the marriage of Prince Tudor was declared.

Path to the castle rose after a short ride. Rudolph heard the horses pumping air while trying to push its way. By the time it got tired, they were infront of the staircase to the palace.

Everyone except the charioteer climbed down from there then headed for the climb. Rudolph pulled his robe to his knees and ascended. When he reached infront of gate, guards body searched Rudolph.

Maester Rudloph was against hands on approach. This is why he didn’t enjoy coming to that place. Body search to a visitor was mandatory. He wondered if a guard had put his hands on Bloudkast’s body when he had come here with proposal on behalf of his daughter.

He saw some guards on crenels of battlements holding their arrow loaded crossbows. Rudolph’s eyes met with one of him. The Maester refused to take defeat in war of staring till search was over.

The guards led him come through the alley within castle walls surrounded by timber framed houses where soldiers were putting sharpness to their swords.

Inside he got greeting from everyone. Even servants bowed to him. Maester hummed to them as a return of their respect. He strolled to Federal Minister where he bowed to him.

“Why did the king remember me?” Maester Rudolph asked to the minister among everyone present there.

“Hmm…. Lord Dylan Bloudkast thought of you.”

A thin man smiled at him. Rudolph knew he needed to bow once more. He knew he couldn’t get away without showing any respect to Prince Tudor’s Father in Law to be. Maester could only imagine what the life of King’s men would be. If Maester Rudolph was to stay in the castle forever, his back would lock in first few days.

“Get up, friend.” Bloudkast patted his back.

“How may I help you, my lord?”

“Come with me.” Bloudkast began to walk without waiting for Maester to catch up with him.

Maester looked at people around him then followed Bloudkast. They walked together in the marbled archway to the room in its mid point. Bloudkast entered first while Rudolph followed his steps.

“How can I help you?” Maester forgot to address him.

When he realized what was missing from his question, Bloudkast already had started to speak, “I want you to teach sorcery to my children Rikilda and Braden.”

“The school will be honored to teach your son and daughter.” Rudolph was glad Bloudkast didn’t mind him not forgretting My Lord.

“Honor belongs to you only, Maester.”

“I don’t understand, my lord.”

“You will teach her and her brother privately. Teach them everything and answer all their doubts.” Bloudkast said.