After the heated encounter in the throne room, days passed, and Oliver hadn't left his chambers. The castle was unusually quiet, with soldiers stationed silently within the walls, and the normally lively training yard lay empty. Mara, who had spent the night with Oliver a few days prior, hadn't returned, leaving an uneasy silence in her wake. K.J. sensed that something was off about her absence, and he found himself growing more vigilant. His resolve to protect Oliver had wavered after their last tense exchange; the threat and unpredictability of Oliver's power had unsettled him deeply, making him question the Prince's intentions.
K.J. kept his distance from Oliver's door, unwilling to risk another confrontation fueled by the Prince's fiery magic. His unease was interrupted by a servant approaching him. "K.J.?" she said quietly. "The King requests to see you."
K.J. nodded, his heart quickening. The thought of facing King Stark alone filled him with apprehension. One misstep, he knew, could mean the end.
In the grand hall, King Stark sat on his throne, the usual severe expression softened. He seemed calm, and his gaze lacked the harshness K.J. had seen before. K.J. approached respectfully, stopping a few yards away.
"K.J.," King Stark greeted, his voice unexpectedly warm. "First, I want to apologize for my outburst the other day. My son... well, he managed to knock some sense back into me." The King paused, noting K.J.'s downcast gaze and rigid posture. "Did Oliver take his frustrations out on you?"
K.J. remained silent, his eyes trained on the floor out of respect and a lingering fear.
The King sighed. His demeanor was different—gentler, as if a weight had lifted. "I wouldn't blame you if you decided to leave," he admitted. "Your skills speak for themselves; you're a remarkable archer and adept in battle. Commander Ryan speaks highly of you, and I trust his judgment implicitly."
Surprised, K.J. met the King's gaze, a glimmer of respect sparking in his eyes.
"Yes, I watched you during the skirmish with Piercy," the King continued, offering a small smile. "Your skill, your composure—it's rare to see such precision. I can see why Oliver wanted you as his courier." The King's calm smile eased the tension between them. "I apologize for how you were treated."
K.J. waved a hand from side to side, signaling that he bore no grudges.
The King observed K.J. thoughtfully, tilting his head. "Trust does not come easily to you, does it?" he asked gently.
K.J. nodded, the gesture small but sincere.
"I understand," the King replied, his voice filled with a quiet empathy. Rising from his throne, he motioned for K.J. to follow. "Come. I'd like to show you the Sorcerer's Tower. Perhaps, while Oliver deals with... personal matters, you might find the experience useful."
They left the throne room, walking through a long hallway lined with arched windows. The sky was a muted gray, the clouds swirling ominously as a brisk breeze swept through the open windows, carrying a chill that made K.J. shiver slightly. They exited the hall, stepping onto a wide stone bridge that led to a towering structure in the distance—the Sorcerer's Tower. Sigils of ancient magic glowed faintly on the windows and walls, marking it as a place of powerful enchantments. Above them, a massive crystal hovered at the tower's peak, pulsating with a vibrant red glow.
Noticing K.J.'s gaze, the King nodded. "You see it? That's the Amber Crystal—our kingdom's magical core. It amplifies the magic within Astria, lending strength to those who channel it."
As they walked across the bridge, a strong gust of wind whipped at K.J.'s cloak, carrying the scent of earth and distant rain. Despite the brooding sky, K.J. felt at ease in the cool air, glancing back at the castle's walls that stretched below.
Midway across the bridge, the King placed a steadying hand on K.J.'s shoulder, halting their pace. "If you choose to serve my son, know that his power is potent, deeply tied to his emotions. In times of anger, he can barely contain it, and the consequences could be devastating—not just for him, but for all of Astria." The King's eyes held a gravity K.J. hadn't seen before. "He has a generous heart, yet his anger runs deep. I urge you to understand him. He'll need people he can trust to keep him grounded."
K.J. nodded, feeling a sense of duty strengthen within him.
"Good," the King continued. "And, as you're now a courier of the royal family, there's more you should know. We're on edge here in Astria because of a growing threat from the south. Cryostria has begun to expand their icy lands into our borders. One of our southern towns is already buried under frost."
K.J. listened intently, noting the King's serious tone.
"Oliver has seen much pain," the King went on. "He's lost many friends, and Ryan is his only close companion left. His mother's death affected him deeply, and he's endured assassination attempts and betrayal. His heart is guarded, but beneath that, he feels everything. I ask that you try to see past his armor."
As they approached the tower's entrance, K.J. could sense a quiet respect for the King settling within him. The doors opened to reveal a large circular room filled with shelves of potions and scattered crystals. Counters surrounded the walls, and a staircase spiraled up to higher floors. Amidst the various smells and strange lights, K.J. noticed an elderly man muttering to himself, mixing liquids in a large glass vial. A thick purple mist rose from the vial, followed by a small explosion that caused him to jump.
"Ah, blast it all!" the man grumbled, his voice laced with frustration.
The King chuckled. "Mankoo?" he called out.
The old man turned around, his wrinkled face lighting up with a wide grin as he spotted the King. "Your Majesty!" he exclaimed, bowing clumsily. "Sorry about the mess—I'm working on an elixir for Vermillion Fever. Tricky stuff!" His gaze shifted to K.J., eyebrows raising in curiosity. "And who's this?"
"This is K.J., my son's new courier," the King replied. "I thought he might enjoy a look around, maybe even help out from time to time."
Mankoo studied K.J. with delight. "A fine spirit, this one! I can sense a strange energy about you." He looked intrigued, his eyes twinkling as he examined K.J. more closely.
Curious, K.J. wandered over to the center table, where four crystals, each a different color, lay in a small arrangement.
"Ah, you've found the Affinity Crystals," Mankoo explained, moving to stand beside him. "Each of these represents an elemental affinity: fire, water, earth, and air. It's a way to see which element one is naturally connected to, even if they don't wield magic."
The King joined them. "Would you like to try, K.J.?"
After a moment's hesitation, K.J. nodded, intrigued. Mankoo picked up the red crystal and placed it in K.J.'s hand, but it remained dull. He tried the blue, brown, and teal crystals in succession, but none responded to K.J.'s touch.
"Curious..." Mankoo mused, scratching his head. The King took the red crystal and held it, and it immediately blazed with fiery light, illuminating the room in a warm glow.
Mankoo's face softened. "It's rare, but not impossible. Affinity isn't everything," he reassured K.J., though he studied him with lingering curiosity.
Just then, a servant hurried into the room, her face tense. "Your Majesty, you're needed in the war room."
The King sighed, the weight of duty returning to his expression. "I'm afraid I must go, K.J.," he said. "You're welcome to explore, or return to your quarters and rest. And don't worry about Oliver; he'll be alright."
As he departed, Mankoo's eyes caught a glimpse of something on K.J.'s lower abdomen—a faint mark visible beneath the edge of his tunic. "Hold on, lad," Mankoo said, pulling the fabric up slightly to get a better look. The intricate sigil puzzled him, and he traced its design with his fingers. "Now, this is a mystery. Do you know what this means?"
K.J. shook his head.
"Were you born with it?"
K.J. nodded.
Mankoo's excitement grew. "Very curious indeed." He examined the mark closely, as if trying to recall its meaning from memory, but came up blank. K.J. pulled his tunic down, feeling slightly self-conscious but grateful for Mankoo's kindness.
An hour passed as K.J. watched Mankoo work, fascinated by his attempts to create various tonics. Potions exploded, turned strange colors, or emitted smoke, each mishap met with a muttered exclamation. Mankoo kept up a steady stream of stories about his past and his magical studies, his words a comforting hum in the dim light.
Finally, K.J. took his leave, stepping out into the cool evening air. He strolled back toward the tower, taking in the stormy skies and brisk wind, the scents of earth and rain lingering in the air. Arriving at his room, he found a new tunic, finely crafted leather pants, and boots awaiting him, tailored in a style similar to Oliver's attire.
K.J.'s new attire is a well-crafted blend of practicality and elegance, tailored to reflect both his role as a royal courier and the subtle marks of the Stark family's influence. Each piece is designed for mobility and durability, with intricate details that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal.
The tunic is crafted from a lightweight yet durable dark fabric that fits comfortably over his frame, allowing for easy movement. The fabric, while simple in its texture, has a faint sheen, hinting at the high-quality weaving that went into its creation. Around the collar and cuffs, delicate embroidery in red and silver forms subtle flame-like patterns, an homage to the Stark family's phoenix crest. The collar itself is structured to offer a refined look, with a modest cut that sits close to his neck, protecting him against the wind.
Over the tunic, he wears a vest made from supple black leather, tailored to fit snugly, enhancing both his silhouette and his agility. The vest is reinforced at the shoulders and along the chest with thin, padded strips, providing a measure of protection without restricting his movement. The edges of the vest are trimmed with thin red stitching, forming a continuous line around the piece. Small silver buttons, each etched with the image of a rising phoenix, secure the vest. The back of the vest bears an embossed design of flames that taper upwards, symbolizing resilience and strength, qualities highly valued by the Stark family.
The leather pants are a dark, almost black hue, cut to fit closely but with enough flexibility to allow K.J. the freedom needed for running, climbing, or riding. Reinforcements at the knees and along the outer thighs offer additional protection, with seams lined in red stitching that matches the vest. These subtle details add a touch of color without overpowering the overall aesthetic. The pants taper toward the ankle, allowing them to tuck neatly into the high boots.
The boots are crafted from sturdy black leather, extending just below the knee. Designed for durability and comfort, they have reinforced soles with a slight heel to improve traction on rugged terrain. The tops are accented with red leather straps, each fastened with small silver buckles etched with the Stark crest. The interior of the boots is lined with soft padding, ensuring K.J. can wear them comfortably for extended periods. Around each ankle, a faint silver symbol—a protective rune woven into the leather—adds a touch of magical fortification, another thoughtful detail to aid him on his journey.
For cooler weather or protection, he has a cloak made from a thick, midnight-blue wool that drapes over his shoulders, reaching down to mid-thigh. The fabric is soft yet dense, with a smooth lining that prevents it from snagging or slowing him down. The cloak is fastened at the shoulder with a silver clasp shaped like a phoenix in flight, wings spread as if preparing to protect the wearer. Subtle embroidery lines the edge of the cloak in the same silver and red as the rest of his attire, forming swirling patterns reminiscent of wind currents, symbolizing his role as a swift courier.
The belt is a wide strip of dark leather, functional yet refined, with small loops for holding various tools or supplies. The buckle is crafted from polished silver and shaped like the head of a phoenix, with a tiny ruby set in its eye, catching the light as he moves.
K.J.'s shirt beneath the tunic is a lighter, breathable fabric that allows him to stay cool even under layers. It has simple, clean lines and a slight taper at the sleeves, allowing it to fit snugly beneath his outer clothing without causing discomfort. Small slits at the sides of the shirt allow him freedom of movement, a detail that demonstrates the thoughtful tailoring intended to match his active lifestyle.
Overall, the attire strikes a balance between the royal and the practical, with each piece chosen to be as functional as it is symbolic. The colors—deep blacks, reds, and subtle hints of silver—convey a sense of strength and mystery, befitting his role as both a servant and protector to the Prince. Every stitch, every piece of embroidery, speaks to the care taken in crafting a wardrobe that not only empowers K.J. but also acknowledges his status within the royal household, setting him apart while honoring his humble origins.
K.J.'s new attire includes a clever addition: a reinforced shoulder harness integrated into the back of his vest, designed specifically to hold his quiver securely in place. This harness, crafted from durable black leather, is stitched into the fabric at the shoulder blades, blending seamlessly with the rest of his attire so that it doesn't disrupt the overall design.
The harness features two slim, diagonal leather straps that run across his back, attaching to the vest near his shoulder and at the lower back. These straps are not only functional but also subtly decorated with fine red stitching, matching the other accents in his outfit. A hidden clasp system is built into the vest's inner lining, allowing him to hook and unhook the quiver with ease, whether he's standing, riding, or running. The clasp itself is made from sturdy silver alloy, etched with the Stark family's phoenix crest, lending a touch of elegance to this functional component.
For added stability, a small, adjustable loop at the bottom of the harness secures the base of the quiver to his lower back, ensuring it won't shift or sway as he moves. This loop is padded to prevent discomfort during extended wear, so K.J. can wear his quiver without feeling weighed down or restricted.
The design allows him to reach over his shoulder to draw an arrow swiftly, while the quiver rests at a comfortable angle for balance and accessibility. Altogether, the harness enhances both his mobility and the overall look of his attire, making it as practical as it is visually striking, fitting his role as a royal courier ready for anything the journey might bring.
The short bow itself is a masterpiece, carved from the rare Redfire Wood, known for its intense durability and rich crimson hue. The wood has a natural, deep red undertone, streaked with faint, glowing veins of gold—the result of the lava-like sap that once flowed through the living tree from which it was crafted. The bow's surface feels warm to the touch, almost as though it retains an ember of the tree's fiery essence. Every curve of the bow is meticulously smoothed, with carved motifs of flames that rise from the grip and taper out along each limb, giving it the appearance of a blaze in motion.
The grip is wrapped in supple black leather, dyed to match the deep shadows of night. Around the grip, thin silver inlays form the Stark family's phoenix crest, a symbol of rebirth and resilience, and a reminder of the power K.J. now wields. Tiny flecks of embedded silver dust sparkle faintly in the light, subtly catching K.J.'s eye as he examines the piece.
On each bow limb, a line of ancient runes is inscribed, their meaning almost lost to time. However, those with knowledge of ancient lore might recognize the words as a blessing for precision, strength, and control, binding the bearer to the spirit of the wood and imbuing each shot with accuracy and power. Where the limbs narrow toward the tips, the wood transitions into small, flame-carved tips that gleam with a polished finish, making the bow both functional and strikingly beautiful.
The quiver is crafted with as much care as the bow. It is made of fine leather, dyed a deep black, with crimson accents that echo the Redfire Wood's hues. Along the quiver's body, delicate silver stitching outlines a stylized phoenix that mirrors the crest on the bow, its wings spread wide in a protective stance. In the background of the phoenix, faint etchings of flames are visible, each one painstakingly detailed to look like it's flickering in a breeze. The top edge of the quiver is reinforced with silver plating, engraved with intricate patterns of intertwining branches and flames, symbolizing the union of nature and fire—a nod to the tree from which the bow was born.
The shoulder strap of the quiver is wide and padded, ensuring comfort over long journeys, and embroidered with threads of silver and red that catch the light as K.J. moves. Along the edge of the strap, an ancient phrase is etched in Stark script: "For the Strength of Ash and Flame." It serves as a reminder of the resilience required to wield such a powerful tool.
The arrows are equally unique, each one crafted with meticulous detail. The shafts are made of dark wood, their surfaces smooth and polished, with a faint lacquer to protect them from the elements. Around the base of each arrow shaft, just above the fletching, tiny silver rings are embedded, each etched with protective runes meant to ensure the arrow's trajectory remains true.
The fletching are a striking black, with accents of deep red on the tips, giving them a flame-like appearance as they sail through the air. The feathers are expertly arranged in a spiral pattern, ensuring stable, controlled flight. Each arrowhead is forged from a metal known as "Embersteel," a rare alloy that gleams in hues of deep silver and red. The arrowheads have a slightly serrated edge, enhancing their ability to pierce through tough armor or barriers.
Together, the bow, quiver, and arrows form a set crafted with a deep understanding of both art and warfare, designed to convey respect for K.J.'s skill and symbolizing the strength and endurance that now define his path alongside Oliver.
The entire set is a masterpiece of craftsmanship—a gift from the Prince to his trusted courier. It serves not only as protection but as a symbol of the deep trust and respect Oliver has placed in K.J. Even days later, this gesture resonates with K.J., a silent invitation that he is no longer just a servant but welcomed as part of the Stark family.
