Are you two insane?
Gideon almost didnt register the sharp, irritated voice he heard as he began to wake up. There was a dull throbbing in his head that was slowly fading as he lifted his head. He felt sothing around his mouth and he tried to open his eyes.
I told you he was coming. Piers was still there and Gideon closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax. At least he was safe with his brother there.
Im not talking about you bringing him, a womans voice admonished. Why did you tie him up?
He was struggling, Piers replied in his usual disinterested voice.
Gideon opened his eyes and could see the pale, off-white cloth above him pitched up with wood. It was almost glowing; it seed to be dayti. He squinted and tried to rember what happened after he had been abducted from the palace.
His brother had told him they were going to the delta. Gideon had a piece of cloth around his mouth and couldnt talk, so he was only able to nod or shake his head. It hadnt been removed. He didnt recall falling asleep, but since they left in the afternoon and it took several hours to get to the delta by carriage, hed likely slept through the night.
Now he was in a tent, in what appeared to be a room divided from the rest of the tent with a canvas wall. The voices were coming just behind it.
Hes not struggling now! The woman sounded exasperated.
Axton. Untie him.
A mont later, a side of the canvas wall was lifted up and tied to the side to keep it open. Axton walked in and took a knife from his boot.
Good morning, Your Highness. Axton greeted him calmly, as if he hadnt been the one to put a sack over Gideons head.
Gideon frowned as he felt himself being pulled into a seated position and he looked around. Axton was kneeling beside him, cutting the ropes with a knife before wiggling the pieces off Gideons wrists. As soon as he was loose, he lifted his hands and rubbed his wrists. He looked down. They were red and hurt.
Soone go get Dr. Cooper-Fontaine! the womans voice said as he heard footsteps. I cant believe you tied him up. Do you know what ropes can do to your skin? What if he got blisters?
Sorry.
Dont apologize to ! The woman sighed.
Gideon stood up from his seat quickly and swayed a bit. He frowned and held out his arms to steady himself. He took a deep breath and then began to walk towards the open flap in the wall. Axton didnt try to stop him. Instead, he collected the broken pieces of rope.
Piers? Gideon lifted his hand and ducked beneath the flap to get into the next room. He stopped two steps in as he saw the woman who was with his brother.
Lady Guevera was in pants and a light blue, button-up shirt. Her dagger was strapped to her thigh and her hair was braided over one shoulder. Her arms were crossed and she was frowning. Gideons eyes moved to his brother. Piers was standing across from her, appearing calm.
Since youre here, youll be following your brother for the day, Lady Guevera said. Gideon turned his attention back to her and narrowed his eyes. He will take you around the encampnt. A boat is waiting to take you to the test island and Isle du Roi.
I want him to attend the eting first, Piers said. Lady Guevera took a deep breath and Gideon waited for her to reject his brother.
Fine. She turned around and marched towards the entrance of the tent. Make sure he is inford of the consequences if he shares what he hears outside this camp.
Gideon drew his head back and frowned. What did she an by that? He looked towards his brother and Piers t his eyes before darting away.
There is a weekly eting this morning for the villagers and project leads. It is to keep everyone updated on the construction status and various things happening in the encampnt, Piers said. Breakfast will be brought in soon. Eat and then we will attend.
Gideon continued to rub his wrists and nodded. Is it still early?
A bit, Piers said as he walked to a wooden table that had two stools around it. Workers are required to take two days off per week, but construction happens every day, with workers alternating to keep it continuous. Theyve already started.
You dont hear the thumping? Axton asked as he walked out from the other side of the tent.
Gideon narrowed his eyes and tilted his head up. Now that he thought about it, there had been a dull thumping sound coming from sowhere, but hed been too disoriented to pay attention. What is that?
The pile drivers, Axton said. He tossed the unusable rope into a wooden crate near the door. Theyre pounding wooden piles into the shoreline.
Oh....
Your Highness? A familiar voice asked. Lady Guevera called for ?
Co in, Dr. Cooper-Fontaine, Piers said. The entry flap rose and Gideon sat up straight as he saw their familys chief physician.
Doctor, what are you doing here?
The old man seed to smile with amusent. I am currently overseeing the onsite dical facilities here on weekends.
Dr. Cooper-Fontaine likes to fish, Piers said. The doctor let out a laugh and took a seat at the table. He put his bag on the floor beside him and motioned for Gideon to sit. Show him your wrists.
Gideon took a seat and held out his arms. The doctor let out a slight hiss and shook his head. He looked towards Piers and Axton and gave them a disapproving look. You two should know better.
Its not their fault, Gideon said, leaning forward. I was the one who was struggling.
The doctor chuckled. Still so protective of your brother, I see. Gideon felt his cheeks redden as Dr. Cooper-Fontaine took out a tal tin and unscrewed it. He rubbed so ointnt on Gideons wrists before closing the tin. Dont get it wet. Let the ointnt be absorbed and any swelling should be down by lunch. The redness will be gone by tonight.
Thank you, Dr. Cooper-Fontaine, Piers gave him a curt nod before the old man gathered his things and told them that if they needed him, hed be fishing by Turtle Run Cove.
Shortly after he left, two knights appeared with trays of food. Axton was relegated to eating from his plate as he stood while Piers sat across from Gideon to eat.
Has this been tested? Gideon asked. Piers nodded.
Two food testers are assigned here, though they only work when Piers is present or if Training Commander Reystrom is not here to prepare Toris food, Axton said.
Gideon looked up from his eggs with confusion. A training commander cooks her food?
Training Commander Reystrom is Toris nanny, Piers said, in a calm voice. You will hear them call her Nanny Rey. She is also teaching Lady Agafonova, Mr. Martin, and Ewan the dagger.
Gideon didnt pay much attention to Lady Guevera and her little friends personal lives. He hardly saw them and he planned to keep it that way.
After breakfast, he followed Piers and Axton, as well as being flanked by six knights, to a large tent in their quadrant. The tent was several large ones put together and there were rows of tables and chairs with an aisle down the middle.
This is one of the communal dining halls, Axton said. The village was initially camped close to the water, but its too wet and there are rising tides, so they were moved further inland. The current encampnt is styled after a traditional military camp that is on the march. There are multiple communal spaces to eat, bathe, and use the toilets. Family groups are clustered together.
One quadrant is separated from the village and is slightly closer to the water; that is where workers and staff live with their own communal spaces, Piers said.
I see... Gideon nodded and followed them down the aisle. At the table closest to where there was a small stage and a podium, as well as a large map of the islands hanging from the rafters behind it, were Lady Guevera and her friends.
As they waited for the eting to begin, they were looking over a map with intense looks.
So, its not the sa map as the one you were using when you led your cousins? Mr. Connor was asking as he looked at the map between them.
Its not. This is a new adventure, Lady Guevera said. I do a lot of battle for the others. They are a marquis family, after all. Yours has more treasure hunting.
A murmur of approval went through the group.
Behind Gideon, Axton stepped forward and let out a little cough. Ewan, he said. Are you ready?
Mr. Connor looked up and imdiately rose to his feet. He bowed his head towards Axton. Yes, Master. Im ready. He had a wooden sword and a helt under one arm.
All right. Co on. Two rounds around the camp, then drills, and another round before footwork. Axton clapped his hands. Before lunch. Lets go.
He took Mr. Connors helt and sword before the younger man rushed out of the tent. Axton looked back at the table. He seed to eye the map and drew his lips inward. He looked towards Lady Guevera.
Tori....
She turned her head away with a frown. Axton let out a heavy breath and walked out. Gideons brows rose. Was Lady Guevera upset with Axton?
All right, everyone! Please take your seats! A gray-haired man took the podium and Gideon sat across the aisle from Lady Guevera and her friends. He looked to his left. Piers was seated next to him with their knights. His brother put so wax in one of his ears to lessen the noise.
Pay attention, Piers said in a firm voice. Gideon nodded and turned his eyes to the podium. He didnt know what to expect.
But he didnt expect a strict schedule covering various aspects of construction, the camp, and plans for their Spring Festival event. Several n and won spoke, covering the status of their various teams and focuses, while Lady Guevera stood up towards the end to inform the villagers and project leads on things they were working on, giving praises, and complinting everyones hard work, before asking if there were any questions.
There were a few, but afterwards, the eting was adjourned. The entire eting moved quickly and had a large amount of information shared.
Lady Guevera walked out followed by a group of people Gideon recognized as those who presented earlier. Miss Agafonova left with a group of villagers, discussing sothing about commissions. Mr. Skuldsen was speaking about test dishes and Mr. Zisos had walked out with a priest and a few younger n and won.
Gideon saw his brother stand from the corner of his eye and rose with him. Now what?
Were going to go to the test island, Piers said. Gideon nodded.
They walked down the wooden walkway towards one of three docks and got into a boat with two of the knights while the other four followed in a second boat.
Good day, Your Highnesses, a middle-aged man greeted them warmly. My lady has instructed us to take you to the test island and then to Isle du Roi on the way back.
Thank you, Mr. Vargova, Piers said. Proceed.
They sailed for most of the way, but when they got closer to an island, they switched to oars. A middle-aged woman was waiting for them at the test island. Her rosy cheeks were flushed as she smiled and greeted them.
Gideon followed her around the island, which was considered a model of what they were to expect for most living quarters. The solid ground that was paved with stone, the neat buildings with the shared courtyards and private docks to put their boats. There were shared wells, open areas by the docks to prepare fish and other harvests from the water. There were even wooden benches that faced out and lamp posts with crystals along the walkways so that residents could take walks and rest in the evenings.
There were potted plants that he was told were for warding off mosquitos. What stunned him was that this island was small, but completed in a few months and overseen by Universit professors and professionals in respective fields.
Several professors and students from Universit treat the delta as their test and research site. Theyre able to work on actual projects to gain experience. You will find that so of the anities that are standard here outclass basic anities in Horizon, Piers said.
The woman showed them her modest house. It was small, but it was clean and organized. What impressed him the most was the cooking area. There was no fire. No wood. Just two carnelian plates mounted on stone.
These are cooking plates Tori and Instructor Ignatius developed, Piers told him. They are standard not only in these houses, but are used in the communal kitchens. With these, villagers dont have to go collect wood and can use their ti elsewhere.
The woman also showed him the cooling and heating devices, also developed by Lady Guevera and Instructor Ignatius. As they left the island, Gideon shifted awkwardly on the boat. The test island was already more than he expected.
Is this where all her money has been going? he asked as he looked across at his brother.
There is more. She is also paying to send educated individuals to the big cities to learn dicine, law, and bookkeeping, amongst other things, Piers said. She has arranged with other nobles to create a sponsorship program that will require individuals to work under a noble for two years after their studies are complete for experience. Then, they can return here to help their village.
Gideon swallowed hard.
At the largest island, Lady Guevera was waiting for them. Lunch had been brought with her and they sat in the outline of the incomplete main plaza, under a tent that was set up. Lady Guevera pointed out where governnt buildings, schools, and the Belcoy Church would be set up as they ate lunch with Mr. Zisos and Brother Cassius.
After lunch, Gideon was brought around by one of the project leads; a professor at Universit who was very enthusiastic. Everywhere Gideon looked, there was construction. Villagers assisted where they could and all workers had break periods to eat and relieve themselves. There was a small kitchen set up to feed the workers on the island.
None of this could be cheap. Gideon approached the tent after circling the area with the professor and saw his brother and Lady Guevera standing and talking. As he approached, he could hear them.
...said maize may be suitable for portions inland. Were also looking at durum wheat and rapeseed.
What is rapeseed? his brother asked.
Its a plant that has seeds that can be harvested and pressed for cooking oil. Olive trees wont grow in such a wet environnt.
I see. Will the resources from Zhu be able to show you how? his brother asked. Lady Guevera didnt seem fazed.
I hope so, but if they are unable to, as weve only asked for assistance in planting and growing crops, I believe I can figure it out. We do already have the technology to cold press olive oil. My main concern would be how to harvest the seeds from the plant to press. However, this would be a new industry that can support so of the villagers, Lady Guevera said. That is my main goal.
You are already doing much.
Gideon watched the small smile on his brothers face as Piers looked at Lady Guevera. Gideon lowered his eyes. His brother sounded so proud of Lady Guevera and he didnt want to admit it, but he understood why.
Hed never spent that much ti around her and watching her speak in front of the villagers and staff in a manner that was more fitting to address the Chamber was surprising and unsettling.
Lady Guevera not only provided the bulk of the money, but she also assisted in many aspects with planning, sourcing, buying, as well as overseeing the housing and industry for the villagers. Her words were almost law in the delta and hed never seen so many adults treat a teenager as if she were a seasoned leader before.
He always thought there was a gap between them and today only made that gap more evident. Except, it was she who was outperforming him.
He hadnt even finalized his plans for the hospital and she was in the midst of building a city.
Gideon. Piers called out to him and he lifted his head. Piers looked at him and then turned and began to walk towards the dock. Lets go. We will tour the encampnt.
He nodded and followed after his brother. He looked over his shoulder. Will Lady Tori not be joining us?
She will be going to Anahata island.
What is Anahata island? Gideon asked.
Where she works. His brother did not seem intent on telling him anymore and they sat in silence as they were taken back to shore.
Gideon could already see the outline of a shoreline pronade taking form as two pile drivers slamd wooden logs into shore. In the center of the strip, large blocks of stone were being moved and put into place. He could only imagine that the shore would look similar to the walkway around the test island when it was done, though judging from the space, it would be much more elaborate.
He followed Piers around the encampnt with their knights. People stopped to greet them and Piers acknowledged them with a nod of his head. A few tis, they caught sight of one of his schoolmates, each engrossed in their project or, in Mr. Connors case, training under Axton.
Why did Sir Nassaun decide to train Mr. Connor? Gideon couldnt help the bitterness in his voice. Axton was one of their knights; shouldnt he have offered to train Fabian? Who else would be a better instructor?
I recomnded him, Piers said. Ewan has the qualities we look for in imperial knights. Humble, loyal, willing to learn and do what he feels is right. Master and Axton feel that way, as well.
Gideon frowned and tore his eyes away from where Mr. Connor was being corrected by Axton. Fabian needed instructors, too.
Does he believe he will not be accepted into La Garda? his brother asked.
He wants to be accepted with his own rit and to be a fitting knight for , Gideon said. Instructors for students of his caliber are limited. It took so ti to find one.
You found him one?
One of Lady Harts associates was able to find one. I am willing to pay for Fabians sake, Gideon said.
His brothers face was unreadable. Piers looked towards the supply yard in the distance and Gideon followed his gaze. Is Sir von Dorns instructor suitable?
Gideon couldn't help but be a bit surprised at his brothers sudden interest, but he nodded. Yes. Fabian says hes learning much in terms of technique and strategy. He paused and thought for a mont. Is Sir Nassaun teaching Mr. Connor strategy, as well?
I dont know, Piers said. I am not Ewans master.
Did...did your master teach you? Gideon asked, carefully. He couldnt rember much of when his brother was learning swordsmanship. All he knew was that his brother was very skilled.
Master had soone else assist . Soone who knew more than him, Piers said.
Gideon looked surprised. Who was it?
Romulo de Bettencourt, Piers said. Gideon opened his mouth to ask who that was, only to have his brother cut him off. You may ask Sir von Dorn if he has heard of him.
Gideon nodded.
As it was winter, the sun set sooner and he found himself back in his brothers tent, eating dinner. He would stay in the back room while Piers took a cot in the front room.
Piers. Axton ca in. The village project leads have invited Tori and the others to the dining hall tent to make an announcent.
Gideon looked at his brother and Piers furrowed his brows. Without a word, Piers lowered his utensil onto his half-eaten food and stood. He put his napkin on the table and walked out with Axton. Gideon rushed to follow them.
They went back to the large dining hall where they had the eting and it was bustling. He took in a sharp breath and looked towards his brother. Piers seed to tense. He drew his head back and hesitated to step forward.
Your Highness! They heard a voice and looked to the side. Mr. Skuldsen waved at them. There is a place for you here! He motioned to a table set aside in the corner of the tent, where Lady Guevera and her friends were seated.
Axton helped Piers go along the back of the tent and then down the side to get to the table. Gideon followed, but didnt join them. He stood a few steps away, by the tent wall.
Thank you everyone for coming! A man stood at the podium and drew everyones attention. As this weekend will be Lady Gueveras last weekend here before she leaves for the winter, we have called her here tonight to announce the na of the village.
Gideon turned towards the table and saw Lady Guevera sit up straight, with a look of surprise and confusion on her face.
I am aware that the na was to be voted upon when you return, once the top five were selected, the man said, appearing to give Lady Guevera an apologetic look. However, the village representatives have decided to select the na that you have suggested, my lady.
Lady Guevera seed to take in a sharp breath and her eyes glistened over. She drew her lips in and gave the man a look of disbelief.
Are you certain? she asked. This is your village, Mr. Sima.
The man nodded and smiled. And you are our villages patron, my lady. We have voted to na our village, which encompasses the shoreline and the islands of the delta - Viclya; after you and Lady Agafonova.
A sharp gasp ca from Miss Agafonova. She turned her head sharply to Lady Guevera and had tears in her eyes. You nad it after ? Lady Guevera looked at her with tears rimming her own eyes, moved by the villagers and likely her friend, and she nodded.
Vic is for the islands and Lya is for the shore. Lady Guevera reached up as she put her hands on either side of Miss Agafonovas face. The two pressed their foreheads together. Theyre best friends.
Miss Agafonova let out a half-cry of laughter. Best Friends!
Many of the villagers clapped, and Lady Guevera and Miss Agafonova thanked them.
Gideon squinted at the two young won, then turned to his brother. Piers had a slight smile on his face.
Once more, Mr. Skuldsen said as he let out a heavy sigh. Were here, too.
Lady Guevera laughed and pulled away from Miss Agafonova, though they looped arms. On our first day of school, Ilyana defied the class. She ca to sit with in the back, knowing what position that would put her in, Lady Guevera told them. She had to put up with rumors and whispers, glares and warnings. She stuck by no matter what others said. No matter what I said. She had such determination and loyalty; I wanted to na the village to reflect that.
Lady Agafonova was crying and wiping at her eyes. Mr. Zisos chuckled and handed her a handkerchief. The two roommates then stood up and went to thank Mr. Sima and various other villagers.
Viclya is a nice na, Mr. Connor said with a nod. It sounds happy and lovely.
Mr. Skuldsen had a smile despite his earlier protest. No one sticks to Tori like Ilyana. He paused and several eyes turned towards Piers and almost looked at him with pity.
Piers raised a brow. The corners of his lips tugged up. Why do you look like that? I helped her with the na.
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