Chapter 17

  Hektor procrastinated for two days. During which he mostly stayed in his room practicing up on his magic. In the evenings, however, he went for long strolls and braved crowds, blending in to pick up on the rumor mill.

  What he discovered surprised him. It was astonishing that within a couple of days, almost everyone had heard some version of the tale that Hektor was going to be made a count and about to be engaged to Gwen Croft.

  Tall tales abound in the markets and thoroughfares. Amongst the many, the most outlandish story went that Hektor had trained as a spy and was finally set loose on his first mission to garner influence and wealth for the nation.

  A more reasonable interpretation went on to state that the Crofts wanted to wed their daughter to his half-brothers, but the Duchess wouldn’t give her blessing.

  The most common belief, one that Hektor wasn’t too keen on, was that the Duchess was paving the way for Hektor to become heir to the Duchy. And that Hektor was ‘only’ made a count of the small county of Roheim as the Duke had thwarted the Duchess because he wanted his own sons to succeed.

  The news was everywhere and every crier couldn’t resist adding their own flavor to the gossip.

  Hektor was flabbergasted when he eavesdropped a few shopkeepers discussing about updating their inventory to include more gifts and jewelry to take advantage of the romantic crowd during the time of the engagement. Most shocking where the first attempts at composing a song in his name by mumbling bards in many a tea house and café.

  It was all everyone was talking about even before the papers had it as their front-page news.

  It was surreal. Hektor had become an overnight celebrity!

  All of it was writing on the wall for Hektor that he had to obey his mother and relocate to the castle. He just couldn’t risk being recognized and swarmed by the locals. Cruel irony that the castle would emerge as a refuge for him.

  Four days after his previous visit, Hektor returned to his mother.

  So much had changed since then. His anonymity had all but vanished. Everyone, form the guards to the staff and servants stopped to look at him twice over. Some were rude enough to start whispering even before his back was turned.

  Strangely, Hektor found it all easier to bear. Maybe it was because he was anticipating the challenges ahead and that people whispering about him was nowhere close to the daunting task of governing his county and leading the people of Roheim.

  Even entering the castle proper was less foreboding. He did encounter the inevitable bout of claustrophobia and anxiety, but nowhere as severely. Hektor was immensely surprised and grateful at the small mercy afforded to him.

  He was granted an immediate audience with the Duchess and Hektor met up with her in one of her private chambers, alone.

  As always, Sabina came over and hugged her son, knighting him with a kiss. And after Hektor had assured her of his wellbeing, she didn’t dally and got down to business.

  “So, are you ready, son?” Sabina asked.

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  Hektor steeled his nerve. “Not so, mama,” he spoke affectionately since they were alone. “But I am ready to start.”

  Sabina hugged her son once more. “I am so proud of you.”

  Hektor fidgeted and Sabina only let go after having her fill.

  “There are plenty of rooms for you to choose from. Even your old rooms are kept vacant,” Sabina informed, “but we also have also prepared the cottage near the east gardens for you should you wish.”

  Hektor tried to be brave, but gave in. “I prefer the cottage. For now, at least,” he compromised.

  “It’s perfectly fine, son. Small steps. We will get you where you need to be,” Sabina reassured. “Everything has been accounted for. We have the time and we will strive to make the most of it. It will be hectic, but you will not be overwhelmed.

  “For a start, you will present yourself at the barracks to Captain Ferdinand who will start you off with conditioning. You will be under his care till from six to eight in the mornings.”

  Hektor’s confused expression prompted Sabina to explain, “You are well into the age to start training your physique. Captain Ferdinand is tasked with improving your endurance and strength.”

  With his mother’s justification, Hektor agreed more eagerly. He had feared thought that he was going to be taught combat, but fitness exercises were more up his alley.

  “Your lessons have already been assigned and will begin at their earliest at nine tomorrow morning. Your studies will focus on statecraft, finance and legislation. You will attend your tutors at the second floor of the library. Is that acceptable?”

  “Yes, mama.”

  “And depending on the day, you will also join me in court. I will try to teach as much as I could and guide you through examples.

  “Just as well, you will be making your debut soon and we need you to meet certain people and make you comfortable with socializing. As I said, small steps,” Sabina pacified. “We will take everything at your pace. Remember, you are not expected to be adept at being a count or become a social butterfly overnight. You will have all the time to find your way and learn from doing.

  “And I will be by your side through it all.”

  After Sabina relayed more of her instructions, she decided to lead Hektor to his new accommodations.

  Walking alongside his mother was always a novel experience. When Sabina moved, everyone paid attention. They paved the way for her passing, acknowledging her with silent bows and salutes.

  Sabina possessed an aura that demanded obedience and respect.

  Alongside his mother, Hektor felt that he was surrounded in an orb that no one could invade. Obstacles seemed to jump out of her path.

  As impressive as it was, Hektor thought that it could be quite lonely being in such an orb. He shyly reached out and held her hand.

  Sabina jerked at the touch, but at finding her son holding her hand, she smiled so radiantly that everyone who saw their Duchess were spell struck by her rare beauty.

  “Why, son?” she asked curiously as Hektor was not prone to show affection in public.

  Hektor blushed and shrugged. “Just,” he mumbled shyly.

  Sabina’s tinkling laughter struck another arrow to her already enchanted audience. She looked more akin to young maiden than the venerable Duchess just then. The crowd were smitten.

  Holding hands, they reached the east gardens and came upon the cottage nestled in a corner.

  At the site, Hektor was overcome with memories of playing nearby the cottage when he was a kid. It had been more of a gardening shed in the past, used to store supplies and equipment.

  The place had been a fond one of Hektor’s childhood. He had made his first friends and playmates here, mostly children of the staff at the castle. The east garden had sort of ended up as a nursery where Hektor had learned how to play games of hide and seek, knights and bandits, tag and king of the mountain.

  He remembered mostly being singled out as the seeker, bandit or it. But he never minded. He liked to let others have their fun and join in their merriment. Hektor was more than happy to play the foil with the kids that readily accepted him.

  He recalled their names and faces, and wondered where they could be a decade apart.

  Sabina handed Hektor the key and nudged him forward. Hektor unlocked the door and found himself in a sensibly rustic little home. It was sensibly set and held a homely charm to its arrangements. Hektor took a small tour of the open hall that held a small kitchen at the back. The two adjoining rooms were a bedroom and a study, with a small corridor leading to the washroom.

  All in all, it suited him just fine.

  “This is very nice,” he commented. “Thank you, mama.”

  Sabina was pleased. “I am glad you like it.”