The port city they docked at was bustling with people from various parts of the kingdom. Waiting for them was a pair of soldiers with matching surcoats bearing the royal family’s heraldry. 

“Welcome.” They said in unison. 

“We will be your escorts.” The soldier on the right said. He looked about a head taller than the one on the left. In battle he would likely be an easy target; his height makes him stand out a bit too much. 

“I would like to do some shopping first.” Illiam said. He wasn’t sure why perhaps he was trying to put up a bit of defiance. 

“We were told to bring you straight to the palace sir.” The soldier on the left stated. “If there is anything that you require we can have a maid fetch later.” 

“It is fine no need to burden the maid.” Illiam replied he wanted to start walking but he didn’t know his way around the port. “We should make haste then, if I cannot waste time shopping then we shouldn’t waste time standing here.” 

 “Y-es sir.” Both soldiers stuttered. 

  The port town was still busy even after leaving the docks. The marketplace was just as busy, if not more. Products from various regions of the kingdom were being sold and Illiam had even spotted a few luxuries from the continent. Although he knew he wouldn’t be allowed to step away to look at any stalls, Illiam kept an eye out for book sellers or an apothecary. But there was none in sight, the most in the ways of medicine sellers he saw was stands selling imported citruses. 

 The outskirts of the town had a familiar quietness that Illiam’s hometown did. It was far enough from the center of the city so that the chattering from the market couldn’t be heard. When he was a kid he hated this quiet but with time grew appreciation and he longed for this peace while studying in the Kingdom of Melibea. The royal capital there was cramped, loud and hot, but it was the only place he could reliably study without needing to go to the far side of the continent or further. 

 Once they reached the complete edge of the town, the taller soldier helped Illiam into a horse drawn cart. “It won’t be a long drive, we’re simply going down this road.” The soldier stated. “You can rest some, but it will probably be a bit bumpy.” 

“I will.” Illiam shortly responded sitting down against the side of the cart’s wall. He drifted off to a dreamless sleep once the cart started moving. He didn’t realize how tired he was until he was awoken by the shorter soldier.