The Halfblood King: Book 1 of the Chronicles of Aertu by Julian Benoit Page B

knives and armor that caught his eye, did not make it off the vendors shelves into his possession.  He bought a few cakes and something to drink.  As well, he purchased a new pair of gauntlets that appeared to be made from the hide of some sort of large snake or lizard, the dark green scales glittering in the sunlight.
    With the day behind them, they returned to the inn for a hearty supper and retreated to the room, for a long awaited sleep.
     

 
    Chapter 11
     
    Zorekday, Day 18, Growing Moon, 8760 Sudean Calendar
     
    Mid-morning on their third day in Arundell brought Aleron and Hadaras to the palace gates.  Zorekday, devoted to the God of the Sea and the last day of the week, was traditionally a rest day in the city, especially for the government, so Hadaras deemed it the best day to tour the palace grounds.  The usual frantic activity would commence tomorrow, on Gurlachday and casual visiting was discouraged.  As they entered into the expansive front courtyard, a minor official announced, “Gentlemen, if you are interested, a tour will start on the next bell.”
    “Thank you Sir, but that’s quite alright,” Hadaras replied.  “I know my way around well enough.”
    “Very well Sir, enjoy your visit.” 
    The courtyard and gardens were open to the public every day, but Zorekday was the only day the old throne room was open.  They crossed the wide flagstone courtyard, easily large enough to review an entire regiment, on their way to the public gardens.  The gardens were equally as expansive as the courtyard.  Wide paths meandered through impeccably maintained beds of flowers and incredibly detailed topiary.  Statuary abounded, depicting characters and scenes from Sudean history.  At the center of the garden, Hadaras led them to a larger than life statue in marble, of a tall man in armor, moustached but beardless, his right hand resting high on the hilt of a greatsword.  “Meet your namesake lad,” Hadaras announced, “Aleron, King of Sudea.”  Hadaras was impressed that the facial features still seemed accurate, this likely being the tenth such statue erected to honor the great king.  Marble only lasted so long, after all.  They must have a proof hidden in a vault somewhere, he thought.
    “So that’s what he looked like,” Aleron stated, unconsciously stroking the wispy moustache on his lip and thinking no beard may not be the worst thing that could happen.  The statue had a familiarity that he could not put his finger on.  “He looks like somebody I know, but I can’t think of whom.”
    Hadaras knew that if he had a mirror, he might have made the connection more easily.  The statue looked like an older version of the boy standing before him.  “Come on, my boy; let’s get a look at the throne room before it gets too crowded.”
    Aleron turned to face Hadaras and then suddenly his eyes got wide.  “That fountain, it’s the one from my dreams!”  He pointed to the fountain the statue of Aleron was facing.  He had not noticed it when they approached.  The ornate fountain was situated at the very center of the garden.
    “Are you sure it’s the same one?” Hadaras asked as Aleron rushed to touch the construct.
    “Yes, Grandfather, it’s unmistakable.  All the markings are the same as in my dreams.  I’m sure of it,” he answered as he ran his fingers along the smooth marble rim.  “This is the fountain of the white water.”  Water poured from the jugs held by the statues four maidens, facing the cardinal directions, with their backs to a sacred oak.  Numerous magical glyphs were carved into the pedestal on which the maidens stood, most of them involving blessings of peace and prosperity for the kingdom.  Aleron felt a tingling in his fingertips as he touched the stone and, unable to help himself, he dipped his hand into the fountain and scooped up a mouthful of the water.  It was refreshingly cold, but otherwise, he felt nothing.
    “Now don’t be doing that,”