The serene view of the area around the lake reminded them of the Swanlake Town. Although this lake was much smaller and there were no Swans here, they were still one of the beautiful places they had been to.
The Palace was right behind the Lake. Although the palace was a grand structure, it was not even close to what was there in Phoenix city.
They enjoyed the scenery at the lake for a few minutes before continuing towards the Palace.
The number of guards increased as they neared the palace. And the guards were stationed almost every 10 meters around the outer wall of the Palace.
" Welcome back Princess. His majesty was getting a bit worried as you were delayed from your scheduled arrival by a couple of days. Now we can all breath freely as all of you had returned back." A sturdy middle aged man and the one who looked to be a high level officer greeted Sharon.
" Thank you General Dom. This is Sir. Alan and Sir. Benjamin. They are from Phoenix kingdom. Disciples of Grandmaster Harry Goldwin. And this is General Dom, head of the Royal guards and an Uncle figure to us." Sharon hugged the Sturdy middle aged man who tousled her hair fondly.
"My dear Sharon, It's good to see you back. Welcome to Aroura Kingdom Sir. Alan and Sir. Benjamin. I hope Grandmaster Harry is doing well? It's been long since I last met him during my travel into Phoenix Kingdom."
"Please call us by our names no need to use the prefix. It makes me feel that I am an old man. And yes that old Madman is doing absolutely well. He might even be scaring the crap out of some spirit beast for fun." Ben said shaking his head with a distant look and sighed.
Everyone around them looked shocked at how Ben addressed his Master. Especially when the master in question was a renowned weaponmasters Harry Goldwin. Yet no one voiced their displeasure.
However, Dom had a knowing smile. "It seems you guys are pretty close to your Master. I know by personal experience that, Grandmaste Harry is some what a..... eccentric."
"Ha ha ha... you might have put it mildly. He is outright looney. He might have missed most of his screws in here during his childhood." Alan pointed at his head while speaking. " However difficult he may be. We miss that old madman. A lot...." Alan sighed.
Dom let out a booming laughter. "No wonder he choose you guys as his disciples. If I am not wrong, he is not someone who takes someone sane or simple as his disciples. He might have choosen as eccentric or extraordinary as him if not exceeding him in the ability."
A mirroring smile on both young men spoke volumes." General Dom, it seems you were close to our Master?" Ben asked curiously.
"Not really. During my journey, I came across him and His Majest Charles and had travelled alongside them for a few months. You could say we are acquaintance."
"But Princess, what about the mission you took? Were you unable to contact them?" Dom asked curiously and looked somewhat disappointed.
"Lets head inside first. I will brief the things during the dinner. We all had a long journey." Sharon gestured everyone to follow.
The guards and the guard captain accompanying the princess bowed deeply to the her and took their leave. Princess Sharon, Alan and Ben followed Dom towards the Castle.
"These are the rooms prepared for you two to rest. I will send someone to pick you two up for the dinner in a couple of hours." Sharon showed them to their room and after exchanging few pleasantries took her leave.