Atticus

They reach the kingdom

Finally , said the two of them . Ana and Atticus

Home , replied Philippe

The car makes inroads , to the Kingdom

Just like I imagined , Said Atticus

Nothing like I imagined , replied Ana . I imagined it to be a worn out District

Philippe laughed . A worn out district , he repeated Ana's words in a funny manner

The ancient kingdom in all its glory was there for everyone to see . The Markets , the houses big and small . The cheer on peoples faces . 

Trade and commerce seem to flourish here , said Atticus

Very much so , we are an economical kingdom now more so than a warrior kingdom . We once were . Replied Philippe

There were no tall structures like the one in the districts , the buildings were rarely taller than 3 stories high . 

The buildings , if you watch carefully have no cracks or broken structures . They are made from the best of materials , sourced from all around the planet . 

Yes , agreed Atticus . And also each building looks like they have its own identity . its as if they have a life of its own . 

They are indeed beautiful , Ana too agreed .  A much more colorful place . A stark contrast to the dull districts . She added

Philippe , said Atticus trying to raise a question 

What are those ? he asked them . Pointing over to the big stadiums that towered over the other smaller buildings

Those are called Domes , said Philippe . Those are the places where our soldiers and warriors train . They were used for spectating fights eons ago . My father had abolished it . He thought it was not a fair thing to do . Watching People kill themselves when you have not even held a sword in your life

looks like your father was a fair man , Said Atticus

The best of them . He was the General to the king . They were the best of friends . Enemies trembled at the sight of my father and honest men had a smile on their faces when he was around 

Ana was busy looking at the surroundings , the buildings , the homes , the people and the trade and everything that caught her eye 

The buildings were getting bigger and richer too . That got the attention of Atticus

Are we getting closer to the palace , asked Atticus curiously 

Yes , indeed we are . replied Philippe

And the domes / stadiums were getting bigger and much more grander .  The Symbol of the kingdom hung over them . 

The noises of swords clashing could be easily heard now . 

Practice ? asked Atticus  

Yes , replied Philippe . 

Look here , said Philippe . These are the houses of the most prominent people of the kingdom . Ministers , Counselman and generals 

It is indeed grand . Replied Ana and Atticus together  

They have huge lawns and porches and what not . Ana said

Do we get a house like this , asked Ana 

Philippe laughed . 

Only much bigger , he replied 

As they approached the royal palace . There were many people , many horses and elephants all standing by the side of the pathways . 

The people standing on the path , made way for the car as three of them approached . 

They were not curious or surprised to see such a mechanical instrument . 

Atticus was paying attention to the peoples faces . There was no surprise or happiness in the peoples faces . He said

What seems to be wrong , Atticus asks Philippe . The people we earlier saw seemed prosperous and happy 

The news of the death if the prince still lingers , replied Philippe

The car approached the palace . Thousands of people stood outside the gates and mourned

The brightness was replaced by gloom . There was sadness all around 

Scores of guards stood outside the gates with armor all over them . 

Two of the guards at once opened the royal gates , as soon as they saw the face of Philippe

Here we are , Said Philippe

There was no happiness in the faces of Atticus or Ana either 

The houses of the minister were better , said Ana

Things will get better , once the Heir is revealed . replied Philippe

I suppose so , said Atticus 

I first want to meet my father . added Atticus

He too awaits your arrival . Replied Philippe

The car is parked at the entrance and the three of them make their way to the Palace lobby . The guards carry the luggage behind them .

There are some ministers , and few other prominent men waiting at the entrance door of the palace . 

The Palace stood over 200 stories tall , and the royal doors alone stood at 40 feet high 

Everything was humungous in the palace . The ceilings , the chandeliers , the sofas , the chairs , the tables , The staircases . Everything 

One of the ministers insisted that they wait in the Royal room . Until the arrival of the king

All the newcomers were advised to wait in the Royal room 

The ministers all nodded at Philippe . There were no smile on their faces . 

One person stood out . Noticed Atticus 

He was much bigger than the rest of them and not in the royal attire like the rest of them 

He must be ? Asked Philippe

That is Tiberius . He is the General of the Kingdom . He succeeded my father Marcus . Only the title is common between the two of them added Philippe

He does not have the courage nor the power my father once held . He just trains the soldiers and discusses strategy with the king . Said Philippe

He continues . There is no war anymore .Just Politics .

Atticus nodded 

The Ministers and the other men began to take their seats alongside Philippe and the newcomers