Chapter 5
The following morning, I was escorted to the castle gatehouse by two guards who refused to acknowledge my existence. As we strolled down the stone pathway, I realized that this was the first time I had seen the castle from the outside looking in.
It was almost uncanny in a way. On one hand, the castle’s shape resembled that of a medieval building. All the typical features one would expect in an ancient stronghold back on Earth were present: towers, a keep, and even a parapet.
However, unlike those castles, this gargantuan building did not include elements necessary for a pre-technological society, such as a moat or a drawbridge.
The Ornathian capital appeared modern in a sense; I imagined that Earth’s castles would have been similar today without the introduction of the Industrial Revolution.
The massive fortresses walls were made of pure white marble, which reflected the day’s sunlight so harshly that it nearly blinded passersby’s. The stone depicted the highest level of wealth imaginable, which was clearly the intended purpose.
The town beyond the gates reminded me of any typical European city back home, with close living quarters and cobblestone streets. Bells rang in the distance while a faint murmur of a crowd could be heard from atop the hill.
How many people live down there? Are they all human as well? What other life forms might inhabit Ornath?
As I wandered down the walkway lined with beautiful red rose bushes, I noticed Jion patiently waiting for me at the gates. The prince leaned placidly on his right shoulder, arms crossed against his chest, chatting nonchalantly with another guard, who cackled at something he had said.
The sound of our footsteps gave away our presence, and Jion pivoted to greet me.
“Good morning, Jane.” He smiled charmingly. Of course, he did.
Though it was Jion’s kindness that I found most endearing, I obviously was tempted by his rock-hard, statue-like body. I did not feel intimidated by his presence; instead, I felt safe…unlike how I felt around almost all the men on Earth.
“Jane?” he said, concern flexing in his brow.
It was hard not to stare at Jion.
I cleared my throat. “Yes, sorry. Good morning, Jion,” I mumbled, attempting to bow cordially, something I had never done before.
Should I bow deeper? Was that what was expected of me as a woman on this planet?
I had not seen Kaiyah since before dinner last night and had been dying to ask her questions about etiquette.
“How was your sleep?” he politely inquired, as if we were long-time friends catching up.
“Fine…Your Highness?” I said begrudgingly.
The corners of Jion’s mouth turned downwards, his nostrils flaring as he tried his best to repress his laughter. “Please, none of that. That is not necessary, especially from my betrothed. Come. Let us start with the library. I am sure there is much you wish to learn.”
Jion extended his arm for me to hold, and I accepted even though the thought of touching him was daunting to say the least.
As we sauntered through the gates, we were met by two other guards holding the reins of the largest horse I’d ever seen.
“How…” My head shook in disbelief. “It’s a horse! How on Earth is there a horse in front of me right now? How is this possible? I… I don’t believe it…” I whispered, stretching out my hand to pet the creature’s snout.
“How is it possible?” Jion asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
“That is an excellent question. You see, Ornath is home to many animals that have been bred for farming, transportation, or even consumption. This horse here was bred for speed, agility, and battle, I suppose. She is actually mine. Aren’t you, Honour?
” He patted her snout affectionately, and she neighed in response.
I shook my head, dismissing his claims. “No, I understand the basics of farming, Jion. What I don’t understand is how an animal from Earth is here on this planet billions of light years away! This is…this is incredible!”
His laughter echoed through the narrow alleyways nearby, and I felt my cheeks prickle with heat. What had I just said?
“Oh, Jane. You’re too funny. Please don’t be embarrassed.
It’s not your fault that Earth has not prepared you to comprehend what the universe holds, let alone Ornath.
You have so much to learn, but we shall do it together,” he assured, although I couldn’t help but notice the tinge of condescension in his tone.
Frustration surged within me. If I didn’t know any better, I would think I was trapped in a never-ending nightmare, ensnared by its illogical and menacing grip. Yet, despite my irritation, I felt awestruck and strangely comforted by the prospect of pieces of home being present here on Ornath.
Before Jion could lead me to his horse, I blurted out, “Why are there horses on Ornath? Tell me, Jion. I’m done waiting for answers.
I’m tired of feeling like a fool around you people, like a plaything for everyone’s amusement.
I want answers. Now! I’m not going anywhere until I do.
” My arms crossed tightly against my chest as I placed all my weight into my heels.
To my surprise, Jion appeared astounded by my audacity but nodded in agreement, yielding to my demand.
His voice softened as his gaze met mine, a mix of sincerity and curiosity shining brightly in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Jane. I had no intention of offending you.
It’s just fascinating how little you know about…
well, anything. It makes me wonder how those on Earth navigate life without understanding the universe’s beauty and power.
Amantius’ Light is the most vital aspect of the cosmos.
Where do your people believe life comes from? ”
Where did my people believe life originated?
There were so many different religions on Earth, none of which I had ever been involved in.
I had never had any interest in any church or branch of spirituality.
In fact, I never had the time. When you’re preoccupied with where you’ll be placed next, you lose hope in any “God”.
You start to lack confidence in your so-called creator.
How could any “God” abandon you in good faith?
“My people believe dozens of different things, but I feel they are all wrong. Aren’t they?” I grilled Jion, my lips pursing together.
“It appears so,” he said, glancing at Honour before returning his gaze to me. “She is a horse.”
Desperate for more information, I nodded eagerly.
“She is a horse, just like all the other horses spread throughout the universe. Just like all the living things that have been planted, planet after planet, by the Anu. Just like humans,” he explained.
Honour was a real horse. And Jion was an actual human. For a moment, I thought Jion and his family were an unusual species that merely resembled the human beings of Earth. I could not fathom how humans could exist on a planet on the other side of the universe. But humans were planted…by the Anu….
“What are the Anu?” I requested, leaning in further as my curiosity began to take over my entire being.
“Ah,” he replied, “now that is where you should start with your research in the library. I only know as much as my tutors and priestesses taught me in my youth. I feel I might not be able to explain it as eloquently as you need to understand. But think of them as…” He rubbed his chin, thinking of the right words. “Grand explorers.”
With that proclamation, he placed his hands on my waist and lifted me onto his horse so that I was riding side-saddle.
He then grabbed the reins and swung himself onto Honour’s back, settling in behind me with his chest against my shoulder, our faces inches apart.
I could feel his breath on the right side of my cheek; he smelled of cinnamon, somehow.
Jion lifted his hood, obscuring his face and identity from any onlookers. For a split second, I peeked upwards and caught his eyes looking into mine.
“We will find all the answers you need, Jane. I promise,” he affirmed as Honour began to trot through the street, toward the town.
As we galloped further into town, we saw more civilians going about their daily chores. Thickly bearded men stood outside stalls adorned with fresh fish and vegetables, while stout women swept the walkways and tended to their children. It all seemed so serene, so very picturesque.
The villagers were a mixture of diverse species. While most appeared human, others had feathery wings like angels. A few sported skin in shades of blue and green. Among them were individuals with skin that resembled stone, and others were so small they floated about like ethereal fireflies.
The civilians’ clothes didn’t match the royals’ in terms of high-quality fabrics, vibrant colours, or luxurious jewelry. Still, their garments shared the same elevated medieval style I had seen so much of in the castle’s throne room.
Women wore simple, neutral-toned dresses, often layered with aprons and shawls in various shades of earthy browns, soft greys, and muted greens.
Men, on the other hand, wore rough-spun tunics in shades of brown, beige, and occasional deep green, paired with sturdy trousers tucked into well-worn boots.
Some had belts with small tools or pouches fastened.
The fabrics, though plain, had a richness in texture—woven wool and heavy linen that seemed a higher quality than anything mass-produced on Earth.
Fashion had never captured my interest. Growing up, I wore whatever clothes were handed down to me.
Usually faded, worn-out pieces that had cycled through other foster kids in my temporary “parents” care.
Sometimes, they hung two sizes too big or bore strange stains that no one could quite identify.
But they were all I had, and rejecting any item for its appearance wasn’t an option.
Without those hand-me-downs, I’d have been left with nothing.