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Our eyes met across the distance and the shy smile he gave me made him look years younger. I gave him a little wave before taking my leave from the ravens and making my way down to meet him. His large hand enveloped mine, warmth radiating from his touch.
"Are you ready for our new life together?" he asked, a knowing glint in his silver eyes.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied. In truth, anticipation and nerves still warred within me. But having Thorsten by my side gave me courage.
Behind Thorsten, Skadi sauntered up to us, her wild mane of silver-white hair flowing freely down her back. She greeted me with her usual crushing bear hug, forcing the air from my lungs. No matter how many times she did that, I never got used to it. I was starting to think she enjoyed giving me these bear hugs.
"Are you pumped or what?!" Skadi crowed, practically vibrating with excitement. "This is gonna be epic! Just wait 'til you see the city. I think you're really gonna love it there!"
Despite my lingering anxiety, her enthusiasm was infectious. I found myself grinning back at her. "Yeah, I think I just might. The castle too. As long as they have a bar."
Thorsten and Skadi both gave me puzzled looks at that. Right, no bars here. "Uh, nevermind. Bad joke," I muttered, feeling my cheeks flush. Note to self: work on my Titan humor.
We filed into the royal transport vehicle with Radorgrin and his family, while Skadi joined some of the Spectral Raiders in another vehicle. She never could sit still for long. Signe and Leif, the servants attending me, Thorsten, and the twins, settled into seats near the back.
As we set off, I gazed out the windows eagerly taking in the scenery. It felt good to be on the move after being cooped up at Hrungnir Keep for weeks. The fertile farmlands soon gave way to thick forests and velvety green hills dotted with unique trees and vines. Glimpses of wildlife could be spotted here and there - grazing herds of furry creatures that resembled rhinos, only bulkier. Thorsten informed me they were called Valassis.
Further on, we passed emergent rock formations unlike any I'd seen on Earth. Some of the cliffs and boulders appeared to defy gravity, jutting out at precarious angles. I peppered Thorsten with questions about the local geology and wildlife, curiosity getting the better of me. He answered patiently, seeming to enjoy my enthusiasm.
A comfortable silence settled between us as I turned my attention to the twins, who were nodding off despite fighting heavy eyelids. The gentle rocking of the transport vehicle was lulling them to sleep. Thorsten wrapped a blanket around them and soon both were snoring softly.
My own eyes grew heavy, so I leaned against Thorsten, appreciating his solid warmth. His arm wrapped around my shoulders as I gave a jaw-cracking yawn.
"Get some rest, my consort," Thorsten murmured. "You'll need your energy for when we reach Thyan Caelora."
I didn't have the will to argue. Letting my head rest against his broad chest, I let the rhythmic rumbling of the engine chase away all thoughts as I drifted off.
I awoke to Thorsten gently shaking my shoulder. Bleary-eyed, I peered out the window to find that dusk had fallen and we'd arrived at a bustling train station glowing with lanterns. Rubbing my eyes, I took stock of the platform teaming with travelers hurrying about. The station architecture was ornate yet sturdy, with soaring arched ceilings that reminded me of old European train terminals I'd seen in history vids.
We disembarked and made our way through the controlled chaos, servants trailing behind us with luggage and supplies. As we moved through the crowd, I caught curious glances thrown our way as people recognized their king and his unusual entourage. But if they had any objections, they kept silent and simply bowed respectfully to Thorsten as we passed.
Reaching our platform, I gawked at the gleaming train that awaited us, utterly unlike the diesel-powered relics back on Earth. This locomotive was something straight out of a sci-fi vid, all smooth polished metal and glowing lights. Hell, it even levitated a few inches above the rails!
Thorsten noticed my shock and chuckled. "Impressive, isn't she? These rune-powered trains can reach great speeds, connecting all corners of Esmia safely and efficiently."
"No kidding," I murmured appreciatively.
We boarded the luxury carriage reserved for royalty, the rich upholstery and polished wood paneling reminding me of the ornate Victorian trains of old. But the illusion was shattered by the very modern bathrooms that almost resembled compact spaceships.
I shook my head in amazement. "So this baby's rune-powered? Like the Titan ships were?"
Thorsten nodded. "Indeed. Some runes can store immense energy in small containers. Our scientists learned to harness their potential as power sources."
Now I really wanted to peek under the hood, so to speak. Too bad we didn't have time for a detour to the locomotive. There was so much technology here I was itching to study, but it would have to wait.
Once everyone was settled in, the train glided out of the station with nary a rumble. I gazed out the window eagerly as we picked up speed, the nighttime scenery zipping past in a blur. The occasional village could be glimpsed in the distance, warm light glowing from within cozy homes. Everything seemed so peaceful, so different from the chaos of warfare I'd become accustomed to.
I must have dozed off again despite my eagerness. The next thing I knew, Thorsten was gently shaking me awake once more as the train doors hissed open. Had I really slept through the entire ride?
Stepping off onto the platform, I found myself paralyzed for a moment as I took in the cityscape before me. Nothing could have prepared me for my first glimpse of the sprawling metropolis of Thyan Caelora. Towering structures lined the skyline, their silvery surfaces gleaming. Sleek vehicles zipped through multi-level streets and lanes. Even this late, the city pulsed with energy and life. It was like gazing upon a futuristic city from an old earth sci-fi movie.
"Kal? Are you alright?" Thorsten asked, noting my dazed expression.
"Yeah, I just... wow. This is incredible," I breathed, craning my neck to take it all in.
Thorsten smiled, clearly happy with my reaction. "This is merely the outskirts. Wait until you see the Royal Quarter and the palace itself. But come - our transport awaits."
I followed him in an awestruck stupor, unable to tear my eyes from the marvel surrounding me. Who needed sleep? I was wide awake now.
