Caleb was nonplus about what he saw. He had never seen anything like it. Coming from a modern world with skyscrapers as the norm, he right away fell at home with the estate.
The estate was a massive structure of imposing architectural grandeur. Gleaming white marble and intricate spires topped with shimmering domes rise skyward. Arcane runes and sigils were etched into the walls, imbuing the palace with a palpable aura of magical power. Ornamental gardens, reflecting pools, and sculpted hedgerows dot the landscape, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Winding cobblestone paths and bridges connect the various buildings and structures within the estate.
While lost in the magnificence of it all, the carriage moved away from the main entrance towards the right side. Caleb noticed this and looked at Alex before asking, "Are we not going through the front door? "
Alex responded calmly, "Your father is currently in the barracks supervising the training of his men. He ordered you were brought directly to him once we returned."
Caleb nodded and then looked back out the window of the carriage. He didn't find anything strange about this arrangement. He was looking forward to what transpires. The worries he had about his identity not being an issue to him now.
'I'm sure the duke just wants to see his son as soon as possible.' Caleb reasoned as the carriage moved from the main estate to the training facilities.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the training facilities. Caleb and Alex stepped out of the carriage, Alex guided him to the location of the duke. Looking around, Caleb appreciated the design of the training grounds.
The knights' training grounds covered several acres of open space. The grounds were a meticulously maintained expanse of packed earth and carefully manicured grass, ideal for combat drills and physical conditioning. At the centre of the training grounds stood a large, circular arena enclosed by a low stone wall.
Caleb observed everything around him with wide eyes. As they drew closer, he noticed the presence of multiple people. They gave off string presences that were difficult to miss. In front was a man who Caleb immediately deduced was the duke.
'His presence is similar to the headmaster. Just what level must they be?' Caleb pondered and made a silent promise to start learning as soon as possible. They soon arrived before them.
Noticing their presence, the duke and his commanders turned to look. The commanders immediately revealed smiles, indicating their familiarity with the person approaching. The duke, however, observed silently as his son approached.
"Well look who it is. How long has it been?" One of the knight commanders said cheerfully. Caleb only gave him a nod of acknowledgement and turned to look at the duke. The commanders noticed the strange behaviour but held back from asking anything.
Duke Zane said to his commanders, "Continue with the training." He ordered and then thanked Alex for his work.
"Follow me," The duke said before making his way to the main estate. Caleb inhaled sharply before following behind him. He felt as if he had done something wrong and was about to be punished. Silently staring at his back, Caleb was impressed by the man's demeanour. Like a nobleman in the stories he had read, he embodied all the strong principles that represented a noble.
"How are you feeling?" The duke asked suddenly, drawing Caleb out of his thoughts. "I'm doing fine, given what I've been through." He answered.
The duke calmly nodded not looking back. "I know you have no memories of who you were and the people you knew, but bear with it. We'll figure something out." He continued.
"And if I never regain those memories?" Caleb made a quick decision to put that out. He felt it was better his 'family' prepared for the scenario where he never 'regained' his memories. 'I just have to make them accept the possibility that those memories are long gone.'
Even after what he said, the duke showed no signs of being concerned. 'Either he already expected this happening or he was good at hiding his emotions.' Whatever it may be, it would still work in his favour.
"You don't have to worry about that. You just focus on getting accustomed to everything again. I'll handle the rest." The duke responded calmly.
Not finding anything wrong with what he said, Caleb continued following the duke to the estate. The gardens that lined up the sides of the walkway were a marvel to witness. Eventually, they arrived at the back entrance of the estate.
"Your mother still isn't aware of your condition. And your sisters are not around in the meantime. I'll first introduce you to your mother. Try to assure her of your well-being."
Caleb acknowledged without much thought. 'A mother will always be worried about their child's health.' He smiled inwardly, glad to know a woman like that was his new mother. He also felt a bit sad when his real mother also came to mind.
They made their way through the various hallways. Along the way, the servants they passed by all made way for them and bowed as they passed. Caleb assumed they were heading towards one of the living rooms. But the duke led him to a different entrance that led to a garden.
He saw a large parasol in the distance where a woman, who looked in her early thirties with blonde hair and the demeanour of a loving mother, sat under with a book in hand. She had a calm and welcoming presence.
As Caleb and the duke approached, the woman noticed them and her expression lit up. She stood up and approached Caleb. Embracing Caleb, she said, "Caleb, my boy. Your mother has missed you very much. Why didn't you tell me you were visiting?"
Caleb returned her embrace. He felt the warmth only a mother could share and couldn't help but feel touched. He silently vowed not to make the woman ever feel pain.
After the exchange of hugs, the woman noticed Caleb seemed different. "What's wrong? You seem different." She asked, looking at her husband.
Sighing heavily and dreading what was to happen, the duke replied, telling her everything that happened.