King Julius

Levi sat in awe.

The castle rose before him like something from a fairytale. White stone glistened under the moonlight, its many towers spired high in the dark blue sky. Flags flapping in the wind, each one bearing the emblem of a bird in flight.

The carriage came to a slow stop before a black metal gate. Two guards stood watch, both visibly exhausted, in their blue-feathered helmets. Their white tunics bore the mark of the same blue bird stitched over chainmail armor. Each one gripped a gleaming halberd, polished to a shine.

Levi’s escort stepped down and approached the gate. All three are talking to each other now. The guards glanced toward the carriage, where Levi peeked through the velvet curtains, seeing the guards talking.

The taller guard fumbled with a massive ring of keys before finding the right one. With a deep metallic clank, the gate lock was released. The two guards heaved the gates open with effort and Levi’s escort came back to the carriage.

One waved them through.

The carriage rolled forward, hooves tapping rhythmically against the stone pavement.

They passed through a lavish courtyard. Tall hedges lined the path. In the center stood a white marble fountain, its waters glittering under the moonlight. Blue and white flower beds encircled it in perfect symmetry.

At last, the carriage stopped before the grand castle doors.

Levi was helped down by his escorts.

The castle doors creaked open, and a warm golden light spilled outward.

Inside, Levi stepped onto deep scarlet carpets that stretched across the grand hall. The space glowed heavily by the moonlight. Portraits of kings and queens hung in gold frames, each ruler robed in bright finery, captured in regal, dignified poses are made out in the dim glow.

“Impressive, isn’t it?”

Levi turned around, surprised by a new voice.

A different guard stood beside him. Levi hadn’t noticed him appear.

“Yes,” Levi said. “Very.”

The guard gave a slight bow. “Please follow me.”

He led Levi through a winding passage that seemed to snake around the castle. On the left, windows showed a courtyard stretching far, perfectly cut grass under the starry sky.

Eventually, they reached a wide chamber. At the far end stood another pair of grand double doors.

“Wait here,” the guard said, before disappearing into a side room.

Levi stood alone now. The room was quiet and dark. Only a small beam of light filters into the room.

He exhaled slowly and looking around.

The guard returned with a plain wooden chair in hand. “Please, take a seat,” he said, gesturing.

Levi obliged without a word.

“King Julius will be here shortly,” the guard added.

King Julius? Levi’s curiosity flared. Levi is becoming increasingly nervous as well, tightening his grip on the sword by his side. His legs started bouncing uncontrollably.

Minutes passed. The room was dead silent. The guard standing up straight, no sound coming from him.

Then, a second guard entered, whispering something into the first guard’s ear. The first one nodded, then turned to Levi. “The king is ready to see you. Please follow me.”

The two guards approached the wooden doors. Together, they pushed them open with a low, echoing creak.

Levi stepped through.

The chamber inside was vast and shadowed. Two rows of torches lit a path ahead, their flames creating a golden corridor down the center of the room. Everything beyond the flickering light was cloaked in thick darkness, making the chamber feel even larger, as if the walls stretched endlessly.

At the far end of the velvet carpet sat a golden throne.

It gleamed in the firelight, its thick base fused into the stone floor. Gold shimmered from every angle, the flame’s reflection dancing across its surface.

Levi began walking. His footsteps muted on the plush carpet.

Halfway there, he stopped.

Someone was already seated in the throne. Levi hadn’t noticed him at first, he blended into the background, motionless and buried in shadow.

The king?

King Julius was a burly, weathered man. The fire already hitting his tan skin make him seem more golden. His silk robe, though regal, couldn’t fully hide the bristle of body hair at his chest and arms. His short brown hair and a thick, scruffy beard framed his sharp face. A golden crown rested loosely around his brow. He scratched his chin lazily. Then, with the same hand, start spinning a heavy gold ring on his fourth finger.

He yawned.

Two knights flanked the raised platform where the throne sat, one on each side, hidden almost entirely in shadow. Only the faint outlines of their armor glinted in the firelight.

The king straightened.

He cleared his throat, his voice booming through the room, low and commanding. “Hero. Thank you for coming to our kingdom.” He opened his arms wide in welcome. “Please, tell me your name.”

Levi hesitated, struck by the sheer weight of the moment.

Then, slowly, he sank to one knee. He placed his sword slowly on the ground beside him, bowing his head. Clearing his throat, he answered in a steady voice: “My name is Levi Becker… King Julius.”

“Call me Leo, Levi,” the king said, waving a hand casually. “And stand up. No need for formalities between the two of us. We’re grateful you’re lending us your aid.”

Levi rose, retrieving his sword. Only now did he notice how ragged he looked, bloodstains on his sleeves, the crust of dried sweat, dirt clinging to every seam. Embarrassment crept in.

“I mean it,” he said, more gently this time. “We’re grateful you and the other heroes are helping us with the goblin invasion.”

Levi’s attention sharpened. The goblin invasion. “The goblin invasion” he muttered. Then, aloud, “Can you tell me what you know about it?”

“Of course,” Leo said, shifting in his throne with a tired sigh. “The goblins have long infested our lands. For years they were a nuisance. But now…”

He leaned forward, his fingers tightening on the armrest.

“Now they’ve formed something far more dangerous. An army. Ten thousand strong. We believe their main force will be at our gates within eight days. Our scouts report that they're being led by, commanded. The other heroes have already begun striking their smaller camps, weakening them however they can.”

Levi interrupted, “The other heroes? Where are they now?”

“They’re scattered on different assignments. We’re expecting Lady Gwen to arrive tomorrow.”

Levi nodded slowly. Lady Gwen... another hero? He silently hoped she was also from Earth, someone who will understand what it meant to be here.

Across the throne, Leo stifled another yawn.

“Levi,” he said, with a tired smile, “why don’t we continue this tomorrow? I’ll have someone show you to your sleeping quarters.” Another yawn escaped. “And I’ll make sure you have fresh clothes when you arrive.”

Levi nodded gratefully.

The next thing he knew, he was standing in a luxurious bedroom.

The room was dim, bathed in soft candlelight. A massive mattress stood before him, its white sheets neatly turned down. On top, a stack of folded clothes awaited him on the bed.

Levi set his sword gently beside the bed and sat down, intending to change.

But the mattress was impossibly soft. The exhaustion in his limbs caught up to him all at once. His head hit the pillow without thought.

Within seconds, Levi was fast asleep.