36. Inner walls

Clara smiled knowing their plan had succeeded. She was also happy that her new party would be safer. Her fortune in being placed to assist them had helped her immensely in the struggle within the guild to move up. She may not have the level and stories of a retired adventurer but bringing these youths to the mater she had solidified a path upwards.

On the other hand, the party who began following Barry and Ibis towards the inner walls had realized this was all planned from the start. Since it benefited them they were not overly angry however, they still felt a bit roughed up about it.

Luckily the walk to the inner gate was not an arduous one and being adventurers they were used to such activities. Ibis was surprisingly quick on his feet, quickly betraying his frail looks. Walker had begun to remember some of the stories behind his name white Ibis.

If he recalled correctly white Ibis was a summoner who could summon all matter of avian elementals. However, the name came from a minor battle with a horde of undead from the ancient ruins where he used a light elemental Ibis bird to completely wipe it out. Some called the bird the Holy Ibis. His strength was enough that the army sent with him didn't even raise a sword instead they became a mere escort. After that many smaller tales of him going to take out small swarms and hordes of monsters became commonplace however, none as amazing as the first.

On the other hand, Barry the berserk was younger by many years and the tales about him were a bit more grim. He had made his name as a solo adventurer going to small villages near the river to the east where Orcs often attacked travelers. A platoon of soldiers had been sent one year due to escalated numbers and came upon Barry fighting a high Orc. There were bloody bodies everywhere around him as he wielded two large double blade axes. They said they were unsure if they looked upon man or beast in that moment as Barry had become a killing machine. The personality he had was fairly pleasant but in battle, it seemed he was brutal beyond measure.

These two clearly had the means to become the master and vice master of the adventurers guild from stories like that. However, the presence they exuded as they approached the gate made the guards and passersby stand up straighter and hurry their pace. It was as if they all recognized an unseen strength.

Upon reaching the gate Walker was brought back to reality and noticed there were more equipped guards here than the outer walls. This may not have been a major difference but it was enough to be seen Barry held back as Ibis passed through the gate the guards had stepped aside recognizing the legends before them. After the party had gotten through the gate Barry followed behind as if guarding from the rear.

The site of the inner walls was astounding. The buildings were larger with courtyards full of flowers or training spaces. The market stalls were much cleaner and held higher quality items. There were significantly more carriages moving through the streets. Even the bricks on the streets were a nicer speckled grey then the dark bricks in the lower tier.

"Are we even in the same kingdom?" Remey was struck with a sense of being elsewhere accidentally saying her thoughts out loud.

They continued following Ibis while noticing the people walking around dressed in much higher quality fabrics than anyone in the lower tier who would often wear their work clothing. Passing nobles with swords or staffs would nod to Ibis and Barry but quickly glare at the party after seeing where they had come from.

They felt as if on display, just some entertainment for the nobles to look at. It was a gross feeling making Walker's skin crawl. Seeing that Ibis was picking up the pace they quickly followed trying to ignore the looks of those they passed.

The sight of a massive castle soon completely filled their view. The towering grey stone sparkled as if filled with diamonds. The roof shimmered with gold. Stone gargoyles and dragons adorned the eaves and windows as if protecting each one. The front door was equally ornate carved from some black wood of unknown origin. They started to swing open as Ibis approached and a guard in white trimmed armor approached.

"State your purpose today Sir Ibis." The guard required the reason before admittance.

Ibis quickly pulled the guard close and whispered to him their reason for arrival as not to alert any unwanted attention. Without a second of pause the guard motioned for others to escort the guests inside as a precaution.

Entering into the front courtyard they witnessed the most advanced training ground they had ever seen, there was even room for tamed beasts as large as a house! Many elites were practicing different tasks but the party was rushed into the inner castle before they could observe more.

The inside of the inner castle was lavished in paintings of royal families and ornate furniture. The tapestries were of the highest quality. They were soon lead to a double door.

"Now do not speak unless spoken to is that understood? And bow you will need to bow." Ibis said and began to open the door before they could respond.

The door opened and it was as if they had seen a new world. The room had fifteen or twenty people all aids to the king standing to the sides watching the door. Guards lined the walls prepared for anything. A purple carpet led directly to a platform on which four thrones stood two large and two small. These thrones were carved from crystal and adorned with an almost shimmering fabric. Only two of the thrones were currently occupied. The center was King August Bernard Diamond and to his right Queen Marian Alda Diamond. The party gulped back their nervousness and proceeded forward.