10 Welcome to the Capital

Stunned Cameron says to himself "I didn't die? Even if I beat the masked figure what about the bandits, and that strange fat man nothing makes sense."

"Ah your awake, good job you did fighting of that mage. Names Alan, boss told me to drive the wagon since where not sure what happened to George. Some people saw him running down the road once sounds of conflict between you and the masked man broke out, but now were not sure what he's doing."

Turning to see the driver Cameron sees a man in mid mid thirties with a long full brown beard and mace hanging at his waist. The wagon in front of them moves forward and as it does Alan snaps the reins urging the horse to move.

Seeing his Confusion Alan says "We need to wait to be let into the capital, officials check the wagons to make sure where not hiding fugitives or handling dangerous materials. Course royalty have a separate entrance but us commoners can't use something like that so we wait."

"No that's not what I was confused about Cameron responds, what happened after i went unconscious wasn't the caravan attacked by bandits?"

"Yeah there was a small bandit attack maybe twenty men?They seemed stupider then most charging straight at the caravan even though we where standing there with our weapons ready to fight. It was eerie now that I think about it, almost as if they had no choice whether they attacked or not. I think one of the bandits was even crying, but they fought to the death which is what made it really strange. I think Mike said something about asking for a proper investigation by the guard or mercenary groups to investigate." Finished speaking and seeing the wagon in front of them advance forwards through the gates Alan drives the horses forward.

Reaching the gate a guard wearing shining armor and holding a pike steps forward. "You apart of Mike's caravan correct?" "Yes sir, I'm a part of the mercenary group tasked with protecting the caravan. As for him" Indicating towards Cameron "was contracted privately to protect a caravans wagon."

Turning to Cameron the guard asks "Is that all correct?"

"Yes sir its correct, I needed a ride to the capital." Cameron answers calmly.

"Alright, for what purpose have you come to the capital and how long do you plan on staying here?" Inquires the guard.

"Attending the academy, so for the remainder of the year." Cameron responds.

"Alright go on in" the guard says waving them though. As the wagon rattles past he says "Oh and if your looking for a good time check out Mobley's tavern."

"Its where a lot of the mercenary groups meet and find jobs in the capital" Alan clarifies. "Its run by a retired mercenary but don't test him, Mobley has been known to whoop on those who cause trouble in his bar or question his age."

As the wagon moves into the city Cameron looks up surprised to see the gate archway a full thirty feet above him. Looking into the city he sees broad streets capable to holding five wagons side to side. These well maintained gravel roads split into three directions, two alongside the walls where guards can be seen marching from one place to another. The third road is the one which Alan guides the wagon down with numerous shops large and small crammed together in a disorganized mess alongs the road.

Amongst the shops he sees a wide variety of assortments, in Cameron's eyes anything you could ever want you can find amongst these shops. A smithy with shining weapons and armor. Several restaurants and stalls selling strange and exotic foods. A Store packed with piles of books from the floor to ceiling with ancient looking scrolls piled in haphazard piles on tables, without a owner in sight. Stores where the merchandise glows different colors through the glass windows, packed full of customers staring longingly.

"Quiet the sight isn't it? Especially for a newcomer like yourself, anyways you dealt with the strange masked bandit so the boss told me to take you wherever you need to go before meeting back up with him. So you told the guard you were attending the academy want me to take you there?" Alan asks.

"Yes that would be helpful, I would appreciate it."Cameron absent mind idly responds as he glances around trying to take in everything at once.

After about half an hour of riding in which Cameron is shocked by the stores and people of main street Alan turns the wagon of the main street and begins following a smaller road east receiving less traffic. Passing numerous large ornate houses, many with tall iron fences and occasionally guards standing rigidly at posts alongs the fence. The wagon then pulls up to a large metal gate part of a brick wall ten feet high that stretched off in both directions.

Grasping his pack over his shoulder Cameron hops of the wagon then turns to face Alan "Thank you for the ride."

"Not a problem, if you ever need anything you can always ask boss for help, for the right price of course!" Laughing loudly with a beaming smile Alan turns the wagon around and begins riding back towards main street. Cameron smiles back and waves to Alan until the wagon is several hundred feet down the road.

Rummaging in his pack Cameron pulls out a signet engraved with a sword and shield. Walking up to the gate Cameron looks around for someone to present the signet too. From the gate a white light shoots out illuminating the signet for several seconds, then the gates begin to open by themselves.