City Tour

Naomi took Caspian's arm as they strolled through the streets of Klain together, led by the guide that the Council sent. 

"The wall was built hundreds of years ago, and maintained by the military. The newest portion, here, was replaced after the war." The guide glanced uncertainly at Naomi, and she smiled reassuringly. Someone must have told him that she was originally Rhone, which would account for his discomfort at the topic.

"It took nearly six months to rebuild, as the stones had to be carefully cut to match the surrounding wall and be fit together perfectly without leaving weakness in the mortar." 

The guide was extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in all aspects of the city. Naomi was learning much, and Caspian seemed equally interested in the educational aspects of the tour. 

She noticed that he was walking slightly differently, and wondered if the shoes were bothering him. Making a mental note to ask about it when they arrived back at Finn's home, she let her gaze follow where the guide was pointing now. 

"The mountain face, up and to your right, used to be much larger before it was sheared off two years ago by the Void. The large missing piece of cliff has somewhat changed the weather patterns since that time. The mountain had delayed snowfall from reaching the city for the first half of winter, but based on the past two years, that has potentially been permanently changed.

"As you can see," He pointed to several houses, "many of the citizens have already replaced their roofs to account for this increase in snowfall. The steeper slopes of the roof are designed to prevent the weight of snow from building up and causing cave-ins." 

Naomi's eyes widened at the idea. She looked up to the top of the mountain and tried to picture it as being much larger. That was difficult, as the desert was mostly rolling sandy dunes and the ocean was, of course, level to the horizon except for the waves. 

The majestic view of the towering peaks was something she was sure to never grow used to, even if she lived here for many years. 

"Were there many cave-ins?" Naomi asked. 

"A few. The snows have been incredibly heavy, and many of the buildings and houses are hundreds of years old. Proper maintenance is key in keeping the city up to date and liveable." The guide nodded and smiled at her interest. 

"Has the city expanded much?" Caspian asked, looking at the wall. Besides the rebuilt portion, it all looked uniform to Naomi's eyes. 

"Since its original inception, the city has maintained its size within the walls. Of course, the surrounding towns and settlements have grown enormously, and while there used to be fields and farmland within the walls, Klain has built more structures over time until it expanded to meet the borders," The guide gestured from the part of the city closer to the cliffs and then towards the outer wall. 

"What were the first structures built?" Naomi asked curiously. Rhone tents were constructed and taken down often. The permanence of Klain's homes was still a foreign concept to her. 

"The oldest structures are generally those at the top of the hill, nearest to the cliffs. The library and City Hall are perhaps the longest-standing buildings in the city center, though if you count the tunnels under the city, many of those predate the above-ground structures. In light of newly-discovered histories, it is thought that some of the underground chambers predate the city itself." 

The guide was incredibly patient and informative, answering all of their questions, showing them the city's most beautiful gardens, bustling marketplaces, and the fine architecture of the oldest and prettiest buildings. 

Naomi marveled at the curved ceilings and stained glass of the library, as well as the vast collection of books.

She paused next to one wall that was positively covered from floor to ceiling with shelves of books. Ladders allowed people to reach the higher volumes. Delicately, she held out a hand to gently touch one, running a finger along its spine. 

"Do you like books?" Caspian asked curiously. 

"I can read, but only barely," Naomi answered, a little embarrassed. "The Rhone do not keep books, by and large. In the Darkness, it is all but impossible to read much at all, and being nomadic, we carry as little as possible with us. Books are therefore an uncommon possession."

She had learned to read at her father's knee when she was young, one of the only fond memories she had of the man. He would scratch letters and words in the sand with a stick, having her repeat them. 

"That didn't quite answer my question," He observed. 

"I enjoy learning," She replied, a little chagrined that she had unintentionally avoided his query. "It has been a delight to be amongst your people and have Cora teach me so much about your people and your ways of life. I am in awe that so small a thing can contain so much knowledge, and to have so many books in one place is something I never thought I would see." 

His face was open as he listened to her speak, and she wondered what he was thinking. Naomi was about as educated as a Rhone lady could be expected to be, but by comparison, both Mayra and Finn both seemed far beyond her level. 

Mayra had read every book in her village, she said, before coming to Klain. Since her arrival, between the two of them, they had read extensively of history and stories and foreign things. Naomi could only boast knowing the oral history of her people that was passed down. 

Would Caspian be ashamed of her ignorance? He didn't seem so, and yet there was a touch of sadness in his eyes. 

"All who stay in Klain are welcome to read and enjoy the offerings of the Library," The guide put in. "If there is a subject of particular interest to you, any of the library assistants will be happy to help you find it." He raised a hand and one of the uniformed workers hurried over. 

"These are honored guests from the Sea, Caspian and Naomi of the Cetoans," The guide quickly informed the assistant. "They may wish to come back to the library and read, and I expect every courtesy will be extended to make them feel welcome," 

"It would be my honor to assist you," The girl bowed slightly as she smiled, and then glanced between the guide and Caspian as if she had a question to ask. 

The Commodore's son raised his chin slightly, silently inviting the query. 

"I wondered… that is, I heard that diplomatic relations between Klain and the Cetoans were underway, and I have had intense curiosity about your people. We have had people asking for information on the subject of your culture as well. We at the library have been hoping some sort of exchange of books might be able to take place? Not right away, if that's an uncomfortable subject. In fact, it's probably not my job at all to even bring up the subject whatsoever, the Treasurer would be the one to… I'm sorry. I'm not trained in diplomatic protocol. Please forget I said anything, I did not mean to offend." 

"What is your name?" Naomi asked, before their tour guide could reprimand the worker. 

"Simone," She replied, looking at the floor instead of the guide who clearly regretted getting her attention in the first place. 

"I thank you for your input, Simone." Caspian said seriously. "I will broach the topic with the Treasurer at our next meeting. It seems a wise method to exchange knowledge in such a way. I will send an inquiry home to see what books may be gathered and sent here to satisfy Klain's curiosity about our people." 

"Thank you, Sir. You're most kind. Please let me know if I can assist in any way while you are here." Simone bowed hurriedly and backed away before she made any further blunders. 

Naomi hid a smile behind her hand. The girl probably wasn't even twelve yet. 

"Do all people in Klain begin working outside their homes at so young an age?" She asked the guide. 

"Those families who are poor or uneducated, especially from the outlying towns and villages, may send their children to become apprentices to varying professions at ages as young as eight. The library is a popular choice, as the apprenticeship includes an education alongside the work experience. In exchange for their labor, they are fed and housed, and provided a small sum of money to either spend as they will, or save for when they are grown." The guide explained. 

Naomi nodded with a look after the diligent Simone, who appeared to be putting books back on shelves now. She wondered for a moment how different her life would have been if she had become an apprentice rather than a bride when her mother sent her away. 

Lost in her own contemplation, she missed the thoughtful look on Caspian's face.