The City

"A huge river big enough for multiple boats to fit next to each other. Even now there are boats traveling. Directly beside the huge containment of water lies the City of Benevore. Many traveling routs, such as we are one is merging into one some distance away from beginning of the main route. From this point on, at first, a huge stone path would lead us through a realatively small gate just three times higher as this small carriage. Left and right from the gate leaves a thin wall shielding the suburb from outside danger. The right one going straight towards the river and before hitting the water makes a sharp right turn conecting itself to another much bigger wall. On this side there is also a huge Harbor marketing this as a competent trade town.The street further follows through the densly populated area. Left and right are small wooden buildings not that much higher than two people standing on top of each other. The further you go on the huge street the more luxury and wealthier the area gets. Since they are such proud and snarky people. Well those two district are seperate again by a wall. Not as high as the first one but it does its job. And then the real castle begins. Walls so high and thick it overshadows everything that came before. Numerous tower are on top of the wall making it seem even higher. What is in there? I guess a big castle but I cant really see it here except for one single tower in the middle standing alone."

"So does it meet your expectation, Kieran?"

"I have to admit I cant really say. Its just, I cant imagine all of the things you described to me."

"Im sorry I coudnt describe it better."

"No that is not the problem. I havent seen that much in my life to know everything. But are we going to go to the castle?" 

Now Daniel spoke up to answer the question.

"We arent going to go that far. We will only be going for a short time into the second area to drop off Miep at the Mage testing center. After that we both will go to the harbor where I will sell of my goods for the day. We will sleep through the night and tomorrow I will bring you to the doctor. When he cures you or not, either way I we both will go back to your home village. It will take a lot longer than this trip since I will take my normal route which will take numerous months. I tell you it so you can mentally prepare yourself."

"Thank you, Daniel."

"That what I was paid for."

The journey now continued until the carriage suddenly stopped and an unfamiliar voice spoke up.

"Welcome to the city of Benevore. I would need to ask what is inside of the carriage?"

Daniel answered the strangers question. Why does he need to do that?

"I am the Merchant Daniel Serago of the Uraser Guild. I have two unannouned passenger. One is sitting next to me. The other one is in the back and needs to go to a doctor. And, I nearly forgot, here is the certificate."

"Everything looks good. You can pass."

"Thank you, Sir."

The Wagon now moved again and the sounds from the outside began to get louder and louder. Not just that. A foul and vomit enducing smell hit me. I cuffed a few times before I slowly adjusted myself to the terrible smell.

The ride went on for a couple of tens of minutes where all kind of diffent shouts could be heared again and again. In the meantime Miep and Daniel discussed the next step.

"Miep. I probably can`t get you bejond the second gate as I dont habe any permit. You should have a letter from the Benevores Mage Society, shoudn`t you?"

"I sure do."

"Show it to the Guard he will let you through. But only you. From this point on you are on your own."

Few minutes after this talk ended the carriage came to a stop and a prideful voice spoke up.

"Are you athorized to go into the Noble distirict"

"I certainly am, Sir."

"Can you show it to me?"

The conversation paused for a few seconds.

"Benevores Mage Society? This more than enough, Sir. But I ask for the others Sir to turn around."

"That was my plan. So I say Goodbye, Miep."

"Goodbye Daniel and Kieran."

"Miep, I wish you good luck and hope you will get to be a mage."

"Dont worry about that. Worry about yourself first. Then you can worry about others. Oh and if you need help for any reason just come to the Goodwill Bar. Its location should be on the far right of the habour. If you can find me anywhere than the best chance is to look their. If I am not present just give a note to the bartender and I will wait for you. Promised."

With this I heared a person land on the ground and the carriage moves again.

"Dont believe him, kid. There is no reason why he should care about you after this day."

"He is a nice and honest senior? Why shoudnt he?"

"Ughh what a waste of time."

Time went by before the outside world got messier and louder as the carriage moved forwards slowly as it came to a stop multiple times but went on and on until Daniel spoke up.

"We soon arrive at my Guild. There we will get a chance to sleep till tomorrow morning. Naturally you would have to wait an hour more till the sun vanishes behind the horizon until you can join me. Till then you wait in the wagon. Oh and I dont have an extra room for you. The floor has to suffice for you."

It was an offer I will gladly accept. For days I am already stuck in this carriage and will be happy if I could finally leave this small space. I didnt really had much more than a simple pillow and a woven blanket my mother gave me. So I waited until Daniel comes back again. I waited and waited and even after what felt like an hour he wasnt back. Has the sun now vanished behind the horizon? Can I come out? I grapped the fabric that cut me off from the outside and with an immense fear but anticipation I pushed it upwards. And sure no light was visible to me so I crawl through the opening and stood at the front of the carriage just behind the two horses that were dimly lit by a torch hanging on the wall of the buildings. They were hanging everywhere. I streched myself before climbing down from the waggon and just as I did tingly sensation rushed down my spin which prompted me to hide back under the sheets covering the carriage. Light? From where? I looked into the sky realising that I could see no clouds and a moon shining down. The light from the moon. Its there but it doesnt seem as effective as the ones from the sun. I peaked out and saw the shadows of buildings just few meters away from the wagon. I took a deep breath and ran over not caring about the feelings. It vanished as soon as I raced behind the corner. The path before me was illuminated by many torches. Only a few buildings left and right were partly light up and few people walked down this street. A few people just sat against the walls and seem to be sleeping only with a thin planket on top of them. I moved to one of them wanting to see if they sleep out in the open but before I even came particulare close my question was answered by him talking.

"A kid walking alone in the night. If it was me I would go back to somewhere safe. You certainly didnt come alone, did you?"

"If it isnt save then why are you sleeping here?"

"For me it is. For you it isnt. That is just how it is."

"But what should I fear? There should be no monsters in this city, or did something happen?"

He went silent for a second and was now looking at me. He seemed kind of suprised.

"Where did you come from, kid? I bet its your first time here."

"How do you know? I come from a small village far away from here."

"The travel must have been hard for you. You certainly came here safely by carriage, did you?"

"It was easier than I thought. The days became boring real fast but Miep made it more enjoyable. He wants to become a mage. Thats actually my dream as well."

"Who doesnt? And you are here to become a mage as well?"

"Sadly not. I'm only here to go to a doctor that should be here in this city. I cant go into sunlight and I dont know why."

"So you are going through the city at night out of curiosity?"

"There is nothing for me to do, so why not?"

"Well then I dont want to keep from exploring more. Then I wish you the best of luck with the doctor."

"Thank you. I wish you a good night."

With this I went on and followed the street on the right side. I moved by one building after another and in contrary to our little town were made out of stone and wood combined. But the streets were plastered with thrash that lies outside of most of the doors. But what I really wanted to see was the river. I have never seen one the only way we get our water is through a well. I went further throught the streets going right and sometimes left but it slowly got disappointing. It doesnt feel at all how I imagined it in the past. Not a single person is walking here. The only ones I see I am too scared to speak to. There are no big celebration or big market. Its the night isnt it? I really yearn for the cure. I decided to turn back but now I realised I dont know where I am anymore. The next thing i noticed was a strong hit to the back of my head and my vision went black.