Chapter 39

"It's a slow day," thought a slightly overweight man in a city official's uniform as he waited at the sole entrance of the city of Ashenfold. His job was simple: ensure that no one entered the city without proper paperwork and prevent illegal contraband from slipping past the gates. This routine had been his life for over a decade, and during this season, it usually became frustratingly dull.

The tall, sturdy walls of the city served as an impenetrable barrier against both beasts and brigands that plagued many of the smaller villages in the surrounding regions.

The few guards stationed with him exchanged subtle glances, rolling their eyes at their superior's boredom. Despite their exasperation, they maintained a serious demeanor for the sake of appearances. The overweight man fully expected today to be just another uneventful day, until three travelers emerged on the horizon, steadily approaching the gate.